EnvLogoWest Flint Optimist Club

3-24-16 Newsletter

 

Bob Holec, from the Greater Flint Area Baseball Softball Association, spoke with our group this morning about the importance and impact of “America’s Favorite Pastime” on our community. His playing experience (a Little League Class A championship and scholarship at Colorado State), “drill sergeant” duties in the military, and decades-long teaching and coaching tenure at Flint Central High School prepared him for his oversight and management tasks for the “501(C)3” non-profit  Association’s work with Youth and Adults invested in “diamonds”: more than 1,000 participants in 69 teams, Tournament participation of over 1,100, and a total of over 900 games on Flint’s “world-class” fields. He has invited our Club to participate in the “Divot & Give-It” fundraiser golf event on June 13 to help continue the Association’s 105-year legacy and promote healthy activities, team play, and positive community identity in the city.

 

 

President Jeff Dennings’ opening bell was so jarring that John Losinski stopped in his tracks and did not quite make it for the Pledge of Allegiance. Dave Crabill proposed a fine in defense of  J-Lo and himself for the meeting staring too early, the occupants at the Northerly table paid fines for ignoring the President’s meeting and holding their own, and the usual ridiculous “Ketchup/Catsup” fine was upheld against those of us with discriminating taste. Chris Reed, already approved by the Board for Club membership, watched as his sponsor, Dan Crannie, levied fine after fine while holding the King’s Crown over his head (so as to avoid mussing Dan’s hair). Art Ridley won the 50/50 drawing with $25 in the pot generated by the 16 people present.

Former member Micah Widder was present early this morning to publicize the Walt Widder Memorial Golf Scramble at Dutch Hollow in Durand on Saturday, September 24. Proceeds return to the Club—good activity, good fundraiser, in memory of a good guy! (Posters and team registration forms available now)

Bill Hentgen will plan to have the tickets for the Masonic Temple Chicken Dinner, set for April 24, at next week’s meeting.

Jeff Dennings announced the plans to start a new JOOI Club at Swartz Creek High School under our Club sponsorship.

The final Firebirds’ 50/50 fundraiser event was deferred because of ice problems and game schedule adjustments, but we still generated over $3,000 for Club coffers this year with this project.

On a more serious note, former member Gene Lazar’s mother, Jack Medemar’s nephew, and former member Don Morey’s wife all passed away in the last week. Please keep these folks and their loved ones in mind.

Until next time,

“Promise Yourself…”

 

Greg Hilliker