Financial knowledge is an important part of a strong community and Junior Achievement, this week's featured speaker, is doing their part to help in this area. Smith Ellis, President and CEO of FirstBank Southwest (and boss to program chair David Ellis, no relation) told us how JA works with volunteer financial professionals who serve as role models. The volunteers provide a curriculum to kids in elementary through high school that teaches real life decision-making skills, budgeting, goal setting and wants vs. needs. The organization will serve an estimated 1600 kids this school year.

It is time to share the gift of literacy with local kindergartners through our literacy program. Each kindergartner at Wolflin, San Jacinto and Glenwood Elementary schools will receive a book personalized with their name throughout the story. Call Julie Ontiveros at 331-8853 or email jontiveros@thegiftoflife.org if you're interested in helping give these gifts. It's heartwarming and a lot of fun!

Special thanks to: President Jake Richards for presiding; Jess Ghormley for leading our song and Gay Chalfant for accompanying on piano; Dick McKay for the invocation; Lea Ann Fulton for introducing our guests; and Jeff Neely for serving as greeter.

The Foundation drawing has topped $1,200 and though many tickets were sold by Tom Higley, Paul Borchardt did not get the Ace of Spades this time. Thank you for the jerky Melvin Edes, our esteemed President will enjoy it!