After a 2-week hiatus, I can get back into the saddle and crank out another newsletter -sorry for delay!
This morning’s breakfast gathering of 13 members had no formal speaker but we had a guest who agreed to talk with us – Brian Birchmeier (photo above), from Aero Retirement Options in the Clio/Flushing area. In addition to coaching folks in preparation for, and transition through, retirement and business structural changes, Brian is a pilot. He works with STEM students, introducing them to aviation and related matters (navigation, communication, mechanics, calculations, etc.) that might engage them in academics or help prepare them for career choices. Thank you, Brian, for coming and thanks to Bonnnie Kelley and Rich Lewis for inviting him.
We reviewed our recent events (Special Olympics Softball Throw, Sleep in Heavenly Peace “Build” and “Assembly” days, Optimist Booth at Flushing HarvestFest (supplying and passing out doughnuts, lemonade, and cider), and talked of upcoming events – Signing Santa Pancake Breakfast for Michigan School for the Deaf, Salvation Army bell-ring, Old Newsboys support, and more that are “in the works” but not yet finalized.
We celebrated the addition of a new member (Tim Sullivan – Cindy’s spouse) despite the fact that he slept in this morning – FINES will ensue! Today’s fines and laughter were plentiful, but in the absence of my notes on the meeting, you will have to take my word for this.
No one claimed this week’s small but growing “50/50” pot, but many tickets were sold in light of the “huge” take by Bonnie last week. (Bonnie returned the money to the Club for our projects -thanks!!)
Plans, arrangements, and food for this evening’s Optimist Club Installation Banquet at Ruggero’s were reiterated and it was a great evening! (See photo below for the swearing in of Officers by Governor-Elect Bill Reaves: [left to right] Jeff Dennings as Secretary/Treasurer; Cindy Sullivan as Immediate Past President; and Rich Lewis as Club President for the ‘25-’26 Optimist Year; and Bill). We have a good Board, an excellent record of events, activities, and membership expansion for this past year, and exciting opportunities ahead.
Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”
