Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Future Dates
4/25 & 26 Fri. & Sat. District Meeting in Marion
4/26 Sat. District Oratorical Contest in Marion at District Meeting
4/29 Tues. CEO Forum / Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center
4/30 Wed. Josh Wildman CEO of Wildman Business Group
5/7 Wed. Splash Pad / Erin Porter
5/14 Wed. Sheriff’s Office / Aaron Rovenstine
5/18 Sun. City of Lakes Cruise-In
5/21 Wed. Optimist Singers / Memorial Day
5/28 Wed. Warsaw Community Schools / Dr. Craig Hintz
6/4 Wed. FWA Airport Authority – Jessica Miller
6/11 Wed. Mudlove Kyle Garberson
6/16 Mon. Boomerang Backpack Golf Outing
6/18 Wed. Guy Fisher / Goodwill Career Center
6/19 Thur. Optimist Golf Outing
6/25 Wed. Registration Packets for Triathlon
6/28 Sat. Triathlon
7/2 Wed. Rebecca Bazzoni / Jacobs Ladder
7/9 Wed. Christon Clark / Habitat for Humanity
7/16 Wed. Mayor Dr. Joe Thallemer / State of the City
7/23 Wed. Warsaw Area Career Center / Ronna Kawsky
7/23 Wed. Cheerleaders
7/30 Wed. Paragon
8/1 Fri. Penguin Point and Optimist Big Wheel Race
8/6 Wed. Boys Soccer
8/8 Fri. Indiana North District Golf Outing
8/8 & 9 Fri. & Sat. Indiana North District Convention at Warsaw
8/13 Wed. Boys Cross Country
8/20 Wed. Boys Tennis
9/3 Wed. Girls Soccer
9/10 Wed. Girls Golf
9/10 Wed. WCHS Athletics / Dave Anson
9/17 Wed. Crystal Heckaman / Rachel’s Challenge – Friends of Rachel
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Past-President Tracy Furnivall led our meeting.
>>>>OPENING
93 Optimists & 9 guests attended our meeting. Doug Baumgardner was the guest of John Elliott; Bill Cook & Don Parker were the guests of Everett Nifong;Eric Totherah was the guest of Doug Ogle; Andrew Knapp was the guest of Kris Farwell; Matthew Voss was the guest of Juergen Voss; Julia Yastraski was the guest of Jim Bricker; Dr. Nathan Bosch was the guest of Akash Jain; Faith Wood was the guest of Rick Kerlin.
Door Greeters: Abisha Varatharaj & Jenna Secrist.
Prayer: Ot Schroeder led us in prayer.
Pledge was given to the American flag.
Promise yourself was said in unison.
Millie Andrews led us in singing Hail to Optimism.
Birthday Honoree: Frank Grose. Dr. David Haines & Gina Voelz led us in the birthday song with good results.
>>>> INFORMATION
Prayer Requests:
Larry Bishop’s recovery from his 2nd ankle surgery. He will be working on his recovery for awhile.
Max Mock’s ongoing physical therapy.
Nick King, Dan & Carol King at the loss of their home.
Membership: Past Lt. Gov. Dr. David Haines inducted Frank Grose. Membership Chair Kellie Malcom read Doug Baumgardner’s application. Frank & Doug are sponsored by Doug Ogle & John Elliott.
Past President Tracy Furnivall is heading our nominating committee. Please contact him, if you would like to run for a leadership position in our club. We need 4 new Board Members and a new President Elect.
Bill Cook & Don Parker from our Noon Club delivered flowers for Administrative Assistant Day.
President Everett Nifong reported that over and above providing a great breakfast, Golden Corral is donating 100 meals for our students we invite to our meetings. Thanks to Golden Corral for their generosity!
Board Member Michele Bickel gave Matt Voss $300 for the Lake City Skiers. www.lakecityskiers.org
President Elect Rick Kerlin gave Faith Woods a check for Winona Lake’s Limitless Park.
Past Gov. Ron Donkers & Lt. Gov. John Sullivan reminded us of Optimist International Foundation’s Dime-A-Day fundraising program. Some of the overhead for things like the Oratorical and Essay contests at the district and higher levels are in need of funding. The higher level Oratorical Contest winner receives $2,500 and the higher level Essay Contest winner receives $500. As a larger club, we need to cover a large part of these costs. The Dime-A Day program is a great way to do this. Please send your $36.50 to Optimist International Foundation, Dime-A-Day Campaign, P.O. Box 952126, St. Louis, MO 63195. Make sure you put “club # 04555” in the memo section of your check. An even better way to do this is to use a form Ron has to have your card charged $3.05 per month on an ongoing basis. The forms are by the badge box.
Craig Nayrocker is looking for someone to take over writing our Optibullette newsletter. See Craig to find out more.
Bart Templeton is passing around a sign-up sheet for greeters.
Trina Hoy reported our Suggestion Box needs suggestions. It is a great way to get ideas to our leadership.
Trace Hansen is looking applicants for his Eastlake Skate – Octagon scholarships. The Scholarship is for a minimum of two (2) $1000 scholarships to an Octagon member, who is a graduating Senior from WCHS. The application deadline is May 23rd, and can be picked up at the Scholarship office at WCHS. If you have a family member in the Octagon Club, an email request can be sent to Tracesk8s@yahoo.com and he will mail out to the address you provide.
