Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Future Dates   

12/4 Wed. Brad Hagg / Warsaw Community High School CTO

12/4 Wed. Warsaw High School Gymnastics / Andi Calhoun

12/7 Sat. Bell Ringing for Salvation Army

12/11 Wed. Lakeland Youth Chorale

12/11 Wed. Girls Basketball / Michelle Harter

12/13 & 14 Fri. & Sat. Hoosier Holiday at PAC

12/16 Mon. Visit Middlebury club

12/18 Wed. Optimist Singers Christmas Carols / White Elephant Auction

12/25 Wed. No Meeting

1/1 Wed. No Meeting

1/8 Wed. 100 Years of Winona Lake / Terry White

1/8 Wed. Warsaw Community High School Wrestling / Justin Smith

1/15/14 Wed. Walk-n-Wonder Warsaw / Michelle Bormet & Darla

1/15/14 Wed. Warsaw Community High School Girls Swim & Dive / Nate Long

1/22/14 Wed. Warsaw Community Schools Symphony

1/29/14 Wed. Warsaw Community High School Boys Swim & Dive / Nate Long

2/5/14 Wed. Warsaw Community High School Boys Basketball / Doug Ogle

2/12 Wed. KCH / Affordable Care Act

2/12 Wed. Student of the Week

2/19 Wed. Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund / Sandy Green

2/19/14 Wed. Student of the Week

2/26 Wed. Warsaw Police Chief Scott Whitaker

2/26/14 Wed. Student of the Week

3/5/14 Wed. WCHS Poetry Contest Winners

3/5/14 Wed. Student of the Week

3/12/14 Wed. Warsaw Schools Band

3/12/14 Wed. Student of the Week

3/19/14 Wed. Oratorical Contest Winners

3/26/14 Wed. Warsaw Community Schools Chief Academic Officer David Hoffert

4/16 Wed. DARE / Lt Joel Beam

4/30 Wed. Josh Wildman CEO of Wildman Business Group

5/7 Wed. Splash Pad / Erin Porter

5/14 Wed. Sheriff Rocky Goshert

 

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Lt.Gov. John Sullivan led our meeting.

>>>>OPENING

72 Optimists & 5 guests attended our meeting.  Eric Lane was the guest of Rich Haddad; John Chapman & Kristin Farwell were the guests of Akash Jain; & Denny & Shelly Reeve were our guests from the Noon Club. 

Door Greeters: Rick Kerlin.

Prayer:  Fred Nieter led us in prayer after Ron Henry read a story about how the Pilgrims were grateful even when they had little.  We need to ask God to give us a spirit of gratitude.

Pledge was given to the American flag. 

Promise yourself was said in unison. 

Dr. David Haines led us in singing Hail to Optimism.

Birthday Honorees:  Laurie Schotz & Bart Templeton.  Dr. David Haines led us in the birthday song with our usual results.

 

            >>>> INFORMATION

 

Membership:  Kellie Malcolm read Eric Lane’s, Christopher Plack’s, & Kristin Farwell’s applications.  Rich HaddadJon Fussle, & Akash Jain sponsored Eric,Chris,& Kristin

 

President Everett Nifong reported the following Board action: 

No meeting December 25 nor January 1.

The Valentine’s Banquet has been cancelled.  Attendance has dwindled.

 

Board Member Kellie Malcolm presented Kristin Farwell with $250 for the First Lego League.

 

Past Gov. Ron Donkers & Lt. Gov. John Sullivan introduced us to Optimist International Foundation’s Dime-A-Day fundraising program.  Our club does a great job providing fellowship to about 10% of our district.  We also are fortunate that we are able to serve many youth in our community.  However, some of the overhead for things like the Oratorical and Essay contests at the district and higher levels are in need of funding.  We fund the winners of our own contests, but someone needs to fund the winners at the higher levels.  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. Bo. 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. 

 

Canned Food Chairman Luke Becknell reported we gave $354 the last 2 weeks. 

 

Visitation Chairman Ron Chambers announced we will visit the Middlebury club Monday, December 16.  Our group will leave from The Bowling Alley / Tokens N Tickets (North Detroit Street) at 6:15 a.m.  The meeting is at Das Dutchman Essenhaus!

 

We are looking for a new Car Show chairman.  See Past President John Elliott or President Everett Nifong.

 

Christmas Tree Chairman Harry Gigous thanked those who set up Owens Christmas Tree lot.  Owens has been very generous to give us $5 for every tree they sell.

