Warsaw Breakfast Optimist, April 8, 2026

Jeff Murphy was our speaker today, we learned how he is using Pinball to teach STEM concepts in
Warsaw Community Schools Elementary Classrooms

Presiding – Mitch Goon, Past President

Invocation – Jim Kessler

Susan and John Armacost were our greeters today

Greeters – Susan and John Armacost

Announcements –

  • Elections coming up 04/29/26 Paul Finley, Nomination Committee
  • Fundraisers –
    • Car Show – Tom Tearney & Ken Shamblen
    • Triathlon – Jeff Owens & Adam Heckaman
    • Fall Displays – Kris Williams
    • Golf Outing – Chris Hanson &Chris McCray

Membership – Angie Tom/Paul Finley

  • Heather Stockman-Sponsor Brittany Lyon (3rd Reading)
  • Allyson Taylor-Sponsor Stacey Leek (1st Reading)
Jurgen Voss won the 50/50 drawing

50/50 – Won by Jurgen Voss

Program – Jeff Murphy shared the work he is doing with Elementary Students, teaching Science, Technology and Math (STEM) through the fun of Pinball. This new STEAM unit engages students in the design and construction of functional pinball machine prototypes, blending physics, engineering and creativity. The unit, which launched in January and will continue through May, immerses all K-6 students in STEAM principles as they work in collaborative teams to explore force, motion, angles and simple machines. As part of the experience, students refine their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills through an iterative design process.

One highlight includes a special guest presentation by Jeff Murphy, a local pinball expert, who provides students with insight into the mechanics, physics and history of pinball. His expertise further enriches students’ understanding of real-world applications of STEAM concepts.

Optimistic Quote –You don’t have to be great to start, but you do have to start to be great. ~ Zig Ziglar


Next Week’s Program – Student of the Week – Warsaw Area Career Center (WACC)