Courtlands Garage, at the corner of Vail and Campbell in Arlington will be our first "1st Thursday Evening Meeting", 6-8 p.m. The social and prospective new member gathering will be a regular opportunity to get to know each other better in a casual setting. We're planning to gather in the outdoor seating area facing Vail Street. Advanced reservations are required.
Our Fine Fun and Fundraising Mistress of Happiness Fungibility, Millie Palmer, welcomed Happy Fines and tested our wits.
Patty celebrated her return from an Alaska vacation and her retirement. Kevin was pleased about work for the Wheeling Food Pantry. Bob paid to give us advice and a story on how to determine if a potential spouse is “a keeper”, Millie was happy to tell of being in Greece.
In keeping with the upcoming holiday, she quizzed us on 4th of July-related items. Our quiz:
- What are the first seven words of the Declaration of Independence?
- Who was Charles Thomson?
- What was a possible alternate date for our independence day?
- Who was the real Uncle Sam?
- What was the real Liberty Bell?
- What other country celebrates its independence on July 4?
- And almost significant, how many hot dogs are eaten on the 4th?
The answers:
To 1, "When, in the course of human events”.
To 2. Along with John Hancock, president of the Congress, Thomson's name (as secretary) appeared on the first published version of the Declaration of Independence in July 1776.
To 3. 7/2
To 4. Popular legend is that the name "Uncle Sam" was derived from Samuel Wilson, a meat packer from Troy, New York who supplied rations for American soldiers during the War of 1812.
To 5. In a way, there isn’t one – the first two castings of the bell cracked, but the third was accepted, crack and all.
To 6. Celebrating their independence from us is the Philippines on July 4.
To 7. 150,000,000, more or less.