The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin": Vol. 2025 #8: 11-20-24

VOLUME 2025       NOVEMBER 20       NUMBER 08

President Greg McCune welcomed everyone this morning, Bruce McMillan gave us our morning reflection, that was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.  

ACHES & PAINS: May your THANKSGIVING be full of Peace, Love and Joy.  

PROGRAM:  President Greg McCune handed the meeting over to Sharon Fincham who first thanked the Principals, Teachers and assistants from Theodore Roosevelt Elementary and Manhattan Catholic Schools for all they do for their students to make them more successful.

Sharon Fincham began with our first student, Kensey I, 4th grade student from Theodore Roosevelt.  His teacher, Whitney George had the following to say about her nomination: “Kensey is a 10-year-old 4th grader from TR, and new to the United States of America.  He is extremely eager to learn, loves to play at recess with his peers and always has a contagious smile on his face.  Kensey always has a story to tell and has built great relationships with his peers and even the younger peers within our school.  Knowing Kensey is an honor and if you ever need a smile, just look at Kensey.  Plus, he always has a great hat on!!” 

Principal, Ashley Smith also had the following to say: “Kensey is a joy to have at TR!  He brings laughter and smiles wherever he goes.  It’s hard to be in a bad mood around Kensey.  I love that Kensey is his authentic and genuine self.  He has a wonderful sense of humor; he works hard, and he is a good friend to others.  His style is incredible, and we love to see what the “Hat of the Day” will be!!”

Sheree Lambert, ESOL/teacher also had some wonderful things to say.  “Kensey is such a pleasure to have in the ESOL classroom.  He has become very independent this year, learning the routines and taking care of responsibilities without prompting.  He shows a willingness to engage with academics as well as peers and social situations resulting in tremendous growth in his first year in the US.  Kensey is such a welcome, refreshing student at Theodore Roosevelt.”

In speaking with his parents, they said Kensey makes friends easily, he is joyful and patriotic.  He loves his sequined fedora but since recently riding a horse for the first time, now he really wants a cowboy hat!  Although he’s suffered greatly in his short years, he always keeps a good attitude and keeps smiling. 

Mike Fincham introduced our second student from Theodore Roosevelt.  Journie M., 4th grader whose teacher, Whitney George had the following to say: Journie is a 4th grader here at TR, and she is an absolute joy to have in my classroom.  She is so happy to be at school, eager to learn, and a great help to all students and her teachers.  Journie is a responsible student and an amazing big sister to three siblings.  A few things that I love about Journie is her kind heart, how she includes all peers, builds relationships with teachers and peers and how artistic she is.  Journie recently made a comment in class that stuck with me and will forever be remembered.  (She even knows I wrote it down to keep.) “Practice shouldn’t be perfection; it should be progress because nobody is perfect.”  And although nobody is perfect, Journie is an example of an exemplary fourth grade student who has the world in front of her.

Principal, Ashley Smith also followed with: “Journie is so deserving of this recognition!  She is kind, patient and helpful.  What is special about her is that she doesn’t wait to be asked to help – she is observant and takes the initiative to help someone when she sees an opportunity.  Journie can always be counted on to be a role model for our TR “3B’s” – Be Respectful, Be Responsible and Be Your Best Self.  We are lucky to have had Journie at TR.”

Her mom told us that Journie has a nickname of JJ but her late grandfather called her “bug”.  She loves her siblings; she loves art and music.  She plays Video Games and participates in Girls on the Run.  She has many pets she cares for and loves and when she grows up, she wants to make a lot of money and make people Happy!!!

Gary Lloyd introduced us to 1st grader, Stella C, who attends Manhattan Catholic Schools.  Her teacher Catherine Tremblay said the following about nominating Stella.  “I wanted to nominate Stella because of her kindness, good character and personal growth and accomplishments in becoming more positive and optimistic in difficult situations.  Stella has made great efforts to have a more positive outlook on her day and encourages others often to do the same.   She brings out the best in her peers and has great strength in making others feel happy.  She’s a joy to have in my classroom.”

Speaking with her mother, Stella likes to dance, she rehearses at Washington Dance Studio, she plays the violin and takes violin lessons at K-State.  She is a “swiftie” as she likes Taylor Swift.  Stella also likes to read and one of her favorite books is Frog and Toad.  She also enjoys time with her family and siblings. 

