The "Manhattan Optimist Club Bulletin" Vol. 2026 #18 2-4-26

VOLUME 2026   FEBRUARY 4   NUMBER 18

President Kelly Karl welcomed everyone, gave us our optimistic morning reflection and that was followed by the flag salute.

ACHES & PAINS: Stay warm and safe, spring is right around the corner!

PROGRAM: Sharon Fincham gave a very warm welcome to the Principals, Teachers, support staff, students, parents, grandparents, siblings and all others joining us this morning to recognize our Youth of the Month recipients from Woodrow Wilson and Frank Bergman Elementary Schools. Thank you all for coming this morning and thank you for all you’ve done in helping these students flourish.

Mike Fincham introduced us to Lincoln C, a 5th grader from Woodrow Wilson Elementary. Nominating staff, school Librarian Ms. Chitwood had the following to say: “As the school librarian, I have had the joy of working with Lincoln for the past four years. Watching her grow into the reader she is today has been a heartwarming journey to see. She has worked incredibly hard and has fallen in love with books, reading and the joy it brings to her day. She genuinely takes the time to notice the things like beautiful illustrations, specific words, and makes amazing text to self-connections. Lincoln is respectful, has a huge heart, and is always making sure everyone is taken care of. I value the relationship we have built over the years and know Lincoln will continue to do amazing things!”

Her family said she is very active in ART, likes to draw with pastels and likes to make figurines out of clay. She is an avid reader; she likes recreational sports and has been working on her volleyball skills. She has a dog named Rupert and when she grows up, she may want to be an Art Teacher, a Chef or even a professional Volleyball player!

Craig Cox had the privilege of introducing us to Paxton H, also a 5th grade student from Woodrow Wilson Elementary, and his teacher, Ms. Metzger said: “Paxton is not only a great student but also growing as a great friend to his peers. Paxton shares his passions with his teachers and friends. When it comes to his work in the classroom, he is a great question asker as he participates in and drives his own learning. He has a positive attitude towards those around him and is humble enough to admit when he’s wrong. Paxton thrives from helping others.”

His family says Paxton shows great leadership at home and loves bringing people together. He plays flag football, loves to build with Legos and likes to play Minecraft. He loves math and along with his stepmother, they have a Bagel business; they make and sell at the Farmers Market, he designed the business plan. He placed 2nd in the spelling bee this year. Paxton also stays busy with the family’s 3 dogs, 20 chickens and 4 cats!

Mark Locke introduced us to Aidan M, a first-grade student from Frank Bergman Elementary. His teacher Ms. Batt had the following to say about her nomination, “Aidan is a wonderful first-grade student who leads by example. He is always helpful, shows gratitude with sweet smiles and kind words and shows compassion toward others. He seeks out ways to help teachers and offers a hug to anyone in need. In class, Aidan is eager to learn, keeps a positive attitude, shares creative ideas and always listens to others. He shows the BEST DOLPHIN WAY each and every day!”

Aidan’s family shared that he loves to do research, likes to build with Legos, play Minecraft and Super Mario Brothers, he has a very inquisitive mind and chooses to learn. He also likes to stay active, riding bikes and going camping, and he is always kind to everyone.

Sharon Fincham brought up 3rd grade teacher, Ms. Evans, who read her nominating statement about her 3rd grade student, Mesk T, who was unable to attend this morning. “Mesk is a phenomenal student. Learning is a large priority, so she is attentive and engaged in her lessons. If something is difficult, she will speak up and ask for help. Because of her hard work and dedication, Mesk has made remarkable gains, despite English being her second language. Aside from being a good student, Mesk is a wonderful friend to others. She is kind and empathetic to her classmates. Others can rely on her to be responsible. She is a wonderful person, and I am so glad she is in my class.”

Sharon followed up by letting us know she will be going to the school to present Mesk with her basket, yard sign and certificate. We Optimists congratulate all of these wonderful students. We wish you all much success as you move onward and upward. Keep doing what you are doing, and we know you will succeed at all you do – we are very proud of all of you!

Save the date: Feb 5th International Optimist Day -wear your shirts and proudly represent our organization

Save the date: Feb 7th Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake (donations can be given to Bryan Joy as he will be bowling with a team!)

Save the date: Feb 7th Community Non-Profit Fair @ Manhattan Town Center – we will have a table

Early Edition Art will be displayed at the Beach Museum Feb 11 thru 14th, go check that out, there are some great pieces on display

MHK IPS CLASS – Ed Klimek will speak at our next meeting

Save the date: Feb 19th or Feb 26th Museum of Art & Light – social opportunity, please let Ashley know if you will be attending.

Save the date: Feb 26th HYPE Non-Profit Event – Looking for additional volunteers

Save the date: Mar 2nd GMCF Radio Hour-Gary Lloyd will speak (others welcome to join)

March 20th and 21st Special Olympics Basketball event, there are signup sheets on tables. Opportunities to volunteer as scorekeepers and many other opportunities go to https://www.givepulse.com/event/723136 to sign up as well, if you do sign up, please let Bill Wisdom now as well.

Save the date: Mar 28th, Annual Spaghetti Dinner

GUESTS: Welcome everyone joining us this morning to recognize and support the Youth of the Month Recipients from Woodrow Wilson and Frank Bergman Elementary Schools. We were certainly happy you were all here!

Meeting adjourned with the Optimist Creed

FEBRUARY 11 – NOON MEETING: Program: Optimist Park Preservation Committee

FEBRUARY 18 – MORNING MEETING: Program: Josh Cook, KSU Professor in charge of Band Instrument Repair: Topic: “KSU Band Instrument Repair Program”

FEBRUARY 25 – NOON MEETING: Program: MHS Student of the Month and Melissa Colby, Program Director, Girls on the Run: Topic: “Girls on the Run Program”