We had a relatively small gathering of 11 members and 2 guests this morning as President Rich Lewis asked Governor-Elect Bill Reaves to lead the Pledge of Allegiance and Jack Proffitt to say grace before breakfast. (Part of the reason for lower attendance is that 2 of our regular members are at Fantasy Fest in Key West -see photo below of Joe Cozart and Scott Staley with their spouses.)
Ashley Bond, who has taken the CEO leadership position at Boys & Girls Club, came to the Club today to speak about her transition to and general direction of her work with BGC. (See L-R in photo above – Speaker Chair Steve Schlott, Ashley Bond, and Club President Rich Lewis.) Ashley noted that a fundraiser next month will feature the BGC “Steel Drum Band”, that youth are welcome to explore music (with support and instruments from Flint Institute of Music), art projects (assisted by Flint Institute of Arts), recording and media training and opportunities, karate, gym, and dance. She also appreciates the value of, and hopes to expand, case management, therapy and mental health support for youth who could use it. (Her own experiences – being a cancer survivor, newlywed, and step-mother, as well as some academic work in psychology and social work – reinforce this investment.)
Announcements & more:
Greg Hilliker read a poem that Member John Losinski posted on Facebook recently (see HERE).
Phil Holmblade reminded us of Optimist International Foundation’s “Dime-A-Day” campaign.
Bill Reaves reminded the group of a general invitation to join with the Downtown Optimists at Torch tonight at 6:30 p.m. for casual conversation and beverages.
Steve Schlott (standing in for Jeff Gauger, who is in Iowa with his mother today) reported on our support of Sleep in Heavenly Peace: several of our members delivered and assembled 10 beds at 2 locations last Thursday. SHP leader Karen Gasperosky has been dealing with serious health issues but has had some lightening of her responsibilities by the offer of a local church to provide temporary storage space for bedding.
Member Deb Hawley (St. Francis Prayer Center) has had a request for “men’s clothing” donations, so here is a chance to clear unused items from your closets – Cindy Sullivan is willing to transfer these items to Deb for distribution.
“King” Jeff Dennings wielded his power to fine indiscriminately today until “Immediate Past President” and current “Another Butt in the Seat” Cindy Sullivan announced her commitment to bring the Crown back into her possession by bringing in another new member. (Go, Girl!)
Bill Reaves won the chance to win the “50/50 Progressive Pot” worth $146 today but decided to pick up a losing card instead of the Queen of Diamonds.
Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”
