Presiding – Brooke Hamstra

Greeter – Jason Rich

Invocation – Rick Swaim

Guests – Courtney Phail & Quinn

Birthdays – Tammy Smith, Jason Gergley & Rachel Rhoades,
Kristin Farwell

Announcements –

• Fundraisers Reminders & Updates –
  • Fall Displays (online sale starts 08/01/26) = 11 days Kris Williams
  • Golf Outing (09/08/26) = 51 days Chris Hanson & Chris McCray
  • Member Past Dues, Invoices, Letters, OI Dues – Corbin Holtsberry
  • End of the Year Celebration – Save the Date 09/30/26, evening meeting
  • Parking update for Camp Hero – Angie Tom

50/50 – Kristen Farwell – $39.50 to Luke Becknell

Member Moment – Kris Williams & Brittany Lyon interviewed Bob Walsh, he had many adventures with the Circus.

Sergeants – Jim Smith, Jeff Owens & Abby Smith

Program – Brittany Lyon introduced Mothers and Children in Central African Republic
Miss Africa USA/Diana Ngoumape.  Diana-Melissa Ngoumape, a Warsaw resident, participated in the Miss Africa USA pageant on Sept. 6, 2025 and won, becoming the first winner from her home country of CAR (Central African Republic.) Ngoumape knows that winning the competition is not the end-all-be-all for her. In the winners’ package, she gets personal branding, help with her social media, and a trip to Africa. On the trip, she plans on visiting every country in Africa, which has always been one of her goals.

She wants to eventually compete in Miss Universe and Miss World competitions; however, right now, she wants to focus on her work at Miss Africa USA. Ngoumape has set up her goals into three pillars: setting up the NDORA Foundation Impact and Community Center in her home village; focusing on the Umbutu initiative to bring all Africans together; and monthly volunteer activities where she can give back to the community.

Her platform has always been to inspire others, including when it comes to young people.

“We are the leaders of today, not tomorrow,” said Ngoumape.

She explained that people need to start leading now, instead of focusing on what tomorrow will bring. She wants to motivate young people by being the beacon of hope by working hard, believing in yourself, and that achieving anything is possible.

“Your dreams are not too big for you, even if you think you’re too small…If you fail, you get back up, you learn, and you keep growing,” said Ngoumape.

Optimistic Quote – What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what
lies within us. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

Next Week’s Program – Warsaw Education Foundation/Courtney Sale

Presiding – Brooke Hamstra

Greeters – David Byers & Andy Swihart

Invocation – David Benning

Guests – Jeff Owens introduced Grace Hobson – Triathlon Winner

Birthdays – Bob Walsh & Marlene Betances

Check Presentation – Chris McKeand KYLA Program for the amount of $750.00

Announcements –

Fundraisers Reminders & Updates –

• Fall Displays (online sale starts 08/01/26), Kris Williams
• Golf Outing (09/08/26), Chris Hanson & Chris McCray
• Today is our LAST meeting at Grace, it’s Fair Week

Sergeants – Jim Smith, Jeff Owens & Abby Smith harassed and fined them for bogus reasons.

Program – John Teevan introduced Grace College & Orthoworx OIRI Program & Catalyst Corridor Lilly

Click here for more information – Allinkosciusko.com

Implementation Plans/Andrea Sullivan & Dr. Emiko Kreklau.

The Catalyst Corridor Project is a $100 million community transformation in Warsaw and Winona Lake, Indiana. Fueled by a $27 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., the plan connects Grace College to the surrounding towns through four main focus areas:

• Innovation Initiatives: New spaces for local startups and community growth.
• Well-being Amenities: Fields, parks, and trails.
• Connection Ways: Better bike paths and sidewalks.
• Enhanced Placemaking: Beautiful street designs and public art. 

The implementation is a team effort. Grace College, the City of Warsaw, and the Town of Winona Lake work together on these goals. The money from Lilly Endowment helps start the building process. This encourages other businesses and groups to donate money.

