Attendance: 93

Greeters: Mitch Goon and Marv Miller

(Greeter Trivia – Mitch has been an Optimist for 17 years and Marv for 27.)

Invocation: Alan Lucht

Guests: Dave Mitchell (Jim Smith), Charlie Wagner (Luke Becknell), Jody Claypool (Jeff Servies), Jeff “Hoss” Smith (Travis McConnell), Carmen Flores (Joy Lavendar), Megan Farver (Anne Cuahuizo), Bill Cook and Jim Tague (Noon Optimist Club)

Birthdays: Jenny Lucht

Membership: Joey Hickerson conducted

2nd Reading: Charlie Wagner

3rd Reading: Jody Claypool, Carmen Flores, and Megan Farver

Sam Boggs, Chain O’Lakes State Park Manager

Program:  Sam Boggs, Park Manager, presented the history and recreational opportunities available at Chain O’Lakes State Park located in nearby Albion, Indiana. The park features nine connecting lakes, 10 miles of hiking trails, camping sites and cabins, and a restored one-room schoolhouse that was recently put on the National Historic Register. The park recently hired a full-time naturalist who provides educational programs and conducts special events. To learn more about Chain O’Lakes, you can visit their webpage.

Committee Report/Announcements:

Poinsettia Sales – Order forms were available to purchase poinsettias for the Noon Optimist Club fundraiser (guests Bill Cook and Jim Tague presenting)

President Steve Hollar announced the board voted to “adopt” the 4 children of our server Beth for Christmas. Beth recently suffered a stroke. A bucket was placed on the serving table to collect funds.

Harry Gigous shared that Christmas tree stands had been put up at Owens for their tree sales. Optimists receive $5 for every tree the store sells.

Volunteers are still needed for our bell ringing shifts for the Salvation Army. Only half have been filled for the December 2nd time slots. Contact Pam Galloway for more information.

Oratorical Contest – Chris Mahan challenged members to sponsor youth under 18 for the contest to be held Sunday, January 28, at Grace College. The first table to sponsor a contestant will get Chris as their butler for a Wednesday morning meeting with him providing cinnamon rolls and waiting on their table. To download a copy of the contest flyer and an application form,  click here.

Ron Chambers shared next club visitation is Monday, November 20, with the Warsaw Noon Optimist Club at Grace College’s cafeteria at 11:45.

Juergen  Voss announced that the Lake City Skiers would be hosting the 2018 national ski championship. Volunteers will be needed for future activities related to the event. Contact Juergen for more information.

Several members shared information about weekend events including the Terry Polston Hoops for Hope Classic, WCHS presentation of Mary Poppins and a musical concert at the Winona Heritage Room.

50/50: $57 to winner Marty Becker

Sergeants-at-arms:  Brooke Hamstra, Jeff Owens, Sam Whitaker, Gina Voelz