Co-Chair Past President John Elliott started sign-up sheets for our May 18th City of Lakes Cruise-In to Downtown Warsaw. We need more people to work our escorted cruise in particular. Remember to give your sponsorship money to John Teevan, the guy with the money tie. Mayor Dr. Joe Thallemer promised snow plows will be available. The Duesenberg Cord Auburn Museum will feature one or two cars. Special invitations have been extended to the Michiana PT Cruiser Car Club, the Fort Wayne Corvette Club and the Hoosier A Ford Club to host their car clubs at our Cruise In. Working with Owens Supermarket, we’ve also invited the Oscar Meyer “Hot-Dog” Mobile to our show. Purdue President Mitch Daniels has been personally invited to ride his motorcycle and be the Grand Marshall of our escorted Cruise to the Village of Winona Lake. Our event runs from around noon to around 6 p.m.
Our goal is to host 250 cars, trucks, and motorcycles; have some fun; and make $15,000 to support the youth activities of our Club.
As a Club member, we are asking you to commit to three things to help make this event successful:
-
Clear May 18 on your schedule so you can help with the event
-
Be a $25 Trophy Sponsor or upgrade to the Bronze, Silver or Gold level.
-
Secure one additional sponsor of the event at the $500 … $200 … $100 level.
Enclosed in the action packets are a yellow Trophy Sponsor or higher form for members of our club. The white Sponsor form is for others who we are asking to support at the $100, $200, or $500 levels. John Teevan will be monitoring our support. Please turn your sponsorship forms along with your check to “the guy with the money tie.”
President Everett Nifong reminded us of our Golf Outing that will be Thursday, June 19 at 1 p.m. at Stonehenge. Please consider golfing, becoming a Tee Sponsor, donating a door prize or goody bag items. Brochures are coming.
Past Gov. and Triathlon Chairman Ron Donkers asked anyone interested in donating to our Goody Bags to see him about the logistics. He may be able to find a way to help cover some of the cost of providing 600 items. He also reminded us we all need to work our Triathlon. Our new members and our long term members all need to block off the last Saturday in June. We need to keep that open every year. This year it is June 28. Luke Becknell as our manpower chairman can connect anyone with a function that needs help. This year we will have youth races (11 & 12 year olds and 13 & 14 year olds, 15 year olds are with the adults) in addition to our usual event. This year Akash Jain is working with Jim Hayes on the database. Wow, we now have 2 “get-er-done” kind of guys doing this mountain of behind the scenes work! Jim Hayes reports we have 68 registrants.
Past Lt. Gov. Dr. David Haines provided our first post to our Year in Review series. It is featured on the front page of our website. Here is a direct linkhttps://warsawoptimist.org/
President Everett Nifong asked us to keep an eye out for our 3rd quarter dues statements.
Dave Meier announced our 34th Annual Big Wheel Race is Friday, August 1 at Center Lake Park. Registration starts at 5:45 p.m. Race is at 7 p.m. Thanks to Penguin Point for sponsoring the bicycles, trophies, and gift certificates.
Past Governor Ron Donkers asked those who are going to the Indiana North District Conference at Ivy Tech in Marion on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26 see him to be sure you have the revised schedule. Please let Secretary Michele Bickel know if you are going. The District Oratorical Contest is at the conference at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Optimist give out $7500 to Oratorical contestants.
Past Gov. Ron Donkers reported our Indiana North District Convention will be in Warsaw Friday & Saturday, August 8th and 9th. There will be a fun Golf Outingon Friday the 8th.
Past Gov. Ron Donkers thanked Akash Jain for stepping up to help Jim Hayes with our database.
Alan Grossnickle invited us to the CEO Forum “Developing Leaders in Your Company”, Tuesday morning, April 29 at Grace’s Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center. Key Note Speaker is Mike Kubacki, Former CEO of Lake City Bank, Moderator is Pat Miller, Political Analyst, WOWO, Panelist members include: Randy Lake, CEO of Oldcastle Materials, Mark Tarner, President of South Bend Chocolate Company, John Tucker, Co-President of Maple Leaf Farms, Peggy Taylor, Senior Global Vice President of Biomet, and David Findlay, CEO of Lake City Bank. Admission of $40 includes continental breakfast. RSVP on or before April 22 by visiting https://www.grace.edu/ceo-forum
Troy Akers invited us to the 2nd Annual Boomerang Backpacks Golf Outing, Monday, June 16 at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club. It will help feed students from Warsaw, Wawasee, & Tippy Valley on the weekends. Cost is $400 for a foursome. Sponsorship opportunities are available. See Tracey Akers attrakers@warsaw.k12.in.us .
Sergeants-at-Arms: Luke Becknell & Trace Hansen entertained us.
Past Lt. Gov. Dr. David Haines asked us to Google “Optimist Creed secret” to find the 2 hidden lines in Christian Larson’s original version.
The North WEST table knew all about Optimist International’s upcoming convention.
It was noted that Past Lt. Gov. Ot Schroeder is a Benefactor of Optimism.
Nick Deeter has had his nose to the grindstone. The Old Leesburg Mill is now open 7 days a week including Monday through Saturday at 6 a.m.
