May 14, 2003

Reporting on the meeting of May 14:

Good Meeting - jammed into the Napoleon Room, which always means a choice of entrees, a choice of rich desserts, plus soup and veggies - who could ask for more! Your reporter quizzed a number of our members about whether they traveled the circular line clockwise or counterclockwise, and got a number of intelligent replies. The winner (no prize awarded) was Roberto Hodges. He made the statement, "whichever way is less crowded."

The Song - back to "America" after a couple of weeks of "God Bless America" (was that Kate Smith's song?) It was Jerry Boyce who led us. Then the Pledge, during which we all drew ourselves erect, with right hands over our hearts, and left hands smartly at our sides, "with fingers extended and joined." Finally Joe Culotta spoke, for us all, to the Eternal One. Thank you, Joe.

We all welcomed back Bill Stracener, and praised his quick recovery from a cardiac problem. And though he was not present, we acknowledged our latest new member, the faculty advisor of the Catholic High Key Club, Jason Darensbourg. Was he also a member of one of our sponsored Key Clubs?

On the heels of that good news, came the announcement of the passing of Jack Gill. By the time this bulletin comes to you his memorial service will have been held. I hope many of you were able to attend to express your feelings to Marietta his widow. Philip Jones was his sponsor many years ago.

Another great program introduced by Jerry Boyce, although it came in May, Joe Culotta's month of programs. Keith Saucier, an employee of Rubicon, spoke on his favorite subject - "Elmer's Island." Keith is a past president of the Louisiana Wildlife Federation, and Elmer's Island is 1700 acres of wildlife resources. West of Grand Isle, it has one of the few beaches in Louisiana that is available for fishing and to watch (and hunt?) wildlife.

The island is for sale, and Keith is leading a charge to have the state buy it. Use your political influence and urge your legislators, and Gov. Mike, to buy it and save it, for hunters and fishers.

Final announcement - we awarded a scholarship to Jerry Cruz, a Catholic High key clubber.

Signing off

C.W.