The "Manhattan Breakfast Optimist Club Bulletin"
Is published weekly by the Manhattan Breakfast Optimist Club, PO Box 623, Manhattan, KS 66505-0623.
DAVID MARGOLIES Editor - 539-6177
TOM BENNETT Asst. Editor - 776-4248
BRUCE BIDWELL Asst. Editor - 556-0431
VOLUME 2010
NUMBER 05
October 28, 2009
Editing duties this week performed by Bruce Bidwell.
DO THE DUES! Still only $120. Do it! Do it now.
PROGRAM:
Program Coordinator Bruce McMillan's last program in his month's theme of "We're Not In This Alone" introduced Mary Bowen from the Manhattan Pilot Club. Accompanying Mary and serving as backup was Pat Parker. Mary told us that her most asked question from people not familiar with the Pilot Club is "What kind of plane do you fly?". She also explained that although the current Pilot Club membership is only women, it is open to men as well. The Pilot Club was first started in Macon, GA in 1921 and currently includes 420 worldwide clubs with over 10,000 members. The Manhattan Pilot club was started in 1963 and has since started 2 other clubs, Sunflower and Little Apple. The 3 clubs have a combined membership of about 200 members. She explained that the signature project for Pilot International is BrainMinders™ which focuses on traumatic brain injury and brain disorders. The Manhattan Pilot Club about 5 years ago decided to narrow this scope to focus on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Their biggest project is an annual Autism workshop started in 2006 that had 166 people attending. In 2007 there were 200, 2008 there 500, and in 2009 there were 2 tracts, one for professionals and one for parents and caregivers. The 2010 workshop is tentatively scheduled for June 5. The cost associated with putting on the workshop currently is approximately $20,000 to $25,000. Funding for the workshop and other Club projects comes from several sources including grants from Pilot International, geranium sales, sales of note cards & puzzles, and donations from local businesses.
GUESTS:
None this week.
STUFF YOU OUGHT TO KNOW:
Jim Franke announced The following Tree Lot information:
o Volunteers are still needed for some shifts, especially weekends. The latest shift schedule can be found on the MBOC Website in the Bulletin & News page (at the bottom). See below for information to access the MBOC Website.
o Initial Tree Lot Setup also needs more volunteers. Please note that the time has been changed from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm on Sunday, November 8 at Optimist Park.
Get all the latest information concerning your Optimist Club by visiting the Club Website at:
www.manhattanoptimst.com on the Web.
Past MBOC member Lawrence Wayne "Larry" Marcellus, 82, Manhattan, KS passed away Monday, October 26, 2009 in the Stormont-Vail Medical Center, Topeka. A Memorial Service will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 29, 2009 in the Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home, Manhattan KS.
RANK HAS ITS PRIVILEGES:
Immediate Past President Cliff Spaeth had winning ticket #404 drawn by Jim Franke. Unfortunately Cliff was only able to draw the Three of Hearts. He is still a winner as he did get his $1 back and will enjoy a free breakfast next week while he is greeting us.
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS:
Nov 4 - Stan Watt
Nov 8 - Jim Blanton
Nov 11 - Brad Claussen
Nov 12 - Doug Stigge
Nov 14 - Doug Jardine
If you have a November birthday and are not on the above lists or there is an error, please contact Bruce Bidwell.
The "Manhattan Breakfast Optimist Club Bulletin"Is published weekly by the Manhattan Breakfast Optimist Club, PO Box 623, Manhattan, KS 66505-0623.
DAVID MARGOLIES Editor - 539-6177
TOM BENNETT Asst. Editor - 776-4248
BRUCE BIDWELL Asst. Editor - 556-0431
VOLUME 2010
NUMBER 04
October 21, 2009
DO THE DUES! Still only $120. Do it! Do it now.
YOUTHS OF THE MONTH:
Don Morgan introduced Thomas Gevock as our first October Youth of the Month. Thomas is a 10-year-old fourth grader at Amanda Arnold Elementary School. Principal Larry Liotta, classroom teacher Kelly Cink and nominating teacher Lana Hufnagel, who teaches music, joined him. Also along to support Thomas was his father Dave. Thomas is the third of four children in the family. He has an older sister Mary who is 15 and a ninth grader at Manhattan High School East Campus, an older sister Suzanne who is 12 and in the sixth grade at Amanda Arnold, and a younger sister Kristine, an eight year-old third grader at Amanda. In her nominating statement Mrs. Hufnagel noted, "Thomas always tries his hardest to do the best that he can." She pointed out that he is a quiet leader in class and a student that she can always depend upon to use his "great singing voice" when they are preparing for a music program at school. Thomas' mother indicated that his determination to strive to improve carries over to the home. He attends sessions at the Sylvan Learning Center, though sometimes grudgingly. However, he also realizes that the extra work and effort have paid off by enabling him to perform better in school. At home he is very helpful and looks for chores to do. He attends Sunday school regularly and often accompanies his father early to church on Sunday mornings where he helps set up the chairs and music equipment. Along with other members of the family Thomas has undertaken the responsibility of delivering papers in his neighborhood. He is also getting ready to join 4-H later this year where he will continue to develop and improve the characteristics of a good citizen and hard worker. Thomas is not all work though. He enjoys playing and having fun with his friends as well and is a lover of sports. For the past two plus years he has participated in soccer in the fall and spring, in baseball in the summer, and in basketball in the winter. So, you can see that we have a busy young man here this morning. To Thomas the Optimist Club says keep up the good work. We are proud to recognize you as a Youth of the Month.
