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An enduring local sports tradition

BOBS makes Lodi special, but it needs your help


Monday, August 11, 2008 6:36 AM PDT

Comments (45 comment(s))

I think that everyone who lives or has lived in Lodi recognizes that its unique, small community feel makes it a special place to live and raise a family. One of the reasons for this has been how youth sports have been run.

For nearly 50 years, the BOBS — The Boosters of Boys and Girls Sports — have offered sports for kids in Lodi and the Lodi Unified School District. The BOBS were formed by a group that included Lodi's Parks and Recreation Director Ed DeBenedetti because they knew kids needed something to do, and sports were not offered outside of school. When they were formed, the BOBS offered baseball and it was just for boys. As such, they were known as the Boosters of Boys Sports — thus no "G" in the name. Today, the BOBS offer baseball, basketball, softball, flag football and soccer for 3,500 to 4,500 kids per year.

In addition to the programs that they offer, the BOBS help with field maintenance and repairs. In the very recent past, they have helped with the construction of seating at Kofu Park, built two batting cages, paid for a new infield at Salas Park and made donations to the Save the Grape Bowl fund. These men and women have worked hard for our kids and for Lodi.

Now, many of you may be saying, "So what? What is so special about a volunteer group running youth sports?" Well, aside from the staggering number kids and programs, the real unique thing is the BOBS' relationship with the city of Lodi.

If you want to play one of these sports in Lodi, you go to the Lodi Parks and Recreation Department and register. You don't need to know little Sammy's dad or have enough money to be a team sponsor; you just need to want to play, and that is very unique. Unfortunately, I think that unique relationship is in trouble, and it may mean that little Sammy doesn't get to play.

The BOBS are in trouble for a variety of reasons. First, the BOBS lack internal executive leadership. They need people at the top who can keep the ship on course, draw on the community for support and keep the troops motivated. While their current board has fine people and friends of mine, it lacks the community and political pop to get things done. I think the best way to change this is a marriage between a local service group (Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, etc.) and the BOBS. The service group's membership would be a long-term source of quality people for the BOBS' executive board, a source the BOBS just don't have today.

Second, the BOBS need workers and coaches, but they're not getting them. If your son or daughter is playing in a BOBS' program, check the box that says you will help. If you can't coach, volunteer for a shift in the snack bar.

On the Lodi side of the relationship, it is, unfortunately, all about money. (They may use the word "liability," but what they really mean is money.) Our city management wants the BOBS to continue so long as they pay for services that the city provides. While I have no problem with fees covering costs, the BOBS need to get some credit for the work they do. Our city management must know that assisting the BOBS is a great use of our tax dollars. There is no way that 3,500 to 4,500 kids per year can be served without the BOBS and the city working together; neither one can do it alone. Lodi's management and city council need to answer this question: How many tax dollars will be spent fixing problems that are caused by kids that don't get to play?

John Johnson, CFA, is a Lodi-based business appraiser. You can reach Mr. Johnson at john@johnejohnson.com or at 369-1451.

Reader Feedback

T&C wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:39 PM:

" And patton, judging by your boastfulness, you've probably already told everyone who I am, and I don't really care. They going to sic the big dogs on me and mug me for my hard drive? That's the way you work isn't it? Send the gofers out to do your dirty work for you because you're too cowardly? I'll pray for you in church tomorrow. Good night, sir. "

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T&C wrote on Aug 16, 2008 9:34 PM:

" patton, publish my name? are you the editor and/or publisher of this paper? "

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Neo wrote on Aug 16, 2008 2:51 PM:

" You guys are OUT OF CONTROL!!! LOL! "

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Rhodie wrote on Aug 15, 2008 12:36 PM:

" Then again, I wonder how all our writings would change if our actual names were used. Would we temper our rants if everyone knew who we were or would we not care?

