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Warsaw Breakfast Optimist, September 2, 2026

Barry Andrew and Randy Polston presented the current focus of the Kosciusko County United Way

Presiding – Brooke Hamstra

Greeters were Chris Hanson and John Teevan

Greeters – John Teevan & Chris Hanson

Invocation – Ot Schroeder

Happy Birthday to Luke Becknell and Maria

Birthdays – Nick Deeter, Luke Becknell, Maria

We granted $1,000 to Agaitas

Check Presentation – Ryan Burgher/Agaitas, $1,000 was granted to Agaitas

Announcements –

Fundraisers Reminders & Updates –

  • Triathlon Final Results Jeff Owens reported that next year’s Triathlon will be June 26, 2027
  • Fall Displays online sale started 08/01/26 Kris Williams & Steve Block
  • Golf Outing (09/08/26) = Chris Hanson & Chris McCray
  • End of the Year Celebration – Wednesday Evening Meeting on 09/30/26 first RSVP email will be sent out today, deadline to RSVP is 09/14/26, Members free, spouses and guests, $25. Here is the link to sign up for the End of Year Celebration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IuNOrPt_uKIzPCdAV8s7fE2pyuvs9voCbVPDPn2WYMs/edit
Kristy Owens was inducted into the club


Membership –

  • New Member Induction – Kristy Owens – Sponsor Michael Rees, Joel Wihebrink, past preseident, conducted the induction
Ron Chambers won $51.50 in the
50/50 drawing

50/50 – $51.50 to Ron Chambers

Kristin Huscher-Pahl was the focus of our Member Moment

Member Moment – Jim Smith & Brittany Lyons – Kristin Huscher-Pahl was interviewed for our Member Moment

Program – Randy Polston introduced United Way Youth Impact, Barry Andrew – Key Youth Programs & Initiatives

  • Youth Worker Cafés & Training: Partners with groups like the Indiana Youth Institute and SCAN to offer workshops, trauma-informed care education, and safety training for local youth leaders.
  • Brain Development: Supports early learning experiences that prepare young children for future school success.
  • Trauma Recovery: Helps children heal from toxic stress and early trauma with community-based support and training.
  • A Caring Community: Connects kids and families with compassionate volunteers and mentors through programs like Days of Caring.
  • Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library: Delivers free books monthly to local children under five years old.
  • Big Give / Tools for School: Coordinates annual back-to-school drives supplying thousands of backpacks and essential items to local students.

Optimistic Quote –


“You can’t go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you areand change the ending.” — Commonly attributed to C. S. Lewis


Next Week’s Program – Optimist Golf Outing Results