It was an extremely hot day in Grand Junction on Thursday and the warm welcome that we received from Heather Smith and Jeff Freeland was very inviting.  President Wes opened our meeting with the focus object of “To encourage the daily living of the Golden Rule in all human relationships”.  We were led in song by Rich Emerson as we proudly sang “This Is My Country” and Blaine Scott stepped up to the plate and delivered a beautiful invocation.  Jessica Miracle perfectly and proudly delivered our Defining Statement. Thank you all for your contribution to our meeting. 

Bruce Isaacson introduced his daughter, who was visiting from Boston, as his guest; Betsy Madden introduced Kileigh Sperber and Shauna Bonner who joined her for lunch and Terry Wakefield had his grandson, Cody, with him.  

Happy Bucks were paid by Rick Nisley whose daughter was coming to visit him from C.U.; Brad Krebill, Betsy Madden, Alan Watkins, and Roxie Denning paid big bucks for ANB’s title sponsorship of Farmer’s Market each Thursday on Main Street; LeAnn Zetmeir paid happy bucks for the upcoming wedding of her daughter and for the great trip that she and Les had during their visit to China.  Larry Beckner was happy that Rita Crumpton wasn’t  the Fine Master this week; Kristin Winn announced the upcoming celebration of Grand Junction’s 125^th Birthday; Jeanne Thomas talked about the Tom Mix - Free Silent Movie at the Avalon; Scott Hayduk and his wife are celebrating their 21^st anniversary and for this Scott paid J bucks.   

Ron Sherman was our Fine Master this week and he lowered the boom on Sandy Barger, Bob Hanson, Mike Kelly, Bob Colony, Wes D’Aponti, Betsy Madden, Blaine Scott and Kristin Winn.  Thank you very much for your financial contributions to our cause. The birthdays celebrated this week were by Peggy Page, Jeff Freeland, Henry Langstaff and Darrel Mattivi. 

Deanna Colaizzi introduced Penny Cowden, Executive Director of St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation as our guest.  Penny spoke about “The Century Project” at the regional hospital.  The growth in Mesa County has warranted an expansion of the hospital and this project will accomplish this goal.  Penny delivered a wonderful presentation and a virtual tour of what the Regional Medical Center would look like after the project was completed.   

Lynne Sorlye spoke about the involvement of our club with GJ’s 125^th   celebration on Saturday, June 30^th at Lincoln Park. Everyone was invited to come out and enjoy the festivities.  Rich Emerson talked about the upcoming convention in Pueblo on August 9^th-11^th.  Rich is in need of a speech writer for his nominating speech, and a second and someone to help him stay on schedule while he is in Pueblo. If you are available to help Rich please see him soon; August 9^th is right around the corner.  Terry Wakefield talked about the allocations that will help us spend all of the money that we raised during our Annual Pancake Day.  There is an application on our website and the deadline for application is July 20^th.  We have so many members that are involved with other non-profit organizations and we ask that you get the word out to submit an application. 

Gifts for President Wes came from LeAnne Zetmeir that she purchased during her visit to China.  She returned with a great hat and a statue of a General that she thought was very appropriate for Wes.  LeAnne made mention of the fact that these gifts were made in China- imagine that!!!  Steve Thompson went to Kansas City and returned with $1.50 that he gave to Wes as his gift.   

Our “Thought for the Day” was supposed to be delivered by Ben Watkins but due to his absence a fellow Kiwanian stepped in for him.  I only wish I could remember who that was!!? 

Until next week…..Roxie Denning, Bulletin Editor