Our second Youth of the Month was Joshua Schwartz, who is eleven years old and in the sixth grade at Amanda Arnold this year. Nominating teacher Mr. Wolters and Principal Larry Liotta came to recognize Joshua's achievements this morning. Accompanying Joshua were his parents John and Jeanette Schwartz. Like Thomas, Joshua also has three sisters. They are Juliana who is nine years old, Jayna who is seven, and Jessa who is four. Joshua enthusiastically participates is a wide variety of activities. Mr. Wolters wrote that although school has only been in session a little of seven weeks "Joshua has already made numerous positive contributions to the class." Joshua is a very responsible student who always stays on top of the assignments given to him. He is quick to offer help to classmates who need a boost on an assignment. Several of the adults at school have noticed and commented to Mr. Wolters about Joshua's friendliness, contagious smile and helpfulness around the school. Joshua also has a competitive nature and enjoys participating in sports. Presently his favorite sport is football. He enjoys playing flag football both at school and at home in the backyard. He collects football cards and follows the stats of some of his favorite players and teams. Mr. Wolters wrote that even though Joshua has this competitive nature he never lets it get in the way of being a great sport. His competitiveness carries over into the classroom as well; but again it does in interfere with Joshua's ability to be a very respectful young man who has earned the respect of everyone he has encountered at school. At home, besides play football, Joshua enjoys many other pastimes. He likes to build with Legos and is an avid reader. He enjoys reading a variety of topics from science fiction including the Harry Potter books to biographies about some of his sports heroes. He has even pick up and read from encyclopedias. Joshua enjoys playing board and card games with his family and has had the opportunities to travel to Mexico for a mission trip and spend some time with his father in Uganda. He wasn't crazy about the food there and was a little out of his comfort zone but enjoyed these trips greatly. The Optimist Club congratulates Joshua on being selected as Youth of the Month. He possesses many positive characteristics that will be with him beyond this year.
Our third Youth of the Month was Madison Boller, who is also a sixth grader at Amanda Arnold. She celebrated her twelfth birthday Friday. Nominating teacher John Wolters and Principal Larry Liotta were happy to recognize "Maddie" as a Youth of the Month, along with her parents Michael and Susan Boller. Maddie has one younger sister Hayden who is eight. Maddie is a very versatile young lady. Maddie enjoys sports. Her favorite sport right now is youth volleyball. However, that will be replaced when basketball season starts and that in turn will give way to softball. So, she remains competitive and active all year. At the same time, she enjoys and participates in music activates. She plays the violin and is looking forward to joining in the choir next year at middle school. At her church Maddie is an active participant where she helped teach younger students in bible school. She has contributed to the locks for love program donating her cut hair to be made into wigs for those who are in need and weekly recycles materials to conserve and help us all. Maddie has many friends with whom she enjoys playing. She also enjoys spending time with her family doing many things such as boating on weekends. Mr. Wolters wrote: "If the Optimist Club had a glossary of terms for its organization, next to the phrase "Youth of the Month" would be a picture of Maddie Boller. She epitomizes the characteristics that are found in every month's winners. Youth of the Month (definition): 1) One who comes to school ready to learn. Maddie always finishes her assignments at home, and brings them to school ready to be turned in and grades. 2) A student who displays a positive attitude towards learning. Maddie desires to learn new "stuff" each day, and she asks questions until she understands the information. 3) A young person who takes responsibility for their learning. There has not been an occasion when Maddie has failed to finish an assignment, and each one is done with concentrated effort. 4) A student who has earned the respect of their classmates. Maddie is respected by her classmates just as she consistently demonstrates respect to them in many tangible ways. 5) One who desires to bring out the best in others around them. Maddie's sacrificial attitude of wanting her classmates to do well is evidenced by her willingness to patiently help them. 6) A young lady who is willing to help even younger ones to do their best. Maddie is a fantastic "big buddy" for the Kindergarten student she works with each week, teaching them in ways that they understand. 7) A young lady who is thought highly of by each adult at school. Each former teacher of Maddie speaks admirably of her, and her bright countenance is appreciated by staff and faculty throughout the school. The accolades attributable to Maddie do in no way end with this short list. It is a joy to be her teacher!!!"
