Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Future Dates    

11/24 Sat. Salvation Army Bell Ringing

11/24 & 25 Sat. & Sun. Christmas Tree sales

11/28 Wed. Mayor Joe Thallemer

12/1 & 2 Sat. & Sun. Christmas Tree sales

12/4 Tues.  Baker Youth Club Open House

12/5 Wed. Lindsey Best – Big Brothers Big Sisters

12/7 Fri. Santa House downtown at First Friday

12/8 & 9 Sat. & Sun. Christmas Tree sales

12/9 Sun. Optimist Singers at Rodeheaver

12/12 Wed. Mike Couzens, voice of the Tin Caps – Business of Minor League

12/15 & 16 Sat. & Sun. Christmas Tree sales

12/19 Wed. Optimist Singers

12/22 & 23 Sat. & Sun. Christmas Tree sales

12/26 Wed. no program

1/2 Wed. White Elephant Auction

1/16 Wed. Christon Clark / Habitat for Humanity

1/23 Wed. Warsaw Schools Symphony

2/6 Wed. Rebecca Bazzoni / Jacob’s Ladder

2/13 Wed. Warsaw Schools Band

3/27 Wed. Dave Hoffert / Chief Academic Officer

5/19/13 Sun. Car Show

6/29/13 Sat. Triathlon

 

Wednesday, November 21, 2012 

>>>>OPENING

83 Optimists & 9 guests attended our meeting.  Dennis and Shelly Reeve were the guests of Jim Reeve; J B Feldman was the guest of John Ames; Taylor Cassel was the guest of Lisa Cassel; Aidan Swihart was the guest of Andy Swihart; Carson Kerlin was the guest of Rick Kerlin; Trae Furnivall was the guest of Tracy Furnivall, and Nancy and Delane Jackson were the guests of Bob Jackson.    

Door Greeters:  Trace Hansen and Luke Becknell.

Prayer was offered by Merl Heckaman after he and Millie Andrews led us as we sang Thank You Lord for Saving my Soul. 

Pledge was given to the American flag. 

Promise yourself was said in unison.

Martin Becker led us as we sang “Hail to Optimism.” 

Birthday Honorees:  Fred Nieter and Ann Sweet.  Martin Becker led us in the birthday song with great results on our second try.

 

            >>>> INFORMATION

Prayer Requests:  Matt Boren’s family at the passing of his father, Jail Chaplain John Boren

 

Membership:  Past President Jeff Owens read Dennis Williams’ application.  Dennis Williams is sponsored by Coach Jim Kessler.  Jeff Owensencouraged us to bring guests.  Once they visit they will want to join.   

 

Sheriff of Attendance Bill Landrigan and Deputy Harry Gigous greeted Bill Katip Dr KT Kishan, and Dave Wolkins.

 

Past Pres. Bob Jackson reported Hoops for Hope raised about $2000 for the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund that help families dealing with cancer handle some of the incidentals.  K21 Health Foundation PresidentRich Haddad reported the need is bigger this year than any year before.  Checks can be sent to the K21 Health Foundation for the KCCCF. 

 

Martin Becker invited us to hear our Optimist Singers, Grace College Community Wind Ensemble, Lakeland Community Choir, and Lakeland Youth Chorale perform Christmas by the Lake at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 9 at Rodeheaver.

 

Luke Becknell announced we collected $384 the last couple weeks for food for Salvation Army.

 

Christmas Tree Co-Chairmen Harry Gigous and Ot Schroeder reminded us that Owens East manager Michael McCarty graciously is continuing the offer of $5 donated to us for every Christmas Tree sold at the regular price.  The biggest sale days are the first two weekends in December.  To help sell trees, just show up.  To get in the Pinky Eherenman’s trailer, use the last 4 digits ofJeff’s phone number to unlock the realtor lock that has the key.

 

Jane Wear reported the Santa House is coming along fine.  Ot Schroeder is getting the Octagon students to volunteer as elves.  Jim Hayes is getting the music set up.  Art Gakstatter is moving the Santa House.  It will be downtown Friday, December 7 for First Friday.

 

Past Lt. Gov. and Noon Club member Dennis Reeve and Shelly Reevedelivered Poinsettias

 

Merl Heckaman reminded us to ring the bell for Salvation Army at WalMart and Kmart on Saturday, November 24 at our proper times. 

 

President Tracy Furnivall invited us to the Baker Youth Clubs’ Tuesday, December 4th Open House.  Hours are from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.  Come see Coach Lichtenwalter and the kids.

 

Fred Nieter read a poem by Evelyn Collins, daughter of Ben Collins.  Optibullette Editor Emeritus Wayne Snider found this poem.  It is titled “I Have Lived in the Shadows of Giants.”  We owe more than we can imagine to our veterans. 

 

Past President John Elliott announced our Car Show will be downtown onSunday, May 19, 2013

 

Past Gov. Ron Donkers announcement people are signing up for ourTriathlon.  The date has been changed to the Saturday JUST BEFORE the 4th of July.  It will be Saturday, June 29, 2013.  Also this year in addition to a short swim after the traditional participants, there will be kid’s races for kid’s who are 11 to 12 or 13 to 14.

 

Please pray for our Troops and Families:   Jake Metzger – Coast Guard

 

Sergeants-at-Arms:  John Elliott and Everett Nifong entertained us.

Akash Jain is proud of his wife, Dr. Neeta Jain for being named Physician of the Year at Kosciusko Community Hospital.

Akash is also proud of his daughter, Ananaya for her running championship.

Akash’s daughter, Ananaya’s Lego League Robotics team the Squirrel Girls skit won at the Regional contest.


Alan and Dr. Jenny Lucht are celebrating their anniversary.


Fred Nieter donated a dime for each of his 84 years. 


Mary Ellen Jordan is celebrating 2 more grandchildren and Mary Ann Gradeless is celebrating 2 more great-grandchildren.  They each now have 19.


Optimist Singer Director Martin Becker was in the paper with his trumpet.


We found out that John Teevan did not take Hillary Rodham to the prom.


Dave Wolkins has been pitching Indiana as a great place to do business.


Past President John Elliott donated 4 Notre Dame basketball tickets to the first person to contact him.


Those not wearing their badges were recognized.

 

 

 

Program:   

Cub Scout Cake Auction:  Auctioneers Merl HeckamanBill Landrigan, and helper John Elliott entertained us as they sold us desserts from Cub Scout Pack 3736 and Pack 3715.  Over $850 was raised.