Our Club received a “Gold Sponsor” award plaque for our long-standing alliance and support of CANUSA (pictured above), which President Cindy Sullivan accepted with surprise and gratitude from the group of friends that worked at our Summerfest beverage tent. Chris “Rooster” Daly did a terrific and hilarious job in his emcee role in which he passed out awards and scholarships to current athletes, recognition of long-term athletic leaders and supporters, and others. Rooster was (almost) shocked speechless when he himself received the prestigious Mott/Manley Memorial Award at the community ceremony covered (but briefly mentioned) by the local ABC television station [Click here to see.] The proceedings also celebrated the life and recognized the passing of a 1997 Mott/Manley award recipient, former Flint educator and Director of the National Center for Community Education, Dan Cady. 

15 members and a first-time guest (64-year old Ed Ashford, who met and was invited by some of our Club members at last night’s Sleep in Heavenly Peace planning meeting) attended this morning’s breakfast meeting.

Jeff Gauger summarized some of the information from last night’s Sleep in Heavenly Peace planning meeting (also attended by Steve Schlott and Greg Hilliker), emphasizing the upcoming “Build Day’ dates of August 10 (at Westside Church on Pasadena in Flushing) and September 14 (Flushing Presbyterian Church at Carpenter & McKinley Roads). Several job functions were mentioned that provide opportunities for individuals with a variety of skills and schedules to help SHP in their mission without major commitments of time, strength, or expertise. 

Cindy noted that Ally Challenge is seeking volunteers for a variety of roles (concessions, transporting golfers and caddies, marshaling holes, distributing water, first aid support, etc.) in the context of this major event that has major PGA players competing for large purses and generating financial support for youth in our area.

Bill Reaves reminded us of the Music Festival (free will offering) and Food Truck event at Faith Lutheran from 11a-3p on this Saturday, July 27.

Bill and Jeff Dennings reminded the Club of the informal afternoon meeting this afternoon (Kathy’s in Flushing at 3:30p) and that Dana and Karen Monville (long-time Optimist leaders at the District, Regional, and International levels) will attend and discuss a possible way of offsetting $100 of each member’s dues. Bill and Jeff also mentioned the upcoming Quarterly Convention. 

Potential changes in location, menu, and payment arrangements for our weekly breakfasts were briefly discussed and will be further investigated by the Board, with a meeting coming up next week.

Steve Schlott has completed all the “Thank-You” recognitions for Summerfest sponsors and they are ready to send.

TailTwister Jack Medemar had worked hard today to generate additional funds for the pot by fining Rich Lewis for prepaying his fines (not Optimistic), fining Cindy Sullivan for bringing in an extra chair (custom-woven folding chair with OI color and logo) but not allowing anyone to sit in it, assessing Jim Reigle for monopolizing fines, etc.. Joe Farah generated several fines by coming in informal garb, being late, and introducing some of his “little-known codicils”. Joe Cozart hoped to benefit from this with his “lucky” ticket for the “50/50 Progressive Pot”, now up to $559, but could not locate the Queen of Diamonds for the win.

Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”