Janssen W. Lemley (3rd from left), of  “Scouting America”     

came to speak with the Club’s 16 attendees about Scouting (formerly “Boy Scouts of America” and is seen above with (L to R) today’s Speaker Chair Dan Crannie, Emily Clark (new in her Associate Development Director position to take over some of Janssen’s responsibilities), and our Club President Cindy Sullivan.

Janssen noted that the “Boy Scouts”, a familiar term for the organization will continue to be recognized until February of 2025, when the name “Scouting America” will become the official designation for the organizations’ broader scope of activities and family membership. Right now, his responsibilities cover 15,000 scouts and he notes that 5 Scout camps remain in Michigan, with an increasing focus on parental importance and involvement. He noted the value of Scouting for instilling values, developing competencies, encouraging leadership roles and skills, and supporting community and environmental stability and improvement, listing prominent Eagle Scouts who have risen to national and international prominence. He also reminded us of the December 12 Boy Scout Bistro event at Warwick Hills. (We have attended or sponsored tables at this event in the past, and you can click HERE for additional info on the event and sponsorship options – thanks to Emily Clark.)

Announcements:

• Steve Schlott confirmed that Member Mike Butts has been admitted to hospice care, and he is able to have contact with friends – a card circulated through the Club for signatures to let him know of our affection and support.
• Assistant Governor Bill Reaves reminded us of this week’s Police Ball, as well as the upcoming District “Conference”. (His use of this term rather than the Michigan District Governor’s approved term “Summit” prompted a fine.)
• Sweatshirts orders are being compiled and submitted, so if members are interested and have not ordered yet, let Jeff Dennings know ASAP.
• Jeff Gauger noted Sleep in Heavenly Peace beds will be built (5 or 6 today by Club members) for kids without them, and a trailer purchase and preparation in proceeding well, with completion date for the valued unit expected around Thanksgiving! Dan Crannie will be doing the custom wrap for the trailer.)
• Joe Farah has arranged for Anne Marie Van Duyne (FIM‘s VP for External Relations) to be our Speaker on October 31.
• Member Tony Tucker noted that posters and buttons are available as part of the the preparation and publicity for this year’s fundraising for Old Newsboys (December 13 being the date for the streetcorner work with a big event at Dort Event Center). Tony is expected to be our Speaker on November 21.
• Phil Holmblade, our Optimist International Foundation Representative, brought sheets and solicited support for the “Dime-A-Day” annual drive for funding projects like youth scholarships and essay/oratorical awards. (Form available HERE for the $36.50/year contribution.)
• Jana Reed related that “Huntington Honors”, a program sponsored by her Bank, is available to recognize law enforcement, present and former military personnel, first responders, and others with “no-fee” accounts, “late charge” waivers, and other supports. She would like to encourage us to let folks know about this gesture.
• “Jack’s Place” in Flushing will be today’s informal 3:30 p.m. gathering, and some other folks (Chamber of Commerce, Rotary?) may join those attending.

Dan proposed fines against those “who did not bring at least one guest” to our breakfast, there was a fine against all who “sit in the same seat week after week after week”, Jana was fined for “not being Optimistic” and bringing a large stack of dimes to Club today, Phil received a fine “for impersonating Joe Farah”, and TailTwister Jack Medemar stayed busy with fine collection.

The “Progressive 50/50 Pot” remains unclaimed and is now $1229!

Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”