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April 2006 The World News® 17The InternationalClub ‘visits’England, Page 24.Section 2Vol. 19, No. 10 April 2006Scenes from the 2006 Variety ShowPhotos by LarryResnickBettyTesmerdances inthe VarietyShow.CharlotteHancockand EdBeckperforma hillbillycomedyroutineduringthis year’sVarietyShow.George Engel drives his big ‘Bulldog Mack’ truck. At 4 years old, he knew‘trucks are beautiful.’In theSpotlightPat WellingtonGeorge EngelGeorge Engel is a born entrepreneurwhose career began at the tender age ofseven. It was during the Depression whenhe had a small shoe shining concession inthe Chicago area. One day he heard someonehawking his wares by saying, ”Buy thisand help a vet.” George had no idea whatthat meant but seeing the successful results,he decided to imitate it by yelling,“Get a shoe shine and help a vet.” The responsewas as puzzling to the youngsteras the exciting increase in business.Then when he was 11, George witnesseda mother’s struggle to hang on to threesmall children at a local zoo and an ideawas born. He remembered an old babybuggy in his grandmother’s attic and thusbegan his career in transportation. In notime he had a whole crew of youngsterswith old buggies rescued from dumps hiringthemselves out to beleaguered parentsat the zoo.So it’s not surprising that in World WarII he’d become a motor sergeant in chargeof trucks, trailers and heavy road andbridge building equipment in the SouthPacific. (George says his GIs could havebuilt State Road 200 in one year flat withouta problem.) After the war, Engel ownedand operated Engel and Son Cartage Co.for 35 “loose cannon” years.An active retiree, he and his wife Tommiefirst retired in Arkansas where he waspresident of the Fairfield Bay Shrine Cluband Shrine clowns. Ten years ago the Engelsmoved to On Top of the World whereGeorge has appeared in plays and varietyshows, and has twice imitated Ted Lewis’George Engelshambling style in “Is everybody happy”monologues.A member of the Ocala Shrine Club, he’swon the “Standing Tall” award for outstandingdedication to Shriner hospitals.He also operated the On Top of the WorldSunshine Room that loaned out hospitalequipment. And he’s past president of theOn Top of the World Southern Club, pastpresident of the “High 12” Mason Organization,and Tail Twister for the On Topof the World Lions Club for the past eightyears.An irrepressible optimist and raconteur,George has a philosophy that happiness isa matter of attitude, a thesis well recordedin his book “Why I’m So Darn Happy” andin his weekly columns for the South MarionCitizen.Although George is not sure just whyhe’s so happy, he suspects it’s partly dueto loving parents and living through theDepression and World War II: Those twoevents ”taught me to enjoy the simple pleasuresof life.” Having escaped death threetimes, once in an L.S.T. during a typhoon,he says, “You can’t believe how green thatmakes the grass look.” Photo by Larry ResnickThe Tir–Na-Greine dancers perform at the St. Patrick’s Daycelebration on March 9.IrishAmerican ClubC.M. CaseyMarch 9 was truly a night to rememberas 280 members and guests gatheredat the Health & Recreation Ballroom forour annual Irish event. The ballroom wastransformed with leprechauns and shamrocksso one knew the Irish were here. Tableswere decorated with green cloths andthe centerpieces were all designed withthe shamrock in mind.In addition a special treat was providedby the club as they arranged for the bar tobe opened.The festivities began as you heard thebagpipes, piper David Rodgers, from MarionCounty Sheriff’s Pipes and Drum Unitlead the march with our president, JohnDieckman, vice president, Marge Moore,and our treasurer, Joe O’Brien enteringthe room. Then the Pledge of Allegiancewas given, followed by a wonderful invocationgiven by Pat D’Auteuil that broughta tear to many of our eyes. Professionalentertainers presented an evening of entertainment.They were the Tir–Na-Greinedancers who kept us memorized withtheir wonderful footwork and colorfulcostumes; Larry Gerber, (Florida State MusicDirector) was given a standing ovationfor his magnificent performance. Wow!What a wonderful baritone voice. He wasaccompanied by our own Walter Koenig.We also enjoyed the Celtic Weavers, whowere just a wee bit Irish and entertainedus with whimsical tunes and were quitefull of blarney, and last but not least piperDavid Rodgers entertained us with severalIrish melodies and who exited playing asomber tune of “Wearing of the Green.”Our very own Bob O’Neal was the emceefor the night and as usual he had us all institches, from telling jokes to interviewingnew members. Quite a nice singing voiceBob has as well.As we go to press we are already planningour next event.Please keep May 13 open on your calendar,as it will be our last social event untilfall. Catering will be by Bruce. Come joinus for a night of fun and laughter at theH&R Building. Be sure to look for more detailson this event in the next issue.A gentle reminder for those who mayhave forgotten, the dues for your membershipin the Irish American Club should bepaid to Joe O’Brien. You will find Joe at allof our events and he also is listed in thecommunity directory. He will gladly takeyour money.Until next time, “May your troubles befew and your blessings be more.”