Newsletter – April 18, 2024

Newsletter – April 18, 2024

Matt Shanafelt, Flushing School Superintendent,

receiving Club thanks from Jack Proffitt, standing in for President Cindy Sullivan (planned absence today).

Matt and his siblings grew up in Flushing, and he returned to work in his home school district after some other teaching, coaching, and administrative positions. His work as Superintendent for the past 4 years has him advocating strongly for an upcoming Flushing millage vote that he hopes will help Flushing keep its educational reputation and stabilize its future with improvements to safety, educational technology, and athletic and grounds improvements. “Regardless of how you vote, VOTE!” is his message to Flushing residents, but it is clear that he would like to see the current 3.8 Mil levy (currently 4th lowest in the county) extended into the next couple decades so that hirings and expenditures can be predictably managed. (Right now, 21 bus drivers cover 23 routes with some “double route” payments, delays, and inconveniences.)

13 members listened to and applauded the speaker, and heard other announcements, including:

Monday’s 10 a.m. Zoom Meeting regarding contact with previous sponsors about this year’s Summerfest. (Contact Jeff Dennings for the link.)

Karen Lorenc announced Rotary’s big “Garage Sale” at Flushing Middle School this Saturday.

Steve Schlott reminded us that tomorrow is Sleep in Heavenly Peace “Build Day” at Flint Genesee Job Corps, and volunteers are welcome. Contact Steve Schlott for details.

Jeff Dennings reminded us that the Michigan District Conference for Optimists is at Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation in Battle Creek on May 4th ($25 registration).

Fines were abundant after the Crown was auctioned off to its recent holder, Jeff Dennings, for a measly dollar: Jeff fined all who did not outbid him, Bill Reaves and Joe Farah paid for late arrival and failure to shake hands with fellow Optimists, and Cherry Givens also paid a fine for late arrival and no handshakes but was avenged when Greg Hilliker was fined for “being schooled by the new kid” (Cherry). Steve Schlott paid a fine for not explaining the fine system to the guest speaker that he introduced, and he paid another for being “careless with his money”.

Mike Butts’ return to the Club meetings was celebrated by all of us! Mike got “the lucky number” for the “50/50 Progressive Pot” and asked our guest speaker to draw the “Queen of Hearts” from the remaining cards for the $1000 total. We hope that Matt Shanafelt has a better financial outcome with the millage vote than he had  with his card draw of the “5 of Hearts”, leaving the Pot unclaimed.

Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”

West Flint Optimists and Flushing Rotary Join Forces for Sleep In Heavenly Peace

West Flint Optimists and Flushing Rotary Join Forces for Sleep In Heavenly Peace

Every night, as children across the United States lay down to rest, some face a heart-wrenching reality – they don’t have a bed to sleep in. It’s a simple comfort that many of us take for granted, but for these children, it’s a dream they have yet to realize. That’s where the West Flint Optimist Club and the Flushing Rotary Club come into the picture, working together to make a difference in the lives of these youngsters. On Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 8:30 am, the two clubs will unite at Signs By Crannie, owned by West Flint Optimist Club member Dan Crannie, to build beds for the non-profit organization, Sleep In Heavenly Peace. This joint effort is not only a testament to the power of collaboration but also a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together to #celebratecommunity.

West Flint Optimist Club: More Than Just an Optimist

The West Flint Optimist Club, a vibrant and community-oriented organization, has been serving the Flint area for decades. Their mission, as described on their website (westflintoptimists.org), is to “bring out the best in kids.” And they’ve been doing just that through various initiatives and projects that focus on youth development, education, and community involvement.

From organizing scholarships to supporting local schools and youth programs, the West Flint Optimist Club has consistently demonstrated their commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children in their community. It’s no surprise that they’ve eagerly embraced the opportunity to collaborate with the Flushing Rotary Club and Sleep In Heavenly Peace to provide children with a fundamental necessity – a bed to sleep in.

Flushing Rotary Club: Building a Better Tomorrow

The Flushing Rotary Club, a dynamic service organization, shares a similar passion for community betterment. Their dedication to the local community is evident from their active involvement in various projects, all aimed at improving the lives of those they serve. A visit to their website (flushingrotary.com) showcases their motto: “Service Above Self.”

