Thursday was a beautiful day and we were greeted by the warm smiles of Shaunalee Wall and Betsy Madden.  These ladies have a way of setting a great mood for our afternoon meeting.  Wes D’Aponti opened our meeting by welcoming members and their guests.  He reminded us of our focused object: To provide, through Kiwanis Clubs, a practical means to form enduring friendships, to render altruistic service, and to build better communities.  We were led by Rich Emerson as we sang “When You’re Smiling” and our invocation was delivered by Tom Sheldon. Wes delivered our Defining Statement.  Thank you all for your contribution to our meeting this week.  You are greatly appreciated!! 

There were several guests this week.  Randy Kirschbaum introduced Paula Voytilla, Christi Adams brought Phillip, Alan Watkins returned with Jessica Miracle and Brad Krebill introduced Kara Saffrait.  Don Teets introduced his daughter, Deanna Colozzi, Orville Petersen brought Karen Troester as his guest, Tom Sheldon introduced Shari Fisher and Jeff Gumone welcomed “Omar”. This week Mailyn D’Aponti celebrated her birthday on March 19^th and Roxie Denning celebrated her birthday on March 22^nd.  Thank you all for the beautiful rendition of “Happy Birthday”.  

Happy J Bucks were paid by Tom Sheldon, Sally Ryan and Joe Breman.  Our Fine Master, Ron Sherman had a good time sending our fines this week.  Joe Breman, Pete Jouflas, Rick Tuma, Fred Nichols, Mike Kelly, Rich Emerson, Bob Stratton and Gabe DeGabriel were on Ron’s list this week.  Thank you all for your financial contribution to such a worthy cause.  

Tom Sheldon introduced our guest speaker, Shari Fisher from the Grand Junction Chamber of Commerce. Shari was with us this week to discuss the benefits of membership with the Chamber.  As she looked around the room, she saw many Chamber members in the audience.  Shari delivered a great presentation and Wes presented a Certification of Appreciation to her from our club.  

Committee Reports were given by Shaunalee Wall, Bob Colony and Rick Nisley. Bob announced that $6,000 in Corporate Sponsorships has been sold.  Good job, Kiwanians. Rick spoke about the 125^th Grand Junction Celebration on June 30^th in Lincoln Park.  The Kiwanis Club with host an ice cream social from 11am-3pm.  Joe Breman reported on the last Board Meeting. Next week the nominees for new board members will be announced.  Lynne Sorlye announced that a full team has been formed for the “Knowledge Bowl” that will be held on March 31^st.  Tammie Rupe is the new Club Member Advisor for Central High Key Club.  Thank you very much, Tammie. 

Next Wednesday, March 28^th, Don Teets will host the New Member Orientation at the Holiday Inn on Horizon Drive. This begins at 5:15pm. Jeff Gumone has generously donated one initiation fee for a new member.  Thanks, Jeff.   

Rich Emerson has announced that he is putting his hat in the ring as candidate for Governor-Elect of the Rocky Mountain District.  Good Job, Rich!!! Rich also gave us an update on the District Meeting. 

Wes D’Aponti thanked Gary Brown for all of his help during Les Goodding’s absence.   Wes also announced that next week’s program will be a surprise and educational in nature. 

Gifts were presented to Wes by Bob Colony, Lynne Sorlye and Sally Ryan.  Bob took a trip to Phoenix with a side trip to Laughlin.  Bob returned with a GOLD cowboy hat for Wes. Lynne cruised in the region of Cozumel and Belize.  She presented Wes with an insulated beverage jacket and some hot sauce. Sally went to a resort in Roosevelt Lake, Arizona and returned with a “hat pin” for Wes. 

Steve Attarean delivered our Thought for the Day and our meeting adjourned at 1:20pm.

Until next week…..Roxie Denning, Bulletin Editor