• • • I N F O R M A T I O N • • •
Over seventy Optimists were present. In fact the number was
seventy-two. The following guests were introduced: Dave
Anson, Dennis W. Boyd, Bonnie Bradly, Bill Cook, Steve
Ferber, Ken Hofmaster, Linda Hoy, Romey Wagner, Janelle
Wilson, and Melva Wright. Greetings at the door were offered
by Jeff Noffsinger and Pete O’Connell. The morning prayer
was given by John Crum.
The “Birthdayee” for this week is owned by Charter Member
Gene Groninger. Song Leader Phil Eherenman led the birthday
song even though the honoree was not present. Gene and
his wife, Maxine, called last week and wanted to be remembered
to all their friends.
The prayer corner includes John Kirkpatrick’s wife, Janet,
who has been diagnosed as having cancer. Past President
Jack Jarecki is doing well with his treatments while in Sarasota,
FL. Remember the Mary Smith Family. President Mary Ellen
Jordan read a very delightful letter from Darcy Deeter about
how much the Breakfast Optimists meant to Mary and long time
member Chub. Darcy is their daughter.
The “Students of the Week” were introduced with Steve
Ferber and Dave Anson exchanging roles in reading the citation
and presenting the framed certificate. Students and their parents
are: Josh Bloom (Connie); Tamanna Ranadive (Priti &
Milind); Kaci Smith (Ronald & Toni); Ashley Henry (Natalie);
Bradley Sapper (Frank & Deb); Rusty Curl (Bill & Crystal);
Darrell Cox (Greg); and Caitlin Mannan (John & Christine).
The Club expressed its gratitude to Jim Hayes for preparing
the announcements which appear on the power point each
Wednesday.
President Jordan presented pins to Past Distinguished
President David Haines and Jeff Owens for sponsoring a new
member. In the course of doing so, President Jordan mentioned
that the Club touches the lives of 1,000 kids each quarter.
President Jordan announced that breakfast charges will
increase by fifty cents beginning with the next dues statement.
Fred Nieter remarked on the good orientation given by Ken
Hofmaster and Romey Wagner on the Safe Assured equipment.
These men are from WI. A number of Optimists were also
involved: Angie Tom, Joel Wihebrink, Bill Lawrence, Harry
Gigous, Past President Denny and Millie Andrews, Dan
Miles, Tim Hofer, Fred and Dot Nieter.
Dennis Boyd represented the Community Grace Brethren
Church and its Third Annual Golf Scramble which is to occur on
June 12.
The March Board meeting resulted in the following actions:
$780 for two Little League teams and purchase of a display sign
at Boggs Park, $1 for each of the 700 scouts in the county, up to
$100 per week for the meals for the Boys and Girls Club. April
Board meeting: increase dues to $75 per quarter per member,
Membership: 10/01/05:132
4/26/06:134
sponsor up to ten kids for the Junior Golf with the cost not to
exceed $600, involve the Optimist Recycling Program of inkjet
and laser toner cartridges, $300 to support the Kosciusko Youth
Leadership Academy, and adding $300 to the total on hand
funds to $2,500 in order to grant five $500 scholarships.
Please pray for our Troops and their Families:
R. J. Blackwell (Marines-Recon-Iraq)
Josh Hollinger (Navy-submarine duty)
Jonathan Penn (Army-Tank Btl.-Iraq)
Steve Slaughter (Air Force-pilot training).
Sgts. at Arms Bob Morrison, Jeff Owens, Jason Rich, and
Sam Whitaker turned their responsibilities over to a “guest,”
Sgt. Joe Thallemer. There is still an issue with Sam’s amnesty
program. Sam was put on the hot seat and required to answer
several questions. While doing so, Past President Charlie
Hollar had a power drill simulating a dentist drill. When he
turned it on it was frightening and Sam was convinced that he
had to respond truthfully!
Donkerrs’’ Donatt iion
May 3 – EdCom
• • • I N S T R U C T I O N • • •
Program Chairlady Pat Donkers introduced the Activities
Director of the Warsaw Parks Department, Janelle Wilson. The
speaker presented information about the many kinds of activities
she has scheduled from April 8, the Easter Eggstravaganza to
Friday, December 15, the Christmas Countdown. She highlighted
the Friday evening concerts which run from Friday, June 2 to
August 25. These have continued for twelve years. This will be
the eleventh year for the Country Music Contest and the tenth
year for the Annual Blues and BBQ. The speaker emphasized
the Wal-Mart sponsor of the Kids All-American Fishing Derby.
Movie Mondays is a new event with six of these scheduled for
this season. The Teddy Bear Picnic is also new this year where
toddlers will have to bring their teddy bears to gain admission.
All told, there are twenty-eight special events. Wilson spoke
with justifiable pride for what Warsaw has at Central Park and all
of its facilities when you look at other communities. She identified
the many sponsors and persons who make all of this happen.
• • • I N S P I R A T I O N • • •
“Stick with the optimists. It’s going to be tough enough even if
they’re right.”
–James Reston, JournalistHe’s ho