We had 17 folks gather for this morning’s breakfast and enjoy fellowship and celebrate the longevity of the collaboration between our Optimist Club and the CANUSA games. Chris “Rooster” Daly and Tony Sitko talked about the organizational history and changes over the years, the performances of CANUSA athlete competitors (some of which are now members here) and prospects for upcoming competitions.
Our newest member recruit/prospect, Matt Strnad – not yet officially installed as a member – recruited a fabulous speaker for this morning from the Big Brothers/Big Sisters where Matt is a Board Member:
We were pleased to welcome James Washington, who is Chairperson of the BB/BS Board of Directors while also serving as Executive Director of My Brother’s Keeper. Mr. Washington is a dynamic speaker – pastoral experience and credentials have given him opportunities to develop this as have his Life Coach, Leadership Training, and Manufacturing Executive roles. He notes that he walks alongside and facilitates insight, maturity, and character development in both people under 18 (BB/BS) and from 18 up (in MBK). He mentioned several simple principles, including:
- “If 2 people are on a job, 1 is unnecessary”;
- “Consider carefully in decision-making, because consequences have no expiration dates”,
- “If you are reporting a problem to me, have at least 2 proposed solutions”,
- “Respect the dignity of everyone and do not embarrass a person in public” and
- a simple, yet memorable, distinction between “responsibility TO others and responsibility FOR others”.
Many of us found his remarks to be rich and poignant. James also noted that he was a “power lifter” in early CANUSA games!
Rich Lewis reminded Club Board members of the upcoming Board meeting on Monday, Feb. 9, at 6:00 p.m..
Jeff Dennings reported on a meeting he attended with the Flushing Chamber of Commerce, in preparation for clarifying the Flushing SummerFest collaboration this year.
“Bowl for the Kids” (see photo below re: this Big Brothers/Big Sisters fundraiser) is coming up on February 19, and we will send at least 1 team to the event, along with a donation.
Jeff Gauger reminded us of the next local Sleep in Heavenly Peace “Build Day” at Signs by Crannie on February 28. (Dan Crannie is planning a return to regular Club attendance after his Thursday schedule of post-surgical cardiac rehab winds down.)
Phil Holblade solicited a volunteer for collecting Optimist International Foundation contributions during 8 weeks of meetings that he will miss because of his planned “snowbird” visit to Arizona.
Steve Schlott used fellow Club member Tim Sullivan to get information and recommendations for quicker medical attention and will keep us informed as information and plans become clearer.
“Fine” fines:
Joe Farah fined Mic Goulet for having his name and face “plastered all over” in public places. (Mic was prominently recognized for his 50th work anniversary at Gaines Jewelry.) Mic retaliated with a fine against anyone who had not been an Optimist for at least 48 years, catching Joe and several others in that net and beginning a discussion about whether you can be an “optimist” without being an “Optimist”.
Steve Schlott fined all who “didn’t get the memo” for “Pink Shirt Day”. Joe Farah fined Steve Schlott and Joe Cozart for their fine-looking pink shirts and then asked, “Do they make it for men?”, prompting more laughter and discussion.
Greg Hilliker was able to pass “A Record!” of 3 fines this morning!
Phil Holmblade once again drew the right ticket but the wrong card for the growing “50/50 Progressive Pot” and will not be able to fund his Arizona vacation with more “play money”.
Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”