Past Gov. Ron & Patty Donkers are happy their son, Tom is engaged.
Tracy Horrell is celebrating his new son.
Tyler Miller is celebrating his new daughter.
Future Dates
4/25 & 26 Fri. & Sat. District Meeting in Marion
4/26 Sat. District Oratorical Contest in Marion at District Meeting
4/29 Tues. CEO Forum / Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center
4/30 Wed. Josh Wildman CEO of Wildman Business Group
5/7 Wed. Splash Pad / Erin Porter
5/14 Wed. Sheriff’s Office / Aaron Rovenstine
5/18 Sun. City of Lakes Cruise-In
5/21 Wed. Optimist Singers / Memorial Day
5/28 Wed. Warsaw Community Schools / Dr. Craig Hintz
6/4 Wed. FWA Airport Authority – Jessica Miller
6/11 Wed. Mudlove Kyle Garberson
6/16 Mon. Boomerang Backpack Golf Outing
6/18 Wed. Guy Fisher / Goodwill Career Center
6/19 Thur. Optimist Golf Outing
6/25 Wed. Registration Packets for Triathlon
6/28 Sat. Triathlon
7/2 Wed. Rebecca Bazzoni / Jacobs Ladder
7/9 Wed. Christon Clark / Habitat for Humanity
7/16 Wed. Mayor Dr. Joe Thallemer / State of the City
7/23 Wed. Warsaw Area Career Center / Ronna Kawsky
7/23 Wed. Cheerleaders
7/30 Wed. Paragon
8/1 Fri. Penguin Point and Optimist Big Wheel Race
8/6 Wed. Boys Soccer
8/8 Fri. Indiana North District Golf Outing
8/8 & 9 Fri. & Sat. Indiana North District Convention at Warsaw
8/13 Wed. Boys Cross Country
8/20 Wed. Boys Tennis
9/3 Wed. Girls Soccer
9/10 Wed. Girls Golf
9/10 Wed. WCHS Athletics / Dave Anson
9/17 Wed. Crystal Heckaman / Rachel’s Challenge – Friends of Rachel
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Past-President Tracy Furnivall led our meeting.
>>>>OPENING
93 Optimists & 9 guests attended our meeting. Doug Baumgardner was the guest of John Elliott; Bill Cook & Don Parker were the guests of Everett Nifong;Eric Totherah was the guest of Doug Ogle; Andrew Knapp was the guest of Kris Farwell; Matthew Voss was the guest of Juergen Voss; Julia Yastraski was the guest of Jim Bricker; Dr. Nathan Bosch was the guest of Akash Jain; Faith Wood was the guest of Rick Kerlin.
Door Greeters: Abisha Varatharaj & Jenna Secrist.
Prayer: Ot Schroeder led us in prayer.
Pledge was given to the American flag.
Promise yourself was said in unison.
Millie Andrews led us in singing Hail to Optimism.
Birthday Honoree: Frank Grose. Dr. David Haines & Gina Voelz led us in the birthday song with good results.
>>>> INFORMATION
Prayer Requests:
Larry Bishop’s recovery from his 2nd ankle surgery. He will be working on his recovery for awhile.
Max Mock’s ongoing physical therapy.
Nick King, Dan & Carol King at the loss of their home.
Membership: Past Lt. Gov. Dr. David Haines inducted Frank Grose. Membership Chair Kellie Malcom read Doug Baumgardner’s application. Frank & Doug are sponsored by Doug Ogle & John Elliott.
Past President Tracy Furnivall is heading our nominating committee. Please contact him, if you would like to run for a leadership position in our club. We need 4 new Board Members and a new President Elect.
Bill Cook & Don Parker from our Noon Club delivered flowers for Administrative Assistant Day.
President Everett Nifong reported that over and above providing a great breakfast, Golden Corral is donating 100 meals for our students we invite to our meetings. Thanks to Golden Corral for their generosity!
Board Member Michele Bickel gave Matt Voss $300 for the Lake City Skiers. www.lakecityskiers.org
President Elect Rick Kerlin gave Faith Woods a check for Winona Lake’s Limitless Park.
Past Gov. Ron Donkers & Lt. Gov. John Sullivan reminded us of Optimist International Foundation’s Dime-A-Day fundraising program. Some of the overhead for things like the Oratorical and Essay contests at the district and higher levels are in need of funding. The higher level Oratorical Contest winner receives $2,500 and the higher level Essay Contest winner receives $500. As a larger club, we need to cover a large part of these costs. The Dime-A Day program is a great way to do this. Please send your $36.50 to Optimist International Foundation, Dime-A-Day Campaign, P.O. Box 952126, St. Louis, MO 63195. Make sure you put “club # 04555” in the memo section of your check. An even better way to do this is to use a form Ron has to have your card charged $3.05 per month on an ongoing basis. The forms are by the badge box.
Craig Nayrocker is looking for someone to take over writing our Optibullette newsletter. See Craig to find out more.
Bart Templeton is passing around a sign-up sheet for greeters.
Trina Hoy reported our Suggestion Box needs suggestions. It is a great way to get ideas to our leadership.
