BULLETIN03-Feb


	Bulletins for February, 2006

February 27, 2006 President Rick McKernan rang the Optimist Bell at 12:15 and began the meeting. There was a note of hesitancy as we bellowed “I feel go-o-o-o-oo-ood!” The invocation this week was presented by Bob Merriman, and Jim Beckett led our Pledge of Allegiance. Our merry band of men and women was a little smaller this week with attendance right at 50. GUESTS Jim Yankee brought two more guests this week from his Leadership Columbia class: Dulsey Stewart from Zimmer Radio, and Holly Gieseke from First National Bank. Red Leighton introduced Sandy Freese from Boone Savings as his guest for the very last time, because Sandy submitted her application and dues this week. Bill Plank welcomed his guest Jim White from Human Resource Staffing. Welcome to all - we're glad you came! MYSTERY PERSON Joe Sestak was our Mystery Person this week. Joe was so impressed with all of the organization and hard work that went in to last week's Chili Cook-Off that he awarded next week's free lunch to Jess Weaver. All the rest of us who were there certainly share that sentiment. Thanks, Jess, and congratulations. BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARIES Dottie Stoerker-Peters reports there are at least three people who should be optimistic this week as they celebrate their birthdays: new member John Fabsits on March 2nd, Wes Brown on March 3rd, and Meredith Donaldson on March 5th. Happy Birthday! TAIL TWISTER: Tail Twister Steve Henderson was absent today, but our Pig still garnered a quarter from Connie Howe who was captured on TV for his work with the Neighborhood Watch Association of Columbia. ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Optimist Club of Centralia Charter Banquet is this Saturday evening. You can still get signed up...if you're fast. Cost is $10. Distribution of the City's excess computers will take place on March 17th and March 18th. Friday we get the computers from the City and then will need to do some cleaning. On Saturday is the actual distribution to families selected by the Voluntary Action Center. We still need a couple more people to help out. Chili Cook-off Champion for yet another year is Chilimeister Steve Henderson. Great turnout, great fellowship, and great food courtesy of some of the finest chili gourmet chefs in the city...at least between the 1200 and 1300 block of Grand Avenue. Thanks to all our cooks: Jess Weaver, Garry Spotts, Jake Jolley, Travis Kempf, Rocky Moellering, Sid Sullivan, Scott Stager, and Greg Schneider. This is it - the grand prize winner of "Seating Shuffle" Poker! Claiming top honors, and a $75.00 gift certificate at Churchill's courtesy of Holiday Inn Select, was Ed Hampton with a winning hand of three Queens! It was rumored Ed may have played this game called poker once before. Congratulations, Ed, and thanks to everyone for participating in good spirit as we try to find ways to help our club's newer members get to know some of the more "seasoned" folks. We will probably try this again one week per month, unless rioting breaks out within the club. PROGRAM A special thanks to Carol Irish for serving as Guest Speaker Chair for the month of February. On Monday Carol closed out her month by introducing us to Bernie Andrews from Columbia's Regional Economic Development board. Bernie helped remind us why so many of us have chosen to live here, and why Columbia consistently ranks as one of the nation's best places to live. But he also cautioned us not to become complacent. Columbia competes with many other fine cities to attract new businesses and especially those types of businesses Columbians have favored, such as medical, life sciences, and high tech industries. Bernie gave us a snapshot overview of how Chapter 100 Revenue Bonds might play a role in Columbia's future. Our meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm with the Optimist Creed. ON THE MENU: March 6th: State Representative Judy Baker --------------- March 13th: Rick Eastman, Callaway Nuclear Power Plant February 20, 2006 President Rick McKernan rang the Optimist Bell at 12:15 and began the meeting. With many people off work Monday, there was some extra enthusiasm as we jointly proclaimed, “I feel go-o-o-o-oo-ood!” Bo Bossaller presented our Invocation today, with a challenge to