Attendance: 93

Greeters: Chris Mahan, Lisa Mahan

Invocation: David Haines

Guests: JoLynn O’Connell (Andrew O’Connell); Don Parker, Bill Cook and Jim Tague (Noon Optimist Club); Charlie Wagner (Luke Becknell); Reggie Berry (Daren Maierle);  Alaina Cotten; Mark Marley; Mike Hawkins (Jeff Servies); Everett N. (Helen Berry); Eva Grace (Trevor Ross’s daughter)

(Please note that guest names are pulled from the Guest Registration page. To ensure that your guests are listed, please be sure to sign them in and that their information is legible.)

Birthdays: Austin Donavan, Bart Templeton, Rick Swaim, Larry Tucker, Trevor Ross’s daughter Eva Grace

Membership:

Induction: Rick Kerlin conducting – Welcome to our new Warsaw Breakfast Optimists, Charlie Wagner (sponsored by Luke Becknell) and Reggie Berry (sponsored by Daren Maierle)!

Check Presentation:  $500 presented to Cub Scouts Troop 3772. Jim Reeve accepting on behalf of the troop shared that the money will help buy uniforms, cover registration and insurance fees for scouts in need, purchase supplies (awards, badges and books), and pinewood derby cars and trophies.

50/50: No drawing

Committee Reports/Announcements:

Vickie Lootens announced that Cardinal Services needs Elves to purchase Christmas gifts for their clients. For many, this may be the only gift they receive. Over 100 elves are still needed to assist with the program. In total, approximately 220 people will be served this year. To become a Cardinal Elf, email Michelle Boxell at michelle.boxell@cardinalservices.org.

Oratorical Contest – Chris Mahan is challenging members to sponsor a youth for the contest to take place January 28th. The first table to turn in a completed application will win Chris as their butler for a Wednesday morning meeting along with donuts or cinnamon rolls. Contest flyer and application can be downloaded by clicking here.

David Cates invited all to consider attending the Community Call to Action: Opioid Crisis event on December 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Center Lake Pavillion. For more information, visit the event facebook page.  He also encouraged anyone interested to attend the November 30th Toys for Tots Christmas celebration at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club and to bring a toy for children in need.

Santa House – The Optimist Santa House is all set up and ready for the Christmas season. 2 volunteers are still needed to play Santa on Friday, December 8, and Saturday, December 16. Several supervisors are needed for weekends during the holiday season. Contact Andrew O’Connell for more information and to volunteer.

Pam Galloway reported that all shifts have been filled for the Salvation Army bell ringing December 2.

Interested in photography or just like to snap photos with your phone? The club needs a new photographer and you may just be the right person! Contact President Steve Hollar for more information.

$313 has been raised towards the club  “adoption” of our server’s Beth’s children for Christmas.

Sergeants-at-Arms: Brooke Hamstra, Jeff Owens, Gina Voelz

As a preview of our program on the ATF, Jeff Owens quizzed several members with brand names asking them to identify whether it was alcohol, tobacco or a firearm.

Program: ATF Senior Special Agent Dave Albritten presented an overview of the agencies joint efforts along with other police agencies to enforce federal firearms laws and fight the growing opioid crisis. He explained how the task force identifies criminals through undercover agents and confidential informants, uses expert interviewers to close unsolved murder investigations, and employs various investigative techniques to target the source of drugs and get dealers off the streets. He also covered the use of a large data network which houses gun related information including shell casing patterns that can be used in the capture and prosecution of criminals involved in gun-related crimes.