Trace Hansen is looking applicants for his Eastlake Skate – Octagon scholarships. The Scholarship is for a minimum of two (2) $1000 scholarships to an Octagon member, who is a graduating Senior from WCHS. The application deadline is May 23rd, and can be picked up at the Scholarship office at WCHS. If you have a family member in the Octagon Club, an email request can be sent to Tracesk8s@yahoo.com and he will mail out to the address you provide.
Co-Chair Past President John Elliott started sign-up sheets for our May 18th City of Lakes Cruise-In to Downtown Warsaw. We need more people to work our escorted cruise in particular. Remember to give your sponsorship money to John Teevan, the guy with the money tie. Mayor Dr. Joe Thallemer promised snow plows will be available. The Duesenberg Cord Auburn Museum will feature one or two cars. Special invitations have been extended to the Michiana PT Cruiser Car Club, the Fort Wayne Corvette Club and the Hoosier A Ford Club to host their car clubs at our Cruise In. Working with Owens Supermarket, we’ve also invited the Oscar Meyer “Hot-Dog” Mobile to our show. Purdue President Mitch Daniels has been personally invited to ride his motorcycle and be the Grand Marshall of our escorted Cruise to the Village of Winona Lake. Our event runs from around noon to around 6 p.m.
Our goal is to host 250 cars, trucks, and motorcycles; have some fun; and make $15,000 to support the youth activities of our Club.
As a Club member, we are asking you to commit to three things to help make this event successful:
Clear May 18 on your schedule so you can help with the event
Be a $25 Trophy Sponsor or upgrade to the Bronze, Silver or Gold level.
Secure one additional sponsor of the event at the $500 … $200 … $100 level.
Enclosed in the action packets are a yellow Trophy Sponsor or higher form for members of our club. The white Sponsor form is for others who we are asking to support at the $100, $200, or $500 levels. John Teevan will be monitoring our support. Please turn your sponsorship forms along with your check to “the guy with the money tie.”
President Everett Nifong reminded us of our Golf Outing that will be Thursday, June 19 at 1 p.m. at Stonehenge. Please consider golfing, becoming a Tee Sponsor, donating a door prize or goody bag items. Brochures are coming.
Past Gov. and Triathlon Chairman Ron Donkers asked anyone interested in donating to our Goody Bags to see him about the logistics. He may be able to find a way to help cover some of the cost of providing 600 items. He also reminded us we all need to work our Triathlon. Our new members and our long term members all need to block off the last Saturday in June. We need to keep that open every year. This year it is June 28. Luke Becknell as our manpower chairman can connect anyone with a function that needs help. This year we will have youth races (11 & 12 year olds and 13 & 14 year olds, 15 year olds are with the adults) in addition to our usual event. This year Akash Jain is working with Jim Hayes on the database. Wow, we now have 2 “get-er-done” kind of guys doing this mountain of behind the scenes work! Jim Hayes reports we have 68 registrants.
Past Lt. Gov. Dr. David Haines provided our first post to our Year in Review series. It is featured on the front page of our website. Here is a direct link https://warsawoptimist.org/1975-1976-year-in-review/ .
President Everett Nifong asked us to keep an eye out for our 3rd quarter dues statements.
Dave Meier announced our 34th Annual Big Wheel Race is Friday, August 1 at Center Lake Park. Registration starts at 5:45 p.m. Race is at 7 p.m. Thanks to Penguin Point for sponsoring the bicycles, trophies, and gift certificates.
Past Governor Ron Donkers asked those who are going to the Indiana North District Conference at Ivy Tech in Marion on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26 see him to be sure you have the revised schedule. Please let Secretary Michele Bickel know if you are going. The District Oratorical Contest is at the conference at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Optimist give out $7500 to Oratorical contestants.
Past Gov. Ron Donkers reported our Indiana North District Convention will be in Warsaw Friday & Saturday, August 8th and 9th. There will be a fun Golf Outing on Friday the 8th.
Past Gov. Ron Donkers thanked Akash Jain for stepping up to help Jim Hayes with our database.
Alan Grossnickle invited us to the CEO Forum “Developing Leaders in Your Company”, Tuesday morning, April 29 at Grace’s Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center. Key Note Speaker is Mike Kubacki, Former CEO of Lake City Bank, Moderator is Pat Miller, Political Analyst, WOWO, Panelist members include: Randy Lake, CEO of Oldcastle Materials, Mark Tarner, President of South Bend Chocolate Company, John Tucker, Co-President of Maple Leaf Farms, Peggy Taylor, Senior Global Vice President of Biomet, and David Findlay, CEO of Lake City Bank. Admission of $40 includes continental breakfast. RSVP on or before April 22 by visiting https://www.grace.edu/ceo-forum. For more information contact Marsha Yocum at 372-5100 ext 6094.
Troy Akers invited us to the 2nd Annual Boomerang Backpacks Golf Outing, Monday, June 16 at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club. It will help feed students from Warsaw, Wawasee, & Tippy Valley on the weekends. Cost is $400 for a foursome. Sponsorship opportunities are available. See Tracey Akers at trakers@warsaw.k12.in.us .
Sergeants-at-Arms: Luke Becknell & Trace Hansen entertained us.
Past Lt. Gov. Dr. David Haines asked us to Google “Optimist Creed secret” to find the 2 hidden lines in Christian Larson’s original version.
