A great day was the setting for our Kiwanis Meeting on this Thursday.  We were greeted by Bob Stratton and Fred Nichols and they did an outstanding job!  Wes D’Aponti opened our meeting by welcoming everyone in the room and Terry Wakefield led us as we sang “When It’s Springtime in the Rockies”. Henry Langstaff delivered our invocation.  Thank you all for you contribution to our meeting. 

Wes asked for introduction of our guests as the next item on our agenda. Mike Kelly introduced Sean as his guest, Roxie Denning introduced Joe Gudorf from American National Bank, Dennis Durmas introduced his niece, Jeff Freeland brought Darrel Becker as his guest, Jon Wickre introduced Dewey White and last but not least Tony Colaizzi had a guest with him today.   

Mike Kelly delivered our Defining Statement through his gift for our President.  While Mike was on vacation, he purchased an electronic-neon sign that scrolled through our defining statement.  Wes wore this sign on his shirt throughout our meeting; it was quite creative and Wes was very thankful.  

Our program “Young Women of the Month” was introduced by Kristi Adams. This month we recognized Michelle Stout from Central High School, Gina Geest from Fruita Monument High School and Holly Eng from Grand Junction High School.  Kirstie Bunting from Palisade High School was recognized but was unable to attend our meeting. All of these young ladies are recognized for their outstanding achievements and for their contributions to our community. 

LeAnn Zetmeir introduced the recipients of our scholarships this year.  They are Laura Yanovich, Riley Hamlin, Roxanne Librioli and Laura Emerson.  Mailyn D’Aponti and Bob Burger spoke next about the Safety Walk that is coming up very soon.  There are sign up sheets on our tables; please make sure that you get your name in for a very fun and worthwhile event. LeAnn Zetmeir and Bob Colony spoke next about our Corporate sponsorships for Pancake Day.  We have raised $28,000 in Corporate Sponsorships so far this year.  Way to go, Kiwanians!!!  There will be a dinner at Omar’s on First Street on May 10^th for those that brought in sponsors this year.  Stay tuned for more details.  Next, LeAnn talked about the prizes for those individuals that brought the most new members to our club during this year’s membership campaign.  The winners will be announced on May 10^th at our meeting. Mailyn D’Aponti spoke about new branches of our “K Family”. Please stay tuned for more information in the near future. At this point, Wes thanked LeAnn for her outstanding commitment to our club and for all that she does for us.  

Our Fine Master, Ron Sherman was up next and he had a few good fines going around.  Those that were recognized were LeAnn Zetmeir, Vikki Bell, Mailyn D’Aponti, Steve Thompson, Wes D’Aponti, Greg Schaefer and Pete Jouflas.  

Wes informed us of a contribution from Brad Wright of Community Hospital in the about of $250.00.  This contribution to our club is greatly appreciated. 

Barbara Hinze reminded all of us about Pancake Day Kickoff on May 3^rd.  Everyone needs to make sure that they have their “rap” written and rehearsed by that day.  This kickoff should be a fun oneJ!!! 

Jeff Freeland talked a bit about the upcoming Kiwanis Golf Tournament on May 18^th at the Chipeta Golf Course.  Tee-time is at 3-pm and there is still room for more teams.  Please see Jeff Freeland if you are interested.  

Our Thought for the Day was beautifully delivered by Stacy Mascarenas and we were adjourned at 1:15. 

Thank you all for your help with this week’s meeting and your commitment to our club.  All that you do is greatly appreciated. 

Next week our guest speaker will be Laurena Mayne Davis. She is writing a book for the 125^th Anniversary Celebration of Grand Junction.  This should be a great program. 

Until next week…..Roxie Denning, Bulletin Editor