Newsletter – September 26, 2024
New Member Jana Reed at induction
with Jeff Dennings (Former President standing in for recuperating Cindy Sullivan) and Assistant Governor Bill Reaves just after receiving her pin and taking her oath.
The 13 members present welcomed Jana and were pleased to hear from Bill that we are among the 2 Honor Clubs on the Michigan District of Optimist International, and we are “plus 6” this year for new members and completed service, training, and reporting projects that have qualified us for the Honor.
Speaking of service: Jeff Gauger, Greg Hilliker, and Jim Reigle teamed up today to assemble 5 beds for area kids who had none, and one young guy was so thrilled at his “Big Boy Bed” that we watched him dance on it! (See photo below.)
The Board has transferred its unused money into an account that builds with interest (5%) to add to the projects and organizations that we support.
The Installation Banquet is on October 3 (open to drinks and conversation at 6, with dinner at 7) at Kathy’s in Flushing. If you have not signed up to attend, please contact Jeff Dennings immediately so that he can give the venue accurate numbers for food prep. (See recent email for attendees currently signed up. Note that members Mike Butts and John Losinski are signed on, with guests!) Cost will be $20/person, with cash bar as an option.
Joe Farah is still open to have the Cowboys/Lions football game watch at his place on Sunday, October 13, so please let him know so that he can plan for food.
A fine passed against the “Acting President” Jeff Dennings for interrupting Mic Goulet’s conversation, and other “holding their own meeting” fines flew as the “Jeffocracy” was reinstated, at least temporarily.
Tim Look, from “Frozen in Time” Treasures will be this coming week’s (Oct.3) guest speaker at the regular weekly gathering at Liberty.
Steve Schlott’s lucky ticket to draw the card did not carry him to the Queen of Diamonds, so the the “Progressive 50/50 Pot” remains unclaimed at $986.
President Cindy is doing well, has had bandages removed and is looking forward to both therapy and returning to Club meetings.
Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”
West Flint Optimists and Flushing Rotary Join Forces for Sleep In Heavenly Peace
Every night, as children across the United States lay down to rest, some face a heart-wrenching reality – they don’t have a bed to sleep in. It’s a simple comfort that many of us take for granted, but for these children, it’s a dream they have yet to realize. That’s where the West Flint Optimist Club and the Flushing Rotary Club come into the picture, working together to make a difference in the lives of these youngsters. On Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 8:30 am, the two clubs will unite at Signs By Crannie, owned by West Flint Optimist Club member Dan Crannie, to build beds for the non-profit organization, Sleep In Heavenly Peace. This joint effort is not only a testament to the power of collaboration but also a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together to #celebratecommunity.
West Flint Optimist Club: More Than Just an Optimist
The West Flint Optimist Club, a vibrant and community-oriented organization, has been serving the Flint area for decades. Their mission, as described on their website (westflintoptimists.org), is to “bring out the best in kids.” And they’ve been doing just that through various initiatives and projects that focus on youth development, education, and community involvement.
From organizing scholarships to supporting local schools and youth programs, the West Flint Optimist Club has consistently demonstrated their commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of children in their community. It’s no surprise that they’ve eagerly embraced the opportunity to collaborate with the Flushing Rotary Club and Sleep In Heavenly Peace to provide children with a fundamental necessity – a bed to sleep in.
Flushing Rotary Club: Building a Better Tomorrow
The Flushing Rotary Club, a dynamic service organization, shares a similar passion for community betterment. Their dedication to the local community is evident from their active involvement in various projects, all aimed at improving the lives of those they serve. A visit to their website (flushingrotary.com) showcases their motto: “Service Above Self.”
Rotarians are known for their global reach and local impact, and the Flushing Rotary Club is no exception. Their commitment to making a difference aligns perfectly with the mission of the West Flint Optimist Club, making their collaboration a natural fit. Through their generous partial sponsorship of funding, the Flushing Rotary Club has played a significant role in making this bed-building project possible.
Sleep In Heavenly Peace: Building Beds, Building Dreams
Now, let’s shine a spotlight on the organization that will ultimately benefit from this joint effort – Sleep In Heavenly Peace. Their mission is as straightforward as it is heartwarming: “No Kid Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town.” This noble cause resonates deeply with everyone involved in the upcoming bed-building event.
Sleep In Heavenly Peace (SHP), as detailed on their website (shpbeds.org/chapter/mi-flushing/), is a non-profit organization that focuses on providing safe, comfortable beds to children who would otherwise be sleeping on the floor. Founded on the belief that every child deserves a good night’s sleep, SHP operates through a network of local chapters, one of which is right here in Flushing, Michigan.
The Flushing chapter of SHP is passionate about addressing this critical issue in their community. They work tirelessly to build, deliver, and assemble beds for families in need, ensuring that children have a warm and secure place to lay their heads. The impact of their work reaches far beyond the physical act of building beds; it instills hope, comfort, and a sense of belonging in the hearts of these children.
Coming Together for a Greater Cause
The collaboration between the West Flint Optimist Club, the Flushing Rotary Club, and Sleep In Heavenly Peace represents more than just building beds. It’s a symbol of unity, compassion, and the power of community.
By working together, these two influential organizations are not only addressing a pressing issue but also demonstrating the importance of cooperation in today’s world. The joint effort echoes the nationwide agreement between Optimist International and Rotary International to promote cooperation and community, as encapsulated by the hashtag #celebratecommunity.
On the morning of Saturday, February 3, 2024, members of the West Flint Optimist Club and the Flushing Rotary Club will converge at Signs By Crannie. There, they will roll up their sleeves, pick up their tools, and start crafting beds that will become a haven for children in need. Each nail hammered, each piece of wood cut, and each bed assembled represents a step toward a brighter future for these children.
It’s a heartwarming display of what can be achieved when like-minded individuals and organizations come together to make a difference. The children who will receive these beds won’t just be sleeping better; they’ll be dreaming bigger. They’ll know that their community cares about them, and that sense of belonging can have a profound impact on their lives.
In Conclusion
As we look forward to the bed-building event on February 3, 2024, we’re reminded of the incredible potential for positive change when organizations like the West Flint Optimist Club and the Flushing Rotary Club join forces with Sleep In Heavenly Peace. Together, they are not only providing beds but also hope, comfort, and a sense of belonging to children who need it the most.
So, mark your calendars, and join us in celebrating this remarkable collaboration that embodies the spirit of #celebratecommunity. Together, we can make sure that no child in our town sleeps on the floor, and we can build a brighter, more compassionate future for all.
Newsletters
Newsletter – September 5, 2024
Fifteen of us gathered for breakfast today and stood for the Pledge and grace “intoned” by Jack Proffitt before President Cindy Sullivan called for announcements and sat down. (She is giving her knee a break before saying “goodbye” to it later this month.) Bill...
Newsletter – August 22, 2024
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)...
Newsletter – August 15, 2024
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...
Community Events
December 13th – Pancake Breakfast with Santa and Michigan School for the Deaf
West Flint Optimist Club sponsored one of our favorite events of the year this past Wednesday at Liberty Family Diner: All the elementary students from Michigan School for the Deaf, their family members, and school staff were treated to a pancake breakfast, gifts...
Flushing Summerfest 2023 Beer Tent is Huge Success
There was standing room only on Friday night for the Rock and Roll concert. We didn't hear many complaints (actually only 1 from a guy that showed up already intoxicated). The concert Saturday night wasn't as crowded and the older people that were there for the...