The North WEST table knew all about Optimist International’s upcoming convention.
It was noted that Past Lt. Gov. Ot Schroeder is a Benefactor of Optimism.
Nick Deeter has had his nose to the grindstone. The Old Leesburg Mill is now open 7 days a week including Monday through Saturday at 6 a.m.
Past Gov. Ron & Patty Donkers are happy their son, Tom is engaged.
Tracy Horrell is celebrating his new son.
Tyler Miller is celebrating his new daughter.
Lt. Gov. John Sullivan is celebrating his new grandson.
It was noted that now that it is above 20 degrees, Past President has worn long pants for several weeks.
Past Gov. Ron Donkers said he will pay our Sergeants $0.25 for everyone who wears regulation length (not short shorts) shorts next week.
Coach Jim Kessler remembered when Matt Johnson decided to play for Grace. President Bill Katip remembered the reason Matt chose Grace was his mother liked Grace.
Mike Cox and his wife are starting Mike’s Liquidation Outlet just southFuture Dates
4/25 & 26 Fri. & Sat. District Meeting in Marion
4/26 Sat. District Oratorical Contest in Marion at District Meeting
4/29 Tues. CEO Forum / Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center
4/30 Wed. Josh Wildman CEO of Wildman Business Group
5/7 Wed. Splash Pad / Erin Porter
5/14 Wed. Sheriff’s Office / Aaron Rovenstine
5/18 Sun. City of Lakes Cruise-In
5/21 Wed. Optimist Singers / Memorial Day
5/28 Wed. Warsaw Community Schools / Dr. Craig Hintz
6/4 Wed. FWA Airport Authority – Jessica Miller
6/11 Wed. Mudlove Kyle Garberson
6/16 Mon. Boomerang Backpack Golf Outing
6/18 Wed. Guy Fisher / Goodwill Career Center
6/19 Thur. Optimist Golf Outing
6/25 Wed. Registration Packets for Triathlon
6/28 Sat. Triathlon
7/2 Wed. Rebecca Bazzoni / Jacobs Ladder
7/9 Wed. Christon Clark / Habitat for Humanity
7/16 Wed. Mayor Dr. Joe Thallemer / State of the City
7/23 Wed. Warsaw Area Career Center / Ronna Kawsky
7/23 Wed. Cheerleaders
7/30 Wed. Paragon
8/1 Fri. Penguin Point and Optimist Big Wheel Race
8/6 Wed. Boys Soccer
8/8 Fri. Indiana North District Golf Outing
8/8 & 9 Fri. & Sat. Indiana North District Convention at Warsaw
8/13 Wed. Boys Cross Country
8/20 Wed. Boys Tennis
9/3 Wed. Girls Soccer
9/10 Wed. Girls Golf
9/10 Wed. WCHS Athletics / Dave Anson
9/17 Wed. Crystal Heckaman / Rachel’s Challenge – Friends of Rachel
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Past-President Tracy Furnivall led our meeting.
>>>>OPENING
93 Optimists & 9 guests attended our meeting. Doug Baumgardner was the guest of John Elliott; Bill Cook & Don Parker were the guests of Everett Nifong;Eric Totherah was the guest of Doug Ogle; Andrew Knapp was the guest of Kris Farwell; Matthew Voss was the guest of Juergen Voss; Julia Yastraski was the guest of Jim Bricker; Dr. Nathan Bosch was the guest of Akash Jain; Faith Wood was the guest of Rick Kerlin.
Door Greeters: Abisha Varatharaj & Jenna Secrist.
Prayer: Ot Schroeder led us in prayer.
Pledge was given to the American flag.
Promise yourself was said in unison.
Millie Andrews led us in singing Hail to Optimism.
Birthday Honoree: Frank Grose. Dr. David Haines & Gina Voelz led us in the birthday song with good results.
>>>> INFORMATION
Prayer Requests:
Larry Bishop’s recovery from his 2nd ankle surgery. He will be working on his recovery for awhile.
Max Mock’s ongoing physical therapy.
Nick King, Dan & Carol King at the loss of their home.
Membership: Past Lt. Gov. Dr. David Haines inducted Frank Grose. Membership Chair Kellie Malcom read Doug Baumgardner’s application. Frank & Doug are sponsored by Doug Ogle & John Elliott.
Past President Tracy Furnivall is heading our nominating committee. Please contact him, if you would like to run for a leadership position in our club. We need 4 new Board Members and a new President Elect.
Bill Cook & Don Parker from our Noon Club delivered flowers for Administrative Assistant Day.
President Everett Nifong reported that over and above providing a great breakfast, Golden Corral is donating 100 meals for our students we invite to our meetings. Thanks to Golden Corral for their generosity!
Board Member Michele Bickel gave Matt Voss $300 for the Lake City Skiers. www.lakecityskiers.org
President Elect Rick Kerlin gave Faith Woods a check for Winona Lake’s Limitless Park.
