The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" Vol. 2026 #49 9-9-26

Fred Olsen introduced Ballroom Dance MHK owner Tim Gregory and instructor, Tonya Roberts. Fred met them when his daughter was getting married and a father-daughter dance would be expected at the reception; and of course, no one wants to embarrass themself in this situation, thus a few dance lessons were in order. Meeting this need is a very common service for the dance studio.

Tim started swing dancing in 1999 to impress a young lady. As his dancing progressed, he taught at Arthur Murray in San Diego. He is a navy veteran and has a B.S. in Computer Networking. He moved to Manhattan in 2016. After 10 years, they moved into their new studio next to the Blue Hills Room.

 

Tonya started dancing with the typical little girl dream of becoming a ballerina. She has a B.A. in dance and math from the University of Alabama. She started ballroom dancing in 2023. She also has a Ph.D. in statistics and worked in data science.

Ballroom dancing is dancing with a partner and encompasses many types of dances including Country, Latin, Swing, Rumba, Cha Cha, Foxtrot, Waltz, and Tango. Their students are generally in the 25 to 65 age range and are middle class singles or couples.

 

They offer group classes designed for beginners that will have you dancing quickly. Group classes give dancers the opportunity to learn new patterns and perfect familiar ones. Wedding dance lessons will give beginners the confidence to dance in front of a large group with style and grace. Private lessons can focus on the specific song/s for the wedding reception and special choreography for a unique dance.

 

In addition to group classes, private lessons, and wedding/first dance (bride-groom; father-daughter; mother-son, etc.) lessons, they also offer social dances, competitions, and performances. They also assist with some community events, such as the upcoming MAC production of The Nutcracker as well as KSU sororrity tango lessons, the annual Habitat for Humanity Valentine's event, the Sunflower Dance Festival, St. Bernard Pre-Prom dance lesson, and Community TEA.

Some of the benefits of dancing include: stress relief, exercise, couples bonding, self-confidence, social outlet, personal hobby, a bar scene alternative, and special events.

• Continue to grow the dance community
• Hire and train another male instructor
• Choreograph and train dancers for part of the Nutcracker production at the MAC.
• Host a Grand Opening at the new location in Blue Hills Shopping Center.
• Create a Manhattan, KS version of Dancing with the Stars.
• Light MHK Event

Tim thanked the Optimist for having them and invited everyone to stop by the studio (which is next door) for a tour.

Ballroom Dance MHK - Home

GUESTS: Mary Phelps (former member), Adrian Walker (wife of member Greg Wurst), Cody Begnoche (Central National Bank), Steve Coloney (Optimist Member visiting from Virginia).

The annual Optimist picnic is September 20th is at Optimist Park from 4:00-7:00 pm. See flier below.

Bill Wisdom noted that the annual Chili Crawl was October 24th. There are 11 participants, including Cold Stone Creamery. Online ticket sales will start September 24thand are $20 each. Eight sponsors have been secured, including two top “Ghost Pepper” sponsors: McCownGordon Construction, Adair Law and eight “Habanero” sponsors have been secured. Volunteer information was on the tables.

On September 5th, the Optimist managed the parking and received the revenue for parking at Central National Bank for the KSU Football game parking 59 cars and earning $1,180 for our Optimist Club. Greg McCune, Gary Lloyd, Steve Havenstein, and Terry Morrand volunteered to park cars.

On November 7th the Optimist will manage the parking at the fire station on Denison and receive the revenue. Volunteers will be needed to park cars for that event.

First Vice President Steve Boeckman presented the slate of officers for the 2026-2027 Optimist year beginning October 1st. He then asked for nominations from the floor; there were none.

Doug Jardine moved the slate be approved unanimously. Motion passed without dissent.

Doug also announced that today was match day for the Great Cycle Challenge. Doug is raising money for cancer research. Doug has raised over $20,000 over the years for this charity, much of it from Optimist members. Bruce Bidwell sent out a link to the fundraising site. Doug's goal this year is $4,700.

Gary Lloyd invited everyone to the Blue Earth Plaza for a Manhattan Symphony concert at 7:00 pm on Friday, September 11.

Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed.

SAVE THE DATE: October 24th is our 24th annual Chili Crawl.

SEPTEMBER 16 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Karla Hagemeister, Director – Flint Hills Breadbasket: Topic: “Food Insecurity”

SEPTEMBER 23 – NOON MEETING: Program: Stephanie Peterson, Dir. Manhattan Planning & Development: Topic: “Master Plan Development for Manhattan”

SEPTEMBER 30 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Outgoing Presidential Farewell Address: Topic: “Outgoing President Address & Member Recognition”