Rotarians are known for their global reach and local impact, and the Flushing Rotary Club is no exception. Their commitment to making a difference aligns perfectly with the mission of the West Flint Optimist Club, making their collaboration a natural fit. Through their generous partial sponsorship of funding, the Flushing Rotary Club has played a significant role in making this bed-building project possible.

Sleep In Heavenly Peace: Building Beds, Building Dreams

Now, let’s shine a spotlight on the organization that will ultimately benefit from this joint effort – Sleep In Heavenly Peace. Their mission is as straightforward as it is heartwarming: “No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town.” This noble cause resonates deeply with everyone involved in the upcoming bed-building event.

Sleep In Heavenly Peace (SHP), as detailed on their website (shpbeds.org/chapter/mi-flushing/), is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing safe, comfortable beds to children who would otherwise be sleeping on the floor. Founded on the belief that every child deserves a good night’s sleep, SHP operates through a network of local chapters, one of which is right here in Flushing, Michigan.

The Flushing chapter of SHP is passionate about addressing this critical issue in their community. They work tirelessly to build, deliver, and assemble beds for families in need, ensuring that children have a warm and secure place to lay their heads. The impact of their work reaches far beyond the physical act of building beds; it instills hope, comfort, and a sense of belonging in the hearts of these children.

Coming Together for a Greater Cause

The collaboration between the West Flint Optimist Club, the Flushing Rotary Club, and Sleep In Heavenly Peace represents more than just building beds. It’s a symbol of unity, compassion, and the power of community.

By working together, these two influential organizations are not only addressing a pressing issue but also demonstrating the importance of cooperation in today’s world. The joint effort echoes the nationwide agreement between Optimist International and Rotary International to promote cooperation and community, as encapsulated by the hashtag #celebratecommunity.

On the morning of Saturday, February 3, 2024, members of the West Flint Optimist Club and the Flushing Rotary Club will converge at Signs By Crannie. There, they will roll up their sleeves, pick up their tools, and start crafting beds that will become a haven for children in need. Each nail hammered, each piece of wood cut, and each bed assembled represents a step toward a brighter future for these children.

It’s a heartwarming display of what can be achieved when like-minded individuals and organizations come together to make a difference. The children who will receive these beds won’t just be sleeping better; they’ll be dreaming bigger. They’ll know that their community cares about them, and that sense of belonging can have a profound impact on their lives.

In Conclusion

As we look forward to the bed-building event on February 3, 2024, we’re reminded of the incredible potential for positive change when organizations like the West Flint Optimist Club and the Flushing Rotary Club join forces with Sleep In Heavenly Peace. Together, they are not only providing beds but also hope, comfort, and a sense of belonging to children who need it the most.

So, mark your calendars, and join us in celebrating this remarkable collaboration that embodies the spirit of #celebratecommunity. Together, we can make sure that no child in our town sleeps on the floor, and we can build a brighter, more compassionate future for all.


Newsletters

Newsletter – April 11, 2024

Newsletter – April 11, 2024

Tony Tucker, Executive Director of Old Newsboys  was inducted into our Club membership this morning, allowing President Cindy Sullivan to consolidate the power at the top with her designation as both President and Queen and wresting the “indisputable fine” from the...

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Newsletter – April 4, 2024

Newsletter – April 4, 2024

Our 2 guests, Olivia and Kendall from Whaley Children's Center reminded and updated us on the purposes, programs, and people at Whaley. They were excited to share and celebrate one particular “success story” of a young man who surpassed his history of an abusive and...

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Newsletter – March 28, 2024

Newsletter – March 28, 2024

15 members and 2 guests gathered for breakfast and conversation at Valley’s this morning, catching up on Rose Schlott’s recovery from back surgery (Steve is home with her so that she is not alone while  her pain medication diminishes) and other news: Cherry Givens...

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Community Events

Volunteers wanted for “Build Day”!!

Volunteers wanted for “Build Day”!!

The most recent issue of "MY CITY" magazine mentions one of our favorite organizations on its cover: Sleep in Heavenly Peace (Flushing Chapter) has been a beneficiary of our West Flint Optimist Club's financial support and several work teams that have cut, sawn,...

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A FIRST for the West Flint Optimist Club!

A FIRST for the West Flint Optimist Club!

In a "red-letter day" for the West Flint Optimists at the December 28 Breakfast Meeting, Lieutenant Governor Bill Reaves (far left in photo) is shown leading the recitation of vows for new and Board-approved members Natalie Fox (2nd in photo), owner of Red Fox Realty,...

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