February 14, 2005

Pat Brown rang the bell at 12:15 PM.                                                       
*Invocation:  Bo Frazier      
*Pledge:   Gary Spotts

GUESTS: Pete Bakutes introduced his wife, Janie Bakutes (our speaker); Lorenzo Lawson introduced his wife, Clemmie Lawson; and Meredith Donaldson introduced her guest Jeneva Powell from the MU School of Health Sciences.

MYSTERY PERSON:  Max Miller selected Gary Spotts, the 14^th person to shake his hand on this Valentine’s Day.

TAIL TWISTER: Steve Henderson

FELLOWSHIP  
Marilyn Bohanan announced two birthdays: Todd Mackey on February 15^th and Susan Long on February 17^th.

ANNOUNCEMENTS  
**The Board of Directors will meet on Thursday, February 17^th after the Chili Cook Off at the clubhouse.
**Chili Cook Off will be held on Thursday, February 17^th beginning at 6:30.  Those bringing chili are reminded to bring it in a crock pot.  There will be extension cords, but bring one if you can. 
**Oratorical Contest will be held on February 19^th at 1 PM at the Club House.  Downtown Optimist members are encouraged to attend to applaud the participants and visit with the parents about our clubs activities.  Children will present a 4-5 minute speech on the topic “My Hero Is...” and the boy and girl winner will advance to the Zone Contest. Meredith Donaldson is chair of this event.

PROGRAM
Janie Bakutes, Coordinator of the Child Advocacy Center gave a presentation on the programs of Rainbow House.  Rainbow House, .  This is the only emergency shelter for children in central Missouri, has moved into its new facility at 1611 Towne Drive.  Our club will be receiving an invitation to their Open House on March 11, 3:30-6:30 PM. The new house has six bed rooms and three bathrooms and can accommodate up to 14 children depending upon age  – a great improvement over previous quarters.  It can also provide crisis care when families need help (an example was provided of a family evicted from their home and in need of a place for their 6 children until they could secure new housing). Other programs such as Over the Rainbow for adolescent girls and HOPE that offers support for the non-abusing parent are examples of the continuing support for children and their families.

Rainbow House includes the Child Advocacy Center that provides a safe and supportive environment for children suspected of being victims of abuse to be interviewed and examined.  This center serves 8 counties and sees an average of 22 children each month.  The stories are painful to hear, but it is comforting to know that there is a place of support for the child during this crisis.

            Volunteers are needed to help with cooking and household chores (especially on short notice when house is full). Anyone interested will need to participate in training and screening.  Rainbow House maintains a wish list and always welcomes donations of items or money.

February 21, 2005

Pat Brown rang the bell at 12:15 PM. Attendance  =54                                                         

*Invocation Jay Ketchie             *Pledge   Jessica Hudson

GUESTS: Greg Schneider introduced Marc La Ferriere and Ryan Garrett from Dents Unlimited and announced that they are new members.  Joe Sestak also introduced a new member, Steve Kline. Brenda Gibbs-Brown introduced Kevin Quinn from University Press.  Tim Rappleano, membership chair thanked all the members who brought visitors and introduced Mark Thompson from the Greek Chronicle and MU Student News. 

FELLOWSHIP:  We were all pleased to see Jim Ballinger at the meeting.  His friends, Jim Reynolds and Tony Bartal, brought him.  He is living at the Bluffs and would welcome visitors or calls 874-0340.

MYSTERY PERSON: Bob Merriman had a very convoluted equation using the date and the year and picked Max Miller to receive a free lunch next week.

TAIL TWISTER: Steve Henderson was out to fine anyone who wasn’t wearing their badge.

FELLOWSHIP  Marilyn Bohanan announced Tim Rappleano is celebrating his birthday tomorrow.  Roy Robinson’s birthday is February 27, and Ellis Havard’s birthday is on the 23^rd.

ANNOUNCEMENTS  
Meredith Donaldson announced that there were 5 contestants at the Oratorical Contest.  Ten-year-old Danielle Mann from the Heritage Academy was the Girls division winner and Jason Ashbaugh, also from the Heritage Academy was the Boys division winner.  The topic was “My Hero Is”.  Thank you to Bryan Phifer, Pat Brown, Carol Irish and Meredith Donaldson for their efforts.
Kerry Bramon is the chairman of the Communications Committee, which includes the gathering of information for the weekly bulletin.  We need volunteers to help out with the bulletin one month at a time.
Pat Brown announced that our club was one of only three international clubs recognized by the Center for Citizen Initiatives at the OI Executive Council.  The recognition came because of our PEP project.
Sid Sullivan announced that we have received 6 essays on the topic “The Power of One” for the Essay Contest.  Jake Jolley and Pete Bakutes are also helping with this project.
Jess Weaver proclaimed the Third Annual Chili Supper a resounding success.  There were 12 chilies to sample and about 50 people sampling. Steve Henderson was the winner for a second consecutive year – is this a dynasty in the making?
Ed and Valerie Harre and Jess and Judy Weaver will be volunteering at the Food Bank on Wednesday, March 2.

At the February Board Meeting, contributions were approved for the Columbia Police Department, Officer Down Fund in honor of Molly Bowden, The Police Youth Academy, a trip for the Hickman Baseball team, and Columbia Youth Wrestling.  Our club will also sponsor 4 teams of Diamond Council Baseball.

PROGRAM
Brenda Gibbs-Brown introduced Mike Vangel, President of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, who spoke to us about how Columbia has been handling growth and how it may be better handled in the future.  It is a contentious issue for our membership as well as our community.  For more information please contact Mr. Vangel through the Chamber of Commerce.