Well, the Thanksgiving Holiday is behind all of us and I have some catching up to do.  My thanks go to Mailyn D’Aponti for taking notes during our joint meeting with the Rotarians on November 21^st.  She did a great job and I am forever grateful for her help.

 The meeting was opened by Robert (Bob) Czarnecki, Rotary President.  Lynne Sorlye and David Durham led the group with the song “Let There Be Peace on Earth”.  I am confident that it was a beautiful delivery.   

Amy Tucker, the Salvation Army Store Manager, delivered the program for the day. 

Kiwanian Happy Buck was paid by Marilee Langfitt to Aktion Club for the $800.00 of toys that they donated to the Salvation Army Toy Run.  Amy Dyer tells me that on November 15^th the Kiwanis Aktion Club hosted a meeting and celebration to donate their annual gift of toys to the Salvation Army.   

President Kristin Winn introduced the Kiwanis Officers and Board Members to all.   

The challenge issued this year by the Rotarians to the Kiwanians to determine Salvation Bell Ringing times was through a coin toss.  President Kristin called “tails” and we won the 12 pm- 2pm slot for ringing.  Rotarians David Durham and Nancy Stalf “tossed” some interesting questions to the group from local trivia to tidbits from “Guys and Dolls”. Correct answers to the questions earned points and the club with the highest total took home the honors. 

As in previous years, I get the impression that the meeting was dominated by the Rotary Club and we were adjourned by a Rotarian. 

Now on to our meeting of Thursday, November 29^th:  We were greeted by Amy Hand and Mike Kelly in great fashion.  President Kristin opened our meeting right on time and as we sang to sing “Jingle Bells” we were led by Rich Emerson.  We delivered the Pledge of Allegiance and our Defining Statement and our meeting was off and running. 

President Kristin thanked Team Leader Sally Ryan and all members of Team Six for their help during the month of November.  Joe Breman and Team Two members will be providing the programs and all of the trim for the month of December.  Thank you all for your contributions to our great Club. 

This week Mike Kelly introduced Tim Murray and Tom Keet as his guests, Kristi Adams introduced Marsa Larson as her guest and Claudia Jackson had Alfred Parker as her guest.  For the last time, Jeff Freeland introduced Kelly Davidson as his guest. Kelly was inducted this week and is now a full fledged Kiwanian. Last but not least were the guests of Randy Kirschbaum, Angelina Salazar and Kristin. 

Happy J Bucks were paid by Toni Heiden Moran, Henry Langstaff, Sandy Barger, Dennis Durmas, Paul Miller, Joe Breman and Guy Stephens.   

Larry Beckner issued a $20.00 fine to Kristin Winn due to the fact that none of the Kiwanians guests were introduced last week at the joint meeting with Rotary.  

Larry then introduced Kiwanian Claudia Jackson and Major Alfred Parker from the Salvation Army.  Major Parker gave us some history on the Salvation Army and when the money raised by the “Bell Ringers” is distributed. Next year will mark the 100^th year of bell ringing in Grand Junction. The money raised provides relief for those in need and the goal for the Salvation Army is that no child goes without at Christmas.  

Larry Beckner then collected money from Kiwanians:  Dennis Durmas put two checks in the kettle; one of those checks was from Monument Refuse in the amount of $100.00 and the second check was in the amount of $200.00.  On behalf of Peggy Page and Manceil Page, Guys Stephens placed a check in the amount of $500.00 and $1,000.00 respectively in the kettle. Toni Heiden Moran placed her check in the kettle (I didn’t hear the amount); Rich Emerson placed his check in the amount of $100.00 in the kettle.  Larry Beckner had seven checks totally $800.00 from various individuals that were placed in the kettle. On Friday morning at 8:15 KEKB had a spot for us where Kristin Winn spoke on behalf of our efforts for the Salvation Army.   On December 1^st the Grand Junction Kiwanians rang bells all over the valley for The Salvation Army.  Stay tuned for our grand total. Claudia Jackson has reported to me that at our Kiwanis Kettle Kick-Off meeting we collected $3,237.60!! 

Gifts for our President came this week from Brad Krebill, Bev Troester and Rick Abernathy.  Brad visited his family in Tampa Bay, Florida and returned with sea shells and cocoa for Kristin.  Bev was on a Western Caribbean cruise and picked up a 1.5 ounce jar of “No Problem” jam for Kristin and during Rick’s visit to Michigan he returned with a Christmas Pickle for our fearless leader. 

Sally Ryan drew for the raffle this week.  $100.00 was sold in raffle tickets making the pot to the winner $50.00.  That was won by Omar Campos and the gift certificate from Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que was won by Bob Colony.  

Birthdays this week were celebrated by Fred Nichols, Tony Colaizzi and Don Teets.  I think that Don’s daughter, Deanna told us which birthday he was celebrating but I’m not sure I heard it right so I won’t put it in print.   

Presidential Announcements:

Thanks to Mailyn D’Aponti for running our meetings during President Kristin’s absence.

Friday, December 14^th FAC at Bub’s Pub on Horizon Drive, right below the Keller Williams office!!

Winter Party Teaser is out; stay tuned for more information.

Welcome to newest members Michelle Kelly and Kelly Davidson.

President Fines went to Omar Campos, Dennis Durmas, Bruce Hill, Dave Kearsley and Lowell Shorman. 

Chris Gumone has accepted the position of Board Member to complete Barb Hinze’s term.  Thank you, Chris. 

Joe Breman and Shaunalee Wall have sent all members a letter for contributions Please take the time to read this great letter and put your check in the envelope that is included in the letter. A lot of time and effort has been placed in this project and the lead of Joe and Shaunalee is greatly appreciated.  

Our Aktion Club has had many great activities this year.  During the Easter holiday they sold See’s Candy and they sold pumpkins during Oktoberfest.  They formed a committee of six Aktion Club members and four Kiwanis advisors that went to Wal-Mart and shopped for toys. It was a great experience for the members of the club and the Salvation Army.  The local Harley Owner’s Group arrives on their motorcycles to meet the members and thanks them for their participation in the Toy Drive. 

Thank you all for your help in sending information to me that I can place in our bulletin.  Your help is truly appreciated. 

Our “Joke of the Day” was delivered by Gabe DeGabriel and Stephanie Tuin delivered our “Thought for the Day”.  We were adjourned by Kristin Winn. 

Until next week…..Roxie Denning, Bulletin Editor