remember our presidents on this President's Day holiday. Greg Schneider led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Holiday attendance was 52. GUESTS We had guests a-plenty as we hosted a number of participants in this year's Leadership Columbia class. Jim Yankee, who is also in this year's class brought Kevin Brooks from IKON, Shawn Barnes from Williams Keepers, Kurt Himmelmann from ABC Labs, Tim Klocko from Stephens College, Bill Castles from Pro Dental, and Toni Messina from the State of Missouri Public Service Commission. Red Leighton proudly introduced his guest Todd Kendrick from Memorial Funeral Home. Thanks for visiting us today. Please, come back again! MYSTERY PERSON The Mystery Person this week was Jim Beckett. Jim was caught up in the spirit of the Monday holiday and gave President Rick next week's free lunch. Now here is where it starts to get complicated: Given the huge salary the club pays its president, Rick felt bad accepting such a benevolent offer, and therefore took up Bo's challenge to the club to name the four faces that grace Mount Rushmore. Quickest on the draw, and with all four correct stone faces, was Slick Maxey, who thus inherited next Monday's free lunch. BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARIES Dottie Stoerker-Peters reported Tim Rappleano is one year closer to his first Social Security check this week. Happy Birthday, Tim! Also, Ellis Havard has "notched" another year on his belt. Congrats, Ellis, and may your bowling score always average at least three times your age! TAIL TWISTER: Tail Twister Steve Henderson was in great form Monday as he horsed around with a quarterhorse. Those who were at lunch Monday noted that particular horse could have won by a nose and by a tail...all in the same race. Steve's jokes may leave many of us whining, but this week it was the club president who was wine-ing as Steve presented a nice bottle of Merlot to President Rick in honor of President's Day. ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Optimist Club of Centralia Charter Banquet is just around the corner on Saturday, March 4th. Our club is the sponsoring club for Centralia. About ten members from our club have already signed up for the celebration. Cost is $10. Distribution of the City's excess computers will take place toward the end of next month. We still need a couple more people to help out. The Chili Cook-Off Contest is Wednesday, February 22nd at 6:00 pm at the clubhouse. Come find out who will capture this year's top honors! Donations from our members will be accepted at the Cook-off and sent to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) on behalf of Jake Jolley's sister Mary Jolley for a double-lung transplant. The DOC Board funded several requests at last week's board meeting: Mid America Soap Box Derby $3000, Boy Scouts of America ScoutReach Program $1000, Douglas Park Athletic Association $1000, Diamond Council baseball $1000, Neighborhood Watch Safety Awareness Poster contest $1150. Additional funding requests were tabled pending receipt of information. "Seating Shuffle" Update. Only one week left! You could still be the winner of the Grand Prize, a $75.00 dinner at Churchill's courtesy of Holiday Inn Select! After Week #4, the standings are: Bo Bossaller - pair of 10s; John Sanders - pair of 8s; Scott Stager - Still in the lead with Three 8s; Denise Payne - possible Flush; Sid Sullivan - possible Straight (3S,4S,5S,8C; Joe Sestak - pair 5s; Bob Merriman - pair of Queens; Chuck Boots - possible Flush; Rick McKernan - pair of Kings; Buck Rikli - pair of 2s; Slick Maxey - Pair of 9s; Brandon Beddoe - pair of As; Susie Naeger - pair of 6s; Gerry Browning - pair of Kings; Ed Hampton - pair of Queens; Dottie Stoerker-Peters - pair of Jacks; Dennis Funk - pair of 3s; Jess Weaver - possible straight (8H, 9H, JC, QC); . Anyone can still win! Just one guest dramatically enhances your odds of winning, since you get to claim their card in your poker hand! PROGRAM This week we had the opportunity to recognize some of the young people who illustrate how promising our future is. Tom Schwarz from First National Bank is one of this year's Junior Leadership Columbia coordinators. Thanks to the President's Day school holiday, our guests didn't even have to cut class to join us Monday. Tom introduced