The Optimists commend Maddie for being selected as Youth of the Month. It is an honor for us to be able to recognize her for her hard work and efforts.
PROGRAM:
Program Coordinator Bruce McMillan continued the theme "We're Not In This Alone" by introducing Jean Hill from the Manhattan Sertoma Clubs. Sertoma is a service organization using portions of its mission statement of SERvice TO MAnkind. The organization was begun in 1912 in Kansas City, MO and membership was originally established by profession, like Rotary. It was later known as the "Stand Together Club". The second club was organized in Topeka and the Manhattan Club was organized in 1920. It will celebrate its 90th anniversary in February, 2010. Until the 1950's it was know as the "Cooperative Club" and then changed to Sertoma which it has remained since. The primary efforts the organization supports are providing funds for those with speech, hearing and communication disorders. Scholarships are provided and the local club affiliates with the KSU Speech Department which provides space for children with related disorders at the KSU Child Development Center. The major fundraiser is their annual Ground Hog Day Pancake Feed, the first Saturday in February at the Community House at 4th and Leavenworth, at which they raise approximately $8,000.00. Other programs include helping senior citizens with income tax preparation and highway clean up. They have fostered preservation of park land in the city having helped build much of Sunset Zoo and establish Warner Park. Jean offered that all of the service organizations locally help bring the community together while giving back at the same time.
MEMBERS, GUESTS NO MORE:
Mark Knackendoffel introduced our newest member Tony Fontanini. Don Bechtel then one-upped him by presenting a license plate to our newest member, Keith Behnke. The Club welcomes both of you!
STUFF YOU OUGHT TO KNOW:
Bruce McMillan needs more volunteers to serve as program chairs for February, March, June, July, August and September 2010. Check with Bruce to volunteer.
Get all the latest information concerning your Optimist Club by visiting www.manhattanoptimst.com on the Web.
TO THE VICTOR BELONG THE SPOILS:
Recently installed President Steve Boeckman held the winning ticket. Frank Combs drew the card for Steve to preserve the appearance of propriety and came up with the Ten of Hearts. Steve indicated that he would try to make it next week to greet and enjoy his free breakfast.
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS:
Oct 1 - Cliff Spaeth
Oct 6 - Ron Tacha
Oct 7 - Steve McKinzie
Oct 11 - Bruce McMillan
Clyde Scott
Oct 22 - John Kellstrom
Don Fisher
Oct 26 -- Wm T. Moore
NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS:
Nov 4 - Stan Watt
Nov 8 - Jim Blanton
Nov 11 - Brad Claussen
Nov 12 - Doug Stigge
Nov 14 - Doug Jardine
If you have an October or Nobvember birthday and are not on the above lists or there is an error, please contact Bruce Bidwell.
The “Manhattan Breakfast Optimist Club Bulletin” Is published weekly by the Manhattan Breakfast Optimist Club, PO Box 623,Manhattan, KS 66505-0623. DAVID MARGOLIES Editor – 539-6177TOM BENNETT Asst. Editor – 776-4248BRUCE BIDWELL Asst. Editor – 556-0431 VOLUME 2010NUMBER 03October 14, 2009 DO THE DUES! Still only $120. Do it now. PROGRAM: Program Coordinator Bruce McMillan continued the theme “We’re not in this alone”by introducing Tom Fryer from the Manhattan Luncheon Rotary Club. Tom is a USAir Force Academy grad. After serving 20 years he retired and came to Manhattanto lead K-State AFROTC, then retired and went to work for Commerce Bank, thenretired again. Tom became involved in Rotary because his father was a Rotarianwho had a passion for giving back to the community. Rotary was founded inEvanston, IL in 1905 by Paul Harris and a few friends to promote “Service AboveSelf”. The organization was named Rotary because at first their meetingsrotated among members homes. Rotary International now includes 1.2 millionmembers in over 33,000 clubs in 200 countries and regions. There are 48 clubsin the Kansas District, and 2 in Manhattan, of which the Lunch Club is thelargest, with 200 members. Membership depends on a classification system basedon business or profession, with limits to each category (although categorydesignations can be rather creative). They have an attendance policy wherebymembers must attend 50% of the meetings, but this is also flexible, depending oncircumstances. The theme of Rotary is embodied in the 4-Way Test: Is it thetruth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and betterfriendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Rotary promotes club,community, vocational, and international service. Some of the local projectsthat Manhattan Rotary supports are the Northview Elementary School Book Project,a baseball league, Boy Scout Eagle projects, the annual Juneteenth celebration,MHS Youth of the Month, Roteract Club at K-State, Relay