The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" Vol. 2025 #47 9-17-25
VOLUME 2025 SEPTEMBER 17 NUMBER 47
President Greg McCune welcomed everyone, and Bill Wisdom gave us our daily reflection that was followed by the flag salute.
ACHES & PAINS: Fall is in the air, breathe in, be kind and enjoy the season!
Larry and Diane began their farming operation with three gilts on a rented farm stead. Over the years, they steadily increased their herd to a 60‐sow farrow-to-finish operation and with those profits they were able to buy their first farm - 40 acres of Kansas River bottom land near Zeandale in 1977. As a first-generation farmer, Larry continued in the hog business while teaching ag education at an area high school. Diane was a stay-at-home mom to their three daughters and a partner in their hog operation until she took a job off the farm in the ‘80s.
Then came the flood of 1993. The flooding forced them off the farm for several weeks and it was after that they sold off their breeding stock, got out of the hog business and started row crop farming more land. When Larry retired, he turned his focus to farming full time. They continued to purchase more acreage, which included three farms that had been in Diane’s family for more than 150 years and have all been recognized as Farm Bureau Century Farms. Larry and Diane have been involved with Farm Bureau for nearly 50 years, with their first involvement in KFB Young Farmers and Ranchers. Over the years, they have been involved in many facets of Farm Bureau. Diane has served as Wabaunsee County Farm Bureau president and currently serves as County Women’s Chair. Larry has also served on the Riley County Farm Bureau Board.
The Hooblers remain steadfast in their community involvement as well as promoting agriculture. They are known for hosting others on their farm and providing a great meal – from local organizations to foreign delegations. The Hooblers want Farm Bureau to continue to provide a unified voice to speak loud and clear for what’s best for our members and to continue to surface and develop agricultural leaders. “We need their voices and opinions to help keep agriculture strong.”
Larry talked a lot about crop yields for both Corn and Soybeans, brought in a few corn samples for us to see and talked about sticking with it. You have to work hard to make a successful job of farming. It’s a lot of hard work and you cannot do it for free. He shared stories and much more, I know if you are interested in hearing more, you can reach out to him at larryhoobler@msn.com
CLUB STUFF/ANNOUNCEMENTS and UPCOMING EVENTS:
Doug Jardine will be riding again to raise money for Childhood Cancer. Doug is humbled and grateful for the support he has thru the Optimist Club. With only 169 miles to go, he knows he’ll make it. Thanks again for all the support in his ride to raising money for Childhood Cancer.
Save the date for the Fall Social at Optimist Park, September 21st at 5:00pm; hope to see everyone there. Be sure to sign up!
Chili Crawl is coming together; October 18th is this year’s date. Bill Wisdom and Greg McCune sounded great Friday on the radio!
Slate of officers: President – Kelly Karl, 1st VP – Steve Boeckman, 2nd VP – Gary Lloyd, Secretary – Lisa Brummett, Treasurer – Clyde Scott and Fundraiser Representative – Greg McCune.
Bewitching in Westloop on Halloween, Clyde Scott and a few others will assist handing out candy.
DUES ARE DUE: October 1st, $140.00 can be given to Clyde Scott.
GUESTS: No other guests this morning.
Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed
SEPTEMBER 24 – NOON MEETING: Program: Greg McCune, Outgoing President: Topic: “Farewell Address”
OCTOBER 1 - MORNING MEETING: Program: New Presidential Address & Officer Installation
OCTOBER 8 – NOON MEETING: Program: Matthew Driscoll, Asst. Head Coach – KSU Basketball: Topic: “Overview of KSU Basketball”
OCTOBER 15 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Jessa Peterson, Owner, Chapter 5 Yoga: Topic: “100 Miles of Pain – High Lonesome 100”
OCTOBER 22 – NOON MEETING: Program: Liz Holle, President & CEO, Big Lakes: Topic: “Big Lakes Overview”
OCTOBER 29 – MORNING MEETING: Program: President Kelly Karl: Topic: “Membership Meeting”