Do anonymous postings lead to a sort of mob mentality where we do things we normally wouldn't do? Boy that would be a fasinating sociology study. Any psych students out there? This would could be your term paper. "

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patton1 wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:59 AM:

" Actually I am not a big coffee drinker. Your problem is that you have a huge inferority complex. I dont care that you love in a small house and on pension but it sure seems to bother you. You hate most of the council and claim that they accept bribes for votes. GOB's are always taking advantage of our city though you never say who or how. Most everytime you blog you are factually off base.I wonder how the insults and lies would change if I published your name? "

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T&C wrote on Aug 15, 2008 9:46 AM:

" Thanks for the encouragement Wy. Maybe we'll meet sometime at Sam's after the harvest is over. I'm looking forward to meeting you all. Patton1 is pretty insecure when he has to make fun of my little 1100 sf house and the fact that I was street smart and had enough common sense and planning to retire early with everything I own paid 100%. I guess I must be the luckiest drug addicted retiree in town. LOL "

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WY wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:45 AM:

" I sometimes take exsederin, when I broke my leg I took motrin and some other pain pill. I take midol too. BFD "

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WY wrote on Aug 15, 2008 8:43 AM:

" Patton 1... do you know who I am? How did you get imfo on this man? are you threatened so much that you called in favors? So are we all at risk of you blowing or handles. Do you know how many square feet my home is? for real! that bugs! I don't even know what you are talking about on this blog. I only read the top couple post. scary. Is there a way we can find out your square footage? "

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T&C wrote on Aug 14, 2008 8:43 PM:

" Patton1, but then what'd you expect of a drug addicted monster who dares to live in a meagerly 1100SF home that's paid for and isn't afraid to speak his piece? You keep saying you know who I am and you keep seeing me at the coffee shop and I've asked politely for you to introduce yourself several times and you still decline. You won't expose yourself to me because they'd laugh you out of the coffee shop and find out what and who you really are because you are well respected there but would be the laughing stock there when they find out you are patton1. By the way, your pace has really slowed down, too. Medical problems, maybe? What kind of pain meds are you on? "

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T&C wrote on Aug 14, 2008 4:43 PM:

" patton1, my little 1100sf house is at least mine, paid in full in 1994 as were my vehicles. I took and early retirement as 55 is our early retirement age. I'll never be rich but I'll never eat out of a garbage can and I'm one who's always willing to share my last bite, even with my enemy. Why do you assume I hate anyone? I just want people to know how the good ol' boys rob, cheat, steal and game the system for their own personal gain and then stand up to the community and want respect. They won't ever get respect as long as their greed controls them. They know who they are and they're the ones who drink themselves to sleep at night, fearing that dreaded knock on the door. That's your problem, patton1, not mine. "

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T&C wrote on Aug 14, 2008 12:43 PM:

" Once again, I'm not on any disability, and how dare you assume I'm abusing any drugs? That's plain slander. I'm no snitch and won't report you to the blogmaster, but I'd sure like to know how you think I'm on disability. Never was. I retired out of Landover, Maryland. Would you like to see my retirement checks? You better watch your accusations? "

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patton1 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 9:45 PM:

" When you retired early out of the trades in the Bay Area, right? Thats the disablity part. The drug dependency is simply a deduction based on your frivoulous claims. "

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patton1 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 9:42 PM:

" TC, I know who you are and your work history and even your 1200 sqft house.Thats right, you are secret no more. "

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T&C wrote on Aug 13, 2008 9:06 PM:

" Looks like those 5 martini lunches are taking their toll, rear admiral. Now wasn't this blog about BOBS? I think it's a great program and thanks to all the people who volunteer their time, this will continue to be a successful venture. Much of the lack of participation today is led by the economy and the cost of living requiring both parents to work to survive the high cost of living and sputtering economy. To be fully involved in BOBS as a volunteer is becoming almost like a full time job. My hats off to those who sacrifice valuable time to make this program continue to move on. "

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T&C wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:59 PM:

" You certainly do, patton1. I'm far from being retired on disability. I don't know who you get your info from but I'm not disabled at all, nor have I ever been. It's city cheerleaders like you that're in denial and don't want to hear the truth about the real games the good ol'boys play around here. Isn't that why you don't want to hear it? And isn't that why you refused Ms. Lea a position on the finance committee and instead appointed another good ol' boy realtor who won't snitch on the real reason this city is so far in debt? You're so funny! You da man, patton1, you da man. And you've overstepped your boundary by accusing me of drug dependency when you don't even know who I am. You, sir, are one cowardly bastard. If I were a snitch, I'd report you, but I have my own way of solving my problems, God will give me the strength to handle that cowardly statement. Sleep well. "

