The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" #32 5/10/23
VOLUME 2023 MAY 10 NUMBER 32
President Thad welcomed everyone, and all joined in the Pledge of Allegiance/Flag Salute.
PROGRAM: Thad Hall turned the program over to Sharon Fincham for our final group of students to be recognized for the Youth of the Month awards, Woodrow Wilson Elementary School. Sharon introduced Principal Danny Simon along with teachers, Natalie Banks, Lori Thompson and Serena Nyswonger. All spoke of the importance of recognizing these great students and were happy to be here. We’d like to congratulate Lori Thompson on 33 years of teaching and wish her good luck as she plans to retire. Thank you, Lori, and again, congratulations on your retirement.
Today, Bryan Joy introduced us to 1st grader, Riley A. She was here with her mother Nicole and her sister Ava. Twin, one-year old brothers John and Ryan as well as father Josh were unable to attend. Her teacher, Serena Nyswonger had the following to say: “Riley is a kind optimistic student who always tries her best. Not only does she work hard to persevere through her own work, she also helps motivate others to do the same. Riley can often be found in the classroom encouraging others with her positive words. She is a great reminder that leadership is not only about individual achievements, but also about lifting others up and helping them to achieve their own goals.”
Her mom said she’s strong, fearless, steps up to help with her twin brothers and just knows what to do to help. She and her sister are great together and help so much. Riley likes Tap Dancing, Ballet and playing outside. She likes to watch Super-Hero Girls and Mario cartoons and likes to write on the Whiteboard at school.
Mark Locke introduced us to 3rd grader, Maddison D. who was here today with her father Joshua, grandfather Jeffrey and twin brother Jaxon. Mother and little sister McKenzie were unable to attend. Maddison’s teacher, Natalie Banks gave the following nominating statement: “Maddison is a 3rd grade student at Woodrow Wilson Elementary who has shown great courage and bravery this year while her twin brother Jaxon, battles leukemia. Maddie has been there every step of the way for her brother by attending some of his treatment days while also being a full-time student. When Maddie is at school, she gives her very best and has a positive attitude even when her family is facing outside obstacles. Her brother ended up needing a bone marrow transplant this spring as part of his treatment plan. Maddie wanted to help her brother without hesitation. She was tested and found to be a match for him and over spring break, Maddie donated her bone marrow to help her brother even though the procedure would be painful for her. Maddie has exhibited great perseverance and selflessness this year to help another student and a family member. She is very deserving of being recognized as a Manhattan Optimist Club, Youth of the Month Award Recipient.”
Maddie’s family added, SHE IS AWESOME, very caring and is a great helper. She loves math, riding scooters, making bead bracelets, basketball and watching Utube Kid. She also loves her pets, a guinea pig named Peanut and their two dogs, Bella and China.
Our final student was unable to attend this morning but here is what teacher Lori Thompson had to say about her 5th grade student Aubreelynn F. “Aubreelynn is being nominated for this award because she is a shining example of a loving human being. A-Authentic: she is herself with no regrets. U-Unique. B-Beautiful: soul and heart. R-Respecting of all. E-Entertaining: Aubree is always able to make you smile. E-Energetic: she is always active at recess, practicing her cartwheels and round offs. L-Loves to sing and dance whenever she can. Y-Yearns for her dreams to become an artist. N-Not willing to give up on trying to make someone feel better or make things better for everyone. N-Nominated for Optimist Youth of the Month Award because she cares for her family, enjoys school and learning, and is a shining example of what a kid can be and should be recognized for those qualities.
Aubree has spoken with me about a point between her fourth and fifth grade year that she made a change in the way she treated people. She decided that she was going to go into the fifth grade with a more positive attitude – she kept her promise to herself.”
Sharon visited the 5th grade class at Woodrow Wilson to present Aubreelynn her award and this is what she had to say: “I just went to her classroom at Woodrow Wilson and did the presentation in front of her classmates, the principal and three teachers. Oh my gosh— the class was so enthusiastic that Aubreelynn got this award. They cheered, they said great things about her and were just happy. She was overwhelmed, I think. Kept hugging me! I took cookies for the class but when she saw the basket she said “wow there’s enough for all of us’! It was fun to witness this.”
We Optimists salute all of you for your positive attitudes, the brightness you bring to your classrooms and the selfless attitudes you all carry with you. We wish you nothing but the best in the future! Keep shining bright!
CLUB STUFF/ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Grow Green Match Day was a huge success! Thank you to all who participated. $9700.00
Bill Snyder Half Marathon will be May 27th – 6:30am – 1:30am sign-up sheets are out
$100 gift card to the member that brings in the most “new members” by 9/30/2023
T-Ball is right around the corner, beginning in June, Mike will be sending out information to past supervisors, if you are interested in helping, see Mike. The sign-up sheets are on the tables and there are a few more spots to fill.
May 6th, Optimist Park Work Day – Thank you Jerry Banaka, Bruce Bidwell, Steve Boeckman, Paul Dittmar, Mike Fincham (donuts), Jim Franke, Mel Hunt, Ken Lewis (String Trimming), Gary Lloyd, Mark Locke, Greg McCune, Jim Morrison, Dan O’Neill, Bob Seymour and Bruce Spellman THANK YOU FOR YOUR HARD WORK, it was much appreciated!
GUESTS: Welcome students, families, faculty and staff of Woodrow Wilson Elementary School!
ACHES & PAINS: Be kind, you never know what troubles others may be having, a little kindness goes a long way.
Meeting adjourned with the OPTIMIST CREED.
MAY PROGRAMS:
PROGRAM CHAIR: Todd Chyba
MAY 17: What’s happening at Tuttle Creek State Park
(MORNING MEETING) Daniel Fallin – Tuttle Creek State Park Ranger
-Todd Chyba
MAY 24: Good Shepard Hospice House
(MORNING MEETING) Christine Nolte – Exec. Director, Good Shepard Hospice House
-Todd Chyba
MAY 31: Business Meeting
(MORING MEETING) President Thad Hall