Thanks, Bruce.  Yes, we are finding out that getting a new place to meet is a challenge.  I think the President has one nailed down.

I am a slow eater (may have something to do with talking) and didn’t get any dessert before the business meeting started.  When the meeting ended, people were visiting and I slipped out and headed for the ice cream machine.  One of the waitresses intercepted me and said the building was on fire.  I didn’t see any smoke or flame, so I did the really smart thing.  I went back to the room for my notebook!  The staff did a super job of getting everybody out quickly with no panic.

As I got back to the exit door, I could see a little smoke.  We heard sirens, so we didn’t exit the parking lot.  I didn’t want to be going out when a ladder truck was trying to get in.  Pretty quickly, smoke was pouring out of the roof and it was obvious this wasn’t going to be a smoke and water damage fire.  

When all the units seemed to be in place, we asked the policeman if it was OK to line up and leave.  He thought that was a good idea.  

I talked to some of the wait staff, who we had gotten to know through the years.  They said club members helped evacuate the building, and thanked me.  I told them I didn’t deserve any credit because I was busy cruising for ice cream!    We really hope they get new jobs, unemployment, etc.  There are several collections being set up for them.  They loved working there, and will miss that experience and their co-workers.   They promised I would get my ice cream.  I’m not sure, but I hope so.  On the other hand, they couldn’t take anyone’s money so my meal was free.  I’ll make up for that with a healthy donation.  

73,

Dennis/RZ