The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" Vol. 2026 #39 7-1-26

VOLUME 2026 JULY 1 NUMBER 39

President Kelly Karl welcomed everyone, Gary Lloyd gave us our morning reflection and that was followed by the flag salute.

ACHES & PAINS: Remember those less fortunate, those suffering and those doing the very best they can.

PROGRAM: Craig Cox introduced Raymond Cloyd, Department of Entomology at KSU, as our speaker this morning. Dr. Raymond A. Cloyd has an extension (70%) and research (30%) appointment at Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS). His research and extension program involves pest management/plant protection in greenhouses, nurseries, landscapes, turfgrass, conservatories, interiorscapes, Christmas trees, and vegetables and fruits. Dr. Cloyd is the extension specialist in horticultural entomology for the state of Kansas with a major clientele that includes homeowners, master gardeners, and professional and commercial operators. He has a B.S. Ornamental Horticulture, California Polytechnic State University -San Luis Obispo, 1990; M.S. Entomology, Purdue University, 1995; Ph.D. Entomology, Purdue University, 1999. His research programs include interests associated with pest management/plant protection, biological control, plant-insect interactions, and non-chemical means of dealing with insect and mite pests. His research program involves pest management/plant protection of insect and mite pests of horticultural crops including thrips, fungus gnats, mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites. His research emphasis is on scouting, sanitation, biological control, and appropriate use of pest control materials (insecticides and miticides). His current research projects affiliated with greenhouse pest management are 1) biological control of fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.) using the rove beetle, Dalotia coriaria; 2) effect of systemic insecticides on the citrus mealybug (Planococcus citri); and 3) use of entomopathogenic fungi in rotation programs to mitigate populations of the western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis).

Today’s topic was “The Sweet Low Down on Honey Bees”. Dr. Cloyd provided us with many slides about Honey Bees and their importance. Here is a little snippit: “The European or Western honey bee, Apis mellifera, pollinates approximately 75% of crop species in agricultural and horticultural production systems worldwide at a value of $170-$200 billion per year. While foraging for pollen and nectar in flowering plants, honeybees may be exposed to insecticides; however, they may also be exposed to a multitude of other pesticides and compounds including fungicides, insect growth regulators, herbicides, and adjuvants. Previous and recent studies show that these pesticides and compounds are directly or indirectly harmful to honey bees, which could negatively impact pollination and colony health. Fungicides can directly and indirectly affect honey bees, and enhance the toxicity (synergize) of certain insecticides, thus increasing their toxic effects to honey bees. Insect growth regulators negatively affect larvae, which impacts blood production in honey bee colonies. Herbicides can indirectly affect honey bee populations by reducing the availability of flowering plants, which decreases pollen and nectar sources during foraging, and consequently reduces colony survival during the winter. Adjuvants, especially surfactants, are a component of pesticide formulations, and are indirectly harmful to honey bees.”

Dr. Cloyd provided so much information, if you would like more, you can reach out to him at rcloyd@ksu.edu he is more than happy to share.

CLUB STUFF/ANNOUNCEMENTS and UPCOMING EVENTS:

Save the date: July 15th, Bowling Social Event – K-State Union, text Sharon Fincham for more information

Save the date: Aug 20th, Trap Shoot Park – RSVP to Brad Claussen

Save the date: Oct 24th, Annual Chili Crawl (see Bill Wisdom for more information)

Save the date: Sept 20th, Annual Picnic at Optimist Park with more information to come.

Just Try It Youth Triathlon coming up soon, volunteers will be needed, reach out to Heather or Kelly

Watch for a Social Committee Survey coming out soon.

Sharon Fincham gave a shout out to everyone helping recognize 24 Youth of the Month students and although school will start at 7:30am starting next year, we will still be able to honor these students as arrangements will be made to accommodate our Youth of the Month Program. And here’s a special shout out to Sharon Fincham for her wonderful work making the Youth of the Month Program successful!

GUESTS: No additional guests were present this morning.

Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed

JULY 8 – NOON MEETING: Program: Doug Sebelius/Tom Hawk: Topic: “History of the Kansas Supreme Court”

JULY 15 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Daniel Skucius, Riley County Extension Office: "Community Vitality Services"

JULY 22 – NOON MEETING: Program: Anne Smith, ATA Bus Services: Topic: “Update on Manhattan Public Transportation”

JULY 29 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Joshua Gering, Riley County EMS Services: Topic: “Update on Riley County EMS”

 

2026 T-Ball Volunteers Summary

MOC Members volunteered for Weekly Supervising:

Steve Boeckman

Mike Fincham

Gary Lloyd

Bill Wisdom

Greg Wurst

MOC Members volunteered for Umpiring:

Steve Boeckman

Mike Fincham

'Larry Fox

Jim Franke

Tom Hintz

Kelly Karl (3 times)

Fred Olsen

Dan O'Neill

Bill Wisdom

Greg Wurst

MOC Members volunteered for Field Maintenance (Weed Spraying, Trimming, Mowing):

Bruce Bidwell

Steve Boecklman

Jim Franke

Dan O'Neill

MOC Members volunteered for Concessions:

Concession Leaders were Judy Nickelson & Jean Klassen

Initial Concession Setup

Bruce Bidwell

Steve Boeckman

Jim Franke

Judy Nickelson

Concession Workers

Doug Jardine

Karen Hawes

Kelly Karl

Jean Klassen

Greg McCune Judy Nickelson

Jolene Roberts

Bob Seymour Bill Wisdom

Games

20 games played on Jim Franke Field

Started 06/08 and ended 07/02 (4 weeks)

Game times were 6:00 PM & 7:10 PM

2 games on Monday and Tuesday and 1 game on Thursday.

Made up on Wed 07/01