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patton1 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 2:31 PM:

" As an example of his intolerance read my comments which suggest that tc get faith and he goes on to claim that I have insukted is faith and God himself. You prescription drug dependency is out of control , TC. Yes, I know who you are! "

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patton1 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 2:28 PM:

" You deserve no curtesy T&C. Your ravings and libelous claims have put you in disdain where you belong. Your accusations are daily and always without merit of evidence. And I do know who you are. Your life has always been about feeling insecure and jealous of others. You milked your way into a disability retirment early and your life is miserable. I suggest faith because you offer little up to others. I am not sure what doors you are walking into each Sunday but the message has never reached yur heart. "

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Rhodie wrote on Aug 13, 2008 2:24 PM:

" Sometimes I cringe when I find out who else is Catholic. "

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T&C wrote on Aug 13, 2008 12:39 PM:

" Patton1, have you taken advantage of Lodi's new online utility payment service? Guess who the city of Lodi chose to administer this software program and funds? Could it be Farmers and Merchants bank that's getting a very tidy sum for a program the city could've as easily had its own staff handle. But I guess with city staff billing for the private garbage contractor, there's not enough time to do our own city business without paying overtime. Gotta keep those local banks solvent, right patton1? "

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T&C wrote on Aug 13, 2008 12:30 PM:

" Patton1, you need to know who I really am before you make any allegations about what I do or what Christian faith I cherish. There's only one God to go around for everyone and that's who I follow and cherish. I won't go into other aspects of my life and you only impress me as being one in denial with your hatred of Ms. Jane Lea. That would only indicate that you have a deep fear of her. Are you afraid she could, or would expose something about you that you could be hiding? Why the deep hatred. I listen to her and I also listen to you. She makes sense to me , and you do, too, but only until you put on that Lodi cheerleading outfit. You, sir, are a very pathetic man and don't have much room to chastise anyone before first looking in the mirror at yourself. You can condemn me for anything you want, patton1, but when you insult my Catholic Christianity and God, you exhibit yourself as one miserable, hateful person. I thought this was a forum to express opinions and I'll still read what you have to say. I expect the same courtesy. "

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T&C wrote on Aug 13, 2008 12:17 PM:

" Patton1, that's AAA- with Standard & Poor, but with Fitch, who's been solely doing Lodi's ratings for years, it's still BBB+. Lodi just paid a bundle of money to S&P to give them a credit rating because they've taken LEUD funds and hoarded them into the general fund and surplus rather than paying bills and started a $5million line of credit with F&M bank, and that raised their rating from BBB- to BBB+ from fitch and then they paid for a new company, S&P to give them their rating. So which is it, the long term Fitch rating or the newly paid for S&P rating? If the Sentinel would cover issues like these that cost us ratepayers higher rates each time they spend money, maybe we could be informed and not just the stuffed shirts at city hall. Get your facts right, patton, and keep us informed instead of sweeping things under the carpet. "

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Rhodie wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:40 AM:

" Wow, low blood sugar. That last one sounds like gibberish.

Let's try again.

For Large city projects that are more than what is in savings, then a loan is needed like a citizen would need for a house. But before that project goes through a payment plan has to be established and a clear end to the debt set. If not then it will stay on the books so long it starts to look like a city mascot.

Also no new projects can be started until the old ones are paid off. The Water plant gets paid off before the new city hall, the city hall paid off before the new police station. If a city has only minimal debt and large cash flow then these project should be paid off in a relativly short time.

Having the water plant, city hall and police station going all at once leads to a debt snowball that put's the city in $250mill in debt. "

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Rhodie wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:34 AM:

" For the larger than savings projects, like a house would need help. But a plan on when it would be paid off has to be in place before the project goes to ground also has to be there. And no new projects until current ones are paid off. "

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Rhodie wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:32 AM:

" As for cars, you can buy a cheap 3k car that will only last you a couple years and a little pride in driving an older car. Then put the 400-500$ you would have been paying into a newer car into the bank and three years later, you'd have 14000K for a better car (based on 400$/month). But realistically you'd have some car repairs so maybe only 12000$. Where if you buy a 12K car today, for the next three years that money plus interest goes to the bank and stress over one more payment.

