Snow, slippery roads, George Buzick and Al Gapuzan greeted a modest yet jovial group of Optimists Friday morning, November 24th.  No turkey hangovers were observed or reported as everyone seemed to be in fine form.

President Casey Funk asked Denny Dressman to deliver today’s invocation.  Denny asked us to remember our weekly promise to make all our friends feel that there is something in them.  Remind our friends that each of them have unique gifts to offer us and our community.

 

 

 

President Funk gave a big “Thank You” to everyone for helping with the tree lot set up.  It was a great deal of work and many people contributed.  Casey also said thanks to the firefighters who helped on Monday and Wednesday when the trees arrived.  Thanks to Steve Kady for making that happen once again this year - the firefighters make a tremendous difference!

Michael Chavez let us know that Christmas basket deliveries will happen on Saturday, December 23rd this year.  We will meet at the American Legion at 8:30 am.  Sign-up sheets will be passed around soon.

Mark Metevia introduced today’s speaker, Tamara Kirsch.  Tamara is a member of the Tamarac club, and a familiar face to all of us due to the extensive time she has committed to the tree lot and other of our club’s projects.

Tamara has translated the creed into multiple languages including Swahili.  She is speaking today about strengthening optimism worldwide.  She had previously worked in Nairobi for the US Army in Army intelligence, and shared two videos about The Tania Integrated School, a rehabilitation center and school for disadvantaged youth in Kenya.  The school is looking for support and funds to complete an upgrade to their library.  On the videos we heard from 13-16 year old kids about their favorite subject, activity and what they want to be when they grow up.  Tamara says there are trips coming up to visit the school in August 2024 and July 2025.  Most people who go on the trips then spend time traveling in Kenya afterwards, and their total cost ends up being approximately $5,000, of which half is airfare. Meals and lodging are very reasonable.  to create videos of members talking about their backgrounds and careers.  Tamara is working on a video pen pal program with kids at Samuels Elementary, and is looking to do the with adults as well in order to make cross-cultural connections.

 

We had a Drawing!  Dr. Bob Finkelmeier announced that there was $70 in the pot.  Everyone present wanted to be “playing with the Queen of Hearts”, as it was the card that held the key to the big money.

 

Phil Perington has his number called twice.  He swung for the fences and missed the first time, then gave his second chance to our speaker Tamara Kirsch.  Alas, Tamara could not find the lucky card either.

Cups of cash went to: Denny Dressman, Greg Holt, Tom Kramis, George Buzick, Mike McMahon, Tom Hoch. Nametag drawing:

Tom Kramis, tree lot manager extraordinaire, had his wooden nickel called and went in search of the lucky card, but twas not to be.

 

President Funk then asked Tom to lead us in the recitation of our creed:

“Promise Yourself…”