The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" Vol. 2025 #35 6-25-25

VOLUME 2025     JUNE 25     NUMBER 35

President Greg McCune welcomed the membership and guests, and the flag salute followed.

Steve Havenstein noted Sonia Gregorie as one of four Riley County Police Department's Legacy Award winners. Patrol Officer Sonia Gregoire was the most senior law enforcement officer serving since August 26, 2001. The Legacy Awards are a distinguished honor reserved for those whose careers have been defined by loyalty, experience, and excellence. Those recognized by the Riley County Police Department Legacy Awards are considered pillars of the organization embodying the mission of the Riley County Police Department and who have exemplified steadfast service, deep institutional knowledge, and lasting impact on the department's culture and success.

 

 

Steve Havenstein then shared Riley County Police Department Director Brian R. Peete's nomination for the Manhattan Optimist Law Enforcement Award.

The Director of the Riley County Police Department, acknowledged in his nomination of Erin Freidtine the level of involvement and commitment Riley County Police Department Deputy Director Erin Freidline has to her community. Deputy Director Freidline has been consistently involved in serving her community whether in her role as the Peace Officer or simply as a caring community member. Erin frequently reads to and mentor's students in local schools, attends flurries of community related meetings, and is directly involved in events and activities that shape this city and improves its overall quality of life whether through volunteer work or attracting business. Deputy Director Freidline also works with many non-profits such as the Crisis Center and Pawnee Mental Health Services. She is a shining example of what it means to be a citizen of this great country and her passion in making the world a better place is infectious. She is heads and shoulders one of the best police Officers and leaders I have ever had the privilege of working alongside.

Deputy Director Freidline was presented with a plaque. She thanked the Optimist for the honor and noted how much she enjoys working for the police department.

Patrol Officer Sonia Gregoire shared some statistics from her work at Manhattan High School. She also serves the middle schools when requested. They responded to a little over 400 calls, most were for students who wanted to talk about a situation or provide information to the police department.

A Get Well Card was circulated for Ed Kilmek.

Heather Peterson has arranged for parking cars for a KSU football game for a fundraiser for the Club.

Gerry Banaka reminded everyone of the social on July 22. We will tour the volleyball facility at KSU at 3:30 for 60-90 minutes, followed by a happy hour at the Rockin K's. A sign-up sheet will be circulated a later.

Just Try It is scheduled later this year and the Optimist provide some of the help for the race. Heather Peterson will have more information later.

Kelly Karl will attend the Optimist International meeting in St. Louis this weekend.

GUESTS: Jim Franke introduced his guests, Marlene, his wife, his daughter, Katie from Houston, and granddaughter, Addison, who will be attending KSU next fall. Heather Peterson's guests were Lottie Yeager, with Kansas State Bank, and Brian Peterson, with Olgoomik Construction. Mike Fincham introduced his guest, Mark Smirl, a professional organizer for homes with too much stuff. Also noted were Riley County Police Department Deputy Director Erin Freidline, Patrol Officer Sonia Gregoire, Corporal Rachel Pate.

Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed.

SAVE THE DATE: Tour of KSU Volleyball and Olympic Facilities July 22nd

JULY 2 - MORNING MEETING: Program: Evan McMillian, Riley County Public Works: Topic: “Riley County Public Works Projects”

JULY 9 – NOON MEETING: Program: Nick French, Asst. Director, Accord Hospice: Topic: “Overview of Accord Hospice Services & Community Support Events”

JULY 16 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Judge John McNish, Magistrate Judge, 21st Judicial District: Topic: “21st Judicial District Legal Activities”

JULY 23 – NOON MEETING: Program: Megan Lewis, Director, Riley County Community Corrections: Topic: “Riley County Community Corrections”

JULY 30 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Jacob Galyon, Will Habiger, Sherie Taylor, Riley Co. Geographic System: Topic: “What’s Happening with the GIS”