The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin": Vol. 2024 #27: 4-3-24

                                                  VOLUME 2024            APRIL 3         NUMBER 27

President Bill Wisdom, welcomed everyone and gave us our morning blessing, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  

ACHES & PAINS:  Keep Bruce Bidwell, Steve McKinzie and their families in your thoughts and prayers.  Always be kind…      

PROGRAM:  This morning Sharon Fincham recognized how important family and the Educator support of these young students really is by having them all stand and giving then a hand for all they do driving these wonderful students to do their best every day.  There was a wonderful supportive crowd here for them this morning.  

Kelly Karl was first up, introducing us to Bluemont Elementary, 5th grader, Violet L., nominated by her teachers, Mrs. Pryor and Mrs. Smith.  This is what Mrs. Smith had to say, “I have only known Violet for the past three months, but she has been a tremendous help to me as a substitute teacher for her class.  She has been a great help to me whether it be a computer issue, a class procedure I needed clarified, helping other students in math or general classroom duties.  She has made my job easier, in fact, she could probably run the class herself!  Not only is she an enthusiastic learner, but she is always kind and considerate.  She is sensitive to the thoughts and opinions of others. Her calm demeanor and ability to collaborate and communicate with others impacts the atmosphere of the classroom in a positive way.  Violet is deserving of this special recognition.”

Violet likes soccer, reading, swimming and singing.  She has a cat and a dog, Pip and Oden and a brother named Avi.  Her mother also included the following: “There is so much to say about Violet, where do I even begin?  She is our first born, and the most special gift we could have asked for.  From the day she was born, she had us wrapped around her little finger.  She’s always been passionate, kindhearted, selfless and inclusive.  Whether in the classroom, on the soccer pitch or at home, she’s always willing to lend a helping hand.  She even dubbed herself the “do anything girl” when she was probably 5 years old because we often ask for her help with things at home.  We are so proud of the young woman she is becoming and excited to continue to watch her flourish and become the person she’s meant to be.”

Although our second student from Bluemont Elementary, 4th grader, Nisar M. was unable to make it this morning, Sharon Fincham shared what his teacher, Jess Sholin had to say.  “Nisar demonstrates strong leadership qualities and has been such a great example for our younger Bobcats.  He is reliable and trustworthy and expects the same behavior from his peers and siblings!  He is always first to volunteer to help with whatever needs done around the school and has been especially helpful with any lifting or moving I need done during my pregnancy.  Nisar has chosen to skip recess to help and does not ever expect a prize or reward for his efforts.  He helps because he wants to, which is rare to find in an adolescent today.  It has been so much fun to watch Nisar become a leader at Bluemont. 

Over the course of the school year, he has really opened up and shared more about his life.  He shares about his experiences in Afghanistan and loves to talk about his family.  He is very proud of his father and older brothers and looks up to them as role models.  Nisar has great ambitions for his life and understands it will take hard work to get there and he encourages his peers and others around him to work hard as well. 

I am so proud of Nisar’s perseverance and positive attitude, he exemplifies the Six Pillars of Character that we encourage in all of our Bobcats – Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship.  Nisar is such an influential part of our Bobcat community and deserves to be recognized for how he goes above and beyond every day to be encouraging, positive and helpful.”

Up next, Gary Lloyd introduced us to 5th grader, Dax D. from Flint Hills Christian School and his teacher Mrs. Neely had the following to say about nominating him, “Dax consistently demonstrates an exceptional level of support for both fellow students and teachers alike.  His keen observation allows him to identify tasks that require attention, and he readily offers his assistance without hesitation.  Dax not only adheres to instructions diligently but also takes the initiative to guide his peers, serving as a beacon of leadership within the classroom.  Moreover, his unwavering encouragement uplifts those around him, fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment.  In essence, Dax exemplifies remarkable selflessness and remains a standout among his peers for his commendable acts of kindness and generosity.” 

Dax likes movie nights at home with family, especially fond of the Star Wars movies.  He likes to play outside with friends likes and likes the Fortnite Video game.  He is involved in baseball, basketball and soccer and he really likes math. 

 

Mike Fincham introduced us to our last student, 2nd grader from Flint Hills Christian School, Luke W.  Luke’s teacher, Mrs. Nottnagel had the following to say: “Luke would be a great fit for the Optimist Club!  He is your average 2nd grade kiddo but when something is challenging for him, he never gives up or complains.  He always puts forth his best effort, he cheers on his classmates to success and always includes everyone.  Luke is a hard worker and above all else, he loves others like Jesus!!  Luke is a wonderful candidate for this recognition.” 

