May the words of my mouth and the mediation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and Redeemer. Psalm 19:14

President Tony Proffitt conducted the meeting in the usual casual manner. Starting with a song, a pledge and the invocation by Edgar Willig. Edgar also provided the first of a series of inspiring weekly Lenten Messages.

While speaking of Lent, Tom Reuter suggested we try to attend the Kiwanis Lenten Breakfast/Service held at the Twin Towers on Hamilton Avenue. If you need a ride, just ask. The Services start on Wednesday March 29 with breakfast at 7:15 AM and continue each Wednesday through Lent. We will be the sponsoring Club on April 12th. Tom White and Lt. Scott Harvey will give the Lenten Message. Try it, breakfast is good and the service is rewarding.

Kevin Kahny introduced his guest, Joyce O'Neal a Kiwanian from, I believe, Oklahoma. Paul Hogue welcomed Barbara Sample from Mills Security as his guest. Back with us, finally, were Cliff Franklin and Gene Simpkins. Cliff thank everyone for the many cards and calls during his illness. Neither Gene or Cliff are 100% just yet, but both are making progress.

Dan Finke is this years (as in the past ten years) Rose Bloom Boom chairperson. Dan thanked Jane Reuter for the wonderful and successful RBB Kickoff celebration last Friday at The Meadows. Dan managed to obtain a copy of Bill Bigner's RBB sales secrets and released them to the members. They definitely work. Bill sold 35 RBB tickets last year. Joyce Schroeder sold 34 but isn't giving any "how to" clues. Bill's secrets are:
1. Think positive and set a sales goal.
2. Always have RBB tickets handy and ready to sell.
3. Send out letters! At least twice as many as your goal.
4. Enclose a self addressed stamped envelope.
5. Remind recipients the RBB tickets can be shared. (spaces on the back)
6. A successful sales person always asks for the order.
7. Remember you will never make a sale if you do not try!

VP Frank St. Charles said the members attending the interclub with the Riverfront Kiwanis had a fun time and enjoyed the meal. The Syndicate in Newport is their meeting place.

In honor of St. Patrick Day, this Friday, Tom White and Edgar Willig helped us sing a few Irish songs including "Smile".

2VP Paul Hogue introduced Paul Daugherty from the Cincinnati Enquirer as the guest speaker. Paul is a sports writer and after telling us a little background about himself, fielded questions from the members. We had plenty of questions. Like what about the Bengals, Reds, UC, Griffey? Paul's book "Fair Game" is a collection of his columns that appeared in the local media.

Another fine program thanks to Paul and Paul. Next week will feature Pat Striker and the following week will be Harold Wilkerson.

Mark your calendar for Election Night Tuesday April 25.

Earl Ostertag