The opening prayer was delivered eloquently by Jim Benz followed by a very well enunciated "I" from the Big Dog who was given a .07 notice that he was to initiate the Pledge of Allegiance. Thank God I remembered the start from all those years of practice in school each day. Another reason to keep the Pledge alive in schools (Sorry, editorial comment).

Dave Poland reminded the Club that we have some 8000 flags to pass out at the Dogwood Parade on May 2nd. He will need help so plan on assisting him that Saturday.

Art Awerkamp announced that our storage unit has moved from South 8th Street to Allied Storage at 30th and Wisman Lane. Art thanked the Koch's and Brian's daughters as well as Steve Green for assisting (sorry, if I left someone out).

Art also said that Coach Rick Little and the QHS Blue Devil Football team will assist us with flag placements on Memorial Day. There will be 120 flags placed in yards that holiday. Also if you want to help get the word out, there will be a gathering at the Madison Park shelter house on April 22nd at 6pm. From there, we are needing members to go house to house in that area to recruit people to "rent" a flag for their yard. If your neighborhood would like to do so, contact Art. As Art put it, what else are you doing on Earth Day anyway??

Steve Green talked about Macker being a month or so away and that signups are underway for teams. We will be needing members to assist with scorekeeping so look for signup sheets on your tables soon. Steve also thanked Gary Peters for his Macker assistance in handling the moneys over the years. Gary also thanked Mel Dillman, Bob Hays and Rick Goughnour as well.

Remember to sell your Gus Macker court sponsorships that Vic Welper handed out. We need everyone to help sell these $300 court sponsorships. All you have to do is ask. If you have questions, contact Vic.

Brian Koch informed the Club that we will be a part of the City of Quincy's 175th Anniversary celebration. The Club will handle the security at the gates of the day long concerts on Maine Street on May 2nd. We will need 15 people to work one of the two shifts that day. The pay from the celebration committee is $40 per person. If interested contact Brian.

President Curt Moore reminded everyone that April is Child Abuse Prevention Month and as a reminder the Club is selling blue ribbons at both Hy-Vee Stores (throughout May) to support the cause.

Jeff Dorsey handled the Tail-Twister duties and incorporated an alimony joke along the way.

The 50-50 Card Draw participant was Charlie Ledbetter. With 18 cards in the deck, Charlie, needing an Ace of Spades to win $1,110, drew a joker which gave him $5 and a second chance to draw. He drew a 5 of Diamonds so the pot grows with just 16 cards left. Look for record attendance this Friday.

Congratulations to Dick Wentura, who had one of his vintage vehicles make in on the cover of the latest edition of Hemmings Motor News. The car featured is a 1932 V8 Roadster. Pretty cool cover and car
 

Remember that the National Exchange Club's Mega Raffle is in full swing! Buy your tickets at www.exchangeraffle.com between April 1 and July 31 for a chance to win up to $100,000. Rules and details are on the website. There will be an early bird drawing on May 6, so get your tickets early!