The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin": Vol. 2024 #44: 7-31-24
VOLUME 2024 JULY 31, 2024 NUMBER 44
On July 31, 2024, the morning meeting of the Manhattan Optimist club was called to order by president, Bill Wisdom with the pledge of allegiance.
A technology glitch prevented us from hearing the reflection from OI president, Tracy Huxley.
LINK TO TRACY HUXLEY'S REFLECTION
The 106th Optimist International Convention was held in Niagara Falls, Canada. Greg has been a member of our club for over five years. He said that the international convention was a real eye opener for him – getting to experience Optimism at a different level. Greg thanked the club for sponsoring him to attend the convention: he hopes the experience will be useful for his presidency.
The Canadian side of Niagara Falls is very beautiful. He had a view of the falls from his hotel room, which he discovered was not the case with many other convention attendees. There were fireworks every night at 10 PM and they had a great view of the fireworks as well. Lyle Merriam was Greg’s “convention buddy” – buddies are assigned to members who were attending their first convention. Lyle, who is from Regina, SK, was the chairman of the whole convention. They met before the convention via zoom and Lyle took Greg “under his wing”.
At the Marketing session, Greg learned that social media presence is vital, and that video is king: 20% of people will read a text, but 80% will watch a video. It is also important that websites be optimized to be viewed on a cellphone. A great way to engage the community online is to follow other clubs on social media and share their posts and ask them to reciprocate.
At the Grants session, Greg learned about some grant opportunities. There is a grant for new club projects: the club must match the grant. The application deadline is March 21, 2024, and grants range from $250-1000. There is also a grant for Child Health and Wellness projects: the club must match this grant, as well. The application deadline is Aug 23, 2024, and the grants range from $250-1000. Our essay contest for the Interpersonal Skills (IPS) class may be eligible for this grant.
Greg described other benefits provided by Optimist International, including the pass through program, liability insurance (which does not cover coaches, etc. who are not members of the club), and dues reimbursement, up to $100 (through Grouper).
Greg enjoyed hearing about other clubs’ fundraisers including pickleball tournaments, avenue of flags, bingo, and March Madness. He also learned about what youth events other clubs sponsor, including a kite festival, haunted trail, bike rodeo, and angel tree (Christmas gift for underprivileged children).
Approximately 700 people attended the OI convention in 2024. Next year, the Optimist International convention will be in St. Louis, MO.
No guests were present.
Jim Franke announced that the workday at Optimist Park that was scheduled for Monday Aug 5 has been postponed to Tuesday, Aug 6.
SAVE THE DATES: Just Try It, Saturday, August 10th from 7:30 to 12:30; September 8, Fall Social at the Park; September 28, football parking for the OSU game; October 19, Aggieville Chili Crawl.
Adjourned with the Optimist Creed
NEXT WEEK'S MEETING:
AUGUST 7: MORNING MEETING: Renee Langvardt, Owner/Operator, REX Theatre, Clay Center: Topic: “REX Theatre Renovation – Children’s Programs”
AUGUST MEETINGS
AUGUST 14: NOON MEETING: Lauren Farwell, President, Board of Directors, Wonder Workshop: Topic: “Wonder Workshop Services to Community Youth”
AUGUST 21: MORNING MEETING: Blade Mages, Owner – Middle (formerly 502 Media): Topic: “Wareham Hall Project”
AUGUST 28: NOON MEETING: Kendra Kuhlman, Director – Manhattan Arts Center: Topic: “Master Plan for Manhattan Arts Center”