us to high school students Jack Campbell, Rachael Drennan, and Allison Coffelt, who shared with us some of their goals for the future, and some of their challenges as young leaders among their peers today. Jack, Rachael, and Allison are part of this year's Junior Leadership Columbia Class, which was selected from nearly 100 applicants. The Junior Leadership Columbia program has evolved from the years of success of Leadership Columbia, organized and sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. The meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm with the Optimist Creed. HERE'S WHAT'S A-COMIN': February 28th: Bernie Andrews, REDI March 6th: State Representative Judy Baker March Program Chairman: Glenn Robertson February 13, 2006 The Optimist Bell rang punctually at 12:15 as President Rick McKernan began the meeting. For probably the first time in decades...maybe centuries...Jim Murphy was seated in the front row of tables, and he enthusiastically proclaimed with the rest of us “I feel go-o-o-o-oo-ood!” Kevin Quinn presented our Invocation today. Jess Weaver led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Attendance was pegged at one less than 54. GUESTS Three folks earned those guest bonus cards this week. Jim Yankee showed our "house" to Barb Melson from House of Brokers Realty. "Slick" Maxey gave an irradiating report about Optimist activities to guest Ed Werner from the MU Research Reactor. Travis Kempf was a star by inviting Kristen Hill, manager of the new Starbucks Coffee Shop in downtown Columbia. We're glad you came to visit us today. Please, come back again! GREETER New member Bill Plank from River Region Credit Union was this week's greeter. Bill makes the daily trip from Jefferson City to Columbia to man his post at River Region, and since he doesn't go home for lunch, we have the privilege and pleasure of his company at lunch each week. Currently, Bill admits to having one wife and no kids. MYSTERY PERSON The Mystery Person this week was Steve Klein. Most things a CPA does are a mystery to the rest of us, but it was no mystery that Steve recognized a deserving member like Greg Schneider with a free lunch this next Monday. Congratulations, Greg. BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARIES Dottie Stoerker-Peters reported that not one of our fellow Optimists was born this week, or got married this week. We need to "fix" that - find some recruits with a mid February birthday! TAIL TWISTER: Tail Twister Steve Henderson's was AWOL today. Never-the-less, sharp eyes enriched the Optimist Pig's coffers by $.25 today by discovering Brent Jones' name in the paper as president-elect of the Columbia Board of Realtors. Congratulations, Brent, and pay up! ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Oratorical Contest is THIS Saturday on February 18th at the DOC Clubhouse. Pre-registration is NOT required, so walk-ins are accepted. The topic is "My Future Is Bright Because..." Anyone under age 16 as of 12/31/05 is eligible to enter. Showtime is at 1:00 pm, and anyone is invited to hear these talented young people make their presentations. Special thanks to Meredith Donaldson for running this program for our club. Distribution of the City's excess computers will take place toward the end of next month. We still need a couple more people to help out. The Chili Cook-Off Contest is Wednesday, February 22nd at the clubhouse. Max Miller, who won the inaugural cook-off championship three years ago, insists that this year he will teach the winner of the last two contests, Steve Henderson, a thing or two about cooking chili. Although no club funds will be sent, donations from our members will be accepted at the Cook-off and sent to the Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) on behalf of Jake Jolley's sister Mary Jolley, who suffers from MS and will undergo a double-lung transplant in the near future. Your DOC Board meets this week on Thursday, February 23rd at 7:00 pm at the clubhouse. Anyone is welcome. The Optimist Club of Centralia invites members of the Downtown Optimist Club to their Charter Banquet on Saturday, March 4th. DOC is the sponsoring club for Centralia. Cost is $10., but the fellowship is priceless. "Seating Shuffle" Update. Just two more weeks left! Anyone could still earn the Grand Prize, a $75.00 dinner at Churchill's courtesy of Holiday Inn Select! The standings (can you hear the drum roll in the background?) after Week #3: Bo Bossaller - pair of 10s; John Sanders - pair of 8s; Scott Stager - In the lead with Three 8s; Denise Payne - possible Flush; Sid Sullivan - possible Straight (3S,4S,5S,8C; Joe Sestak - possible Straight (4C,5C,6H); Bob Merriman - pair of Queens; Chuck Boots - possible Flush; Slick Maxey - Pair of 6s and/or possible Straight; Brandon Beddoe - pair of As; Susie Naeger - pair of 6s. Anyone can still win! Just one guest dramatically enhances your odds of winning, since you get to claim their card in your poker hand! WOW - just imagine what two guests would do???!!! PROGRAM Our program this week focused on one of Columbia's exciting coming attractions, The YouZeum, located in the old Federal Building right in the heart of downtown Columbia. Introducing us to this novel attraction was Glenn McElroy, vice-chairman of the YouZeum Board of Directors. Young and old alike will enjoy this high-tech interactive museum designed to educate and to promote a healthier lifestyle. This $8 Million facility will lure many a passing motorist off the highway and into Columbia, as well as entertain us locals for hours on end. Thanks to Carol Irish for finding us such a great program. The meeting adjourned at 1:03 pm with the Optimist Creed. HERE'S WHAT'S A-COMIN' February 20th: School's out today, but 3 high school members of Junior Leadership Columbia are eager to share their stories with us. February 28th: Bernie Andrews, REDI March Program Chairman: Glenn Robertson February 6, 2006 President Rick McKernan rang the Optimist Bell at 12:15 PM to began the meeting. Valerie Goodin maintained her position as Star Extraordinaire in leading this week's rendition of “I feel goo-o-o-oo-ood!” with style and flair. Joe Sestak led the Invocation today, honoring the Boy Scouts of America. Chuck Boots led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Our room was filled with 55 happy, smiling, optimistic faces. GUESTS Some folks have the "Seating Shuffle" card game figured out as they earn bonus cards to strengthen their poker hand by bringing a guest! Ed Harre brought fellow Boone County National Banker Rick Poe as his guest Monday, Red Leighton brought Sandy Freese from Boone National Savings and Loan, and Suzie Naeger earned bonus cards for the second week in a row by bringing guest Sara Anderson, a fellow BCNB banker. Welcome all, and we hope you enjoyed your visit with us. Come back soon...and join the fun! GREETER This week's greeter was new member Suzie Naeger. A graduate of Hickman High and Mizzou, Suzie is now the regional managing officer over several BCNB branches in Columbia and central Missouri, and has been with BCNB for many years. She is an active supporter of the area 4-H, and recalled that some of our very own Optimists like Max Miller and Phil Weedin provided positive influence when she was young...er. Besides work and community involvement, Suzie has been married to husband Jason for nine years and has two daughters to help keep her busy, one who is five, and one who is six months. MYSTERY PERSON Our Mystery Person this week was past president Roy Robinson. Roy was guided by the Steelers' fifth win in the Superbowl last Sunday, and selected the fifth person to shake his hand this week, Jess Weaver. Congratulations, Jess. BIRTHDAYS/ANNIVERSARIES Dottie Stoerker-Peters reported only one birthday this week, Don Copenhaver. Happy Birthday! TAIL TWISTER: Tail Twister Steve Henderson's sharp eyes caught Pat Brown without his namebadge, and assessed a fine of $.25. Also weighing in with a $.25 fine was Jim Yankee, who brought fame on his name by sponsoring a Sumo Wrestling fundraiser among local real estate agents, raising $500 to split between the Humane Society and the Parkinson Disease Research Foundation. ANNOUNCEMENTS: The next East Missouri District Meeting will be in St. Louis on February 11th. We have five people registered so far. Contact secretary Mike Hatchett if you would like to attend. One of our registrants will be unable to attend, so we have one paid slot we would like to fill. Departure is early Saturday and back the same day by early evening. The Oratorical Contest is fast approaching on February 18th at the DOC Clubhouse. Anyone