Past Gov. Ron Donkers & Lt. Gov. John Sullivan reminded us of Optimist International Foundation’s Dime-A-Day fundraising program. Some of the overhead for things like the Oratorical and Essay contests at the district and higher levels are in need of funding. The higher level Oratorical Contest winner receives $2,500 and the higher level Essay Contest winner receives $500. As a larger club, we need to cover a large part of these costs. The Dime-A Day program is a great way to do this. Please send your $36.50 to Optimist International Foundation, Dime-A-Day Campaign, P.O. Box 952126, St. Louis, MO 63195. Make sure you put “club # 04555” in the memo section of your check. An even better way to do this is to use a form Ron has to have your card charged $3.05 per month on an ongoing basis. The forms are by the badge box.
Craig Nayrocker is looking for someone to take over writing our Optibullette newsletter. See Craig to find out more.
Bart Templeton is passing around a sign-up sheet for greeters.
Trina Hoy reported our Suggestion Box needs suggestions. It is a great way to get ideas to our leadership.
Trace Hansen is looking applicants for his Eastlake Skate – Octagon scholarships. The Scholarship is for a minimum of two (2) $1000 scholarships to an Octagon member, who is a graduating Senior from WCHS. The application deadline is May 23rd, and can be picked up at the Scholarship office at WCHS. If you have a family member in the Octagon Club, an email request can be sent to Tracesk8s@yahoo.com and he will mail out to the address you provide.
Co-Chair Past President John Elliott started sign-up sheets for our May 18th City of Lakes Cruise-In to Downtown Warsaw. We need more people to work our escorted cruise in particular. Remember to give your sponsorship money to John Teevan, the guy with the money tie. Mayor Dr. Joe Thallemer promised snow plows will be available. The Duesenberg Cord Auburn Museum will feature one or two cars. Special invitations have been extended to the Michiana PT Cruiser Car Club, the Fort Wayne Corvette Club and the Hoosier A Ford Club to host their car clubs at our Cruise In. Working with Owens Supermarket, we’ve also invited the Oscar Meyer “Hot-Dog” Mobile to our show. Purdue President Mitch Daniels has been personally invited to ride his motorcycle and be the Grand Marshall of our escorted Cruise to the Village of Winona Lake. Our event runs from around noon to around 6 p.m.
Our goal is to host 250 cars, trucks, and motorcycles; have some fun; and make $15,000 to support the youth activities of our Club.
As a Club member, we are asking you to commit to three things to help make this event successful:
Clear May 18 on your schedule so you can help with the event
Be a $25 Trophy Sponsor or upgrade to the Bronze, Silver or Gold level.
Secure one additional sponsor of the event at the $500 … $200 … $100 level.
Enclosed in the action packets are a yellow Trophy Sponsor or higher form for members of our club. The white Sponsor form is for others who we are asking to support at the $100, $200, or $500 levels. John Teevan will be monitoring our support. Please turn your sponsorship forms along with your check to “the guy with the money tie.”
President Everett Nifong reminded us of our Golf Outing that will be Thursday, June 19 at 1 p.m. at Stonehenge. Please consider golfing, becoming a Tee Sponsor, donating a door prize or goody bag items. Brochures are coming.
Past Gov. and Triathlon Chairman Ron Donkers asked anyone interested in donating to our Goody Bags to see him about the logistics. He may be able to find a way to help cover some of the cost of providing 600 items. He also reminded us we all need to work our Triathlon. Our new members and our long term members all need to block off the last Saturday in June. We need to keep that open every year. This year it is June 28. Luke Becknell as our manpower chairman can connect anyone with a function that needs help. This year we will have youth races (11 & 12 year olds and 13 & 14 year olds, 15 year olds are with the adults) in addition to our usual event. This year Akash Jain is working with Jim Hayes on the database. Wow, we now have 2 “get-er-done” kind of guys doing this mountain of behind the scenes work! Jim Hayes reports we have 68 registrants.
Past Lt. Gov. Dr. David Haines provided our first post to our Year in Review series. It is featured on the front page of our website. Here is a direct link https://warsawoptimist.org/1975-1976-year-in-review/ .
President Everett Nifong asked us to keep an eye out for our 3rd quarter dues statements.
Dave Meier announced our 34th Annual Big Wheel Race is Friday, August 1 at Center Lake Park. Registration starts at 5:45 p.m. Race is at 7 p.m. Thanks to Penguin Point for sponsoring the bicycles, trophies, and gift certificates.
Past Governor Ron Donkers asked those who are going to the Indiana North District Conference at Ivy Tech in Marion on Friday, April 25 and Saturday, April 26 see him to be sure you have the revised schedule. Please let Secretary Michele Bickel know if you are going. The District Oratorical Contest is at the conference at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Optimist give out $7500 to Oratorical contestants.
Past Gov. Ron Donkers reported our Indiana North District Convention will be in Warsaw Friday & Saturday, August 8th and 9th. There will be a fun Golf Outing on Friday the 8th.
Past Gov. Ron Donkers thanked Akash Jain for stepping up to help Jim Hayes with our database.
Alan Grossnickle invited us to the CEO Forum “Developing Leaders in Your Company”, Tuesday morning, April 29 at Grace’s Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center. Key Note Speaker is Mike Kubacki, Former CEO of Lake City Bank, Moderator is Pat Miller, Political Analyst, WOWO, Panelist members include: Randy Lake, CEO of Oldcastle Materials, Mark Tarner, President of South Bend Chocolate Company, John Tucker, Co-President of Maple Leaf Farms, Peggy Taylor, Senior Global Vice President of Biomet, and David Findlay, CEO of Lake City Bank. Admission of $40 includes continental breakfast. RSVP on or before April 22 by visiting https://www.grace.edu/ceo-forum. For more information contact Marsha Yocum at 372-5100 ext 6094.
