July 9, 2003

The song for the July 9^th meeting was performed by Bill Stracener; Chad Olivier led the Pledge; Charles Rae said Grace; and Jerry Boyce made the Introductions.

The Club's guests included David Cooley's wife, Nataliya, his stepson, and Irinia, his assistant. Dick Luedtke's wife, Edwina, and Glen Nordyke's wife, Ellen, were also present.

The club congratulated Charles Rae (13 years of perfect attendance), Bill Eason (47 years of perfect attendance), and Cliff Comeaux (57 years of perfect attendance)! Cliff holds the club's record.

Carlos introduced our speaker, his wife Nataly. Nataly was born and raised in Sochi, Russia, where Carlos met her. Nataly described Sochi as an area well known for its recreational and vacation activities. She said it is like Costa Rica, with a somewhat tropical climate given its location next to the Black Sea. Nataly described everyday life growing up in the Soviet Union under communist rule. Nataly said the people there did not feel poor. Nataly recalled some of her fondest memories as a child. Nataly said that when the Soviet Union fell apart, life became somewhat difficult. Former soviet republics, which are now smaller countries, seem to have suffered more than others in the transition from communism. Nataly says she loves America and prays for her homeland.

The jackpot was won by Allan Brent, again.

Next week's speaker will be Senator Jay Dardenne discussing "Recollections of a Legislative Session." Further down the road: July 23, Myrtle Dorsey of Baton Rouge Community College, and on July 30, "The Robe," presented by Wade Heaton.

EH