We had a good turnout on a frigid Friday, no doubt drawn by one of the best programs we have had in some time.  More on that later.  Our numbers were boosted by John Malzone’s designated driver this week, his grandson, and interclub visits from the Angier and Cape Fear Clubs.  Their annual pancake breakfast fundraiser is February 8.  Garry Two R’s reports that the Cape Fear Club has always been big supporters of our Reverse Raffle so let’s return the favor and support their big fundraiser. Prayer list remains pretty much the same. Jay Gothard reports that Bobby Bleecker is doing much better, and his recovery is moving in the right direction after his serious fall last month.  Good to hear.  Great to see Brad Hurley back.  Tricia Moreno is no longer a guest, but officially a new member.  Bob Exum took home the largest 50/50 in many moons-$82.  AWWWWWW!

 

Felicia Smith announced we have finalized the date for our third annual Kiwanis Fun Day to be held on Sunday, June 8 at the Kiwanis Recreation Park.  Hopefully, by going earlier in June we can catch a break on the extreme heat we had last year.  If you are interested in helping or serving as a sponsor, contact Felicia.

 

Tickets are still available for the above-mentioned Virtual Reverse Raffle to be held Friday, March 14 this year.  Get your ticket from Garry, AdWinters, or Mike Pleasant to support one of our biggest fundraising events.  Cost can be billed to your quarterly dues statement. One ticket gives you a 1 in 30 chance of winning some serious big bucks!  Tickets are only $100.

 

Mark your calendar for Thursday, January 30 for our first Kiwanis social of the year at Archive, a new bespoke cocktail bar.  This event is hosted by Hal Broadfoot and Rick Booth.  Rick is firing up his Traeger smoker and bringing his famous smoked spotted owl, bald eagle and ivory-billed woodpecker.  It all tastes like chicken to me. Seriously, Rick’s smoked pork and brisket are the best.  Dr. Booth is quite the renaissance man.  Retired from a long career as one of the most respected orthodontists in the state, he is also a master woodworker, boat builder, furniture maker and now artist. Rick’s work is on display at Cape Fear Studios downtown and he is a seriously talented painter.  Check it out on his Facebook page or at Cape Fear Studios on Maxwell St.

 

Awards Night is Friday, February 21.  Stephen Wheeler and his committee have lined up a great spread for us in the executive suite at Segra Stadium.  You can RSVP to the E-invite you will be emailed, as well as the traditional sign-up sheet on Friday.  Please respond to one or both and Stephen will merge the list to give us a good headcount. Remember, if you sign up and don’t show up, the meal we paid for you will be charged to your account.  Otherwise, it’s all free for you and your significant other. If you haven’t been, this is a fabulous meeting venue in the heart of downtown. Parking is free after 5 PM. 

 

John Malzone kicked things off by sharing his childhood experience of growing up in Patterson, New Jersey as the son of a career canine police officer. Kim Thomas then introduced Fayetteville Police Officer of the Year, Candice Snyder, who heads up the department’s Canine Unit.  Officer Snyder brought her third canine partner of her 17-year career, Kovu, a German/Dutch Shepherd mix.  Kovu has proven to be her biggest challenge so far. He is very energetic and athletic but has a stubborn streak that she is working through.  The FPD dogs are trained to alert on drug contraband.  If they need a cadaver dog, they call the Sheriff’s Office for that. On average a police dog has a working career of 7-8 years followed by 6-7 years of retirement. During their working career, the dogs live with their handlers in an outside kennel.  Once retired, they get the cushy indoor life.  Officer Snyder currently has 5 dogs living with her, and 3 of them require special dog food. Still, she prefers their company to the two-legged kind.  Dr. Jane Goodall was once asked if chimps were her favorite animal. Her response was” Good heavens no.  They are too much like humans.  For unconditional love, there is nothing like a dog.” 

 

I don’t know about you, but I still have a recurring nightmare where I am taking an exam on a subject I know nothing about and have not studied for.  This middle schooler got an F for content on his civics exam but an A+ for creativity.  Here is an excerpt from his test:

 

Q: Where was the Declaration of Independence signed?

A: At the bottom of the page.

 

Q:  In what battle did Napoleon die?

A: His last one.

 

Q: How can a man go 8 days without sleeping?

A: Easy, sleep at night.

 

Q: How can you lift an elephant with one hand?

A: You can’t. Elephants don’t have hands.

 

Q: If it took 8 men 10 hours to build a brick wall, how long would it take 4 men to build it?

A: No time at all, the wall is already built.

 

Q: How can you drop an egg on a concrete floor without it cracking?

A: Any way you want. A concrete floor is very hard to crack.

 

Love this kid!!! See you next Friday.

 

John Holmes 910-988-8040

jholmestarheel@gmail.com