• • • R E P O R T • • •
Sixty-seven Optimists gathered for the meeting this morning
and two guests were introduced, Keith Gorman and Sally
Mahnken. Door greetings were offered by Dave Turner and
Kevin Weaver, with the morning prayer offered by Immediate
Past President James Nesbitt.
One “Birthdayee” for this week is Martin Becker. Song
Leader Phil Eherenman staged another production, using the
“Optimist Singers” to provide the traditional tribute.
We express our condolences to Larry Bishop and Family on
the death of Larry’s mother-in-law.
President Ron Donkers announced that next week’s meeting
will be held downstairs. You may enter the downstairs floor
through the door just over the street from the main parking lot
east of Westminster.
Congratulations to: Jane Greene, who has been chosen as
Chairman of the Board of the Indiana Association of
Rehabilitation Facilities; and to Joann and Merl Heckaman on
the arrival of a new granddaughter, Elizabeth Ann.
Jane Greene reminded the Club of the duck race scheduled on
Saturday, July 30, at Center Lake beginning at 10:00 a.m. Ducks
are available for $5 and six for $25.
Past Distinguished President John Elliott requested more letters
in support of the application for a grant to build a new facility
for Baker Youth Club. These letters must be in John’s hands
no later than Wednesday, August 3. He has received 35 of the
100 needed.
The committee to prepare the 2005-2006 Club directory is
being formed by Jim Hayes. He needs several volunteers.
Craig Nayrocker needs some help for the Little League tournament
this weekend. If you can commit to two hours, please contact
him. His business phone is 269-4487 and home – 269-
5956. Those who have served were asked to stand for recognition.
The Crusin’ Hoosiers Car Club/Boys and Girls Club is
booked for Saturday, August 20. According to Art Gakstatter
this will feature a car, truck, and motorcycle. He has T-shirts on
sale for the event. Our Club is a sponsor of this project and he
needs many volunteers to stage it.
Another fund-raiser for the Boys/Girls Club was explained by
Andrew O’Connell. This involves a raffle for 2-year lease of a
2006 G6 Pontiac, or $9,000 cash. Tickets are $10 for one or
three for $25. See Andrew for tickets.
The Missoula Children’s Theatre will return on August 12 and
13 at the Warsaw Evangelical Presbyterian Church. The production
this year is “The Jungle Book.” Auditions will occur on
Monday, August 8 for students entering first through twelfth
grades. Fifty to sixty students will be chosen according to
Carmen Lock. She will provide you with further details.
Membership: 09/30/04:129
07/27/05:133
Your Reporter greatly appreciates the consistent and faithful
work of Don Kenipe in keeping the attendance record.
Triathlon Chairman Phil Eherenman reported that the 2005
event cleared $13,700. The first year, 1994, brought in $3,000,
and since then with this year’s included, the combined total is
about $75,000. We are extremely grateful for Phil’s leadership
Please pray for our Troops and Their Families:
John Alley (Army-intelligence-Iraq)
Kelly Dodds (Army-Kuwait)
Adam Hudson (Army-Iraq-2nd tour)
Mackenzie Sheets (Army-Iraq)
Joe Woodling (Marines-Afghanistan).
BILL’S BULLETIN
August 3 – Big Brothers/Big Sisters
• • • R E P A S T • • •
George Brennan was provided the opportunity to explain a program
which he is involved in, the CASA (Court Appointed
Special Advocates). He has served in this capacity for four
years. CASA was started in Seattle by a judge in 1972.
Presently there are over 900 chapters in the nation. Indiana has
sixty-one chapters. In 2004, 15,000 children were assisted. In
1990, Judge Burner saw the need and it was by his leadership
that Kosciusko County had the first CASA chapter in Indiana.
The year of 2004 saw 206 children assisted and for 2005 as of
June 1, 124 children have come under CASA. Since 1990, the
total of children is 906! Brennan enumerated the requirements
to be a volunteer. That person must by twenty years of age,
cares about children, has the ability to remain objective, a realistic
view of children’s needs, a commitment to complete the initial
training program and to work compatibly with others, possesses
the maturity to understand and deal with complex and
emotional situations, and ability to communicate orally and in
writing. There is a great need for volunteers, especially men.
The information the CASA volunteer acquires from all involved in
the child’s case is very essential in how the judge renders his
decision. Sally Mahnken is also involved. Interested persons
may call 372-2401.
• • • R E F L E C T I O N • • •
“The pessimist may be right in the long run, but the optimist
has a better time during the trip.”
— Selected72307