Jared Haugh got things going with our prayer which included thoughts for Gary Farha who has been diagnosed with diabetes and as a result lost his left foot to amputation at Barnes Hospital last week. He is currently in Blessing Hospital recovering and going thru rehab as well. .

Eric Schultz bellowed an "I" to get the Pledge of Allegiance started.

New President Curt Moore received thank you notes from The Quincy Park Band, the Girl Scouts, Camp Callahan and Cornerstone for recent donations we made to those organizations.

We also had a second reading on an application for membership from Kyle Awerkamp, sponsored by his uncle Art. With no objections, bring him in Art!

Our rookie President, who managed to turn a "Jill" into a "Jim", forgot to identify any guests in attendance(He's allowed one mistake and he just used it). We did have one guest as Rich Zeidler brought Michael Brzank back as a guest. Michael is visiting from Germany.

Jared Haugh conducted the 50-50 card draw with the pot at $200 (again). John Johannes had the winner number but drew a 2 of Clubs. So the pot "swells" to $202 this Friday.

Mel Dillman, last year's winner, had the honors of announcing this year's winner of the John Tripp Distinguished Serve Award. This prestigious award goes to Mike Lavery for all he has done for the Exchange Club over the years. Mike is known for bringing Gus Macker to Quincy but he has been a vital member in the success of our club in many other facets. In accepting the award, Mike thanked the club and reminded the members of all the things John Tripp did for our Club as well. Congratulations Mike, it is well deserved.

Bill Stalder updated the club on the latest scheduled performance at the Quincy Community Theatre as Thursday night will be the opening night for Les Miserables.

Jeff Dorsey handled the tail-twisting duties better than he did telling a joke. After screwing up a joke he was bailed out by Sonny Christner. Thanks Sonny.

For those who are delinquent in paying, please remember to send in your dues as soon as possible. Our new President, Curt Moore, knows people who break knuckles.

 Dennis and Joel Koch represented our Club at the National Convention which was held in New Orleans thru last Saturday. Dennis was re-elected to the NEC Foundation board of trustees and was elected president of the Foundation.  He was installed with the rest of the board at the banquet on Saturday evening.

Kent Anderson placed signup sheets on the tables for the Smoke on the River BBQ Contest Certified BBQ Judging Class. That class is set for August 2nd at JJ's Café. So far 40 people have signed up for the class and more will be needed. For more information, go to: www.smokeontheriver.net or contact Kent Anderson at 242-5224