President Cindy Sullivan presenting awards at Banquet

Jeff Dennings received a “Meritorious Service” award (above), Jeff Gauger (absent) received the Club-voted “Optimist of the Year” award, Greg Hilliker was awarded a “Throne” , and Officers and Board took their oaths as they step into service roles. (See other photos below.)

In the day’s earlier gathering, President Cindy Sullivan called the assemblage to order (with some difficulty in light of all the ancillary conversations in the room) and asked Natalie Fox if she would start the “Pledge of Allegiance” and Jack Proffitt to say the morning prayer. Natalie’s response of “Sure” prompted a couple fines – one against her by Jack Medemar and “for thinking that the Pledge starts with ‘Sure’” and another against her Club sponsor for failure to properly indoctrinate her into Club protocol! Jack Proffitt also fined Natalie for failing to offer “Lunch Meeting” (nickname for Joe Farah?) the opportunity to purchase a ticket for the  weekly drawing.

When Rich Lewis was threatened with a fine for sitting alone, he explained that he intended to leave early and did not want to be disruptive, so Mic Goulet fined him for being both separate and sneaky, whereupon Joe Cozart noted that Mic’s label was inappropriate in light of Rich’s open expression of intent.

Jeff Dennings fined Assistant Governor Bill Reaves for using the banned “meeting” term in contradiction of or disregard for the Governor’s expressed preferences, but then Jeff was threatened with a fine for talking about  the recent Florida hurricane’s impact on “Tapioca Stadium”. (This obviously was futile in light of the King’s immunity from fines.) 

Bill also announced:

•  “Nightmare on Lake Nepessing” Fall Fundraiser and Costume Party sponsored by the Lapeer Optimists on October 12 ($21 for the event with a $4K Raffle and beverages available for purchase)ing;
• Cumulus Media network luncheon on Tuesday, October 22 (Noon-1:30 at 6317 Taylor Drive);
• “All Hallowed Police Officers Ball” on October 25th (fundraiser for “VOICES” Child Advocacy Center; and 
• “Optimist Fall Gathering” on November 15-16, 2024, at the Crowne Plaza in Auburn Hills (“fantastic opportunity for networking, learning, and celebrating our shared mission”).

The Board will consider a request from Sleep in Heavenly Peace for a donation to be used for the purchase of a trailer to be used to transport tools and materials to assembly sites –SHP already has a start for the funding but will need about $5,000 for the purchase.

Steve Schlott modeled, suggested, and then generated a list for, the purchase of Club sweatshirts for the 15 members present. Let him know by October 24 if you are interested and did not sign up. (txt: 810-845-1018.)

Joe Farah reminded us of this week’s “Cowboys Football Game” watch at his house, which even Lions fans will be allowed to attend. (4:30 p.m. on October 13 – let Joe know if you are coming so he can prepare for food. Beverages are BYO.)

Phil Holmblade, excited because he had the winning ticket number, was deflated when the “Diamond” that he drew had a “6” rather than the “Queen”, now worth over $1100 in the “Progressive 50/50 Pot”!

Bob Bois, a former Optimist and Flushing resident, passed away on October 7 and a service is scheduled for Saturday, October 12.

Mic Goulet has booked Joy Peterman (Martinbianco, formerly) and Major Randy Hellstrom from Salvation Army to be our guest speakers on November 14, where Bell-Ringing will be discussed.

Jeff Dennings lined us up with a speaker for this coming week (October 17), and he reminded all of us about the informal gathering at 3:30 this afternoon at Kathy’s/Madison’s.

Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”