Salvation Army Speakers Randy Hellstrom and Joy (Martinbianco) Peterman

(flanking Jeff Dennings in above photo) shared plans for December 6th “Bell-Ringing” and invited us all to take part in this annual fundraiser for Salvation Army programs, long supported by our Club and, as in the past several years, scheduled at ELGA Credit Union on Pierson Road.  They also spoke of various Salvation Army developments –  new Diaper program, a small food pantry, 1500 children served, 1400 winter coats distributed, and a new LIFE (Living Intentionally For Excellence) Center in the Beecher area that offers STEAM learning support, Gus Macker Basketball participation opportunities and much more. Salvation Army pins are being sold for $20 each, Bell-Ringers will be busy on Dec. 12, and the Snyder family has offered up to $10,000 match for donations this Christmas season, so we look forward to assisting them in their venture.

Member Jeff Gauger and guest  (and former speaker) Duane Allyn noted that Sleep in Heavenly Peace is picking up their new trailer tomorrow and taking it to Dan Crannie‘s shop for “gift-wrapping” after our Club and Duane’s Rotary Club made substantial donations for the purchase. (Additional donations are welcomed to offset the cost. See photos below for the unwrapped trailer and our connection to it.) In other SHP news, a “Big Build” of 200 beds is in the planning stage with 4 Chapters (including our Flushing group) involved, and SHP has been offered 5 slots on the Firebirds‘ game calendar to offer us a chance to raise some money from concessions sales – 6 volunteers are needed for each date, and will be trained beforehand.

Our guest John McNally dropped in from accumulating frequent flyer miles and announced that he is submitting his membership papers today!

Jim Reigle received condolences regarding the recent passing of his mother and brought in part of his inheritance: an “antique” unopened bottle of Cold Duck (original price still on the bottle of $2.59) that might help account for Jim’s interest in keeping and reusing old bottle corks!

MSD gifts for the annual Signing Santa Breakfast (on WEDNESDAY, Dec. 4!) need to be brought into the next Club gathering if they are to be in Jack Proffitt’s hands before the event. (You can bring to the event on the date, but you may want to get your gift in early to keep it out of kids’ view and to help ensure Jack’s health. There will be no meeting on Thanksgiving Day, the only Thursday before the Breakfast!)

OIF Chair Phil Holmblade made certain that we had opportunities to discuss and contribute to “Dollar-A-Day” (Club) and “Dime-A- Day”(individual) funds.

Bill Reaves announced a Community Networking meeting on Tuesday. (I apologize for late announcement!)

President Cindy Sullivan is under the weather this morning, accounting for the “Jeffocracy” abuse of concentrated power by Secretary, Treasurer, “King”, and Acting President-for-the-day Jeff Dennings. Jeff announced that a new tent canopy with Club logo has been ordered for various community events (Flushing Candlewalk is looming), and donations are welcomed to help cover the cost. He also added a  new calendar feature  placed on our Club webpage and we will begin using it to schedule/track/announce events and speaker information.

Cherry Givens’ husband Jerry again joined our Club gathering this morning to make up the 20 attendees, but was unable to impress her partner by winning the Progressive 50/50 Pot of $1402 today.

Until next time, “PROMISE YOURSELF…”