Joe Eichacker (right) is one of our newest members and a financial advisor with Edward Jones in Macomb. Joe talked about the history of the company and his view on markets and investments. Joe said he's been with Edward Jones for two years and operates an office at 1750 West Jackson. Joe says there are five important things to keep in mind when investing. He recommends you diversify and have a mix of both short-term and long-term investments to deal with varying interest rates. Also keep in mind how taxes will affect your portfolio and what to do with your investments when you die.
Joe mentioned that, with the end of the year coming up, you still have an opportunity to sell stocks at a loss and write off on your taxes; You have until April 15 to contribute to a 401K; In 2010 the government will allow people with a ROTH IRA, who are above a certain income level, to roll over a traditional IRA to a ROTH IRA.
We thank Joe for sharing his opinion on everything from the stock market to unemployment to investment strategies.
Next Tuesday, December 15, will be our Christmas party at Wesley Village. Entertainment will feature Sandra Moseley playing the Wesley Village grand piano. Debbie said Wesley Village will prepare and serve prime rib for dinner. Tim asks that we let him know if we will be bringing a spouse or guest so we can let Wesley Village know how much to prepare.
No meetings December 22 and 29 due to the holidays.
President Debbie Vandemark presided. We said the Pledge of Allegiance and Kiwanis Pledge and then Chuck Nicholson gave the invocation.
We estimate that we served pancakes and sausage to about 600 people at the Lincoln School PTO "Breakfast with Santa." (Click here for pictures. You will need to open with Windows Media Player.) Jay Carter said that we came out perfect with no leftovers.
Hassan Espahbodi assigned children for Kiwanis members to take shopping at K-Mart Saturday December 12. He said we have nearly 40 children participating this year. Kiwanis and Citizens Bank team up to give each child $25 to spend on gifts for their family.
Kiwanis members rang the bell for the Salvation Army on December 8 and will take another turn on December 11. We will also help fill the Salvation Army food baskets December 22.
Debbie displayed an oversized check from Wal-Mart to help support the Macomb School Snack Sack program that Hassan helps coordinate. We heard that the snacks, given to children who may not have something to eat on the weekends when away from school, are really appreciated.
Debbie recapped last weeks board meeting. We voted to give the Samaritan Well $300 and to spend $115 to become a non-profit member of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce. Two proposals were discussed for implementing committees. The board decided to use the type of arrangement now in place at the Galesburg club. Each board member will chair a committee. The board also voted to uphold the Kiwanis bylaws which allow the board alone to approve allocating funds.
Pat Stout reported that member Ed Haney is still in the hospital and we wish him well.
Ken Harp said that a new member orientation has been held with new members Donna Pawlias, Chris Jones and a representative of Macomb schools.
We have just been informed that Kiwanis International President Paul Palazzolo will be visiting the Quincy Noon Kiwanis Club on January 18th and we are invited to attend. They are planning for a large crowd, so we need to let them know before Jan 11th if anyone from our club will be attending. Click here to see the invitation.
Putting dollars into the Happy Buck-et were:
Owen Thompson - happy to report the Salvation Army has gone over
$22,000 in their red kettle campaign and proud of Kiwanis members
ringing the bell. Their goal is $60,000.
Ken Harp - happy about the orientation program. He said "we had a
good session and it's always a good opportunity to share information about
Kiwanis to new members."
Tim Moss - happy to thank everyone who helped with Breakfast with Santa.
Debbie Vandemark - happy for Chuck Nicholson who helped her by
giving her a break while bell ringing at Hy Vee.
Wayne Mounts won the 50/50 Drawing and donated his share back to the club.
Click here to see a digitally enhanced picture of our proposed new playground.
Check out previous Builder newsletters by clicking on a date below.
