Tauzzari Robinson, CEO at Boys & Girls Club

and former Optimist, spoke with us this morning with a detailed overview of Boys & Girls Club (BGC) history, status, and future. A safe place, with food assistance, tutoring and work prep, recreation, and mental health support is provided free of charge to 2315 members year-round (daily attendance averages approximately 25o) at two sites, with some transportation, mobile service, and a third site continuing to develop. The needy service population, warding off threats and effects of poverty, hunger, and transition, have opportunities for computer access, nurturant adult support, exciting and safe growth and healthy learning experiences. We have been pleased to be able to partner with BGC in Oratorical Contests, Dodgeball Tournaments, and other events, as well as supporting projects and programs indirectly with our contributions.

Before Tauzzari spoke, the 14 attendees joined with Mic Goulet reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and were reverent as Jack Proffitt said “grace”, before President Cindy Sullivan called the gathering to order and announced that she would be absent next week in light of her impending knee replacement. (There will be a literal “stand-in”.)

Jeff Gauger reminds that Sleep in Heavenly Peace is having a Build Day coordinated with the annual “Bunks Across America” this Saturday, September 14, and invites volunteers to help set a record for bed-building.

Greg Hilliker announced a free concert at Flushing Riverview Park to benefit Special Olympics (one of our “causes”) this Sunday, September 15th from 1:00- 7:00 p.m., featuring Waylon Hanel, Justin Rose, and Michael Root. (See magazine article and photos below.)

Jeff Dennings and Cindy gave information on Club plans for passing out cider and “donuts” at the Flushing HarvestFest on Saturday, September 28th and asks for member volunteers!

Installation Banquet is set to start on October 3 at Kathy’s “Upper Room” at 6:00 p.m. (dinner at 7:00 p.m. is being “2nd-guessed” because of the “frequently-dismissed-but-highly-touted” meatloaf option).

Joe Farah is inviting us to his house to watch “his” Cowboys compete against the Lions at 4:30 p.m. on October 13.

Jack Proffitt is contacting Michigan School for the Deaf to set up our annual “Signing Santa” Breakfast here.

Deb Hawley will be gathering here with us next week, representing St. Francis Prayer Center.

Until next time, “PROMISE YOURSELF…”