under age 16 as of 12/31/05 is eligible to enter. Contact Meredith Donaldson for more details. The Downtown Optimist Club, along with Leigh Nutter from the City of Columbia and Cindy Mustard from the Voluntary Action Center, will be coordinating the distribution of about 35 late model computers to families with young students in the public schools. Tim Rappleano and Jim Yankee have already volunteered to help, and we will need another 3-4 volunteers. This will take place mid to late March. Please contact Rick for details and to volunteer. The Chili Cook-Off Contest is February 22nd at the clubhouse. It's very hard when the family of one of our own is afflicted with a debilitating and life-threatening illness. Mary Jolley, the sister of Jake Jolley is now on the list to undergo a double-lung transplant in California. Mary has been afflicted with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) since birth. Our Optimist mission of serving the youth here in Boone County prevents us as a club from using any of the money we raised for Optimist programs to be contributed toward her enormous medical expenses. However, as an alternative, our DOC board has voted that voluntary donations specifically for transplant expenses will be collected at this year's Chili Cook-Off. Thus, there is no "cost" for this year's contest; however, it is essential that you still register so we can know how many are coming to dinner. Anyone who already paid can get a refund, or direct that what they paid be added to the donations. It is important that everyone understand that the money is not being collected by the Downtown Optimist Club per se; rather, we are a bunch of Optimists sharing the fellowship of our club through a meal together, and you as individuals may choose to make a personal donation to this cause. The donations will be sent to Children’s Organ Transplant Association, or they may be made at any Bank of America location using account # 003483920018 or mailed to Children’s Organ Transplant Association, 2501 COTA Drive, Bloomington IN 47403. Checks and money orders should be made payable to “COTA for Mary J”. Mary and our good friend Jake are in our thoughts and prayers in this difficult time. New members of our club were installed today: Bill Plank, manager of the Columbia Branch of River Region Credit Union, recruited by John Sanders; Jim Yankee, owner of FlatBranch Mortgage Company, recruited by Travis Kempf, Suzie Naeger, BCNB regional manager and Brandon Beddoe, sales manager at Courtyard Marriott, both recruited by Rick McKernan. Our club is proud and honored by your willingness to share our commitment to helping the young people in our community. "Seating Shuffle" Update. Three weeks left to claim the Grand Prize! Current standings after Week #2. Note that bringing even one guest dramatically enhances your odds of winning, since you get to claim their card in your poker hand! Here's what we have so far: Jim Beckett - possible Flush; Bo Bossaller - pair of 10s; John Sanders - pair of 8s; Scott Stager - pair of 8s; Roy Robinson - possible Straight Flush; Connie Howe - possible Straight Flush; Denise Payne - possible Flush; Sid Sullivan - possible Straight Flush; Joe Sestak - possible Straight; Pat Brown - possible Flush; Bob Merriman - pair of Queens; Chuck Boots - possible Flush; Rick McKernan - possible Flush; Brian Hudspeth - possible Straight; Steve Henderson - possible Straight Flush; Slick Maxey - Pair of 4s; Brandon Beddoe - in the lead with a pair of As; Susie Naeger - pair of 6s. All the rest of us have....another chance next week. Bring those guests and increase your chances to win! PROGRAM Our guest speaker, Richard Mendenhall, was introduced Monday by Carol Irish. Richard is a fifth-generation realtor here in Columbia with a passion for spreading the good news about the history and the positive effect the University of Missouri has had in making Columbia the strong city it is today. Richard pointed out that, behind the university's illustrious stature today, was a group of dedicated "Optimists" who struggled and found a way to "make it happen" here in Columbia. UPCOMING PROGRAMS February 13th: Glenn McElroy - Just what is this place called the YouZeum?! February 20th: Junior Leadership Columbia The meeting adjourned at 1:03 pm with the Optimist Creed.