"...the Lord God is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2b

President Joyce opened the meeting a few minutes early to give our distinguish speaker, Dr. O'Dell Owens additional time. (After hearing Dr. Owens, he could use the entire meeting, and it wouldn't have been enough.) We did our usual singing of America, followed by the pledge to the flag and the invocation by Edgar Willig.

President Joyce introduced Sixth Div. Lt. Governor Connie Potter, Lt. Col. Biehl of the Cincinnati police, Chris West of the Franciscan Systems, Burr Robinson guest of Tom White and George Klapper guest of Joe Schrage.

There are two members on the sick list. That is assuming Dan Kipp is over his cold. Dick Mather is reported as to having pneumonia, but must get well soon for a trip to Germany. Our Treasurer Jim Cupito is recovering from a recent serious operation. Jim is in very good spirits, Howard Zoellner saw Jim taking a leisurely walk down the street the day after leaving the hospital. Lt.. Governor Connie Potter reported Laura Enders wife of Ohio District Governor Wayne Enders suffered a heart attack. Please remember all the sick members in your prayers, especially Jim and Laura.

Jane Reuter reminded us of the soon to be here Rose Bloom Boom. Now is the time to look for and sign up the Corporate Sponsors. This is a win win for us and the sponsors. This may be our only major fund raising event of the year. Various changes may require us to eliminate participation in Octoberfest. Each member is expected to sell and or buy at least one ticket.

Lt. Governor Connie Potter hoped our plans this year will include sending members to the Ohio Mid-Year Conference in Columbus, increasing Kiwanis membership, and attendance at the traditional Lenten Prayer breakfasts. Every member should participate in at least one of these events. Have you invited a perspective member to a meeting?

The Glad Hand Committee is in needs the items you don't need. They suggest while doing your spring (or pre-spring) cleaning to bring those unused items you find to the Tuesday meeting. Judy Jennison has volunteered to store them for future Glad Hands. Please no Bucher ties!

Attention Young Children Priority One Committee members. There will be a short meeting after the February 9 regular meeting and repeated again February 10 after the Business meeting. Discussion regarding this year's plans and the allocation of funds will be the topics.

Tom White's guest Burr Robinson informed us of the March 14th Thriftway Sounds of Hope Concert at Music Hall. You will hear a blend of beautiful hymns and choruses performed by a 100 plus choir and 60 piece orchestra. Call 651-HOPE.

We are also reminded of the Westmister Community Concert Series held at the church starting with Cabaret Singers on March 5th, Soprano Sarah York-Lyke on March 26th, and the very talented Tom White playing your favorite tunes on April 30th. All performances start at 8 PM.

Thank you Frank St. Charles and Richard Bucher for obtaining Dr. O'Dell Owens as the speaker today. Dr. Owens spoke on his life, the importance of education, and moral values. There is no way I could do justice in summarizing Dr. Owens presentation. The standing ovation at the conclusion said it all.

Earl Ostertag