Early Birds: Mark Arnold and Robert Sandberg came early to hob knob with the Ham ‘n Eggs early birds.
Guests: None today
Honorary Members: Dick Nelson, Tom Donnelly and Cathy Daluge were in attendance today.
The president of the Ham and Eggs group called the meeting together and tried to do a count off with the Ham and Eggs group. After that failure, President Chuck just had us standup to be counted.
Announcements:
- Dick Anderson had knee replacement surgery
- Dave Goodwyne is undergoing some more treatment
Business Networking: None Today
Business Exchange: None Today
Business Updates: None Today
Table Introductions: None Today
Pot of Gold: Did not draw today and there is no registration this week
Craft Talk:
Today’s speaker was Peter Vodenka.
Peter Vodenka, his wife, 4 year old daughter, and 2 year old son escaped from Czechoslovakia in 1983 and became refugees that originally settled in North Dakota. He is now a naturalized citizen, retired business owner, proud grandfather of 6, and proud father of a son that served our country in the Gulf war.
Peter went thru in great detail the planning for their escape and the harrowing experience of leaving Czechoslovakia, driving to Yugoslavia, and running/walking across the border to Austria.
He also talked about their time in the refugee camp in Austria before they emigrated to North Dakota.
After the fall of the Iron Curtain, he was able to reconnect with his extended family.
Peter’s story can be read about in more detail in his book “Journey for Freedom, Defection from communist Czechoslovakia” available at Amazon for $20.
Looking ahead
March 4 is Lone Birch Realty at ECC
March 11 is Anderson Furniture (Guest Speaker) at ECC
March 18 is Palm Commercial Real Estate at ECC
March 25 is an Open Date