One by one we are slowly bringing longtime absent Kiwanians back into the Friday fold.  First it was Rick Booth, then last week it was Brad Hurley and this Friday we welcomed back Alan Pittman.  For those of you who aren’t there yet let me see if we can’t entice you with our menu.  Here is what we had Friday, and I’m not making this up.

Guests were Carrie Elzie who is a professor at the new medical school at Cape Fear Valley and John Malzone’s grandson, Jonathan, who walked away with the 50/50 grand prize of $62.

 

Sandy Saunders gave a great Did You Know presentation taking us on a walk down memory lane. Sandy came to Fayetteville in 1970 as director of the YMCA. He joined the club in 1972 and was elected five short years later as the club president.  When he asked the members how he got elected the answer he got was, well, we didn’t want a president anyway and you were to closet candidate to not having one we could find. Sandy was also responsible for negotiating our lease on the recreation center and getting the Kiwanis Club naming rights for a contribution of $100,000 payable over 10 annual installments.  It was likely the deal of the century, It certainly didn’t hurt that the mayor, the city attorney, the city manager and half the city council were club members at the time.  But despite all this, Sandy will be forever known for one of the three great fundraising project flops in the club’s 110-year history.  Sandy’s Passion Play, Rick Booth’s Blue Trash Bag Fiasco and Charles T. Haigh’s light bulb sales will all reside forever in the Hall of Shame.  By the way, Rick Booth reports that he still has several cases of those indestructible blue bags in his garage.  Great presentation Sandy!

 

 

Membership Chair, Cheryl Gleason reports a great turnout of over 30 Kiwanians and guests at our social on Thursday at The Archive on Rowan St.  Rick Booth spent 14 hours smoking pulled pork, beef brisket and burnt ends and all were outstanding. Co-host Hal Broadfoot brought a shrimp tray and cookies, and the cocktails were the best!  Mary Holmes took pictures which are now posted on our Facebook page so be sure to like and share to promote the club.  The February social will be hosted by Lee Warren and George Turner on Thursday, February 27 at an event yet to be named.  This has become a don’t miss event.  Thanks to John Malzone and George Hendricks for bringing our door prizes.

 

Tickets are still available for the Virtual Reverse Raffle to be held Friday, March 14 this year.  Get your ticket from Garry Two R's, Ad Winters, 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 and are going fast so don't delay.

 

Awards Night is on 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 in the parking deck or on street.  This year’s attire will be sport coat and tie, no suits, and for the ladies whatever the equivalent of a sport coat and a tie is, that’s above my pay grade.

 

Major Aaron Goldfarb, the new officer in charge of the Salvation Army of the Sandhills, was introduced by Bruce Brown. Major Goldfarb no sooner reached town than the state was confronted by arguably the biggest natural disaster in state history, Hurricane Helene. The Army deployed him to the mountains of North Carolina where he helped provide food, comfort and companionship to those who have literally lost everything.  He echoed what a previous speaker, Al Miller, told us about the mountain people of North Carolina.  They are fiercely independent and proud.  Major Goldfarb said he spent days trying to reach his assignment on the swollen banks of the Swannanoa River and along the way saw a tractor trailer truck lodged in the top of a tree.  Major Goldfarb also came to thank the club for our continuous support with the Christmas bellringing campaign and to present a plaque to the club and Spiritual Emphasis Chair, Bob McAmis.  Right now, the biggest need of the local chapter is for community board leadership.  If you are interested in serving, contact Shirish Devasthali and he will pass it along.  

 

From one of my favorite comedians, Stephen Wright.

Hope to see you next Friday!

 

John Holmes 988-8040

jholmestarheel@gmail.com