Seventeen members gathered for breakfast and to listen to 2 speakers this morning:
Our friend and beer tent helper Tony Sitko is chairman for the annual CANUSA events (in Hamilton, Ontario this year) and told us about some of the interesting changes from past years. Aligned with CRIM Foundation, CANUSA has relocated into the new home of the YMCA in the Livewell location on Harrison in Flint; the “68th Olympian Games” are set for July 27th and the CANUSA participants will be competing in Canada August 8-10; Pickleball has been added as a CANUSA option; Border crossing issues have become more complex and will be more costly in light of identification paper requirements and international tension. Tony spoke first because of another commitment at 8 a.m., but he did not rush out without assuring us of his support and plan to help at our Summerfest fundraiser. (See photos below.)
Our own member Mindy Williams updated us on another one of our special interests – Whaley Children’s Center is now in its 99th year of existence and is experiencing some dramatic changes in its population, staff needs, and focus. Less “residential” and needier “mental health” concerns in the populace and intervention approaches have required changes in staffing, type and urgency of service delivery, and challenges in relationships with community organizations. Quicker and more professional interactions with medical support (especially nearby Hurley Hospital) and police have been very valuable, and the staff and administration are only now able to “catch a breath” in their daily preparation and pattern of workplace activity. “No big parties” but smaller groups and limited time exposure (½ hour?) with careful planning (5-day notice?) is the norm for things like “pizza delivery” events. Mindy has also committed to 5 staff members to help with our Summerfest tent, and she reported that the “TUX & TENNIES” fundraiser went well for Whaley.
Fines: Dan Crannie fined everyone who has not sold $200 in raffle tickets for the Summerfest “YETI” cooler. Other fines were levied, but not recorded in this tome.
This afternoon, there is an informal “Stammtisch” at Jack’s Place at 3:30, and a “Set-up” at GCI (formerly GISD) for tomorrow’s Sleep in Heavenly Peace “Build Day”: be prepared with driver’s license and patience for tomorrow’s 7:30 start time. (See photo above.)
Bill Reaves bought the “winning” ticket but drew a “losing” card in the Progressive 50/50 Pot drawing, so missed out on this week’s $1050 numbers.
Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”
