Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Future Dates 

10/12 Molly McCaffery, author & past Optimist essay contestant

10/13 Safe Assured ID at K21 Health Pavilion

10/16 Optimist Singers at Warsaw’s Got Talent

11/11 CASA Holiday Festival  

06/23/12 Triathlon

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

>>>>OPENING

77 Optimists & 8 guests attended our meeting.  Al Grossnickle was the guests of Pete Gano; Andy Galvin was the guest of Fred Nieter; Roland Kramer was the guest of Henry Church; Tim Pohl was the guest of Jerry Clevenger; & Adrian Makolli, Tannan Petus, Nathan VanDuyne, & Britany Neel were the guests of Jim Nesbitt & Jim Kessler.

Door Greeters:  Everett Nifong & Kevin Marose. 

Prayer was offered by Dave Turner. 

Pledge was given to the American Flag. 

Promise yourself was said in unison. 

Birthday Honorees:  Mitch Goon, Gina Voelz & Dave Turner.  Martin Becker led us in the birthday song with pretty good results.

            >>>> INFORMATION

Prayer:  Jim Reeve & Denny Reeve and their families at the passing of their father.

Membership:  Sam Whitaker read Al Grossnickle’s application.  Pete Gano is Al’s sponsor.

Safe Assured ID:  Jay Tate announced an enrollment Oct 13 at the K21 Health Pavilion. Contact Jay to work a 90 minute shift between 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.

President John Sullivan awarded Past President Joel Wihebrink a gift certificate to Cabalas. John commended Joel for the numerous hours he put in last year.  John also thanked our board members who finished their 3 years of hard work:  Chris WigginsEverett NifongMitch Goon, &Lyle Enyeart

Bill Landrigan is raising money for Heartline.  

Sherriff of AttendanceBill Landrigan, is rightly proud of his results.  We have had over 70 here for weeks.

Art Gakstatter reminded us to remember Spooktakular is coming.  Details will follow.

Vice-President, Angie Tom, reminded us that Christmas is coming.  This means the Santa House is coming.  Keep the set-up, take-down & operation in mind.  It will be open Fridays, Saturdays, & Sundays.

Past Gov. Ron Donkers reminded us that our Triathlon as always is the 4th Saturday in June. This next one will be June 23rd of 2012.  Doug Jones will be a race co-director.  Ron has gone to several race conferences over the years.  Recently he heard of the idea of wet cold towels for the participants after the race is over.  Sounds great!

Our Optimist Singers will perform Oct. 16 at Warsaw’s Got Talent. 

Grace Optimist sold calendars to help fund their fees.  They may be the only college club.

Trina Hoy invited us to the November 3rd Community Event and November 4th Education Summit about how we can encourage our brightest young people to settle here.  Call Trina at 269-6562.

Please pray for our Troops and Families:   Capt John Arnoldbik – Army – Chaplain

Sergeants-at-Arms:  Luke BecknellJames Nesbitt, & Bob Jackson entertained us.  Joel Wihebrink is now a new Reverend.  Rev. Henry Church introduced us to his replacement, Rev.Roland Kramer.  Those who have supported Right To Life were recognized.  Ed Nordstrom gave away dictionaries in Pierceton.  Our teachers & law enforcement officers were recognized.  We are encouraged to see the film Courageous.  Luke helped Tracy Horrell sport a pink feather extension in support of breast cancer awareness.  Doug Jones was commended for taking on our Triathlon.  This is what happens when you sit next to Ron Donkers every week.  Everett Nifong is going on a Caribbean cruise.  The Donkers & Chambers are going on a Mediterranean cruise. Hopefully they will not have any Italian toll booth problems.  Ohio State, Purdue, & Colts fans were recognized.     

Jim Reeve won $26 in our 50/50.

Program:  James Townsend of Jas. Townsend & Son, introduced us to their worldwide business that is based in Pierceton.  They make clothes and artifacts for re-enactors.  He started in 1973.  Now several family members are involved in the business.  He started as a muzzleloader.  He noticed some people wore period clothing.  He started making period clothing. His first marketing involved going to reenactments.  As the business grew, they could not make it to all the events.  The catalog was the result. 

They cover from the 1750s to the 1840s.  They make over 250,000 pewter buttons a year. 

In addition to re-enactors, their customers include movie makers and international customers. 

Jas. Townsend & Son, Inc., 133 N First St., P O Box 415, Pierceton, IN 46562.