Newsletter – October 10, 2024

Newsletter – October 10, 2024

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:

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…”


West Flint Optimists and Flushing Rotary Join Forces for Sleep In Heavenly Peace

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 19, 2024

Newsletter – September 19, 2024

Debra Hawley, Director of St. Francis Prayer Center (SFPC) (shown above, with Member Mic Goulet,) came to speak with  a sparse but lively group of 10 attendees this morning about her work and how it intersects and interacts with our interests and with other community...

read more
Newsletter – September 12, 2024

Newsletter – September 12, 2024

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...

read more
Newsletter – September 5, 2024

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...

read more

Community Events

Flushing Summerfest 2023 Beer Tent is Huge Success

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...

read more