As 2007 began, there was a relaxed feeling at our meeting this week.  The holidays were behind us and the members of our club welcomed the New Year with open arms.  We were greeted by Stephanie Tuin and Vic Pauley.  Thank you both for your participation at our meeting.  The duties and programs for the month of January will be conducted by Team 3 with Mailyn D’Aponti, Team Captain. 

Wes D’Aponti opened our meeting at 12:20 with a warm welcome to members and guests.  The focus this month is to promote the adoption and the application of higher social, business, and professional standards.  We were led in song by Rich Emerson as we sang “Hey Look Me Over” (thank you, Bill Byers)  and Vic Pauley delivered our invocation.  Thank you all for your contributions.    I almost forgot; Roxie Denning delivered the Defining Statement. 

There were several guests this week.  Kristin Winn’s guests were the program speakers, Jill Breman, Jim Doody and Dave Varley. Mailyn D’Aponti brought her daughter, Adrianna; Terry Wakefield’s grandson, Cody joined us for lunch and Paul Miller brought his grandson, Taylor and Richard Bach.  

Wes’ “One Minute Education Spot” asked the question “What is Circle K?  It is a college level, Kiwanis sponsored service club.  Its objectives are the same as Kiwanis with service being its primary purpose. 

Ron Sherman was up next with the fines for this week. Those fined were Mark Relph, Bill Byers, Vikki Bell, Sandy Barger, Rick Tuma, Joe Breman, Betsy Madden, Kristin Winn and Roxie Denning.  After Ron completed his responsibilities as Fine Master, a fellow Kiwanian turned around and fined Ron.  I guess that just proves that even as “Fine Master” you are not exempt from being fined yourself. 

Jim Corley, our newest Kiwanian, presented $10.00 to Mike Moran.  Mike was the fifth Kiwanian to welcome Jim with a hand shake into the club.  Wes thanked Jeff Gumone for his help as Corporate Sales Co-Chairperson.  Wes mentioned that he will be back on the Larry Roberts radio show next week talking about Grand Junction Kiwanis Club.  Our wonderful pianist, Jeannie Thomas will be traveling for the next two weeks and will be away from club.  She has asked Dennis Woodrich to fill in for her in her absence.  We will miss you Jeannie.  

Our program this week began with Jill Breman who talked about January as the Blood-Drive Donor Month.  On January 11^th from 11:30-1:30 the blood mobile will be at Two Rivers for donations.  Jill introduced Dustin Duncan who is one of the pilots of the “Care Flight” helicopters from St. Mary’s Hospital.  He spoke about some of the situations that they are faced with on a regular basis that requires the need for flight.   

Wes D’Aponti spoke about MacKenzie White who is need of community support.  A hat was passed around to the club members and a total of $305.86 was raised.  Thank you to all who contributed. 

LeAnn spoke about the Membership Committee and the fact that growth of membership is essential in maintaining our club and all that we do for our community.  Our membership drive will be from March 1^st – April 15^th, 2007.  There will be prizes and some great competition.  Please remember that the last Wednesday of each month is orientation with Don Teets at the Holiday Inn on Horizon Drive.  

Mayor Jim Doody and City Manager Dave Varley spoke about a proposed TABOR Relief Ballot Question that will be in the April 2007 City of Grand Junction election.  This question will seek short-term relief from TABOR revenue limitations and free up revenue for the payment of the Riverside Parkway bonded debt. 

On another note:  On December 29^th, 2006, Sam Suplizio passed away in South Carolina.  Sam was a former Grand Junction Kiwanian and an active member in our community.  He will also be remembered as “Mr. JUCO”.  We send our thoughts and prayers to his family. 

Our closing “Thought for the Day” came from Toni Heiden-Moran.  She delivered quotes from our former President Gerald R. Ford.  Thank you, Toni for making us laugh and remembering. 

We were adjourned at 1:25. 

Until next week…. Roxie Denning, Bulletin Editor