Then maybe you see the wisdom of buying used, split the money and buy a 6K$ that lasts you five year and you put the other 6K into paying off your credit cards, student loans or what ever else. And you still don't have a car payment for five more years to save even more.

Even better, you and your family have 400$ extra a month in case something comes up.

People have to be smarter than their debt. "

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patton1 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:24 AM:

" We should have a forced saving program for the city but for large capital projects we would still need to pay over time. "

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Rhodie wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:23 AM:

" And you don't have to have a house payment or even a car payment. Houses are a huge financial commitment that 99% of us need help to buy. But that doesn't mean that you have to have one. You can skip the eating out, not get the Wii just cause it's new or the I-phone. You can live in a budget that pays off the house and then really enjoy life.

When we were looking to move down here we found a house we liked. But the owner had a debt is king mentality with three morgages on his house. He owed more on it 8 years after buying the house than he did when he bought it. And he needed more than 80K over the houses value to be able pay it all back. We weren't going to pay for his debt, passed on the house. A few months after we moved down here we drove by just to see and the house was in foreclosure. "

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Rhodie wrote on Aug 13, 2008 11:16 AM:

" Why not? Why shouldn't a city live inside a budget that includes a savings for emergency construction. Or better yet plan ten years out, knowing a facility will reach it's end in that time and save money to pay for it in cash. Accepting debt as a fact of government is the reason Lodi is in debt by millions, California by Billions and the US by Trillions.

I admit it would be ugly for a while when a government entity tightened its belt, but after it's debt is gone it would run much smoother with a higher cash flow. Debt if not a fact of life despite what Visa and Wells Fargo want you to believe. A city can operate without debt, the problem is we elect people who think spending is better than saving. "

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patton1 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:35 AM:

" You have to distinguish consumer debt like credit cards from capital debt like houses and in some cases cars. Lodi has a AAA- credit rating because of debt vs income. That is the true marker. How else would a city build a wastewater plant for example, in cash? "

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Rhodie wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:20 AM:

" I'll admit we have a morgage on our house. We bought last year, something we couldn't have done if we owed Citibank, masterFraud, Discover, Ford and the various other places the prey on this "I want it all" society we live in. We were able to put more than 20% down and will have it paid off in the next five years, if not sooner. We're cash flowing a pool and have enough for car repairs if need be. And, unlike five years ago, when something comes up like braces or clothes for the little ones, we don't worry about where that money is coming from.

But your right P1, I must be poorly educated to think this is the way to live. How's your life in debt going? "

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Rhodie wrote on Aug 13, 2008 10:14 AM:

" Actually P1 I have five yers of College. I assume by your ignorant statement that you think Credit cards are the great master. Do you like paying someone else to use your own money? Or is it that you have so much of it that you decided that banks deserve more of it?

Contrary to P1's beliefs you don't need credit to survive. You don't need a credit card to get a plane ticket or rent a car or even to buy everything you want. A debit card works to reserve items (tickets, cars and hotels rooms) and, believe it or not P1 cash is still accepted just about everywhere. We haven't used a credit card in five years, last car was paid for in cash and things we need we budget for. It took some adjusting in the beginning but now we can plan on getting just about anything we need without debt.

P1, you pay people to use your own money and then call me stupid for planning a budget I can live with (or at least infer stupidity with the H.S. statement). Your mentality leads to foreclosures. "

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patton1 wrote on Aug 13, 2008 8:27 AM:

" " Credit is bad and debt is dumb" Rhodie is a high school drop out with that kind or reason. "

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Rhodie wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:52 PM:

" patton1 wrote on Aug 12, 2008 4:51 PM:

" Lodi's debt load is higher than I would like but the credit agencys are fine with it. Our credit rating is AAA- I believe. "

Well, credit is bad and debt is dumb. For a city and for individuals. A credit rating is their way of saying you owe a lot of money. The less you owe, the lower your credit rating. I know a few people whose credit FICO scores are under 100 and have more useable income than most millionaires. "

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patton1 wrote on Aug 12, 2008 4:51 PM:

