The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin": Vol. 2024 #52: 9-25-24
VOLUME 2024 SEPTEMBER 25, 2024 NUMBER 52
President Bill Wisdom welcomed the membership and guests, then presented the reflection, which was presented by Rod McKendrick at the International Convention at Niagara Falls in 2024. The flag salute followed.
He noted the past year went well; we had four major fundraising events which allows us to support area youth activities. He thanked Jim Franke and Bruce Bidwell for their many years running the Tree Lot; he also noted that we have developed a plan to reorganize how we sell Christmas trees and to spread the responsibilities among new leaders. He thanked Steve Boeckman and Greg McCune for leading that effort.
The new schedule of morning and noon meetings appears to be going well and meeting the needs of the membership, he observed. However, future presidents may not be able to attend both morning and noon meetings, thus we may need to utilize vice presidents in that role sometimes.
He stated, “The one thing I learned about being an Optimist is that we adhere to three pillars of Optimism. The first pillar, and the one we all know is 'Bringing out the best in our youth.' This is why we are here. The second pillar is that we 'Bring out the best in our community.' We share our Optimism by our actions. The Third Pillar is that we 'Bring out the best in ourselves.' The challenge for us here is to do the right thing. If we act true to ourselves, we will bring out the best in our community and in our youth. And as outgoing OI President Tracy Huxley says, ‘Be a true Optimist – with a capital O.’”
President Wisdom handed out his Prestigious Presidential Pistachio Awards to 21 members for their contributions to the success for the Manhattan Optimist Club. Additional Pistachio Award Details
Officers: Clyde Scott, Lisa Brummett, Kelly Karl, Greg McCune, and Thad Hall
Board Members: Bruce Bidwell, Jim Franke, Bob Seymour, Steve Boeckman, Larry Fox, Heather Peterson, Ashley Urban, Joey Purpura, and Brady Lundeen
Leadership in the Club: Sharon Fincham, Craig Cox, Jim Blanton, Ed Klimek, Mike Fincham, Jerry Banaka, and Shawn Dryden
Pistachio Awards were also given to the rest of the members present for all their efforts in supporting the Manhattan Optimist Club.
Doug Jardine presided over swearing in of the 2024-2025 leadership team.
President Greg McCune; 1st Vice President Kelly Karl; 2nd Vice President Steve Boeckman; Secretary Lisa Brummett; Treasurer Clyde Scott; Past President Bill Wisdom
Board Members: Heather Peterson, Ashley Urban, Jean Klassen, Brady Lundeen, Jerry Banaka, David Starks, Kale Terrill, and Larry Fox
Board Advisors: Bruce Bidwell, Park Superintendent and Jim Franke, Finance Chair.
Greg thanked Bill Wisdom for his leadership this past year, which was followed by a standing ovation from the membership.
Doug Jardine announced Bill Wisdom has been installed as the Kansas District Zone 3 Lt. Governor. Clubs include Manhattan, Junction City, Abilene, Concordia, Salina, McPherson, Great Bend and Hays.
Dave and Mindy Weaver and Chris and Mary Albrecht.
Greg McCune announced one or two more helpers are needed for the football parking September 28th. Workers need to be there two hours ahead of time. Also share the message Greg sent out to promote the parking lot on Saturday. In addition, Manhattan Running Co. needs six people to help with directing runners to park at Tuttle Creek Park from 5:30 to 8:AM on Saturday, October 5 for the Little Apple Marathon. Our club will be paid for each volunteer. Signup is through a Signup Genius link Jim Franke has sent out.
Greg McCune also received a membership recruiting pin.
President Wisdom announced the Trust Company received the Cornerstone Award.
He also announced the finance committee will submit a proposal to the Optimist board to set dues at $140.00. Dues should be paid by October 1st.
The Chili Crawl signup sheets are on the table and five volunteers are still needed; tickets can now be purchased online.
Buy tickets – 2024 Annual Chili Crawl
Thad Hall announced that preparations for Hoop Holler and Shoot are underway. Student of the Month will begin in October. He also would like a few additional members to join the selection committee.
Doug Jardine noted that he is riding again in the Great Cycle Challenge this year to raise funds for children’s cancer research and was requesting donations. He now has passed his $3,000 goal for fundraising and he has 32 more miles to ride to get to his goal of 500 miles. Doug thanked everyone for their contributions. Follow the following link to donate:
Great Cycle Challenge https://greatcyclechallenge.com/Donate/Rider/903440
Save these dates: September 28, football parking for the OSU game; October 1st the 2024-25 Optimist year begins; October 19, Aggieville Chili Crawl.
Adjourned with the Optimist Creed
OCTOBER 2: MORNING MEETING: The new Optimist year begins with President Greg McCune’s thoughts about the strengths of the MOC and the opportunities and challenges that 2024-2025 will bring.
OCTOBER 9: NOON MEETING: Program: MHS Student of the Month and Mike Dibbini, KSU Women’s Soccer Coach.
OCTOBER 16: MORNING MEETING: Program: Dave Casper, Local Waterfowl Hunter: Topic: “Waterfowl Hunting”
OCTOBER 23 – NOON MEETING: Program: John Jobe, Riley Co. 4H Youth Development Coordinator: Topic: “Youth Entrepreneurial Challenge”
OCTOBER 30 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Greg McCune: Topic: “Business Meeting”
