13 members and 3 guests attended today’s breakfast meeting, with Theresa “Queen Bee” Burdette and her 11-year-old granddaughter joining us for a short time while waiting for another (martial arts) meeting in the restaurant. Theresa, recently widowed, is moving here from Texas to be nearer to family members living in the area. She has already found a house and is looking forward to visiting us again (possible membership) when the dust settles. Her humor and positive outlook fit with Optimist Club tradition.
Jeff Gauger stated that he (along with Jim Reigle, Steve Schlott, Phil Holmblade, and Devon- Jeff Dennings’ “Kettering U” nephew) assembled 21 beds this week, completely depleting the Sleep in Heavenly Peace available inventory. A “BUILD DAY” is scheduled for August 16 at the Birch Run Speedway that will resupply the area kids. Please register by clicking HERE to help us with this project!
Jeff also expressed gratitude for the help that Lennox and their local dealer (Member Scott Staley) have given his son’s family in managing needed repairs while hampered by costly, tedious, and critical medical care for Jeff’s granddaughter (related to heart transplant and ongoing treatment. Our Member Jeff Dennings was of great help in telling the granddaughter’s story in an article that helped get the award.
Michigan District Governor-Elect Bill Reaves reports that his mother is doing better (now in regular dialysis) and was moved and pleased by the Club’s expressions of concern and support. Bill also announced and encourages attendance at the OI Michigan District Summer Summit on August 23rd in Holland, MI. (Click HERE for more info..)
President Cindy Sullivan is going on vacation this coming week, so President-Elect Rich Lewis will be standing in for at next week’s meeting. She will be “camping” at the Caseville Cheeseburger Festival and making plans with her husband to address health concerns.
Cindy also announced that Fred Thorsby (Flushing Township Supervisor) will return as speaker in September and may be considering joining our Club.
Steve Schlott and Greg Hilliker were fined plenty this morning, but the funniest fine came when Bill Reaves was fined for “dressing for the gym”, and the fines raised the “50/50 Progressive Pot” balance to $1407 and will grow because Jana Reed’s “lucky ticket” did not carry the luck to the “7 of Clubs” she removed from the remainder of the deck.
Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”