Speakers - We continue to look for dynamic speakers so we can make our meetings fun and informative! Please give your suggestions to Annie Hanson. 

 

Tabs for Ronald McDonald House - Save the pop and beer can tabs for Ronald McDonald House and bring them to Don Coughlin at any meeting.  

Anne Gentile talked to us about her journey that allowed her to participate in "Wheel of Fortune".  One of her tenets that pushed her into doing this was her quote, "The world of life is paved with flat squirrels who couldn't make a decision."  

 

The initial try-outs involved three shows in October where people were seated and 25 names were pulled from a barrel.  Those 25 were taken on the stage and interviewed.  They were then told that they would be contacted with the results.  In January she was in Cleveland with 69 others for the next cut.  That group was interviewed and given 16 puzzles to solve.  20 of the puzzle solvers were then called back and there was another session of evaluating their manner of speaking, enthusiasm, etc. to try to determine how they would be on the show.  Two weeks later she received a letter saying that the show would be in touch in the next 12-18 months.  She ultimately was contacted to go to Los Angeles the following September, of 2017, and needed to be there for two weeks.  That was at her expense.  She and her family decided to go.  

 

There was lots of paperwork involved and they were told to bring extra clothes in case of a problem.  Since the wheel weighs 2400 pounds, there was practice in spinning the wheel.  The staff was conscious that the contestants were hydrated and had plenty of food.  The make-up time was very calming.  Vanna White approached all of them and was very kind. Anne was at the studio from 7:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. When she actually competed, she said it was the fastest 22 minutes of her life.  She won $5000.  Although it was very stressful, she said it was an incredible experience.