Assistant Governor Bill Reaves attended this past week’s Optimist International Michigan District Convention, noting that our Club is recognized for its longevity (61 Years) and contributions – “Dime-A-Day” members (10+) and membership growth (+7 for the fiscal year) in an Awards from Optimist International (shown in photo above with Jeff Dennings presenting it to President Cindy Sullivan). Mic Goulet, who has brought at least 5 members into the Club, thanked Jeff Dennings and Greg Hilliker for their contributions during the “Covid” and “post-covid” Club operation.

Despite the absence of several “regular” attendees, 16 came to the morning “gathering” (as we now, at the behest of Assistant Governor Bill Reaves, refer to our weekly breakfast encounter) including Mike Butts. It was great to see him and talk with him as he has a respite from his more intense medical treatments.

President Cindy called the assembly together at 7:30 and then immediately created confusion by asking “Jack” to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. (Jack Medemar and Jack Proffitt were the 2 closest people to the newly erected flag! Medemar led the Pledge and Proffitt prayed for the rest of the Club’s activities.) Cindy called for understanding in that she just returned from a camping “vacation” – 1st time weeklong “couple” vacation in a popup camper in Caseville – and is prepping for an extensive leg reconstruction in September.

Asst. Gov. Bill and Greg Hilliker attended an “Open House” at Flint Genesee Job Corps (among our “partners” in our Sleep in Heavenly Peace work), receiving a VIP tour of the 23-acre grounds and buildings, learning more about the youths and training there and meeting several vendors and exhibitors with whom new collaborative ventures may be formed.

Member John Drumm is not here this morning because he is attending to his mother who was hospitalized after a very serious stroke this past week.

The Annual Installation Banquet will be on Thursday, October 3 at Kathy’s in Flushing. We will have a private room reserved for the gathering and conversation at 6 p.m. and the dinner (2 meat options) will be at 7 p.m. for attendees at $20/person and cash bar. The Club will cover costs of the room and the “overage” meal balance. (An informal afternoon gathering at 3:30 p.m. will be held today at Kathy’s. All are welcome.) Jeff Dennings has provided the five menu options for the Banquet: 

• Pineapple Glazed Ham
• Roasted Turkey Breast
• Fried Chicken
• Special Recipe Meat Loaf
• Roast Beef in Marsala Wine Sauce

In our upcoming gatherings, we will discuss and register our preferences to narrow the selection of 2 that will be on the Banquet menu, so make sure to weigh in on the decision.

Joe Farah has made his home available for a Football Game Watch (Detroit Lions vs. LA Rams) on Spetember 8 if there is a critical mass of interest for the event, so let him know if you are interested. (He will send around a sign-up sheet.)

Fines today included 

• TailTwister Jack Medemar’s “fine against anyone who has not paid fines today” (imposed while the opening bell was still vibrating from the “Fines are open!” announcement), 
• a fine against the newsletter author for failure to acknowledge last week’s visit by incoming member Jana Reed, 
• Mike Butts paying a fine “because it’s been a long time since he has paid any”, 
• a fine against Cherry Givens “for eating before everyone else”, 
• and a fine against Bill Reaves for “turning this into a luncheon meeting” with Bill’s lengthy discourse on the term “meeting”! 

No one drew the Queen of Diamonds this week, raising the “Progressive 50/50 Pot” to $812 for next week’s drawing.

Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”