The project aims to improve the whole area. This will help local people and make the region a better place to live, work, and learn. 

Key implementation plans and progress include:

Street Upgrades: Planners are looking at Winona Avenue in Warsaw to see how to redesign streets, fix utilities, and add new safe paths

Winona Lake Groundbreakings: Construction started on the Community Fieldhouse and the Winona Lake Bike Park.

Movement & Wellbeing Center: The Center for Movement and Wellbeing officially opened to the public.

The OIRI (Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative) is a $30 million economic development program in Indiana. Funded by the state legislature, it aims to boost the region’s orthopedic medical device industry and improve local quality of life.

The program funds 11 main projects in Kosciusko County, including:

• Community Amenities Program (CAP): Grants up to $500,000 to build parks, trails, and public spaces.
• Community Experience Program (CXP): Helps pay for downtown entertainment, dining, and art projects.
• Talent Development: Programs that teach students manufacturing and technical skills for local careers

Did You Know – Ferris wheels were first introduced at the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago? They quickly became fair favorites.

Next Week’s Program – Back at the Shrine Building Miss Africa USA

Presiding – Brooke Hamstra

Greeters – David Haines Marlene Betances

Invocation – Daren Maierle

Guests – Eden Farwell

Birthdays – John Burtoft, Cory Benz & John Armacost

Check Presentation – Emily Gough/WCHS Environmental Club Program for the amount of $1,000.00. The National Conservation Foundation NCF-Envirothon is an international environmental education competition.

High school teams (grades 9-12) compete in five core areas: aquatic ecology, forestry, soils and land use, wildlife, and current environmental issues. The program uses hands-on field testing and oral presentations to promote environmental stewardship.

Announcements –

• Fundraisers Reminders & Updates
  • Fall Displays – Kris Williams
  • BIG THANKS to Rick Kerlin and Adam Heckaman for bailing straw for the Fall Display
  • Golf Outing – Chris Hanson & Chris McCray

RELOCATION DATES – Due to the Kosciusko County 4H Fair (2): 7/8, 7/15 @ Grace College Alpha Dining

Membership – Angie Tom/Paul Finley
New Member Induction by Bob Jackson – John Sloat sponsored by Jim Kessler

Sergeants –Members were harassed with bogus fines for bogus reasons.

• Mitch Goon – 1974-76 Grace Basketball Camper, finally received his T-Shirt

Program – Clark Shepherd, Allowing Christ to Shine (ACTS)

Here is a video providing more info about ACTS  ACTS_2023.mp4

Clark Shepherd was first exposed to the suffering and poverty of the world first hand in 2008 when he traveled to Honduras with a mission team. He witnessed children and families living in homes made of scrap metal and dirt floors. He spoke with children and families that shared their struggles to have food to eat and clothes to wear. But with their faith, love, and hope in Jesus, they were content and joyful for the blessings in their lives. The Spirit began to speak to Clark’s heart and compelled him to continue to take steps of faith in his life. He left his corporate job in the fall of 2008 and became the Disaster Relief Coordinator for a ministry. He continued to make mission trips and respond to disasters around the world. During this period, Clark raised his own salary through support and donations. He was trusting God to provide for him and his family and The Lord was faithful.

Clark began to talk with people that would go on mission trips or see a disaster on the news and felt called to action to do more. People he spoke with felt a strong desire in their hearts, one that’s rooted in listening to the Holy Spirit, searching for an outlet for their passion or idea to become a reality. This is why Allowing Christ To Shine was created. It is a vehicle or outlet that allows individuals to have a partner in making their spirit led passions become a reality.

