President Liz Quinn led us in the Pledge, singing of My Country 'Tis of Thee and prayer. Guests Brian Nason, Associate Executive Director of the YMCA and director of the Ayrlawn Center, Susan Ingram, executive director and founder of Community Support Services (CSS), Peggy Greenspan from CSS, and Leland Chesis, who is considering membership, were introduced.

Announcements:

Pat Tiede, Bob and Nancy Cressy will be attending the Mid-Winter Convention on Saturday, March 29.  Wheaton-Silver Spring has 62 signed up for their Charter Night on Saturday, April 5 - we will have several members attending.  Other important dates are on the website's calendar and members are urged to participate in as many as possible.  Liz Quinn has tickets for the musical presentation of "1776" which will be held at the Olney Theater on Sunday, April 27.  Debbie Van Horn was welcomed back as was Bill Pennington, who was away on a Caribbean cruise.  This was Johnathan Davis' last meeting.  He will be the Executive Director of the Columbia North YMCA in Philadelphia, PA.  We all wish him well and will miss his active participation.  If ever back in the area on Thursday, join us for lunch at Tragara!

Happy Dollars:

Debbie Van Horn- HD for Johnathan Davis, Pat Tiede- HD for our speakers today and Johnathan Davis.  Ben Schlesinger- HD for Johnathan and the 150 people who will be working for him.  Bob Quinn - HD for Johnathan and the heck of it.  Liz Quinn for Brian Nason, who will replace Johnathan.  Dick Ruprecht - HD for Johnathan and his hard work and for his son who got accepted into Texas A&M. Bob Cressy - HD for get well wishes for Pat Leder and Jim Aylor's mother.  Johnathan Davis had HD for his gratitude for the Kiwanis Club of Bethesda.

SpeakerS:

Liz Quinn introduced Susan Ingram from Community Support Services, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization that gets its funding from the state, county and private sources.  A short DVD was viewed showing "great hires" from Starbucks and other organizations that give an opportunity to persons with cognitive disabilities to integrate into the work flow.  CSS, Inc. starts with children who have a life-long disability such as autism.  Peggy Greenspan (a life-long resident of Montgomery County) spoke of her 23 year old son who has benefited from CCS, Inc. and has held jobs provided by local restaurants where he folds napkins, fills caddies, and performs other duties that the regular staff would have to do after hours.  The employer and the individuals with developmental disabilities are all happy - a win-win situation.  CCS, Inc. is devoted to building self-esteem, offering quality support to individuals with developmental disabilities and fostering a sense of community. CSS, Inc. delivers a broad range of support services to children with autism and severe other developmental disabilities in accordance with their individual educational, home, and community needs.  CCS has over 300 employees, 3 houses for children, and has partnered with organizations such as Burger King, McDonald's, Meals on Wheels, The Party Store, PetsMart, Pizza Hut, and many more.  A great talk that certainly fits into our club's desire to help children.

Johnathan Davis won the 50/50.

Pat Tiede, Editor for the Day