West Flint Optimist Club – October 17, 2024 Newsletter

West Flint Optimist Club – October 17, 2024 Newsletter

Lindsay Caterer Zofchak, Owner/Manager of Rossell Funeral Home

(center above, between President Cindy Sullivan on left, and Treasurer and today’s Program Chair Jeff Dennings on right) spoke with us today about her growth into the funeral and mortuary field as well as the changes in the field in recent years. The Covid pandemic dramatically increased the proportion of cremations to casket burials from under 10% to over 60%, and the size and formality of services has shifted and generally lessened. Lindsay also talked about the use of pre-planning for financial, communicative, and emotional reasons and offered her support for interested parties (who one of our members suggested might be “dying to meet with her” – no, it was NOT Jim Reigle!)

Before the presentation, Bill Hentgen talked about upcoming FIM events, Assistant Governor Bill Reaves reminded us of the October 24th Police Officers Ball in Burton ($50 for food, drink, raffles, and fun) and this coming weekend’s Optimist International “Summit” in Auburn Hills.

Jeff Gauger reported on the restabilizing health of his 10-year-old granddaughter, noting appreciation of our concern and support as well as ongoing prayers. Jeff reported on the fact that Sleep in Heavenly Peace is approaching their 500th bed assembly, thanking the Club for financial and physical investment in this effort. His investment in it and the Club were acknowledged (first in absentia at the Installation Banquet and today, in vivo) with the award of the unanimous vote of all members and a plaque for “Optimist of the Year”.

Tammy Schild returned as a guest today of Bill Reaves and was demonstrating her “Sumo Wrestling” prowess to Phil Holmblade at the end of the gathering today – Welcome, Tammy! (It may have been that Phil had been strained by the weight of the gigantic pizza brought in for the “no-shows” at Joe Farah‘s football game watch who missed the food the first time it was served.)

Please remember Mike Butts, whose health remains fragile and whose absence from our breakfasts leaves a hole!

Rich Lewis drew the lucky ticket today for the  “Progressive 50/50 Pot” and selected the correct suit but not the correct card, so we now hold $1100 for the next winner to split!

Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”

Join Us at Flushing SummerFest 2024

Join Us at Flushing SummerFest 2024

The West Flint Optimist Club is excited to announce our participation in the Flushing SummerFest by hosting a Beer Tent to raise funds for local children’s charities. The Beer Tent will be open from Thursday, June 20 through Saturday, June 22, offering an incredible lineup of entertainment, Michigan craft beers, and fine wines. Here’s a detailed look at what we have planned for this fantastic event.

Event Schedule

Thursday, June 20

  • Open Hours: 5 PM – 10 PM
  • Entertainment: Elisabeth Christe, a renowned country music performer, will grace the tent from 7 PM until close. Enjoy her soulful tunes while you sip on your favorite drinks.

Friday, June 21

  • Open Hours: 5 PM – 11 PM
  • Entertainment: The band Sunset Blvd will be performing live on the Bandshell stage from 7 PM to 10 PM. Dance the night away to their rockin’ tunes from the 80’s.

Saturday, June 22

  • Open Hours: Noon – 11 PM
  • Events:
    • Cornhole Tournament: Sponsored by SisCo Salon & Spa, the tournament will start at noon right in front of the stage. Bring your A-game and compete for fun and prizes.
    • Elton John Tribute Band: Experience the magic of Elton John’s music from 7 PM to 10 PM in the Bandshell. A show not to be missed!

What’s on Offer

At our Beer Tent, we’ll be serving a selection of Michigan craft beers and fine wines. All proceeds from the sales will directly support local children’s charities, making your enjoyment contribute to a worthy cause.

Raffle Prize

Don’t miss out on our exciting raffle! You could win a red Yeti Cooler worth $450. The proceeds from the raffle will be split between the Flushing Christian Outreach Center and Sleep in Heavenly Peace – Flushing. It’s a fantastic opportunity to support these vital community organizations.

Community Support

The West Flint Optimist Club is grateful for the assistance from workers at the Crim Foundation’s CANUSA Games, Whaley Children’s Center, Flushing Christian Outreach Center, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Their support is invaluable in making this fundraiser a success.

Our Sponsors

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Diamond, Gold, Silver, and Bronze sponsors for their generous support. Their contributions are crucial in helping us achieve our mission.

Diamond Sponsors:

  • Staley’s Plumbing Heating & A/C
  • Edward Jones
  • SisCo Salon & Spa
  • Trackside Café
  • Teachout Security
  • Signs by Crannie
  • Red Fox Realty
  • Macksoods
  • Clark’s Greenhouse & Nursery
  • Collagen LLC
  • Alternative Elderly Care
  • John & Theresa Farah

Gold Sponsors:

  • Innovative Tech Solutions
  • The Gym For Her
  • Michael Goulet
  • Cindy Sullivan – Huntington Bank
  • Advantage Intelligent Marketing

Silver Sponsors:

  • Church & Sons Auto
  • I Can Market That!!
  • Mitch Hoffman CPA
  • The Pig & The Hen
  • Rossell Funeral Home
  • Downtown Designz
  • Dr. Jack & Diane Medemar
  • John Costa

Bronze Sponsors:

  • IT Travel Services
  • Teran Dental

About the West Flint Optimist Club

The West Flint Optimist Club is dedicated to serving the community, particularly focusing on the needs and development of children. Through various projects and initiatives, we strive to make a positive impact and foster a supportive environment for the youth in our area.

For more information about our club and our mission, please visit our website.

We look forward to seeing you at the Flushing SummerFest! Join us in making this event a memorable one while supporting a great cause.

Newsletters

Newsletter – October 10, 2024

Newsletter – October 10, 2024

President Cindy Sullivan presenting awards at Banquet Jeff Dennings received a "Meritorious Service" award (above), Jeff Gauger (absent) received the Club-voted "Optimist of the Year" award, Greg Hilliker was awarded a "Throne" , and Officers and Board took their...

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Newsletter – October 3, 2024

Newsletter – October 3, 2024

Tim Look, of FROZEN IN TIME Treasures, spoke with the 16 attendees this morning about the estate sales operation that he started (as almost a courtesy) while he was in the floor covering business until it gradually took so much time and became a niche for his growing...

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Newsletter – September 26, 2024

Newsletter – September 26, 2024

New Member Jana Reed at induction with Jeff Dennings (Former President standing in for recuperating Cindy Sullivan) and Assistant Governor Bill Reaves just after receiving her pin and taking her oath. The 13 members present welcomed Jana and were pleased to hear from...

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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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