" Lodi's debt load is higher than I would like but the credit agencys are fine with it. Our credit rating is AAA- I believe. "

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patton1 wrote on Aug 12, 2008 4:50 PM:

" T&C, you are on the fridge of reason and society. You are not alone. Thank God that your numbers are small. Misery likes company. Lea is a miserable angry person like you.You will always have reason to complain since your views will always be on the losing side. Your neagtive tone suggests that you dont have a faith of any kind. Why dont you get connected at a local church, joing a service club or volunteer at the Loel Center. "

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patton1 wrote on Aug 12, 2008 4:42 PM:

" Lea was denied because she is a wackadoo. Everybody knows that.Her last initiative was turned down and shows her to be the extremist that she is. What little I know about the fincance committee is that they are at odds with King and are doing their best. "

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patton1 wrote on Aug 12, 2008 4:40 PM:

" On another blog, your answer was that RR has the property to ag mitigate.And I dont think the FCB should pay for the park at all, ever. The extortion that Lodi pulled has lead to a lack of economic activity. I dont think FCB will even be the one to build that project in the end. "

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T&C wrote on Aug 12, 2008 3:30 PM:

" And,patton1, why should SWGateway pay? They aren't building yet. Why isn't Reynolds Ranch and Gillespie paying? Where's those 200 acres they promised to conserve under his contract? Hasn't he got the money to buy any land? What's the holdup? The other projects have purchased land, why not DGP or SJVLC or whoever they are this week? Stop the games and favoritism. "

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T&C wrote on Aug 12, 2008 3:26 PM:

" patton1, so you're just saying this budget and finance committee shook their head yes as Lodi quickly shrunk itself into $250,000,000 worth of debt? Yes, that's 250 MILLION. You're really out of touch aren't you? Does manager King show that committee those thousands of expenditures under $5,000 that he merely signs and then deposits in file 13? Or any of those fancy transfers that seem to disappear between departments? If they were so sincere about letting us see the true numbers, why did they reject Jane Lea for this committee and appoint patton's real estate buddy instead? You're real idiots, each and every one of you who had a hand in denying Ms. Lea a seat on this committee. Everyone knows she would've been honest and exposed everyone of you that have your own little systems of pilfering cash from the city funds while making it look legal. Since it's just unethical, I guess that makes it OK? You ayemeegos tipped your hat when you turned down Ms. Lea and put your realtor buddy on this committee. No wonder Lodi is $250 million in debt and still sinking with wannabes like this council and manager. Mayor Mounce polices you losers. "

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patton1 wrote on Aug 12, 2008 1:26 PM:

" The money for the park is supposed to come from southwaest gateway. Looks loke 10 years in my opinion. "

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Rhodie wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:52 AM:

" Since we're talking about Parks and Rec. Does anyone know if that field on Lower Sac and Century is ever going to be built? How long has this thing been on the books? "

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radone wrote on Aug 12, 2008 11:22 AM:

" Reality-how many games have you coached in Lodi?? John has donated hundreds of his own hours coaching our kids in baseball and basketball.He has even came to one of my practices to teach my kids the correct way to pitch.My only concern is when John says Lodi lacks internal executive leadership-What has Tom Alexander been doing for the last 20 years? Great job John... "

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patton1 wrote on Aug 12, 2008 9:34 AM:

" Yes, and they go through the budget evry year before approval bythe cc for example. Yesterday they had a meeting about the expected shortfall of city monies. They are in effect the watch dog that looks over the cities finances. "

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Scrutiny wrote on Aug 11, 2008 8:57 PM:

" Has anybody in this forum ever even attended a Budget Committee meeting? Ya, me niether! Could someone please explain to me what they do? Anybody!? "

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patton1 wrote on Aug 11, 2008 2:53 PM:

" Isnt he on the finance committee? I aslo seeing him coach youth baseball. I like his columns, he expresses a viewpoint not found other places. "

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reality wrote on Aug 11, 2008 9:45 AM:

" oonce again john is great for volunteering others to solve a problem. last week it was the need for people to run for council. now it is for people to lead the BOBS. i dont see him volunteering for the BOBS board - i dont think he is a member of a service club. if he is the leader he thinks he is then have him get off his duff and get involved! "

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