West flint Optimist Club – May 16, 2024 Newsletter

West flint Optimist Club – May 16, 2024 Newsletter

Member Jeff Gauger (far left in photo) introduced (l-r in photo) Denina Peacock (Work-Based Learning Coordinator), Timothy (Job Corps residential student) and  Shane Loose (Training Manager) from Flint Genesee Job Corps, and they told us about their beautiful 21-acre campus that houses and trains up to 307 students, age 16-24. Under the aegis of the US Department of Labor, those students, and veterans and disabled persons of all ages, can learn union trades and technology for skills for carpentry, electrical work, homeland security, culinary, truck-driving, drone pilotry, health care, and infotech positions and be placed and supported in jobs for 2 years after completion of their training. The staff maintain a maximum ratio of 10:1 in staff:student roles and those who complete the training are paid at union wage in skilled positions.

Those of us who worked with the students in recent builds and assemblies validated their enthusiasm, responsibility, and prowess in managing their job assignments and all of us were pleased with the camaraderie. It was not surprising that Shane announced his desire to align with and enroll in our Club, and he will be a great asset to our efforts (as we are to his).

President Cindy Sullivan circulated a sign-up sheet for managing tasks in the beverage tent at the upcoming Summerfest, and logistics and licensing tasks proceed as rapidly as possible.

Jeff Gauger reports that 45 beds have been delivered and assembled in the past month for Sleep in Heavenly Peace and that this Saturday (May 18), another Build Day will be held at Davison First Baptist Church, with the build to start at 9 a.m.. We hope for a good group of volunteers and a beautiful day for the outdoor build.

Member Tony Tucker talked about the upcoming 100th Anniversary of Old Newsboys and suggested that we consider table sponsorship and attendance at the June 14 event at Genesys Banquet Center. Mic Goulet fined Tony for his need to get a life after Tony answered Mic’s inquiry about whether there was ever a “Second Baptist Church.”

Seven Club members helped with the Special Olympics “Softball Throw” last week, and the event went well.

Lt. Gov. Bill Reaves announced that he will be adding a new title of Assistant Governor to his credentials next year. He also reminded us that Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Grand Blanc has their monthly Food Distribution this Saturday and that anyone helping out or looking for food access should be there early because of longlines and traffic issues.

Long-term member Ron Ballard’s Memorial service is tomorrow. (Click here for info.)

Jeff Gauger drew the “lucky” ticket for the growing  “50/50 Progressive Pot” (continuing to rebuild from its current $138 figure) but failed to select the dear Queen of Diamonds to win.

Long-term former member Gene Lazar is making noises about returning to visit our “distant” Club in the next few weeks, so prepare to welcome him and show him that the drive is worth it!

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

West Flint Optimist Newsletter – May 9, 2024

West Flint Optimist Newsletter – May 9, 2024

Sheila Gafney, officially “retired” but still involved with Special Olympics, spoke to the group of 14 attendees about the upcoming Special Olympic Games. Locally, we will support them with our presence for the Softball Throw Friday at Carman-Ainsworth Middle School...

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Newsletter – May 2, 2024

Newsletter – May 2, 2024

Sleep in Heavenly Peace - May 2 bed deliveries! Our Club was well represented in the delivery and assembly of beds on May 2.  Serving as lead assemblers to the Job Corps students— who did much of the “heavy lifting”—were Jeff Gauger, Greg Hilliker, Phil Holmblade and...

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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...

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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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