The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" Vol. 2027 #3 10-21-26

VOLUME 2027   OCTOBER 21   NUMBER 03

Dues are Due: $150.00 for regular memberships and $105.00 for life memberships.

President Steve Boeckman welcomed everyone and gave our morning reflection, which was followed by the flag salute.

ACHES & PAINS: Fall is upon us, enjoy the beauty of it all!

PROGRAM: President Steve Boeckman handed the program over to Sharon Fincham as we begin our Youth of the Month recognitions! First and foremost, Sharon recognized the Principals and Staff from Woodrow Wilson and Oliver Brown Elementary Schools. Without them and their support, most of these students would not receive the recognition they do – so Thank You for all you do for the students at your respective schools. Next, parents, siblings, grandparents and or other support for these students were recognized – Thank You for all the support you give to your family. Now let’s recognize some fantastic students.

First, Sharon Fincham introduced us to Beka D. from Woodrow Wilson Elementary. She is a very hard worker who is always willing to help others. She is a big helper in class, she loves math, whether it’s easy or hard, she uses a strategy. She is wonderful help at A & H Farms where she gets to run around, help on the farm, help run the drink shop, loves to drive tractors and gets to go down the giant slide any time she wants! Congratulations Beka on being such a good student and great worker, keep doing what you’re doing, we are very proud of you.

Next up, Mike Fincham introduced us to Mackinze C. from Oliver Brown Elementary. Her nominating teacher Ms. Gregory had the following to say: “Mackinze is such a kind and thoughtful student, always willing to help others whether she is helping a classmate or myself, she is always looking to help and make someone’s day easier. Mackinze is always cheering on her classmates and celebrating their successes. She wants to see everyone do well, and her kindness does not go unnoticed.” Her father says that she is shy and reserved until you get to know her and then she’s a little feisty and a burst of energy. She is an amazing artist; she even got to have her art displayed at the Beach Museum. She likes to fish with her dad, she likes basketball and playing UNO, she has got a telescope because she loves to look at the stars and comets. She also likes to read and listen to country music, and she may want to be an Astronaut when she grows up.

Greg McCune introduced Dean L. from Oliver Brown Elementary, and his nominating teacher Ms. Whitten wrote: “Dean is a sweet student and absolute pleasure to have in class. He has had many challenges that most could never imagine, but he does not let them keep him down. He works hard every day in class and has a smile that lights the room. I especially appreciate his great sense of humor an admire his growing self-advocacy.” His family said Dean is very compassionate, he helps his younger brother. He and his brother both have muscular dystrophy which presents many challenges in their lives. Dean likes cats, the big ones like leopards, tigers and lions, they visit many zoos. Something really cool about Dean is that he also likes Dory from Finding Nemo. In keeping with this interest, Dean is going to Australia to see Dory in the wild sometime in the Spring of 2027 as part of the “Make A Wish” foundation. We are so happy for you!!!

Sharon Fincham had the pleasure of introducing the next two recipients from Woodrow Wilson Elementary, first we met Maryeli B. whose teacher, Ms. Metzger had the following to say: “Maryeli is an excellent student and classmate. She is multi-lingual, Spanish and English. Maryeli has come a long way in learning to read and write very well in English. She works very hard every day and doesn’t complain when things are hard, she faces the challenges head on. She is also a very respectful and helpful student. She encourages others to do their best and always helps her classmates when they need it. Maryeli is the type of student everyone wants to sit with at their table!” Her family added, she loves to bake bread and cook. She is just a great kid that loves to help everyone.

And finally, Sharon introduced Joshua H. and his teacher, Ms. Sebes wrote: “Joshua is constantly kind to other classmates. He is mostly always doing the right thing when nobody is watching, and he is often seen helping others. He is a delight to have in our classroom.” His family added the following too. Joshua likes to draw and wants to be an artist. He likes to draw people and animals. He is very clean and neat, not messy. He likes to play outside with his cousins, and he also likes to box.

Congratulations to all these wonderful students who show such promise. We Optimists wish you the very best always. Thank you for being such outstanding students in your schools, helping your teachers and classmates and really by just doing the right things. Things that matter, we are proud of all of you!

CLUB STUFF/ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS:

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

Social Event: Nov 4th at Midwest Dream Car Collection/Museum

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

Reminder: Dues are due in October.

Hoop, Holler & Shoot will be needing volunteers, reach out to Thad Hall if you have the availability.

Morning “reflection” and program suggestions are ALWAYS welcome. Please share your ideas.

Youth of the Month and Student of the Month start up mid-October, if you are interested in helping introduce these young recipients, see Sharon Fincham for YOM and Thad Hall for SOM

Jim Franke provided an outline of all our Youth Programs Funded by Manhattan Optimist Club.

Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed.

GUESTS: Welcome Principals, Teachers, Students, Parents, Siblings and all other support staff from Woodrow Wilson Elementary and Oliver Brown Elementary Schools. We are glad you could join us this morning as we recognize these wonderful students.

OCTOBER 28 – NOON MEETING: Program: Linda Shortsleeves – K-State Credit Union Member Card Solutions Spec.: Topic: “Fraud Awareness/Elder Abuse”

NOVEMBER 4 - MORNING MEETING: Program: Youth of the Month Presentations – Bluemont & Bergman: Topic: “Youth of the Month Presentations”

NOVEMBER 11 – NOON MEETING: Program: Student of the Month & R.W. Trewyn, PHD/Author - Veteran’s Day Presentation: Topic: “Student of the Month Presentation” & “Honoring Military Service”

NOVEMBER 18 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Jim Franke & Bruce Bidwell: Topic: “Christmas Tree Lot Progress Report”

NOVEMBER 25 – NOON MEETING: PROGRAM: Christmas Tree Lot Remote Meeting – Optimist Park: Topic: “Meet at Park – Set Out Trees – Prepare for Opening Day”