Presiding – Kris Williams

Greeters – Steve Block & Rick Swaim

Invocation – Bill Landrigran

Birthday – Al Grossnickle & Dave

Announcements – Fall Display Update

50/50 – $36 to Jeff Owens

Sergeants – Chris Hansen, Joel Wihebrink & Megan Davis harassed members for bogus reasons.

Program – Austin Rovenstein, Murder Mystery of Atwood. Leroy Lovett was murdered and Virgil Decker  was found guilty of the act.

On March 12, 1921, when one of the most notorious crimes in local Indiana history unfolded in Atwood. A buggy sat on the tracks. Despite emergency braking, a freight train had struck it, splintering it into pieces. A young man was found between the rails, still alive but unconscious. He was taken to Bourbon on the next train, where he died hours later without ever speaking. Almost immediately, details emerged that made it clear this was no accident.

Virgil Decker ultimately was the only one convicted, spending 30 to 40 years in prison. The others had an alibi, Sunday dinner at a relative’s home, and claimed they were never present and knew nothing. Virgil gave five different confession stories over time.

Optimistic Quote – “Choose to be optimistic, it feels better” ~ Dali Lama

Next Week’s Program – Fall Display Breakdown

Presiding – Kris Williams

Greeters – Susan and John Armacost

Invocation – Jim Kessler

Club Announcements –

• Fundraisers Reminders & Updates
• Fall Displays updates Kris Williams & Steve Block – Barn Clean Up will be next Thursday, October 15

Birthday -Jim Brennon

Check Presentation – Joe’s Kids $1,500/Trish Brown-Nichols

Membership –

• Jason Brown – Sponsor Brittany Lyon 2nd Reading, Bob Flamm, Sponsor John Teevan 1st reading

50/50 – Tricia Nichols won $42.00

Members Honored for their Contributions during the 25-26 Membership Year:

• Breakfast Optimist Choir – Martin Becker
• Rookie of the Year – Steve Block
• Pillar of the Community – Rick Kerlin
• Optimist of the Year – Shari Benyousky

Sergeants – Chris Hansen, Bob Jackson & Megan Davis harassed members with various fines for bogus reasons.

Program – Kris Williams was interviewed for a “member moment”, he also outlined his plans as president of the club for the year.

Optimistic Quote -“Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.” — Colin Powell

Next Week’s Program – Austin Rovenstine/Murder Mystery of Atwood

Presiding – Brooke Hamstra

Invocation – Susan Armacost

Greeters – Angie Tom & Allie Weeks

Presentation of the “Colors”:

Birthdays – Abby Smith & Mitch Goon

Announcements –

• Fall Displays are still being delivered, the project is almost complete

Sergeants – Abby Smith, Jeff Owens & Jim Smith harassed members and guests with bogus fines. Members who brought the “best guest” were fined $1.00

There were three groups to whom grants had been provided that were recognized:

Awards –

• Breakfast Optimist Choir – Martin Becker
• Rookie of the Year – Steve Block
• Pillar of the Community – Rick Kerlin
• Optimist of the Year – Shari Benyousky

New members during 25-26 were recognized:

Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Board members for next year were recognized:

Instead, please join us in the evening (09/30/26) to celebrate a successful year and enjoy a meal together!

Event Details:

DATE: 09/30/26

TIME: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, dinner included

MEETING: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

LOCATION: 1400 E Smith St, Warsaw

We’re excited to celebrate with you, reflect on our achievements, and welcome our new leadership. Dinner will be provided, so come ready to enjoy great food and company! If you are unable to attend the celebration, we understand that schedules can be busy and appreciate your support throughout the year! We look forward to joining you for breakfast again next week!

Looking forward to seeing you there!

Presiding – Brooke Hamstra

Greeters – Ron Chambers & Marlene Betances

Invocation – Steve Foegley

Birthdays – Gina Voelz

Announcements –

• Fundraisers Reminders & Updates –
  • Fall Displays update – Kris Williams updated us on the Fall Display Deliveries
  • End of the Year Celebration – Wed Evening Meeting on 09/30/26 Big Brothers Big Sisters – Table of 8 Sign up – 09/29/26 @ WCC, 5:30pm reception, 6:45 Dinner & Program

Membership – Angie Tom – Jason Brown – Sponsor Brittany Lyon (1st Reading)

50/50 – $40 to David Benning

Sergeants – Jim Smith, Jeff Owens, and Abby Smith

Program – Jim Smith introduced Jarod Osborne/Leadership Strategies. Jarod Osborne offers customized leadership graining, coaching packages and keynotes. Self-defense seminars are also offered.

• Coaching Specialties: Leadership, life, midlife, professional, and personal coaching designed to clarify vision, remove obstacles, and build actionable steps.
• Keynotes: Practical and memorable speaking engagements focusing on emerging leaders, communication, and resilience.
• Custom Courses: Tailored training programs and courses built around individual or professional needs.

Optimistic Quote – “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” ~ Commonly attributed to Mark Twain

Next Week’s Program – *No morning meeting, Join us in the evening for the End of the Year Celebration