After a scrumptious meatloaf meal, Dan Finke, of the Blue Ticket, gave the invocation by reading an appropriate poem. (There was a suggestion later in the meeting, however, by a Gold Ticket Person, that Dan will do anything to get extra time at the microphone during his campaign).

President Tony opened the meeting and welcomed the guests: Judy's crew of Joey and Ashley, JoAnn's Austin (who celebrated his first birthday this week!), Jim Schwartz and Nancy Zeigler. The sick list is shorter this week: Harry Maly and Fr. Jim Willig.

Several wanted a "few minutes:"

Rose Bloom Boom

· Scott Becker announced that two more corporate sponsors, Fifth Third Bank and Yamaguchi Tiny Cove, have been added for a total of five to date.

· As of today, 121 tickets to the Rose Bloom Boom have been sold. Dan reported that the target for today was 175, so we are somewhat behind last year's totals.

· Gary Becker still has lots of tickets @ $10 for the golf package.

· Joyce still needs silent auction items. Jane reminded us that RBB is our only fund-raiser now, so everyone's help is needed.

Elections

· Joyce announced that elections will be held next week, 4/25 @ 6:00 pm at San Antonio's. Spouses/Friends are welcome. Tickets are $6 each for the food.

· Earl O. is still selling ballots, for those who can't attend the election event. Scratch that. He has ballots for free. NOTE: Ed Flick isn't on the ballot...so he'll need to be written in if he is to be elected.

· Tony announced a meeting with the Board officers after lunch. UPDATE: At the meeting, they decided to POSTPONE the planned May 1st memorial service until a later date.

· The Gold Ticket had the podium for a few minutes during today's meeting: For 2nd VP Carol Sohmer & Directors Ron Forte, John Nordmeyer and Scott Becker. Poul LeMaster, Scott's campaign manager, announced that he normally supports older people, but he likes Scott. He also said something about being the last person to let anyone down...

Miscellaneous

Glad Hands to JoAnn, Dan K., Poul, Carol S., Dick B., Bill B., Joe S. and Lou S. John Elias won split-the-pot. Ed Willig led in singing, with John N. and Tom B. celebrating birthdays.

Guest Speaker

Tim Hornsby introduced Buddy LaRosa who entertained the crowd and offered his own nuggets of wisdom and advice. He talked about how he got started in the business...fascinating story. He comes from good stock: his mom is 95 and he has an uncle who is 101 and an aunt who is 96...and still works part-time! In addition to the Italians, Buddy credited the Germans and Irish for making his restaurants a success. Buddy has lived on the Westside all his life. LaRosa's has 14 company-owned stores and 50 franchise stores. His keys to success: determination & perseverance, not necessarily talent & opportunity. He said leadership rests on truth, character, ability, loyalty, commitment & pride. Live to work rather than work to live ­ do your work with joy.

 

- Till next time...HAM, Jr.