The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin": Vol. 2024 #11: 12-13-23
VOLUME 2024 December 13, 2023 NUMBER 11
President Bill Wisdom welcomed the membership and guests, followed by a reflection by Craig Cox, and the Flag Salute.
Student of the Month
Thad Hall outlined the Manhattan High School Student of the Month Program. The program recognizes Manhattan High School seniors who make a difference in their community through volunteerism and leadership of activities that have a positive impact on the MHS or Manhattan community. The goal of the program is to inspire and encourage youth to get involved in their community in an effort to benefit others. Applicants submit a résumé and are judged by a committee. Recipients receive $100 to donate to the organization of their choice and are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship as the overall yearly winner. Connor Buchanan was introduced as Manhattan High School Student of the Month.
Connor Buchanan, a Junior at MHS, thanked the Optimist for selecting him as Student of the Month. He also thanked his mother, Cathy Bucanan, and his father, Alan Buchanan. Conner’s hobbies and interests are the study of the German language, science, playing the piano, camping and Boy Scouts since the 5th grade. He has earned a scholarship to go to Germany from his fluency in the German language. At Manhattan High School, he is active in the German Club and its president, Science Olympiad, Project MHK, and Marching Band where he is drum major. Some of his high school accomplishments are AATG (German) Summer Study Abroad Scholarship in 2022, and in 2023 theDeutschsprachdiplum1 (an official German language certificate of the German education authorities and the Foreign Office (Germany) certifying levels of knowledge of the German language) and AP Scholar with Honor in 2023 and will earn the Distinguished Service Award in 2024.
His future plans are to attend university at Montana State University and study Biochemistry and become a physician. The teacher who has impacted him most is Mr. Anderson, who teaches science classes and coaches the Science Olympiad Team, has fueled his passion for science. Conner’s long term life goals are to become a physician and move to Colorado or the northwest where there are mountains and travel and hike.
Conner donated his $100 from the Optimist to the MHS Science Olympiad.
Program:
Heather Peterson introduced Adrina Beltran, Volunteer and Donations Coordinator, Manhattan Emergency Shelter, and a 2021 KSU graduate and has been with the Emergency Shelter for about five years. Adriana spoke on “What’s happening at the MESI.”
The number of unduplicated clients served over the past four years are:
- 2020: 349 Clients
- 2027: 339 Clients
- 2022: 385 Clients
- 2023; 331 so far as of 10/4/23
The Caroline Peine Shelter has seen the following trends in recent years, serving the elderly on fixed income who can’t make ends meet, families with children, young adults, people with no income or support, male domestic violence victims, veterans, as well as people with severe disabilities, including physical, mental, developmental, and substance abuse.
The shelter’s housing programs include homeless rapid rehousing program (HUD) and homeless prevention program (CDBG). The homeless rapid rehousing program includes paying the deposit and first month’s rent for those who are literally homeless; case management provides housing stability planning, landlord mediation, and accountability which is federally funded. The Shelter moved 73% of their clients to permanent housing in 2022. The homeless prevention program pays rental and utility arrears for those in subsidized housing, provides case management aids with budgeting, landlord mediation, and referrals, and is federally funded with the funding decided by the City of Manhattan.
Several factors contribute to the success of the center. The center has night staff supervision, so there is always a staff member around to handle any issues. There is also shelter security, as all doors remain locked. There is a crisis intervention and case management services and a centralized intake center. Within the community there is collaboration with state and local groups which reduces the burden on other agencies and organizations. There are 24-hour access and day services available. In addition, the center accepts in-kind donations.
Community members can help the shelter by volunteering to organize, clean, and work on special projects. Fundraising is also important through monetary donations, adopt ‘N ornament program and bids for bags at the auction fundraiser. In addition, there are donation drives for paper products, food, baby supplies, socks, and underwear.
Guests:
Conner Buchanan and his parents, and our speaker, Adrina Beltran.
Club Stuff/Announcements:
Jim Franke provided an update to the Christmas tree sales. Thirty-six trees are left, and the lot will be open through Sunday; any trees remaining will be placed outside the fence for anyone to take. Thanks to all the volunteers who showed up for shifts after the regular shifts ended. Jim also thanked Steve McKenzie for the radio ads on KMAN. Jim thanked everyone for making the 65th year of Tree Lot sales a success.
Bob Seymour announced Early Expressions Art judging was completed on Friday December 8th. 2,006 pieces of K-5 grade were judged, along with 130 pieces of middle school art and 97 pieces of high school art. He also thanked the volunteers who picked up the art for all the schools, and those who helped lay out the art on tables and pick it up after the judging. Special thanks to Jim Morrison and Korey Klinkenberg for organizing the event.
Thad Hall reported that they have completed three of the Hoop Holler and Shoots so far and that the Girl’s Final is December 18th at 6:15 pm.
Save these dates: March 15 & 16: State Special Olympics Basketball and March 23rd for the annual Spaghetti Dinner.
Gray Lloyd announced a flute ensemble and handbell concert celebrating music of the season at the First United Methodist Church, 612 Poyntz Ave. Friday December 15th at 7:00 pm.
Mike Fincham reminded everyone of the Christmas Breakfast on Wednesday, December 20th. Breakfast will begin at 6:00 am.
Adjourned with the Optimist Creed
Next Weeks’s Meeting:
DECEMBER 20: Annual Christmas Breakfast – “Welcome in the Christmas Spirit!”
MORNING MEETING Featuring Chad Pape and the Manhattan Pops Choir and a special visit from Santa!
Coordinators: Mike and Sharon Fincham
December Meeting Schedule:
DECEMBER 27: Karen and Dave Everhart, Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue Ranch
NOON MEETING Topic: “Reading to our Rescues”
Coordinator: Mike Fincham
May you always have: Bread that your home never knows hunger: Salt so your life always has flavor: and Wine that joy and prosperity will reign forever. Quote from “It’s a Wonderful Life” and Bill Wisdom