Troy Akers invited us to the 2nd Annual Boomerang Backpacks Golf Outing, Monday, June 16 at Tippecanoe Lake Country Club. It will help feed students from Warsaw, Wawasee, & Tippy Valley on the weekends. Cost is $400 for a foursome. Sponsorship opportunities are available. See Tracey Akers at trakers@warsaw.k12.in.us .
Sergeants-at-Arms: Luke Becknell & Trace Hansen entertained us.
Past Lt. Gov. Dr. David Haines asked us to Google “Optimist Creed secret” to find the 2 hidden lines in Christian Larson’s original version.
The North WEST table knew all about Optimist International’s upcoming convention.
It was noted that Past Lt. Gov. Ot Schroeder is a Benefactor of Optimism.
Nick Deeter has had his nose to the grindstone. The Old Leesburg Mill is now open 7 days a week including Monday through Saturday at 6 a.m.
Past Gov. Ron & Patty Donkers are happy their son, Tom is engaged.
Tracy Horrell is celebrating his new son.
Tyler Miller is celebrating his new daughter.
Lt. Gov. John Sullivan is celebrating his new grandson.
It was noted that now that it is above 20 degrees, Past President has worn long pants for several weeks.
Past Gov. Ron Donkers said he will pay our Sergeants $0.25 for everyone who wears regulation length (not short shorts) shorts next week.
Coach Jim Kessler remembered when Matt Johnson decided to play for Grace. President Bill Katip remembered the reason Matt chose Grace was his mother liked Grace.
Mike Cox and his wife are starting Mike’s Liquidation Outlet just south of The Bowling Alley and Tokens N Tickets on Detroit Street. Mike is staying at Kerlin’s.
Don Parker noted he has 11 grandkids and that Dr. David Haines has 22.
Bill Cook thanked those who bought flowers.
Program:
Dr. Nathan Bosch, Director of the Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College, fka Kosciusko Lakes & Streams told us about the intentional ways we can impact our waterways. The goal is that our waterways be clean, healthy, safe, & beautiful.
The Lake Food Chain has fish that eat fish at the top; next are fish that eat bugs, worms, & zooplankton; next are zooplankton; followed by algae; and finally fertilizer. The food chain can only handle so much. It is not true that loads more fertilizer will equate to more pike & bass.
This spring’s fish kills are made worse by the long time that snow was on our ice. There were many days the plants were not making oxygen. This may result in fewer plants in our lakes this summer, but also fewer fish. In the summer the heat stratification of water can cause the bottom of lakes to lack adequate oxygen. The oxygen gets mixed in the lakes in the spring and fall.
Surface scum is made worse when algae dies and goes to the surface. Too much fertilizer going into lakes can contribute to surface scum.
Lilly pads are an excellent natural protection for shorelines. They dissipate the energy of incoming waves. When waves hit naked concrete seawalls the energy goes down to the bottom and stirs up nutrients. There are things that can be placed in front of concrete seawalls to make them safer for our water quality. Our DNR has grants to help with the cost of natural shorelines.
CFLS@Grace and the community are collaborating on the Tippecanoe River clean-up. The Tippecanoe River is the main drain in the county. We can clean out areas of excess fallen trees and debris to mitigate flooding.
The Lake Economic Impact Study discovered that we have a $27.8 million fishing industry in our county. Lakes generate $15 million in county property tax revenue. This is 25% of our county’s property tax revenue. The value of our lake property is $38 million higher than it would have been without the lakes. When the lake water goes up or down in quality the property values go up or down.
CFLS@Grace educates our kids through their Kindergarten petting zoo, artwork, and aquariums in classrooms. Our 4th graders have an all-day field day, testing water, fishing, learning terms, and finding out what goes into our lakes. Nate thanked us for sponsoring the field trip.
The Northern Indiana Lakes Festival will be June 6 through 15. In addition to the tons of activities there is a 5,000 gallon aquarium of local fish. www.lakes.grace.edu
What we can do is to donate as individuals, have our businesses or organizations partner with CFLS@Grace, or volunteer to help with field days, the Lakes Festival, sampling water, or fishing reports. Nate thanked us for sponsoring the 4th grade field day.
For more information we can go to www.lakes.grace.edu . We can also sign up for the newsletter and look them up on social media.
of The Bowling Alley and Tokens N Tickets on Detroit Street. Mike is staying at Kerlin’s.
Don Parker noted he has 11 grandkids and that Dr. David Haines has 22.
Bill Cook thanked those who bought flowers.
Program:
Dr. Nathan Bosch, Director of the Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College, fka Kosciusko Lakes & Streams told us about the intentional ways we can impact our waterways. The goal is that our waterways be clean, healthy, safe, & beautiful.
The Lake Food Chain has fish that eat fish at the top; next are fish that eat bugs, worms, & zooplankton; next are zooplankton; followed by algae; and finally fertilizer. The food chain can only handle so much. It is not true that loads more fertilizer will equate to more pike & bass.