 

Salvation Army Bell Ringing Chairman Merl Heckaman reported we are bell ringing Saturday, December 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kmart and both the North and South doors at WalMart.  When you sign up, remember to take your reminder slip at the bottom of the page.  There are a couple openings left.   

 

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/1975-1976-year-in-review/ .

 

Past Lt. Gov. Denny Reeve and Past President Shelly Reeve delivered the Poinsettias that were ordered last week.  Proceeds go to our Noon Optimist Club. 

 

Laurie Schotz announced we will be greeted by carolers at the door on Wednesday, December 11.  They are a preview of the Hoosier Holiday at Warsaw Community High Schools Performing Arts Center (PAC) Black Box Theatre on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14 at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $20 and part of the proceeds go to the Pierceton Chamber.  Call 260-479-9615 for reservations.

 

Program:  

We were blessed with 2 programs today:  The Sacred Heart Boy Scout Bake Sale and John Chapman from the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.

 

Treasurer Andrew Swihart introduced us to the Sacred Heart Boy Scouts who brought very tasty baked goods to our Bake Sale.  Auctioneer Bill Landrigan is keeping up our tradition by singing “The Auctioneer Song.”  Bill and fellow Auctioneer Merl Heckaman entertained us as they auctioned off the treats.  Seventeen treats were sold for around $500.

 

John Chapman from the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division told us of their exciting work.  He did a great job of entertaining us as he educated us.  He held his own after the Merl Bill Show.

The Consumer Protection Division www.IndianaConsumer.com helps protect us in many ways, some are: 

Educating us,

Investigations of people applying for licenses,

Investigations of complaints, 1.800.382.5516

Identity Theft / Scam & Fraud prevention, 1.800.382.5516 www.IndianaConsumer.com

Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network, 1.877.GET.HOPE 1.877.438.4673 www.877gethope.org

Indiana Unclaimed Property, 1.866.IN.CLAIM 1.866.462.5246 www.IndianaUnclaimed.com

National Unclaimed Property Administrators, www.Unclaimed.org  

Patient abuse and Neglect Hotline. 1.800.382.1039

The Indiana Do Not Call List number is 1.888.834.9969 www.IndianaConsumer.com

National Do Not Call List number is 1.888.382.1222 www.DoNotCall.gov

 

John told us that it never costs anything to claim unclaimed property.  The places that try to “help” people with the paperwork for a fee end up with the claimant’s SS number.  He mentioned even though many of the cFuture Dates   

 

12/4 Wed. Brad Hagg / Warsaw Community High School CTO

 

12/4 Wed. Warsaw High School Gymnastics / Andi Calhoun

 

12/7 Sat. Bell Ringing for Salvation Army

 

12/11 Wed. Lakeland Youth Chorale

 

12/11 Wed. Girls Basketball / Michelle Harter

 

12/13 & 14 Fri. & Sat. Hoosier Holiday at PAC

 

12/16 Mon. Visit Middlebury club

 

12/18 Wed. Optimist Singers Christmas Carols / White Elephant Auction

 

12/25 Wed. No Meeting

 

1/1 Wed. No Meeting

 

1/8 Wed. 100 Years of Winona Lake / Terry White

 

1/8 Wed. Warsaw Community High School Wrestling / Justin Smith

 

1/15/14 Wed. Walk-n-Wonder Warsaw / Michelle Bormet & Darla

 

1/15/14 Wed. Warsaw Community High School Girls Swim & Dive / Nate Long

 

1/22/14 Wed. Warsaw Community Schools Symphony

 

1/29/14 Wed. Warsaw Community High School Boys Swim & Dive / Nate Long

 

2/5/14 Wed. Warsaw Community High School Boys Basketball / Doug Ogle

 

2/12 Wed. KCH / Affordable Care Act

 

2/12 Wed. Student of the Week

 

2/19 Wed. Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund / Sandy Green

 

2/19/14 Wed. Student of the Week

 

2/26 Wed. Warsaw Police Chief Scott Whitaker

 

2/26/14 Wed. Student of the Week

 

3/5/14 Wed. WCHS Poetry Contest Winners

 

3/5/14 Wed. Student of the Week

 

3/12/14 Wed. Warsaw Schools Band

 

3/12/14 Wed. Student of the Week

 

3/19/14 Wed. Oratorical Contest Winners

 

3/26/14 Wed. Warsaw Community Schools Chief Academic Officer David Hoffert

 

4/16 Wed. DARE / Lt Joel Beam

 

4/30 Wed. Josh Wildman CEO of Wildman Business Group

 

5/7 Wed. Splash Pad / Erin Porter

 

5/14 Wed. Sheriff Rocky Goshert

 

 

 

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

 

Lt.Gov. John Sullivan led our meeting.