Optimistic Quote –
Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth. ~ George Washington

Next week’s Program – Grace College & Orthoworx/Catalyst Corridor Lilly Implementation Plans/Andrea Sullivan & Dr. Emiko Kreklau

Call to Order 7am

Invocation/Prayer Michael Rees

Pledge of Allegiance
Optimist Creed

Optimist Song – Marty Becker

Greeters Joel Wihebrink and Everett Nifong

Guests – Stand/Introduce

Birthdays Jack Birch 06/15

Announcements

Fundraisers Reminders & Updates

• Triathlon (06/27/26) = 10 days Jeff Owens & Adam Heckaman
• Fall Displays (online sale starts 08/01/26) = 45 days Kris Williams
• Golf Outing (09/08/26) = 83 days Chris Hanson & Chris McCray

Mark your calendars for Kosciusko County 4H Fair

RELOCATION DATES (3):

7/8, 7/15, 7/22 @ Grace College Alpha Dining

We were reminded:

Optimist International Jr Golf Championships
Indiana South District Jr Optimist Golf Tournament

Friday, June 19, 2026 @ Oak Tree Golf Course

4712 US-40, Plainfield, IN 46168,

50/50 – Kris Farwell/Ann Sweet

Membership – Angie Tom/Paul Finley

• Allyson Taylor – Sponsor Stacey Leek (1st Reading)
• Kristy Owens – Sponsor Michael Rees (1st Reading)
• John Sloat – Sponsor Jim Kessler (2nd Reading)
• Don Wiesehan Jr – Sponsor Randy Polston (New Member Induction Next Week)

Sergeants – Jim Smith, Jeff Owens, and Abby Smith

Program – Jack Birch introduced:

Alma Hernandez is the Board Chair and Director of Women of Valor in Training (WOVIT), a Christian faith-based non-profit in the Warsaw and Goshen, Indiana area. The organization empowers young women (ages 18-30) to transition from crisis to stability through a 12-month program focusing on mentorship, life skills, and healing. [1, 2, 3]

About Women of Valor in Training (WOVIT):

• Mission: WOVIT helps young women transition from “surviving to thriving” after navigating challenges like addiction, incarceration, or pregnancy. [1, 2]
• Program Structure: It operates a transitional house and a structured four-phase program that lasts approximately 12 months, providing a safe and supportive environment. [1, 2]
• Community Recognition: In early 2026, WOVIT was awarded a $10,000 collective gift grant by 100 Women Who Care Kosciusko County to support its growing operations. [1]

Connect & Support:

• Website/Socials: You can view their programming updates and get in touch with the team directly via the Women of Valor in Training Facebook Page or the Women of Valor in Training Instagram Profile.
• Get Involved: The organization frequently partners with local establishments for give-back nights and community events to raise funds and awareness

Optimistic Did You Know

Did you know, a group of fireflies is called a “Sparkle”?

Next week’s program Triathlon Prep before Event on 06/27/26

meeting was adjourned

Presiding – Brooke Hamstra

Greeters – Ken Shamblin & Steve Block

Invocation – Steve Block

Birthdays – Scott Reust, Doc David Haines, Angie tom & Pete Barnett

Check Presentation Andy Swihart – to introduce Dan Graney/Eisenhower Elementary
for STEAM of Pinball Program for the amount of $250.00

Program – Ben Price/Shari Benyousky introducing Andrea Granger & Dana McAfee.
What did Americans know, and what more could have been done? The exhibition – from the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum and the American Library Association – also presents stories of individual Americans, some of whom took actions that went against the grain at the time, daring to rescue Jews from Europe.

By the time Nazi Germany forced the world into war, democratic civilization itself was at stake. The US military fought for almost four years to defend democracy, and more than 400,000 Americans died.

The American people—soldiers and civilians alike—made enormous sacrifices to free Europe from Nazi oppression. Yet saving Jews and others targeted for murder by the Nazi regime and its collaborators never became a priority.

The United States alone could not have prevented the Holocaust, but more could have been done to save some of the six million Jews who were killed.

Announcements –

Member Moment Update – George Paton is not doing well in the Goshen Hospital.

Bill’s gone viral!

Optimistic Quote/Did You Know – The miracle isn’t that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start. ~ John Bingham

Next Week’s Program – Allowing Christ to Shine (ACTS)/Clark Shepherd