Mrs. Plummer who teaches in the other 2nd grade classroom say she observes the same as his homeroom teacher.  Again, a wonderful candidate for Optimist Youth of the Month recognition.

Luke is a history buff, he loves history!  He likes football, soccer and wrestling and his favorite baseball player is Bobby Witt Jr.  He also likes fishing, camping and scouting, he has a dog named Franklin and when he gets older he would like to work with his father in the Oil business. 

Congratulations to these fine students, we Optimists wish you the very best, work hard and stay on task, you’ll all go far!

CLUB STUFF/ANNOUNCEMENTS and UPCOMING EVENTS:          

 

Jolene Roberts was officially welcomed/accepted as a new member!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

President Bill Wisdom presented Clyde Scott with a presidential pistachio award for his outstanding ticket sales for the spaghetti dinner!

 

 

Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction, 2024

Our 14th Annual Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction Fundraiser was our most successful to date. We set new records for customers served (600 plus about 35 of our members) and net funds raised (approximately $11,500).

Our members’ response to our “all hands-on deck” call was outstanding. 82 members sold tickets, 43 worked the event with 12 helping out both days, 23 baked desserts and 7 helped with the bread-baking at K-State (see below). Thanks to all!!

Special thanks go out to:

The “heavy lifters” including Steve Boeckman, Jeff Brummett, Steve McKinzie, Bob Seymour, Nick Thilges, and the co-chairs Bruce Bidwell and Jim Franke.
The Crew Chiefs that ram-rodded the various tasks required to pull this deal off.
The Silent Auction Crew including Jaime Bohnenblust, Diane Brummett, Julie Brummett, Lisa Brummett and Donna Pottroff.
The Non-members that pitched in at the event including Pat Bidwell, Sara Bidwell, Jaime Bohnenblust, Marlene Franke, Lin Lewis, Mary Phelps (former member and president) and Donna Pottroff.
Food donations: Three members facilitated food donations that collectively saved us approximately $1000. Tom Hintz negotiated the hamburger donation courtesy of the Outdoor Bank, Don Bechtel arranged for pasta and sauce from the Barilla Corporation, and Keith Behnke facilitated a donation of 140 loaves (but no “fishes”) of bread from the KSU Bakery Science Club.
Advertising: Radio advertising on KMAN was furnished by Steve McKinzie and by the Greater Manhattan Community Fund. Mead Lumber and Community First Bank ran billboard ads for us.
Member Teams of the Manhattan Optimist Softball Association (MOFA) sold $2,000 in tickets and contributed many items for our Silent Auction
On behalf of MOFA, Pat Bidwell, Diane Brummett, Julie Brummett, Lisa Brummett and Marlene Franke baked 350 meals worth of desserts.
The Rookies including Tim Fairbanks, Gary Lloyd and Becca Traxson all worked at the event for the first time. Hopefully, in the future they will join the ranks of the crew chiefs or the heavy lifters.

Larry Fox has accepted the open Board position!    

Gary Lloyd announced that April 7th, MAC will feature the “Thundering Cats” a free, Big Band Performance

Keith Behnke and the “bread baking” crew have been welcomed back to assist with the bread baking for KSU Open House, please let Keith know if you would like to help!  Great Job!

GROW GREEN MATCH DAY will be April 22nd, see Todd Chyba for more information.

SAVE THE DATE: May 8th – IPS Essay Celebration, May 9th – New Member Dinner, June 19th – Celebration Project,       October 19th – Aggieville Chili Crawl

GUESTS:  Welcome students, families and faculty of Bluemont Elementary and Flint Hills Christian Elementary Schools.  We are so glad you could join us this morning.

Meeting adjourned with the OPTIMIST CREED.

APRIL PROGRAMS:   Program Chairs:  Sharon/Mike Fincham, Heather Peterson & Paul Dittmar

                APRIL 10:                             Student of the Month Presentation

                NOON MEETING              Michelle Sink, Big Brothers/Big Sisters

                                                                “What’s happening with Big Brothers/Big Sisters”

                                                                Coordinator: Heather Peterson                

                APRIL 17:                             Greg Spaulding, KSU Department of Mechanical Engineering

                MORNING MEETING      “KSU-Mechanical Engineering”

                                                                Coordinator:  Paul Dittmar

                APRIL 24:                             Ronnie Grice, Head of Security-KSU

                NOON MEETING              “KSU Sports & Security”

                                                                Coordinator:  Sharon Fincham

APRIL BIRTHDAYS