 

>>>>OPENING

 

72 Optimists & 5 guests attended our meeting.  Eric Lane was the guest of Rich Haddad; John Chapman & Kristin Farwell were the guests of Akash Jain; & Denny & Shelly Reeve were our guests from the Noon Club. 

 

Door Greeters: Rick Kerlin.

 

Prayer:  Fred Nieter led us in prayer after Ron Henry read a story about how the Pilgrims were grateful even when they had little.  We need to ask God to give us a spirit of gratitude.

 

Pledge was given to the American flag. 

 

Promise yourself was said in unison. 

 

Dr. David Haines led us in singing Hail to Optimism.

 

Birthday Honorees:  Laurie Schotz & Bart Templeton.  Dr. David Haines led us in the birthday song with our usual results.

 

 

 

            >>>> INFORMATION

 

 

 

Membership:  Kellie Malcolm read Eric Lane’s, Christopher Plack’s, & Kristin Farwell’s applications.  Rich Haddad, Jon Fussle, & Akash Jain sponsored  Eric,Chris,& Kristin. 

 

 

 

President Everett Nifong reported the following Board action: 

No meeting December 25 nor January 1.

The Valentine’s Banquet has been cancelled.  Attendance has dwindled.

 

 

Board Member Kellie Malcolm presented Kristin Farwell with $250 for the First Lego League.

 

 

 

Past Gov. Ron Donkers & Lt. Gov. John Sullivan introduced us to Optimist International Foundation’s Dime-A-Day fundraising program.  Our club does a great job providing fellowship to about 10% of our district.  We also are fortunate that we are able to serve many youth in our community.  However, some of the overhead for things like the Oratorical and Essay contests at the district and higher levels are in need of funding.  We fund the winners of our own contests, but someone needs to fund the winners at the higher levels.  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. Bo. 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.  

 

 

 

Canned Food Chairman Luke Becknell reported we gave $354 the last 2 weeks. 

 

 

 

Visitation Chairman Ron Chambers announced we will visit the Middlebury club Monday, December 16.  Our group will leave from The Bowling Alley / Tokens N Tickets (North Detroit Street) at 6:15 a.m.  The meeting is at Das Dutchman Essenhaus!

 

 

 

We are looking for a new Car Show chairman.  See Past President John Elliott or President Everett Nifong.

 

 

 

Christmas Tree Chairman Harry Gigous thanked those who set up Owens Christmas Tree lot.  Owens has been very generous to give us $5 for every tree they sell.

 

 

 

Salvation Army Bell Ringing Chairman Merl Heckaman reported we are bell ringing Saturday, December 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kmart and both the North and South doors at WalMart.  When you sign up, remember to take your reminder slip at the bottom of the page.  There are a couple openings left.   

 

 

 

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/ .

 

 

 

Past Lt. Gov. Denny Reeve and Past President Shelly Reeve delivered the Poinsettias that were ordered last week.  Proceeds go to our Noon Optimist Club. 

 

 

 

Laurie Schotz announced we will be greeted by carolers at the door on Wednesday, December 11.  They are a preview of the Hoosier Holiday at Warsaw Community High Schools Performing Arts Center (PAC) Black Box Theatre on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14 at 7 p.m.  Tickets are $20 and part of the proceeds go to the Pierceton Chamber.  Call 260-479-9615 for reservations.

 

 

Program:  

 

We were blessed with 2 programs today:  The Sacred Heart Boy Scout Bake Sale and John Chapman from the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.

 

 

 

Treasurer Andrew Swihart introduced us to the Sacred Heart Boy Scouts who brought very tasty baked goods to our Bake Sale.  Auctioneer Bill Landrigan is keeping up our tradition by singing “The Auctioneer Song.”  Bill and fellow Auctioneer Merl Heckaman entertained us as they auctioned off the treats.  Seventeen treats were sold for around $500.

 

 

 

John Chapman from the Indiana Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division told us of their exciting work.  He did a great job of entertaining us as he educated us.  He held his own after the Merl & Bill Show.

