The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin": Vol. 2025 #17: 2-5-25
VOLUME 2025 FEBRUARY 5 NUMBER 17
President Greg McCune welcomed everyone this morning and Greg Wurst gave a powerful morning reflection that was followed by the Flag Salute.
ACHES & PAINS: BE KIND, you never know what others around you may be dealing with.
PROGRAM: Mike Fincham introduced our speaker, Brady Armstrong, Chief Development Officer for the Boys and Girls Club of Manhattan. It’s always good to hear from one of our own; Brady is one of our newest members, joining the club in June 2024. He moved to Manhattan in 2011 and earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and psychology at KSU in 2015. After he graduated, Brady moved to Lawrence to serve with AmeriCorps and at the local Boys and Girls Club. During this time, he fell in love with the mission of the Boys and Girls Club and was fortunate to stay on as a full-time employee for seven years. Brady says, “I was thrilled to have the opportunity to return to Manhattan and continue advocating for Great Futures.”
MISSION: Our mission is to inspire and enable all young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens.
PURPOSE: Our purpose is to provide caring, adult professionals and a safe place for youth to learn and grow where hope and opportunity is provided through life-enhancing programs and character development experiences. Before school, after school and during the summer months and on Friday nights, the Boys and Girls Club of Manhattan engages members in fun and educational activities that help develop a sound moral compass and influence their ability to succeed in life.
Commitment to Safety and Fun:
Boys & Girls Clubs…
Are located in dedicated youth facilities. The Boys & Girls Club is a place—an actual neighborhood-based building—designed solely for youth programs and activities.
Are open when kids need them most. The Clubs are open after school and during the summer—when kids have free time and need safe, positive, productive outlets.
Are staffed by full- and part-time paid professionals. Every Club is directed by trained youth development professionals who act as role models and mentors to members. Volunteers provide key supplementary support.
Are open, accessible and affordable to all. Any child between kindergarten and 6th grade can become a member. Programs are also available for teens in 7th thru 12th grade. We do not discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, or income.
Clubs offer proven targeted programs that help youth achieve academic success, good character & citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.
Academic Success
Health & Wellbeing
Good Character & Leadership
Life & Workforce Readiness
Before and after school programs are available at the following locations: Bluemont Elementary, Central Elementary and West Elementary in Wamego, Amanda Arnold Elementary, Lee Elementary, Marlatt Elementary, Northview Elementary, Theodore Roosevelt Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Elementary and Oliver Brown Elementary Schools. After school programs are available for Middle School and High School Members at The Club – Teen Center.
Full time Pre-School is available Monday thru Friday from 7am to 6pm at the Early Learning Center.
Core programs are designed to cultivate leadership, promote wellbeing, and support educational achievement. Through initiatives like Torch Club and Keystone, youth are encouraged to lead community service projects, while health-focused programs like Journeys Path to Adulthood and Triple Play help youth build lifelong habits for physical and emotional wellness. Additionally, our academic support programs, such as Project Learn and Power Hour, ensure our kids receive the enrichment and resources they need to succeed academically. Together, these programs create a well-rounded experience that prepares youth for future success. These programs are funded mostly through grants, however, there are fundraisers in the community such as the Casino Night, the Little Apple Duck Dash and many others. There are also very affordable fees charged.
Early Expressions Art – February 12th thru 15th - Korey Klingenberg thanked the team that helped with getting the artwork to the Beach Museum and then had a drawing from those that helped. Bruce Bidwell was the lucky winner of a Visa Gift Card! Many thanks to all who helped!!
Goolsby’s Game Night social – February 27th
Lawn Mower Clinic will be March 11th, sign ups and more information coming soon
Special Olympics Basketball Tournament – March 21st and 22nd
Annual Spaghetti Dinner & Silent Auction – March 29th, sign ups and more information coming soon
March 1st, hosting Quarter 2 Zone Meeting, if you would like to attend, please get with Bill Wisdom
GUESTS: No additional guests were in attendance today.
Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed
FEBRUARY 12: NOON MEETING: Student of the Month Presentation and Jeff Sackrider of Wamego Telephone CO: Topic: WTC Overview – Expanding Services
FEBRUARY 19: MORNING MEETING: Sharon Fincham - Youth of the Month Presentations: Bluemont Elementary and Flint Hills Christian Schools
FEBRURY 26: NOON MEETING: Danielle Dulin, Manhattan City Manager: Topic: Manhattan City Management