This spring’s fish kills are made worse by the long time that snow was on our ice. There were many days the plants were not making oxygen. This may result in fewer plants in our lakes this summer, but also fewer fish. In the summer the heat stratification of water can cause the bottom of lakes to lack adequate oxygen. The oxygen gets mixed in the lakes in the spring and fall.
Surface scum is made worse when algae dies and goes to the surface. Too much fertilizer going into lakes can contribute to surface scum.
Lilly pads are an excellent natural protection for shorelines. They dissipate the energy of incoming waves. When waves hit naked concrete seawalls the energy goes down to the bottom and stirs up nutrients. There are things that can be placed in front of concrete seawalls to make them safer for our water quality. Our DNR has grants to help with the cost of natural shorelines.
CFLS@Grace and the community are collaborating on the Tippecanoe River clean-up. The Tippecanoe River is the main drain in the county. We can clean out areas of excess fallen trees and debris to mitigate flooding.
The Lake Economic Impact Study discovered that we have a $27.8 million fishing industry in our county. Lakes generate $15 million in county property tax revenue. This is 25% of our county’s property tax revenue. The value of our lake property is $38 million higher than it would have been without the lakes. When the lake water goes up or down in quality the property values go up or down.
CFLS@Grace educates our kids through their Kindergarten petting zoo, artwork, and aquariums in classrooms. Our 4th graders have an all-day field day, testing water, fishing, learning terms, and finding out what goes into our lakes. Nate thanked us for sponsoring the field trip.
The Northern Indiana Lakes Festival will be June 6 through 15. In addition to the tons of activities there is a 5,000 gallon aquarium of local fish. www.lakes.grace.edu
What we can do is to donate as individuals, have our businesses or organizations partner with CFLS@Grace, or volunteer to help with field days, the Lakes Festival, sampling water, or fishing reports. Nate thanked us for sponsoring the 4th grade field day.
For more information we can go to www.lakes.grace.edu . We can also sign up for the newsletter and look them up on social media.
Lt. Gov. John Sullivan is celebrating his new grandson.
It was noted that now that it is above 20 degrees, Past President has worn long pants for several weeks.
Past Gov. Ron Donkers said he will pay our Sergeants $0.25 for everyone who wears regulation length (not short shorts) shorts next week.
Coach Jim Kessler remembered when Matt Johnson decided to play for Grace. President Bill Katip remembered the reason Matt chose Grace was his mother liked Grace.
Mike Cox and his wife are starting Mike’s Liquidation Outlet just south of The Bowling Alley and Tokens N Tickets on Detroit Street. Mike is staying at Kerlin’s.
Don Parker noted he has 11 grandkids and that Dr. David Haines has 22.
Bill Cook thanked those who bought flowers.
Program:
Dr. Nathan Bosch, Director of the Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College, fka Kosciusko Lakes & Streams told us about the intentional ways we can impact our waterways. The goal is that our waterways be clean, healthy, safe, & beautiful.
The Lake Food Chain has fish that eat fish at the top; next are fish that eat bugs, worms, & zooplankton; next are zooplankton; followed by algae; and finally fertilizer. The food chain can only handle so much. It is not true that loads more fertilizer will equate to more pike & bass.
This spring’s fish kills are made worse by the long time that snow was on our ice. There were many days the plants were not making oxygen. This may result in fewer plants in our lakes this summer, but also fewer fish. In the summer the heat stratification of water can cause the bottom of lakes to lack adequate oxygen. The oxygen gets mixed in the lakes in the spring and fall.
Surface scum is made worse when algae dies and goes to the surface. Too much fertilizer going into lakes can contribute to surface scum.
Lilly pads are an excellent natural protection for shorelines. They dissipate the energy of incoming waves. When waves hit naked concrete seawalls the energy goes down to the bottom and stirs up nutrients. There are things that can be placed in front of concrete seawalls to make them safer for our water quality. Our DNR has grants to help with the cost of natural shorelines.
CFLS@Grace and the community are collaborating on the Tippecanoe River clean-up. The Tippecanoe River is the main drain in the county. We can clean out areas of excess fallen trees and debris to mitigate flooding.
The Lake Economic Impact Study discovered that we have a $27.8 million fishing industry in our county. Lakes generate $15 million in county property tax revenue. This is 25% of our county’s property tax revenue. The value of our lake property is $38 million higher than it would have been without the lakes. When the lake water goes up or down in quality the property values go up or down.
CFLS@Grace educates our kids through their Kindergarten petting zoo, artwork, and aquariums in classrooms. Our 4th graders have an all-day field day, testing water, fishing, learning terms, and finding out what goes into our lakes. Nate thanked us for sponsoring the field trip.
The Northern Indiana Lakes Festival will be June 6 through 15. In addition to the tons of activities there is a 5,000 gallon aquarium of local fish. www.lakes.grace.edu
What we can do is to donate as individuals, have our businesses or organizations partner with CFLS@Grace, or volunteer to help with field days, the Lakes Festival, sampling water, or fishing reports. Nate thanked us for sponsoring the 4th grade field day.
For more information we can go to www.lakes.grace.edu . We can also sign up for the newsletter and look them up on social media.
