NEXT MEETING - September 21, 2004. JODI BURMESTER is the Program Host, and she will introduce Terri Bischoff, the owner/manager of "Booked for Murder". This is a specialty bookstore on University Avenue, and she will "give us the lowdown on some juicy murder reading - fictional and nonfiction." Still following the macabre theme.

At our last meeting we learned that GEORGE ALBRIGHT has once again retired from the office of (interim) Tailtwister, but before we could sigh with relief another "old hand" at the job resurfaced, as ROSS ROYSTER took up the duties. He eased into the job with an auction of mementoes that PHIL INGWELL must have brought from the Phoenix Lions International Convention, because they all had a southwestern flavor. LU ANN PAEPKE was the first buyer, getting a pair of copper kachina dolls that would either be the world's biggest earrings, pendants, or Christmas tree ornaments. Cost her $7, but your editor, who lost out in the bidding, persuaded her to break the set for a price, so she came out OK. LINDA BERGREN outbid everyone for a decorated tile/trivet/whatever - these gifts all seemed to be multiple purpose - also for $7. And TOM STEVENS got a small statue of Kokopelli, the mythical flutist. Your editor was seated too far away to learn the price.

LINDA BERGREN led the song, daring anyone to question the pitch (no editorial comment), BOB BOHN gave a last-minute invocation, and after some grumbling about the order of meeting, we pledged allegiance to a flag pin that BOB was wearing. Not even a flag on the pier. Lunch was mostly krautwurst, hopefully not left over from our pier picnic. Bumper stickers "It's Great To Be A Lion" were handed out to all.

It was suggested that putting an eyeglass collection box in your workplace for a couple weeks, and letting your colleagues know you want used eyeglasses, does produce both glasses and public interest. A couple inquiries about the availability of collection boxes prompted JOHN JENSON to say that some were available, and he will bring them to a future meeting.

There was also a flier at each seat extolling the Bucky Book. PHIL STOWITTS has them again this year. Cost $35.00 each, of which we get $12.00. If you play golf, eat out or go to movies they are a real bargain.

PHIL INGWELL passed around the catalog for the Lioness Club's Holiday Wrap sale. Good quality wrapping paper, about $7 or so per roll, more variety this year than last, and we help out our affiliated organization. Free delivery to our meetings, too. If you missed the catalog, see PHIL.

JODI BURMESTER announced the District Leadership Training, which will be at Rex's Innkeeper in Waunakee on Sept. 20. All Club officers should go. Lots of good tips on what each position entails.

MARK LARSON has just returned from the USA-Canada Forum, held this year in Reno, NV. He didn't do too well in Reno, but the Forum was, as usual, interesting and informative. Next year it will be in Peoria, IL in mid-September, an easy reach from here, and everyone from our Club who has gone to one will tell you that they got a great deal out of it. If you are at all interested in what makes Lionism tick, and how to organize and lead groups of people, make plans to attend. They have great presenters and very useful subjects! Your editor's own personal comment is that going to an International Convention will pump up your Lionistic enthusiasm with great speakers, and going to a USA-Canada Forum will pump up your leadership and people skills with great speakers. Either way you win.

Reminder: Our October 5 meeting will be at 5:30 PM, not at noon, in the Rigadoon Room at the Edgewater. We can go out on the pier if the weather is suitable. Social hour, substantial hors' de oeuvres, brief meeting, and as Linda put it, "some recognition of some special people." Friends, spice (editor's plural of spouses) and especially potential members, are welcome as guests. No word on pricing, but our guess is that it will be pretty much the same as a regular meeting.

John Stanley, Dane County Coroner, presented an interesting program on the history and duties of his office, which originated in Twelfth Century England when they had a Shire Reive (sheriff) and a traveling magistrate called a Corona. Today the job is an elected office, similar to an appointed Medical Examiner, but with additional powers and duties. The coroner has deputies, and available forensic specialists, to determine the cause and manner of death. All deaths must be certified either by the coroner or an attending physician. His office investigates about half of the 4000 deaths in Dane County each year. He also makes frequent talks in schools about the dangers of drunk driving and drugs. More interesting than you'd think.