The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" Vol. 2026 #44 8-5-26

VOLUME 2026   AUGUST 5   NUMBER 44

President Kelly Karl welcomed everyone, Gary Lloyd gave us several little reflections this morning, followed by the flag salute.

ACHES & PAINS: “Gratitude turns what we have into enough” -Aesop

PROGRAM: Gary Lloyd introduced our speaker, Dr. Aliah Mestrovich Seay this morning. Dr. Aliah Mestrovich Seay holds a Ph.D. in Leadership Communication (emphasis intercultural/cross-cultural communication, gender, and racial reconciliation and healing), an M.A. Degree in Counseling Psychology (Marriage and Family Therapy), and a B.S. degree in Clinical Psychology in French (Université de Caen, Basse-Normandie, France). Aliah is a Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist (LCMFT) with over 15 years of combined experience working as a therapist, career coach, and disability management specialist. With over 20 years of experience in higher education and the not-for-profit sectors.  She is the Executive Director, UFM Community Learning Center and today she will be talking about “Creating Learning Opportunities – Meeting Community Needs”, introducing A.B.L.E Program – After-School Building Leadership and Enrichment.

UFM Community Learning Center, now offers the new ABLE Program for K-5 students during the 2026-2027 school year. Enrollment begins with the purchase of an annual membership (membership fees are non-refundable), which secures your child’s spot. Students may attend daily from 2:30-5:30 PM Monday through Friday, where they will engage in hands-on STEAM enrichment activities, leadership development, recreation, and even homework support. The program offers a fun, safe environment with mentorship from UFM teen mentors and K-State college students. Transportation will be provided from local schools.

Due to popular demand, families now have two attendance options: a full-time Monday through Friday option for $225 per month or a part-time Monday through Thursday option for $200 per month. Monthly fees are invoiced from August 2026 through May 2027. Transportation is available from participating USD 383 elementary schools. Transportation from local private elementary schools may be available upon request. Please note that transportation is not available from Ogden Elementary School. However, families may utilize parent drop-off and pick-up for students attending from Ogden. This registration reserves your child’s spot in the ABLE Program for the 2026–2027 school year. Additional program information, forms, and required paperwork will be provided to enrolled families later this summer. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. For any questions, please email able@tryufm.org.

At ABLE, students build confidence, friendships, leadership skills and creativity through hands-on STEAM activities, mentoring, recreation and guided support. More than care, a place to learn, grow and belong.

• VISION: Connecting people and ideas for unlimited learning.
• MISSION: UFM Community Learning Center is a creative educational program serving KSU, the Manhattan area and the state of Kansas. Based on the philosophy that everyone can learn and everyone can teach, UFM provides opportunities for lifelong learning and personal development. UFM serves as a forum for the exchange of ideas and as a catalyst for new programs and services that enhance the quality of life for all.
• VALUES: Community and Collaboration – We value collaboration and cooperation to create community. Patron Satisfaction and Support – We value a friendly, patron-centered approach to service. Purposeful Relationships – We value teamwork, open communication and community engagement. Integrity and Enjoyment – We value a foundation of honesty, trust and understanding that fosters a positive environment for enthusiasm, happiness and fun. Creativity and Inspiration – We value adaptability, opportunities for growth and a creative approach to lifelong learning.

Big Shout Out to Bill Wisdom, Steve Boeckman, Gerit Garman and Heather Peterson for all the help with “Just Tri It”! There were close to 300 participants and close to 1000 spectators. Thank you all and special thanks again to Steve Boeckman for running the leftover food to Be Able.  Thanks also to Highland Dairy for donating the chocolate milk. See pictures after the Birthdays.

Nick Powers shared he and his team golfed in the Kansas District Optimist Childhood Cancer Golf Benefit (18th Annual that was held Monday, August 3rd) His team won the event and brought home the “Traveling Trophy” Congratulations Nick and THANK YOU!

If you have any spare quarters, try to get them to Heather by August 12th, for the Laundry Love program. Assisting those in need with laundry services.

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

Save the date: Sept 5th, Parking at CNB for the first KSU Football game

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

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

Be looking for a Social Committee Survey coming out soon.

Save the date: Nov 7th, Parking at the Fire Dept for the KSU Football Game

GUESTS: No additional guests were present this morning.

Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed.

AUGUST 12 – NOON MEETING: Program: Krystin Guggisberg, Co-founder, Laundry Love: Topic: “Laundry Love Program”

AUGUST 19 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Tom Holmberg, Director McCain Auditorium Performance Series: Topic: “Upcoming McCain Performance Season”

AUGUST 26 – NOON MEETING: Program: Dr. Alex Wimmer, KSU Director of Bands: Topic: “Moving Forward with KSU Bands”

Pictures from Just Tri It