14 members gathered at Liberty today, under the scrutiny of “acting President” Mic Goulet, standing in for the absent President Cindy Sullivan (planned absence) and missing Lt. Gov. Bill Reaves (traffic-delayed absence).

Sleep in Heavenly Peace news – 40 more beds have been built for area kids in recent days, and another Build Day is set for September 14, and I believe the last number that I saw was 429 for kids that no longer were sleeping on the floor because of our collective efforts!

Member news – Mike Butts is now reportedly able to drive and may be available to do lunch on occasion with enough notice and patience.

Club Business – Ballots were distributed, votes turned, and tallies to be done for this year’s Optimist of the Year (explained to new members by the old-timers). Recipient will be recognized at the Installation Banquet.

Installation Banquet for next year’s officers is likely to be October 3 at Kathy’s in Flushing, with projected expenses of $50 room rental and 2-meat buffet covered by the Club beyond the expected $20/person charges to attendees.

Bylaws changes requested by Optimist International (regarding privacy issues and access to Club member data) were discussed in open session, and general vote taken, resulting in commitment to comply with OI posture.

Fines today included some for failure to shake members’ hands, failure to propose fines, failure to train newbies in Club protocol, failure to stand while addressing the leader, for “being right”, and for “having deep pockets but short fingers”. This all fueled the $749 Pot, which new member Scott Staley tried (but failed) to take home.

Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”