Breakfast for 13 included Guest and Speaker Jen Koester from Whaley Children’s Center, who told us about her role as Director of Independent Living and grant-writer for the organization. (Whaley is one of our favorite beneficiaries and supporters of our fund-raisers and events.)She noted that Whaley has managed to remain stable and continue to provide quality Individualized services to very needy youth, despite unstable government funding, difficult decisions, and problematic conduct of the youth – property destruction (especially broken windows) has been an ongoing and costly, if not surprising, challenge. Our own Optimist Governor-designate Bill Reaves continues to represent our Club and organization well by providing meals (like pizza or chicken wraps) to the residents (5 at present) and staff at the Optimist House on a regular schedule. (I apologize to the Club and, especially, to our guest for “taking” 2 posed shots for the newsletter and somehow dropping them from my phone!)
Jack Medemar announced the February 19-22 – Big Bros./Big Sis. “Bowl for Kids” event, soliciting bowlers and sponsors for the event.
Jeff Dennings reported on the most recent Flushing Chamber of Commerce meeting about this year’s Summerfest, noting the theme of “Stars, Stripes, and Summer Nights” theme, the dates (June 10-14), and rough outline of our Club plans and needs for participation, along some discussion of the changes in leadership of the local Chamber.
Jeff Gauger reviewed the process of this week’s Sleep in Heavenly Peace Build Day at Job Corps in which at least 90 workers from Habitat for Humanity, Rotary Club, SHP, Fessler & Bowman, U of M-Flint, Moose Lodge, Central Church of the Nazarene, & 5 of our own West Flint Optimists “built” 54 beds for kids in our area. (Assemblies to follow -see “before” setup and “during” process photos below.)
Steve Schlott reported a sighting of the rare but memorable sighting of the elusive Joe Farah at Flint Farmers Market this week. Steve apparently ran short of dimes for his fines and had to fork over folding money to TailTwister Jack Medemar this morning, and we all know that Jack offers to “make change” but manages to keep more than he disperses! (See photo above.)
A Club “stammtisch” this afternoon at 3:30 is scheduled for Ruggero’s. (Late update: at least 12 showed up for the relatively impromptu and definitely informal afternoon exchange of information and laughter.)
Mic Goulet paid a fine for wearing the only tie in the room at our meeting today, in an apparently ineffective attempt to “ward off evil spirits” (an old Johnny Carson joke); Steve Schlott was fined for “taking a seat at the head table” with our guest speaker; and Cindy Sullivan proposed a fine against the current King Jeff Dennings, quickly amending it and paying the fine herself after she recognized her vulnerable status of “Queen-in-waiting” since Matt Strnad has not yet been installed.
Bill Reaves bought the “lucky” ticket but did not select the “Queen of Diamonds” for this week’s “50/50 Progressive Pot” of $527.
Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”