 

 

 

 

Lastly, Bill Wisdom introduced the club to 4th grader, David S, also from Manhattan Catholic Schools.  His teacher, Julie Jueneman said the following: “David is doing exceptionally well in school this year.  Fourth grade is a year of a lot of changes, and he has been super successful in mastering the challenges!  He is a very bright student that works hard.  He tries very hard to always do what is asked of him.  He is very kind to other students, and he almost always has a smile on his face.  He makes others smile and laugh too.  He is a true joy to have in our classroom!”

After speaking with his family, we found out that David is quite the jokester, he loves telling jokes and making people laugh.  In fact, he told us this one – “Why did the elephant cross the road?  - Because nothing was going to stop him!!”

David also likes Taekwondo, swimming and bowling.  He likes RoBlox, Transformers and playing UNO.  He is also avid about looking up facts on the computer.  He is very kind and helps a lot at home.  David himself told us that his sister says he’s annoying. 

Congratulations to all 4 students who are all so deserving of this recognition.   We are proud of all your hard work and accomplishments thus far and know there is a lot more to come.   We wish you success in all you do!

CLUB STUFF/ANNOUNCEMENTS and UPCOMING EVENTS

Please remember to wear your name badges so everyone knows who we/you are!  This is especially helpful to our newest members.
Trees are on their way, be looking for an email from Lisa Brummett regarding delivery time/date.
Meeting next Wednesday – tree tagging at Optimist Park and it will begin at 10:00am and lunch will be provided.  Moxie softball 18-u will be helping at this event.  
Remember: dues are OVERDUE…. $140.00 please get them to Clyde Scott.
Hoop Holler & Shoot-Boy’s final was held last night and girl’s semi-finals and finals coming right up.  Please let Thad Hall know if you are available to assist.  Many thanks to all who have helped this far, it’s been successful. 
T-Ball – In working with Manhattan Parks and Recreation, thanks to our contributions that offset the cost, T-Ball is free to those wanting to play.
Thundering Cats Big Band will have a Christmas Concert, Sunday, December 1st at First Presbyterian Church (801 Leavenworth Steet) from 3:00 to 5:00pm
Please sign up for the Christmas Breakfast that will be held December 18th. Great entertainment with the Pops Choir and a special guest appearance from SANTA!!!
Remember TREE LOT GIVEAWAYS! 

Along with the trees and other greenery, we do sell tree stands, tree skirts, light sets, replacement bulbs, tree toppers, ornaments, icicles, tree preservative, wreath hangers and other decorations.  There are also giveaways for the little ones such as coloring books & crayons, stuffed animals, candy canes and other little toys, AND the POPCORN will be back again this year!!!

Customer giveaways and Military Discounts:  Every year the Tree Lot provides “giveaways” for our customers and their families. The giveaways are handed out at Santa’s Workshop located in the Maroon Shed at the Tree Lot.  As in prior years, we are asking that these “giveaways” be funded with donations from our members, friends, and customers.  We also have a second funding option which allows a 10% Military Discount.  The discounts are also funded with donations from our members, friends, and customers. 

Option #1 – Customer Giveaways   The "Customer Giveaways" consists of a variety of items, mostly for children, that include Popcorn, Candy Canes, Coloring Books & Crayons, Stuffed Animals, Fidget Spinners, and Snowball Stress Balls. A donation of $75 is recommended.

Option #2 - 10% Military Discount   We have a significant number of military families that buy trees and accessories at the Tree Lot.  All the profits from the Tree Lot go toward the youth projects that we support.  The discounts take away from the Tree Lot profits.  The 10% discount will be given to families that have a valid military ID.  The Tree Lot does post a sign at the Cash Register table informing customers about the 10% discount.  A donation of $75 would be able to fund 6 to 8 discounted trees and accessories.

           ** Indicate on the Memo Line of the check "Customer Giveaway" or "Military Discount" -- or both

GUESTS: We welcomed Administrators, families, friends from Theodore Roosevelt Elementary and Manhattan Catholic Schools this morning with our Youth of the Month recognitions.  We also welcome Ron Tacha, previous Optimist Member was in attendance this morning and encouraged him to join us once again!   

Meeting adjourned with the OPTIMIST CREED.

NOVEMBER 27: 10:00 AM: AT OPTIMIST PARK: Unwrapping trees; placing trees on stanchions and pricing trees.  Meeting and Lunch at Noon