NEWSLETTER – May 7, 2026
A dozen of us shared breakfast, stories, laughter, and ideas today at Liberty.
Jack Proffitt noted that our Club and Zone have been called on to provide a “basket” of items from our area to raffle off at the upcoming Michigan District Optimist Quarterly “gathering” , and someone suggested that Cindy Sullivan has been knowledgeable about and helpful in generating such an offering in the past, but the absent Cindy is going to the doctor today and has not sounded well for a few days. Ideas and offerings are welcome.
Mic Goulet announced that Sheila Gafney will speak with us on the 21st of this month, but he also noted that damage and construction to the existing Carman-Ainsworth sports fields precludes our usual participation in helping with the Softball Throw event for Special Olympics.
Steve Schlott is absent today with medical issues to manage.
Scott Staley is “celebrating” his 60th birthday, or (as Mic put it) “his freshman year as a senior”.
President Rich Lewis notes that there is a Club Board Meeting on Monday, and Jeff Dennings reminded the group of a “Stammtisch” this afternoon at Paul’s Steakhouse.
The Club spent quite a bit of our discussion time on suggestions of fundraising options – a “Camel Race”, and “Football Squares ticket sales” got considerable “airtime”, possibly adding to our “SummerFest” tent fundraising.
Jack Medemar passed a fine against all those who had “not yet paid a fine.”
Fines were assessed against Mic Goulet for purchasing, keeping, wearing, and selling his beautiful plaid sports coat, notably featured in the recent issue of My City magazine (click HERE to view). Mic also suggested a fine against Tom Yeager because Tom’s bowtie (see photo above) triggered PTSD recollections of Mic’s wife approaching Mic’s neck with scissors to cut off a “too tight” bow.
Greg Hilliker paid additional fines for the revelation of his nickname of “Bucky” (assigned by grandchildren).
Joe Cozart was fined after he stood up to ask us a “groaner” of a riddle – “What do you call a bear without teeth?”, looking for the answer of “Gummy Bear” but Jack “The Huntsman” Medmar’s quick response of “DINNER” got a lot of laughs!
Mic Goulet tried to teach us “old dogs” some “new tricks” to get more “exercise” on “both sides of our brains” (some of us seeming to be “98-pound weaklings” on one side or the other, while others of us are just plain weak on both sides): he actually STOOD to do an in vivo demonstration of his newfound strength-building technique of holding up a single finger on one hand and two fingers of the other and then, after touching the hands together briefly, quickly reversing sides (i.e., the hand that held up one finger now displays two, while the hand originally showing two fingers now displays only one.) His profound dexterity and generosity in sharing prompted several of us to display at least one finger for him to see!
Phil Holmblade drew the winning ticket but not the winning “marked” card for this morning’s “50/50 Progressive Pot” drawing, so…
Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”