I remember when my first tenure as president of the Circle came to an end. One day my phone was ringing off the hook (this was when the internet was dial up and cell phones were a luxury most of us didn’t have) and the next day it suddenly stopped!! Silence! Absolute silence. I have to admit it was quite disorienting. Now, here I am again, facing the end of my absolute last (or my husband will kill me) term as one of your presidents, and it is once again bittersweet. While I look forward to a little me time, one of the best aspects of being president is having the opportunity to meet and work with so many smart, talented, and fun members; and that I will miss. Please know it has been my honor and privilege to serve you.

I know our new President Cindy Formica and her board will do an amazing job and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for us. But before Elaine and I totally bow out, we plan to take a little victory lap and encroach on Cindy’s year just a bit. So, while Cindy and her board will be installed at our May 5^th meeting, Elaine and I still have our biggest fund raiser of the year in June. I’m sure most of you are ready to P-A-R-T-Y after the year we have all had, so please help us score a touchdown by attending the Ultimate Tailgate on June 5^th!! We really need your participation!! Buy your tickets today!

My last hide and seek!! I made it hard last month and the number of “Finders” was quite small (or was my presentation of St. Patty’s day socks at the general meeting to March’s winners a reason to quit playing?). Congratulations Kimberly Johnson and Cindy Formica for having an eagle’s eye and spotting the red football in a photo of table decorations. I’m not going to end my little game with an easy one this month! The first two members to email me at thecircle4children@gmail.com with the location of the gavel will win a prize!

Before I sign off, I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my awesome Co-President Elaine for making the year both easy and delightful. Thanks for putting up with me. And to our board and committee members who always did what was needed and continue to go above and beyond for The Circle. And to the best darn members any club or organization has! You all make The Circle a very special place, one I am happy to be a member of. Ok, the music is playing, that’s my cue to say Thank you and I love you all!

Xoxo,

Danielle Houret-Lam, Co-President

“Hometeam” Brandon Leak of 680 The Fan will be serving as Master of Ceremonies for the Ultimate Tailgate at the College Football Hall of Fame. A Decatur native and recognized as one of the most distinct voices in Atlanta talk radio, Brandon regularly sports jerseys supporting all Atlanta teams, earning the nickname “Hometeam”. He hosts “The Hometeam and Hamilton Show” from 9-11 a.m. weekdays on 680 The Fan.

With eight years of experience in sports talk radio, Brandon has served as the first producer for the nationally syndicated 2 Live Stews, sideline reporter for the Georgia Force, voice of the Atlanta Hawks’ pre-game, halftime and post-game shows, and has had other stints ranging from professional boxing to high school football.

A likeable guy with a friendly disposition, he has definitely become a listeners’ favorite. A graduate of Dunwoody High School and an English Major from Moorehouse College – “Hometeam” has ironically prioritized raising funds for and mentoring at-risk children, which is ideally aligned with the Circle’s mission!

Danielle, Elaine and Heather recently visited the Battery’s Terrapin Taproom for additional Patron Party planning. Tough job, but somebody has to do it! Seriously, it’s a pleasure to coordinate fun, interesting events for our members for such a positive purpose and meaningful results. Cheers!

This year’s Patron Party should prove to be an absolute blast! Join us for a cocktail party at Terrapin Taproom at The Battery, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of the Atlanta Braves Truist Park – with beer, wine or water in hand!

Any level sponsor of the Ultimate Tailgate event is considered a Patron, even the $1000 level, which includes 2 tickets to the Patron Party, 2 tickets to the Ultimate Tailgate, and name featured in event program, on website and upcoming newsletter. Contact Heather Rees (678-887-7884), Elaine LaMontagne (404-295-9510) or Danielle Houret-Lam (404-432-4444) to discuss or have important information forwarded to you.

Many thanks for the rock solid support of our Ultimate Tailgate Sponsors this year! With more coming in every day …

The total amount of the items collected for the dance was $517.61 + 191.74 for more underwear and no show socks given to Devereux   Total Amount  $709.35

To link your Kroger card go to www.kroger.com and enter The Circle for Children number, 33533. You can also call Kroger at 1-800-562-4438 and they will sign you up over the phone.