Observations     on the News and the Views of the Exchange Club of Pompano Beach

October 8, 2003

Big Al Linn, taking the cue from El Presidente, followed the gong of the revered Club bell with the Pledge and Father Tim fashioned another stellar Blessing.  Surprisingly, there were no guests in attendance.

 President Leon thanked Dan Dowd on behalf of the entire membership for his tireless efforts organizing and producing the Club’s annual charity golf tournament last Saturday at the Oak Tree Country Club in Fort Lauderdale.  It was only fitting that after all of his hard work he was a member of the winning team with a score of thirteen under par.  The other members of Team One were Jamie O’Grady, Hal Heffernan and Chuckles McLaughlin (or was that Dan Gordon?).  A great time was had by all and there were no losers.  Thanks again Dan and to all the players and volunteers who participated.

 Leon reminded us that we are heading into a busy Fall season with a lot of activities planned.  If you have lost your monthly calendar already, webmaster Jim Horn has it posted on the Club's website at www.pompanoexchangeclub.com.  He will be keeping it current so bookmark it for easy reference.

 A new venue has been selected for the Great Invite Nite due to the impending departure of Johnny V and his reluctance to leave the keys to his house to the Club.  The new venue is Orsini's Grill & Pizza Kitchen adjacent to JR Dunn's on Federal Highway in LHP and operated by webmaster Jim Horn who is also a master restaurateur.  The date is Thursday, October 16, 7 - 9 PM.  Invite five potential new members and bring at least one with you.  As Coach so aptly says, drinks - food - fun!  Can he turn a phrase. 

 The bloodmobile will be at our October 22nd meeting to take a pint of blood from each of us and leave a pint for Tad Williams who has now lost more than one hundred pounds.  Tad looks great and feels great.  Good going Tadster!

 Not on your calendar is the annual Soroptimist Casino Nite scheduled for Saturday, October 25 at the community hall at Saint Coleman's Catholic Church.  All proceeds raised at that event go to Woodhouse,  one of our own charities.  It is always a great night so plan to attend if you are in town.  This year's theme is an African safari for those of you looking for an excuse to wear your new loin cloths. 

 The annual Peace River canoe trip is sneaking up on us.  If you have not signed up yet, contact Bill Sullivan who is in charge of the signup list.  It is the weekend of November 7-9.  There are pictures and information on the Club's website.  Just click on Canoe Trip.  It has been reported that the Best Western Motel in Arcadia only has six more rooms for that weekend so act now or be sleeping by the campfire with Larry Nelson.

 The guest speaker this week was Diane Guidry from the Broward County Extension Education Division.  She works with the NatureScape Broward, a program designed to create a network of NatureScape sanctuaries throughout Broward by increasing the propagation and use of native plants and compliance with xeriscape objectives.  For more information on this program go to www.broward.org/naturescape.  The Club's resident tree hugger and master gardener Jack "Brewmaster" Krutek was in charge of this week's speaker program.  No surprises there.  The surprise was that Ms. Guidry mesmerized and captivated  Jack "El Rushbo" Rabideau who was thought to believe that trees caused pollution.  Go figure.

 Congratulations to the following Club members celebrating their membership anniversary this month: Fred Bamman, number 24;  Rich Franco, his 20^th; the Coach, six; Michael Colon, 4 and Ken Baker, his first.  Happy birthday to Tommy, the Italian Stallion, DiGiorgio who will be blowing out an increasing number of candles on October 14^th.  Kudos also to Chuckles McLaughlin who has strapped on a uniform and has begun to patrol the streets of LHP in an effort to "give back".  Thanks Chuck.

 Jim Davis was the double secret shaking man and shook Coach as this week's beneficiary of the secret shake.  Randy Loren, who will never be heard saying "neither a lender nor borrower be", won the pot.

 "Borrow money from pessimists - they don't expect it back."  Randy Loren circa 2003.