for Life, Shepherd’sCrossing, a dictionary project for elementary students, a high school foreignexchange program, and international graduate student scholarships. The localclub is also involved in international service projects. Recently theypartnered with a club in St. Louis and a club in Uganda to send dental equipmentand a water purification system to a rural community in Uganda. The local clubsupports the Rotary Foundation, which provides over $120 million each year forscholarships, international group study exchanges, a world peace fellowshipprogram, and international exchange programs for university teachers. TheRotary Foundation has been instrumental in the Rotary International PolioEradiation Program. The program was started in the early 1980’s, at which timeover 350,000 children were paralyzed, and many died, each year. Rotarypartnered with governments and non-governmental organizations like WHO andUNICEF to promote vaccinations around the world. Today, the incidence of poliohas declined more than 99%, and it remains endemic in only 4 countries. Aftercompleting his formal remarks, Tom took questions and endured friendly badgeringfrom the audience. GUESTS: None. STUFF YOU OUGHT TO KNOW: Bruce McMillan needs more volunteers to serve as program chairs for February,March, May, June, July, August and September 2010. Check with Bruce to volunteer. HE SOMETIMES WINS: Tom Bennett held the winning ticket but only found the King of Hearts. Still,he gets a free breakfast and the pleasure of greeting us next Wednesday. OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS: Oct 1 – Cliff Spaeth Oct 6 – Ron Tacha Oct 7 – Steve McKinzie Oct 11 – Bruce McMillanClyde ScottOct 22 – John KellstromDon FisherOct 26 - Wm T. Moore If you have an October birthday and are not on the above list or there is anerror, please contact Bruce Bidwell.
The “Manhattan Breakfast Optimist Club Bulletin” Is published weekly by the Manhattan Breakfast Optimist Club, PO Box 623,Manhattan, KS 66505-0623. DAVID MARGOLIES Editor – 539-6177TOM BENNETT Asst. Editor – 776-4248BRUCE BIDWELL Asst. Editor – 556-0431 VOLUME 2010NUMBER 02October 7, 2009 Seemlessly, flawlessly, new President Steve Boeckman ran the meeting. DO THE DUES! Still only $120. Do it now. PROGRAM: Program Coordinator Bruce McMillan started the new Optimist year as ProgramChair for October by introducing his theme, “We’re not in this alone”, whichwill introduce us to other service clubs in Manhattan. This week, Kiwanis Clubwas represented by Doug Tippin. Doug explained that the motto for Kiwanis is“Serving Children of the World”. Kiwanis was started in Detroit in 1919, andstarted in Manhattan in 1922. There are now two clubs in Manhattan, and Dougbelongs to the older evening club, which includes 36 members. Their focus is onyouth programs, community service, and support for two youth groups: Key Club atMHS and Circle K at K-State. Projects include maintaining the MANHATTAN sign onBluemont Hill; working with the Flint Hills Breadbasket, Habitat for Humanity,and three local 4-H Clubs; supporting Boys and Girls State; the Pet Parade onPoyntz, supplying trauma dolls for children undergoing surgery at MercyRegional; and programs to recognize students in our local schools, such asYouth of the Month at MHS East and the two middle schools, the Terrific Kidprogram at several of our elementary schools, and the Senior Honors awards forhigh school students in Riley County who hold a 3.5 GPA or better. To fundthese projects they hold an annual pancake feed the second Saturday in December,sell a dine-out book, and hold a “Peanut Day” when they give out peanuts outsidelocal grocery stores and collect contributions. The Kiwanis meet at the Clarionevery Tuesday night. GUESTS: None. STUFF YOU OUGHT TO KNOW: Tom Hintz reminded us that the Little Apple Optimist Club’s Annual AggievilleChili Crawl will be held this Saturday, Oct. 10, 4-6:30 PM. Just come down tothe ‘Ville and buy a ticket at one of the sites. Bruce McMillan needs more volunteers to serve as program chairs for January,February, March, May, June, July, August and September. Check with Bruce tovolunteer. Tom Bennett invited everyone down to Optimist Park to see the progress on thesmall field. Now that Howard Erickson is no longer Club Secretary, he is enjoying his sparetime by golfing. Last week he hit a hole-in-one on Number 5 at Colbert Hills. EVEN A BLIND HOG FINDS AN ACORN EVERY NOW AND THEN Nick Thilges finally held the winning ticket he had been waiting for, then wentand drew the Four of Hearts. Still, he gets a free breakfast and the pleasureof greeting us next Wednesday. And bragging rights. OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS: Oct 1 – Cliff Spaeth Oct 6 – Ron Tacha Oct 7 – Steve McKinzie Oct 11 – Bruce McMillanClyde ScottOct 22 – John KellstromDon FisherOct 26 - Wm T. Moore If you have an October birthday and are not on the above list or there is anerror, please contact Bruce Bidwell.
