Jim Benz had the honors of presenting the opening prayer which was followed by an energized Vic Welper who cast forward a vigorous "I" to begin the Pledge of Allegiance.

Brian Koch handled the 50-50 card draw with Eric Frese holding the correct ticket. Eric, in an attempt to win the $405 pot, drew a King of Clubs. If the pot is less than $405 next week, questions need to be asked????

Jeff Dorsey tail-twisted the clan and told a Barbie joke along the way which very well chronicled his own life. At least I got through it, the joke that is.

Jim Benz updated everyone on the recent Character Champions seminars. There were 200 senior high student athletes who attended and 75 junior high students for the second day. The 75 total was down from recent years due to budget restraints for the schools to cover classrooms while teachers would attend the seminars.

Art Awerkamp updated the Club on the Field of Honor Flags. Last week Art received a check for $1,000 from Ameren Illinois and a $1,000 check from someone who wanted to remain anonymous. So far $10,450 has been raised. The next meeting will be a week from this Wednesday, September 24th at 6pm at the Veterans Home field. Everyone is welcomed to attend. By the way, a board gathering after our meeting approved that the Club establish a separate account for the monies raised for this project. This account will be held at First Bankers Trust Company, one of our donators to this project.

President Curt Moore thanked everyone for helping out with Smoke on the River. Thanks to Jimmy Louthen and Josh Klitz for stepping up to chair this event. The final numbers are not in yet but should be shortly.

It is official, as Kyle Awerkamp received his membership certificate from President Moore. There wasn't a wet eye in the place. Welcome Kyle.

Don't forget the Board Meeting for September will be held this Thursday at 11:45 at The Pier (3rd floor). It's $10 if you are eating lunch, $20 if you are not. Just checking to see if anyone reads this periodical.

Eric Thomas brought yet another candidate to the Exchange Club meeting in the name of Carl Kruthoff of Media Development. Last week's candidate, invited by Eric, decided to go the boring route and join the Rotary Club instead. He'll be back. Hopefully, Carl will join our ranks in the near future.