WFOC Newsletter
FEBRUARY 8, 2024
On President Cindy Sullivan’s cue, Karen Lorenc led the Pledge of Allegiance and Ken Cullen spoke the invocation before today’s 15 members began the business and frivolities of the morning.
Cindy talked about the progress of planning for the Flushing Summerfest, noting that tables available to us for the beverage tent last year will not be accessible this year, so ideas for options percolated through the group, and availability of at least 80 or so chairs will also be explored.
Dan Crannie reports that his employees “thanked” him for being able to volunteer with the Sleep in Heavenly Peace “Build Day” to produce 46 “complete” beds. (Some additional components were also processed by the 55 volunteers from Flushing Rotary, Flushing Moose Lodge, First Baptist Church of Davison, Beta Theta Pi fraternity at Kettering University, Signs by Crannie, Jets Pizza, and our own Optimist Club.)
Dan Crannie bought the right ticket but did not draw the right card to win the $513 “50/50 Progressive Pot”.
FEBRUARY 15, 2024
This morning we had thirteen members arrive for the meeting, despite dire predictions of weather challenges—which didn’t materialize, although it did begin snowing by the time we adjourned. It was a rather sedate, well behaved group that conducted a bit of business and fostered fellowship. Here are some “highlights” of the gathering:
- Jeff Dennings announced the Big Brothers/Big Sisters bowling event on Thursday, FEB 22 at Galaxy Lanes at 6:00 pm. Jeff is looking for additional bowlers AND for financial support. He did get several pledges and is still seeking more. For more information or to be one of the bowlers, please reach out to “King Jeff”.
- Jeff Gauger gave some updates on Sleep in Heavenly Peace:
- He presented Dan Crannie with an emblazoned wooden sample using the SHP template that Dan’s fabricators fashioned. It is believed that this torch fueled tool is a safer way to “brand” the headboards than the hot branding iron. He also had a thank you note from the SHP core group acknowledging the great effort and participation by the team at Signs by Crannie.
- Jeff also announced the bed delivery and assembly event that will be this coming Saturday, FEB 17. There is always room for more volunteers, whether experienced or novice. This is a most gratifying operation, just seeing the excitement and delight of the children who receive the beds. If you can help, please contact Jeff.
- Separately, our Club signed thank you notes for the FEB 3 bed build and those will be sent to Flushing Rotary, Jet’s Pizza, and Signs by Crannie.
- President Cindy updated the Club on developments with the refreshment tent for Flushing SummerFest, and also referred to some upcoming programs for March that she is working on to get specific dates.
FEBRUARY 22, 2024
We had another nice turnout of members—15 strong—including the not-so-recently-seen Bonnie Kelley. It was nice to see her and catch up on things, perhaps after her birthday and vacation she can join us again soon.
“King” Jeff Dennings wielded his power often and without reservation, almost seeming to dare someone else to bring in a new member and knock him off his lofty perch. Several of us are tempted to do just that.
Jeff Gauger reported on the prior Saturday SHP bed deliveries and assemblies. A total of 19 kids received new beds that day with four teams that included Jeff, his wife and grandson, and on another team, Jim Reigle and Steve Schlott. A resupply of mattresses is expected soon and once they arrive, another session will be scheduled. Jeff’s generous offer to store inventory at his barn is saving much needed funds—one paid storage unit has been eliminated—for the Flushing SHP chapter.
There was discussion of the Flushing SummerFest—approval has been obtained for WFOC to again have a refreshment tent and to conduct a 50/50 raffle. Pencil in the dates of JUNE 20-22 to help with this important fundraiser. Last year’s volunteer crews from Whaley and CANUSA have both been contacted to see if they can help again this year.
Our program was introduced by Rich Lewis: Lesly Foreman, director of the Flushing Chamber of Commerce, has been with the Chamber since 2019 and began as director in late 2023. She explained much about the Chamber’s role and various events and happenings—she is both enthusiastic and was wide awake this morning, almost as if she is an Optimist! The photo is of Lesly and our three members who also function as Chamber Ambassadors: Rich, Lesly, President Cindy Sullivan, and Karen Lorenc.
Program Chairs:
MARCH——Cindy Sullivan
APRIL———Steve Schlott
Note—-both have some programs already lined up and they will be announced soon. As always, if you have an idea for a program, please share it!
Until next time: “Promise Yourself …..”
(Thanks, Steve Schlott, for the 2/15 and 2/22 content!)