The largest part of the program was a presentation by Steve Augustinack and Steve Mau about our holiday lights project. There information covered the following major points:

It is time to make a major commitment so that this can be up and running by next year. The partnership with the Arboretum is still in its beginning stages but so far seems to be working well. Much cooperation has been forthcoming from the Brainerd Public Utilities that thinks this is a great idea and is willing to help provide a special rate as well as work with the logistics of expanding the electrical infrastructure at the Arboretum.

The plan is to work with Midwest Display. The video showed us the spectacular displays they produce. Some special notes include the design contest for kids (they sketch and the company produces), the ability to trade displays yearly and totally every five years, and their expertise in working in the field. Mike Howard, their representative has already flown to Brainerd and visited the Arboretum. He assured the committee that this is an ideal spot, especially since the indoor Christmas Village with Santa and concessions can make as much if not more money than the gate receipts.

Although the initial investment seems large, the project should break even the first year and possibly could become as big an event for the Arboretum and Sertoma as the Jaycees Ice Fishing is for Camp Confidence. Monday and Tuesday will be idle days for the display but could be used as corporate sponsor time—special events and holiday parties at the site for instance.

8 Sertoma groups have similar projects and they are all making money. Gus shared some projections but this is all still in the planning stage. Gus did say that target groups they have talked with are very enthusiastic and there are even some businesses who would wish to be an integral part of the concessions area donating their time and providing product for cost.

Thanks to all the folks who have been involved with this project in the past five years. Special thanks to Gus and Steve for their work on getting the project before us this year.

He shared his personal experiences with the program. Gary and Dave are partners in a company that is called Fiducia Benefits Group, a Medical Information Specialist Company. He has been with the company three and ½ years.

Dave recently married his lovely wife Christine and they are expecting a little boy in August. He enjoys working with young people and teaches Judo. He was two time state Judo champion. He likes horseback riding also. He joined Sertoma five years ago because he didn’t know anyone in the area. He left us with his motto for his Judo kids, “Get up more times than you fall down.”

• Welcome back John Nelson
• Charlie Bartels, private investigator employed by Paul Gropper
• Dan Holmes, retired? Who was your Harley chick?
• Julia of all trades-cleaning, baseball, and cooking
• Congrats Jason on your engagement
• Heavy hitter in more ways than one—our very own Gus
• Bossy Fine—Cheryal Hills