The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" Vol. 2025 #40 7-30-25
VOLUME 2025 JULY 30 NUMBER 40
First Vice President Kelly Karl welcomed the membership and guests. Craig Cox presented the reflection and the flag salute followed.
There are three reflections that are a part of every Optimist Meeting. Because we are so familiar with them, sometimes we overlook their significance. They are:
We recite the “Pledge of Allegiance” to begin each meeting. A part of the Pledge states: “one nation under God.” Ronald Reagan, 40th U.S. President, is quoted to have said, “If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a Nation gone under.”
If you go to the Club web page, in big letters, you will see our mission: “Serving the youth of our Community.” The actor Danny Kaye stated, “ The greatest natural resource that any country can have is its children.” We Optimist are the stewards of the United States greatest natural resource, our children.
Marvin Roth asked me to Join Optimists. I immediately knew I wanted to be an Optimist when I recited the Creed at that first meeting. I have always thought that if more people followed the tenets set out in the Creed, there would be fewer problems in the world. I don't think it's an accident that the Creed ends with these words: “To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and to happy to permit the presence of trouble.”
Craig Cox introduced Jacob Galyon, Senior GIS Analyst, and Will Habiger, GIS Specialist, Riley County Geographic Information Systems (GIS), who spoke on “What’s Happening with the GIS.”
GIS technology is rapidly evolving. They have automated tasks to pull data to make updates through scripting languages. Upgrades and updates are made for enhancements and for functionality or tools. Security upgrades and updates are made to keep data safe with encrypted communication. Changes in programming and scripting languages for different browsers etc. are made. GIS professionals must be constantly learning , training, and adapting to changes.
To use the system, the first step is to go to the Riley County website under the Government tab, Departments tab and down to IT/GIS, then agree to terms of use.
https://www.rileycountyks.gov/
The GIS viewer has tools for navigation, selection of layers, pop up/attribute information, and basemap options.
Navigation tools include zoom buttons, or the mouse wheel can be used, or a tablet's zoom feature can be used.
There are a number of layers that can be opened.
Four different base maps can be opened: the default base map, two aerial flights photo maps, and physical hillshade with contours for elevation and display purposes.
Manhattan City zoning and Fort Riley can also be displayed.
There is a tremendous amount of information on the site that is free for the public to use and explore.
GUESTS: Our speakers, Jacob Galyon, Senior GIS Analyst, and Will Habiger, GIS Specialist.
Volunteers are needed for Just Try It, a running group for girls who will have a race on August 9th. Volunteers are needed to set up food, tables, banners etc. and then keep is it stocked for the runners when they finish. Shifts are 7:00-9:00 and 9:00-11:00. Heather Peterson is coordinating the Optimist's participation.
Kelly Karl also reminded the group of the fall social on September 21st at Optimist Park.
Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed.
SAVE THE DATE: Just Try It August 9th.
AUGUST 6 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Dick Carter Jr., Lobbyist/Liason, The Manhattan Chamber of Commerce; Topic: “My Role as a Lobbyist for MCC”
AUGUST 13 – NOON MEETING: Program: Jayme Minton, Manhattan City Commissioner: Topic: “Classroom to Careers Program”
AUGUST 20 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Stephanie Johnson, Physical Therapist, Maximum Performance: Topic: “Cancer Rehabilitation”
AUGUST 27 – NOON MEETING: Program: Bronwyn Fees, Assoc. Dean, Academic Affairs, School of Family Studies: Topic: “Child Care Needs”
