“Baer Bones” - Meeting Notes September 7, 2006

President C convened the meeting at 12:30 p.m.

Justin led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Roger J led us in singing a rollicking “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad”. Bob A delivered the invocation.

Howie introduced our program speaker, Mike Metcalf, the executive director of Achievement House. Shane actually introduced Bridgitte in an acceptable manner. Milt had Soap Box and shared with us the resources available to veterans to own their own businesses. Sign-up sheets were distributed for the MD Lock-Up at the Apple Farm on September 20 – we are needed to help set-up and tear down fundraising event. Other sign-ups included the Work Force Housing Coalition, the Family Care Network and Kevin’s Installation Dinner on September 21 at the Spirit of San Luis. Shane reported on the DCM held in Atascadero last week. Lt. Governor Maxwell was installed. Our club was presented an award for raising the most dollars for last spring’s MS Walk. Ron K was the Secret Greeter but everyone was friendly so no dollars were generated.

Kevin was Fine Master. Howie stole the Fine Box from Autumn but she got it back. He was a couple of bucks happy for a fun weekend at Lake Tahoe with his sons and granddaughter. Milt was a buck sad because he has $800-$1000 in repairs on his motor home before his trip to the Sierras next week. He was also sad for his boat. Bart arrived VERY late but since Howie won $1300 while at Tahoe he paid Bart’s $5 fine. Holly told a quick boat joke. Dan was $5 sad because another golfer at the Laguna Golf Course hit his truck and crushed the door. Roger J was $5 happy for his two-week vacation. He enjoyed several one-day excursions in SLO County and he highly recommends a visit to Oso Flaco Lake in the South County. Bob S contributed $10, the sum of the digits of his birthday. President C kicked in $5 for his upcoming trip with Wendy to a professional conference. Pila gave happy bucks for the newly opened Pasta Pronto in SLO that she highly recommends. She is also happy that she lives here and does not live in a Third World country. Autumn gave a sad buck for losing the Fine Box. Doc S told three jokes and paid accordingly. Ron K gave a sad buck for being late (and he was Secret Greeter) and for missing the next 5 meetings while he and Betty visit children in Texas and Oklahoma as well as going to New England to hopefully see the turning fall leaves.

Howie introduced program speaker Mike Metcalf, the executive director of Achievement House. Located behind Cuesta College, Achievement House has been providing services to mentally limited adults for 49 years. Developmentally disabled adults are placed in work programs that include a mailing business on S. Higuera St. called “Mailing and More”. Other vocational services offered via Achievement House’s client base are housekeeping services at Madonna Inn, janitorial services at Camp San Luis, a thrift store and a roving landscape crew. These and other job placements allow their clients to earn money and learn life skills such as banking, shopping and independent living. They are placed and work with job coaches for 30-60 days until they are acclimated to the tasks. Most of their clients suffer from cerebral palsy but there seems to be a trend of more autistic clients. They are funded through Tri-County Regional Center and serve fairly high functioning adults. Achievement House is now a subsidiary of NCI Affiliates and serves 240 clients, 105 of whom are employed.

Winners:
$4 – Mike M (speaker)
$6 – Doc S
$10 – Gary


Next Week:
Soap Box – Autumn
Joke - Holly
Fine Free – Dr. John

Membership – Kevin drew the 8 of spades for a miss so next week’s kitty is $102.50.