 

The Consumer Protection Division www.IndianaConsumer.com helps protect us in many ways, some are: 

 

Educating us,

 

Investigations of people applying for licenses,

 

Investigations of complaints, 1.800.382.5516

 

Identity Theft / Scam & Fraud prevention, 1.800.382.5516 www.IndianaConsumer.com

 

Indiana Foreclosure Prevention Network, 1.877.GET.HOPE 1.877.438.4673 www.877gethope.org

 

Indiana Unclaimed Property, 1.866.IN.CLAIM 1.866.462.5246 www.IndianaUnclaimed.com

 

National Unclaimed Property Administrators, www.Unclaimed.org  

 

Patient abuse and Neglect Hotline. 1.800.382.1039

 

The Indiana Do Not Call List number is 1.888.834.9969 www.IndianaConsumer.com

 

National Do Not Call List number is 1.888.382.1222 www.DoNotCall.gov

 

 

 

John told us that it never costs anything to claim unclaimed property.  The places that try to “help” people with the paperwork for a fee end up with the claimant’s SS number.  He mentioned even though many of the claims are not large amounts of money, it is still found money.  He helped us to envision ourselves going “hog wild” at our favorite restaurant with the found money.

 

John told us of the “relative scam” where you get a call to bail out a grandchild or niece or nephew in a distant place.  The need is always urgent.  The caller knows your name and your relative’s name and your connection.  John gave us permission to call our kids in the middle of the night to check on our grandkids.  In the case of these scams, our grandchild is safe in bed and is not really in a far away jail during spring break.  He also suggested if they are in jail, they are probably being fed.  You really do have time to check with your kids first before sending money.

 

John also reminded us that you cannot win a lottery without buying a ticket.  Also you can NOT win a foreign lottery even if you buy the ticket in person in that country.

 

Another thing, is that Microsoft does NOT call people about their computer usage.

 

Some phone tips:  If you do not know the phone number that is calling do not answer it.  Let it go to your machine.  If you are going to be on vacation, unplug your land line phone after informing your bank and relatives of what you are doing.  The places that do the unwanted calls will think your number changed and stop calling you.

 

The only way to get a free copy of your credit bureau report is at www.AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 877.322.8228 or writing:  Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

 

If you find a discrepancy on your credit report, contact the company that generated the report. 

 

Trans Union, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834, 1.800.680.7289.  www.transunion.com    

 

Equifax, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348, 1.800.525.6285 www.equifax.com

 

Experian, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013, 1.888.397.3742 www.experian.com

 

If you see things that imply your identity may have been stolen, call the Attorney General’s Office.  Some clues are utilities in other places, or credit you did not take out.

 

Do not carry your SS number when you are not applying for work or credit.  Another tip is to shred all your credit card offers with a cross cut shredder. 

 

John told us that a Security Freeze is a great way to protect against Identity Theft.  Go to www.IndianaConsumer.com/IDTheft to use each of the 3 credit bureau agencies’ online process or find the sample letter to mail each agency to place a freeze on your credit bureau.  

 

 laims are not large amounts of money, it is still found money.  He helped us to envision ourselves going “hog wild” at our favorite restaurant with the found money.

John told us of the “relative scam” where you get a call to bail out a grandchild or niece or nephew in a distant place.  The need is always urgent.  The caller knows your name and your relative’s name and your connection.  John gave us permission to call our kids in the middle of the night to check on our grandkids.  In the case of these scams, our grandchild is safe in bed and is not really in a far away jail during spring break.  He also suggested if they are in jail, they are probably being fed.  You really do have time to check with your kids first before sending money.

John also reminded us that you cannot win a lottery without buying a ticket.  Also you can NOT win a foreign lottery even if you buy the ticket in person in that country.

Another thing, is that Microsoft does NOT call people about their computer usage.

Some phone tips:  If you do not know the phone number that is calling do not answer it.  Let it go to your machine.  If you are going to be on vacation, unplug your land line phone after informing your bank and relatives of what you are doing.  The places that do the unwanted calls will think your number changed and stop calling you.

The only way to get a free copy of your credit bureau report is at www.AnnualCreditReport.com or by calling 877.322.8228 or writing:  Annual Credit Report Request Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281.

If you find a discrepancy on your credit report, contact the company that generated the report. 

Trans Union, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92834, 1.800.680.7289.  www.transunion.com    

Equifax, P.O. Box 105788, Atlanta, GA 30348, 1.800.525.6285 www.equifax.com

Experian, P.O. Box 9554, Allen, TX 75013, 1.888.397.3742 www.experian.com

If you see things that imply your identity may have been stolen, call the Attorney General’s Office.  Some clues are utilities in other places, or credit you did not take out.

Do not carry your SS number when you are not applying for work or credit.  Another tip is to shred all your credit card offers with a cross cut shredder. 

John told us that a Security Freeze is a great way to protect against Identity Theft.  Go to www.IndianaConsumer.com/IDTheft to use each of the 3 credit bureau agencies’ online process or find the sample letter to mail each agency to place a freeze on your credit bureau.