Good day, my Fellow Kiwanians.  This is the week that I will play catch up of our news bulletin.  I thank you all for your understanding and I send a special thank you to all that asked about how I was doing last Thursday.  

On Thursday, February 22^nd we were warmly greeted by Lloyd Unfred and Ron Sherman. These gentlemen always have a way of making us feel welcome.  I am confident that we were led in song by Rich Emerson but for the life of me, I cannot recall what we sang.  I am sure that we were terrific, though!!  Steve Katz did an outstanding job as he recited our Defining Statement, Bob Colony delivered our invocation and Wes D’Aponti opened our meeting by welcoming the members and our guests. 

This week Fred Nichols’ guest was Beverly Troester, Jim Corley brought Ken Richards, and Joe Breman was with Ken VanSciver as his guest.  Brad Krebill returned with Kara and Todd who are guests that we will probably see on the Kiwanian Roster very soon.  Vern Gray’s guest was Heather Gross, Bruce Isaacson brought his daughter, Claire and Amy Dyer brought Karen Staples to wrap up our guest list this week. Thank you all for including these individuals in our weekly meeting.   

At this point of our meeting, Wes D’Aponti proceeded with his One Minute Education Spot.  There were several historical dates that were brought to our attention and some of these dates were “Firsts” for the Kiwanians.  After this piece of information was delivered, Lynne Sorlye was recognized as she celebrated her birthday on February 23^rd.   

Happy Bucks were paid next by Terry Wakefield, Don Teets (for a brand new granddaughter), Bonnie Pehl-Petersen, Vern Gray, LeAnn Zetmeir, Steve Thompson (nice to see him at lunch), Amy Hand, Kevin Price, Bruce Isaacson (he and his bride celebrated their 65^th wedding anniversary this month), Rick Nisley, Amy Dyer and Jim Corley.  Thank you all for your financial contributions to our great cause.  

So staying in the mode of financial contributions, Ron Sherman as our Fine Master had an extensive list of those worthy of fines.  Those individuals were Wes D’Aponti, Terry Wakefield, Steve Thompson, LeAnn Zetmeir, Amy Hand, Tom LaCroix, Jon Wickre, Heather Smith, Dave Harris, Alan Watkins (welcome to the club new members), Bruce Isaacson, Rick Nisley and Sandy Barger. 

Our program this week was introduced by Lloyd Unfred.  Carolyn Tucker from The Shell Oil presented an outstanding demonstration about the Mahogany Research Project.  The focus was on oil shale and tapping into the possibility of using this as a source of energy.  A certificate of appreciation was given to Carolyn by our President Wes. 

LeAnn spoke about the Membership Campaign and reminded us of the March 8^th date.  This is when we will bring the invited guests that we have been working on over the last few weeks.  There will be a special program on that day. 

Wes reminded us of the new member orientation on Wednesday, February 28^th, 5:15 at the Holiday Inn with the one and only, Don Teets.  Bob Colony spoke about the Golden K Chili Supper on March 7^th at 6pm.  He is still in need of auction items, so if you can help please give Bob a call.   

Wes thanked his Board Member Nominating Committee, Larry Beckner, Greg Schaefer, Don Teets and Bob Burger.  These gentlemen are scouting for new board members and our annual meeting on April 12^th has been marked as “Election Day”.   

Our meeting on this fine Thursday was wrapped up by Orville Petersen with the “Thought of the Day”