Lisa Humphrey came to speak with us today in her role as President/CEO of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Flint & Genesee County at the request of our own Club Member (and BBBS Board Member) Matt Strnad, shown in photo above along with Lisa and our Club President Rich Lewis. Lisa herself is also a new member of Optimist International with the Downtown Flint Club. Lisa had anecdotes about “littles” who did not know any male who had not been in jail and talked about how much of an impact her organization makes on reducing “depression” (20%), increasing “college enrollment” (20%), reduced “arrests” (50%), increased sense of “belonging” (91%), and lowering school dropout rates and absences. In addition, she noted that every dollar invested in the youth targeted by this organization has a $3 health benefit return and read a letter written by a culinary arts student appreciative of support he has received via the organization and his commitment not only to his education, but also to the broader community and community service.
Although BBBS can boast of 202 “Big/Little” matches this year, Lisa notes that 250 remain in wait for a match with a volunteer (aged 14-92) who can commit 4-6 hours per month and understands that “You don’t have to be perfect, but you are willing to be present!”
“King” Matt led in the Pledge and Jack Proffitt led in the invocation at Prez Rich’s prompting, after which Rich asked for
Announcements:
Phil Holmblade reported that 6 Sleep in Heavenly Peace beds were delivered and assembled by Club members (including Cherry Givens, Jack Medemar, and Steve Schlott)and Jeff Gauger noted that even more were added with help of supporters from the local Beta Theta Pi fraternity chapter! (Great work, folks!)
John Farah is going to be in Pittsburgh next week, so he bought a fistful of losing tickets this week trying to offset gasoline costs.
Cindy Sullivan has gotten valuable positive feedback on the Summerfest event. (She brought 2 granddaughters with her this morning – Skylei and Ayla – to make sure that they could make it to their camping trip to Hocking Hills in Ohio. Have a good and safe trip!)
Steve Schlott updated us on his wife Rose’s knee replacement and the ongoing pain management concern that has resulted in 2 ER visits in the last week. Please keep them in mind.
Joe Farah, who is also a member of the Grand Blanc Optimist Club, reported that the GB Optimists would like to collaborate with our Club on Oratorical & Essay Contests this coming year. Consider this, please!
FINES: The combination of neophyte Joe Farah stepping in as “Tyro TailTwister” (“to avoid fines”, someone suggested), the large group present (18 this morning), and the unresolved “Power Struggle” for dominance (between “King” Matt and Prez Rich) made for considerable confusion and laughter this morning.
POT: Despite an extra ticket, John Farah was not the holder for the morning draw for $200, and Jeff Gauger could not find the Queen of Diamonds, so the “50/50 Progressive Pot” continues to build.
Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”