Attendance: 86

Greeters: Megan Farver, Alan Lucht

Invocation: Ron Henry

Guests (Hosts): Glenn Hall (Brittany Petersen), Kimberly Cates (Dr. David Haines), Ken Anderson’s Grandson, Sue Poyner of Big Brothers Big Sisters, Bill Lawrence (Rob Edling), Lakeland Christian Academy Students of the Week (recognized below), Scott Wiley of LCA 

Membership: Joey Hickerson conducting

2nd Reading: Bill Lawrence (Sponsored by Rob Edling)

3rd Reading: Glenn Hall (Sponsored by Britany Petersen)

Birthdays: Randy Polston, Chris Mahan, Chris Bramlett, Ron Henry, Tyler Miller

LCA Students of the Week

Students of the Week: Lakeland Christian Academy Students of the week and their parents were recognized with introductions by Scott Wiley, LCA Director of Development:

Sarah Bingham (Roger and Lorraine Bingham)
Abigail Fishel
Serena Goss
Matthew Helton
Alicia Ochoa
Luis Hernandez
Jessica Slone
Kendall Stevens
Emma Zink

50/50: $120 with $60 going to the winner Carmen Flores

Sue Poyner of Big Brothers Big Sisters Accepting Check Presented by Pres. Dr. Steve Hollar

Check Presentation: President Dr. Steve Hollar presented Sue Poyner of Big Big Brothers Big Sisters a check for $1,000. The funds will be used to facilitate placements of “Bigs” with “Littles” in our community. For anyone who may be interested in learning more about BBBS, you can email Sue at Sue.Poyner@bbbsnei.org.

CEO Report: Brittany Petersen interviewed Anne Cuahuizo. Anne has lived in the community for 17 years moving here after she married her husband Orlando. She has a dog and two cats. Anne works in occupational health care at MedStat. Her favorite club memory was helping with the big wheel race and seeing how excited and happy it made the children participating.

Announcements:

60th Birthday Party Save the Date announcement by Dr. Pam Galloway. The flashback photo of the day was Fred Nieter.

Dr. Jenny Lucht recognized the two Optimist teams participating in the Community Quiz Bowl on Tuesday night along with members participating on other teams. The event supports the Warsaw Education Foundation.

Alan Lucht announced volunteers are still needed for The Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club – City of Lakes Car Show to be held Sunday, May 20th in Downtown Warsaw. Sign up sheets will be available at meetings. Also, event sponsorship forms are also available. Please contact Jenny or Alan Lucht if you have any questions or would like to volunteer.

Club Visitation: Ron Chambers announced that the next visitation will be April 2nd to the Rochester Club. Plan on meeting at the March parking lot for a 6 a.m. departure.

Mayor Thallemer presents The State of the City

Program: The State of the City with Warsaw Mayor Dr. Joe Thallemer. Mayor Thallemer shared that he recently met with Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb. Among the topics they discussed were the orthopedic industry, housing shortage challenges in Warsaw, the opioid crisis, transportation and congestion specifically on the US 30 corridor, the airport expansion, and the Buffalo Street expansion project. The Mayor noted that despite some of the above challenges the city has experienced a healthy rate of growth of approximately 10% since 2010 with the population reaching just under 15,000. Some of the issues that will be a focus in 2018 are highway 30 safety issues, addressing workforce housing needs, and expanding access to affordable childcare.

Next Week’s Program: “My Memories of the Masters” – Ron Chambers

Quote of the Week: “By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in kids.” Optimist International Mission Statement