Volume LXXIX               Number 37           August 2, 2024  

 

I am happy to report that the increasing attendance trend that Mark Rice reported last week continues as there was another great crowd Friday.  One of the things that may be impacting our improved attendance is the return of Chef John.  Friday, we had delicious and tender beef tips, gravy, rice, mashed potatoes, corn, tossed salad, roll with cobbler and ice cream for dessert.  That’s a $20 lunch with tip anywhere in town.  For those of you who have been missing in action, you have paid for this fabulous meal, why not come back and enjoy it!

 

We had some distinguished guest to include Wayne Collier, Jr., Cumberland County farmer and Hall of Famer and Ruth Kerr, Director of Religious life and Methodist University.  Ruth is helping Shirish Devasthali and John Malzone form a Circle K Club at Methodist.

 

Friday was a typical August dog-day afternoon in Fayetteville.  Perfect weather for a shower in the park and that’s exactly what Ray Quesnel, Camilo Espromadorio, Roger Goodman, Shirish Devasthali and Grace McGrath did! Last week they were joined by Kalli Ziegler and Tom Johnson.  We have just a few weeks left to break the Malzone bank account and add it to the Kiwanis Endowment coffers.

 

It was a bittersweet day as we said farewell to longtime Kiwanian, Ray Quesnel.  Ray was an excellent member serving as committee chair, board member, President-Elect and distinguished President. Ray and Wendy are moving back to their roots in New England.  We all wish them Godspeed and a fond farewell.

 

Coop and Woman were there. Gary is selling raffle tickets to support the Boys and Girls Home to purchase a new van. And yes, ladies and gentlemen, Coop won the 50/50 so for once we got no “AWWWWW”  at the drawing.

 

George Hendricks announced that Kallie and Drew Ziegler will be our Kiwanis Social hosts on October 2nd at their lovely home on Colinwood Dr.  Details to follow as time approaches.

 

Stuart “Who?” Augustine was our only birthday this week.  Happy birthday Stu.

 

Dr. Taber got off to a bit of a rough start when she went to the podium and asked the membership, “If you cannot hear me, please raise your hand.”  Doc, you might want to rethink that opening on the campaign trail, where she is running for Commissioner of Agriculture. Dr. Taber has had a successful 27-year career as a consultant to farmers on how to transition to different methods of farming to increase profits and sustainability.  Her client list boasts a $4 billion net worth, and she has yet to have a client leave farming for other pursuits.  North Carolina holds the dubious distinction of being the #1 state in the nation for annual loss of farmland.  She reports that on the whole farmers in Georgia and Virginia do twice as well in monetary output per acre that NC farmers do. Some of that is attributed to our dependence on corn and soybeans which are low in labor cost, but also low in financial yield per acre. She was very interesting and very knowledgeable in all aspects of the complex business of farming.  Thanks for a great program, Diane Parfitt!

 

Just how hot was it Friday…….

It's So Hot....... I saw a chicken lay an omelet!!

It's So Hot....... I saw a squirrel picking up nuts with pot holders!!

It's So Hot....... I saw a funeral procession pull through a Dairy Queen!!

It's So Hot....... Jehovah's Witnesses started telemarketing!!

It's So Hot....... I saw two trees fighting over a dog!!

It's So Hot....... my thermometer goes up to "Are you kidding me?"!!

It's So Hot....... I saw Grace McGrath get under the water bucket at the splash pad with her dress on!

 

See you next week!

 

John Holmes 988-8040

jholmestarheel@gmail.com