Our Charter Luncheon meeting was conducted by Dennis Durmas as we celebrated the 71^st anniversary of our club.  Our greeters this week were Alan Watkins and Jim Corley and our invocation was delivered by Paul Miller. Gordon Harbert recited our Defining Statement and received a huge round of applause for the excellent delivery.  We sang “Heart of my Heart” to the beautiful music of Jeannie Thomas.  Thank you all for your contributions to our meeting. 

This week Bev Troester brought John Hildebrand as her guest.  John now has an application in hand; so we should see his induction into the club very soon.  Gordon Harbert introduced Jerry Witt as his guest; Larry Beckner was with his wife, Winona, as his guest. Larry and Winona were color coordinated in their attire this week and they both looked terrific. Pete Jouflas introduced Kirk Gustafson and Kristin Harbin as his guests. There were other members from the Grand Junction Symphony in attendance at our meeting.   

Vern Gray was the sole member of our birthday club this week. He stood as the members of our club paid honor to him by singing “Happy Birthday”   

Happy Bucks this week were paid by Dennis Durmas, Orville Petersen, Terry Wakefield, Jeff Freeland, Mike Kelly, Rick Nisley, Jeff Gumone & Mike Moran.  Bruce Isaacson paid happy bucks in honor of his 66^th wedding anniversary to his bride, Aldean.  Jim Corley paid happy/sad bucks because of a big promotion at State Farm.  This promotion will send him to Tempe, Arizona and we will be losing him as a member.  Toni Heiden-Moran and Rich Emerson were the last members of our club to pay happy bucks.  Thank you all for your financial support. 

Fines this week were assessed on Orville Petersen, Alan Watkins, Jim Corley, Vikki Bell, Rick Nisley, Terry Wakefield, Tony Colaizzi, Bill Byers and Joe Breman. 

Larry Beckner delivered a beautiful and humorous speech at our Charter meeting.  He gave a history of our club; he recognized our Past Presidents, our Past Treasurers, our Past Secretaries and all Kiwanians with 25 years invested in our cause.  All of our current officers were also recognized by Larry.  Larry never ceases to amaze me in his presentations.  Thank you, Larry, for being so great!! 

Pete Jouflas presented our “Volunteer of the Year” award to Kirk Gustafson. Kirk was honored for all of his contributions in our community.  Kirk is the Music Director of the Grand Junction Symphony and has been in this role for 17 years.  

Dennis Durmas presented “Perfect Attendance Awards” to many members of our club.  The list is long and we thank you all for all that you do to make us such a great club. 

Rick Nisley spoke a little bit about Oktoberfest that will take place on October 4, 2008.  The location that we use on Main Street will no longer be available due to construction and growth in our city.  Rick needs suggestions for a new location.   

Joe Breman announced the joint ski day at Powderhorn Resort that took place yesterday.  I’m sure that it was a great event.  After the ski day everyone was invited to FAC that took place at Weaver’s Tavern on First Street.  One of these days I will make that event and see what goes on that no one will talk about at our weekly meetings. The motto that they stick by is “what happens at FAC stays at FAC”.   

Rich Emerson presented the raffle winnings this week to Brad Krebill.  Brad now has an extra $41.00 in his pocket and was encouraged to bring it to FAC by several members of our club.  

Dennis Durmas wrapped our meeting up by delivering the “Thought for the Day” and we adjourned at 1:15.  Great job, Dennis in President Kristin’s absence. 

Until next week…...Roxie Denning, Bulletin Editor