The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin": Vol. 2025 #5: 10-30-24

VOLUME 2025     OCOTBER 30     NUMBER 05

President Greg McCune welcomed everyone this morning, Halloween Eve, and entertained us with a scary story, that was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  

ACHES & PAINS: Start each day with a grateful heart, be thankful for all you have, always be kind to those less fortunate.  

Bill Wisdom gave our Chili Crawl report with, “It was a Great Success!”  403 people came through the line for Chili followed by Ice Cream.  Thank you to all the volunteers!

Jim Franke gave a “tree lot” report:  We are trying “sign up Genius” to sign up for work shifts this year.  You should be getting emails from Jim, please sign up as we get ready for Tree Lot season.  This Saturday, November 2nd from 9am – 12pm, there will be a workday, cleaning up Optimist Park and preparing for the Tree Lot.  This Sunday, November 3rd from 1pm to 4pm will be another workday, setting up the stanchions for the trees!  Please check your schedules and sign up if you are available.  Rain in the forecast may hinder the work but you will be notified if you’ve signed up.  Those signed up for “tree unloading”, when the time comes, will be notified as well when to report for that workday!
Jim Franke also stated that the Annual Spaghetti Dinner/Silent Auction will be held in late March, that date will be announced soon.

Hoop Holler & Shoot is wrapping up, only a couple schools left for these kids.  Please see the signup sheets for the Semi Finals and Finals, if you are available there is still room for helpers at these events.

Mike Fincham announced that the Annual Christmas Breakfast will be December 18th, the Pops Choir will be our entertainment again!

Korey Klingenberg will be looking for assistance with the Early Expressions Art program, Thursday, December 5th, the art will need to be picked up from the schools and judging will be Friday, December 6th with the artwork taken back to the schools after that.  If you are available to assist, please see Korey.

Gary Lloyd gave some great information regarding a dues refund. Through Optimist International, if you are 65+ you may be able with your Medicare plan to receive a $100.00 refund on your dues.  (It does depend on your insurance plan, some will honor, others will not.)
Greg McCune announced that the board has been working on a Club Marketing Plan – to promote the club more, increase membership, get the word out when we are doing community events etc…  New member campaign on social media – thru Facebook ads, “join now” idea in which we would reach out to those interested within 48 hours in hopes of getting new members.   Branding campaigns thru radio ads as well with the help of Ed Klimek and Shawn Dryden, will work to get short videos to post when we hold events.  This to perhaps roll out in the 1st quarter of next year.  Be sure to share thoughts and ideas with our board members.  Right now, continue to SHARE our posts on Facebook to reach as many as we can, we do so many great things in our community so share away! 

Bewitching in Westloop, October 31st
Finance Committee Recommends to the Board that dues are set at $140.00
Remember: dues are DUE…. $140.00
Hoop Holler & Shoot is nearly organized. There are a few spots still open, please sign up if you can assist.
November 28, Tree Lot Opens - 10:00-12:00 & 2:00-6:00.

GUESTS: No other guests were present this morning.   

Meeting adjourned with the OPTIMIST CREED.