Norm Myers led us in the Pledge of Allegiance this morning followed by a prayer by Lynn Eastman.

Fines were opened and Lynn Eastman was doing a good job monopolizing them until John Losinski, acting like a real king, jumped in and dominated in levying fines.

Meeting Notes

Phil Holmblade from the Breakfast Optimist joined us and reported that their club will start joining our breakfast meetings effective next Thursday.

President Greg Hilliker requested that Joseph Farah’s address be added to our meeting notes so that everyone will know where to go for our next open Board Meeting. His address is 5189 Warwick Woods, Grand Blanc, MI 48439.

Raffle tickets were discussed. Only 3 tickets have money turned in with only seven weeks remaining until our $5,000 Raffle.

Walt Widder made an announcement that club dues may now be paid annually.

Phil won this morning’s 50/50 drawing for half of $23. Phil got up and walked over to Walt to collect his winnings. Fines were immediately reopened. Phil was several times. He was fined for wanting his money, not trusting our Treasurer, making Walt get up and collecting before last weeks winner was paid. Judge Farah was also fined for arriving late.

Guest Speaker

Walt Widder invited Kathleen (Kathy) Holt and her daughter Holly Huestis from the Genesee County Youth Corp, better known as “REACH” and “Traverse Place” to be the speakers. Kathy served as the court liaison to REACH prior to her retirement from Genesee Family Court in 2003. She now serves on the REACH Board of Directors as VP. Holly is their Resource Development Manager (Marketing Person as she put it). She has served as a marketing specialist for several companies in the past.

REACH/Traverse Place is sponsoring the 1st Annual Chilli Cook-Off. Click here to view the flyer. The cook-off is pitting Police against Fire Fighters against EMT’s. The Cook-Off will be held at FOP 126 located at 4065 E Pierson Rd. The cost is $5 per person, children 6 and under are free. For a mere $5 more you can actually be a judge, What a bargain. Proceeds will directly benefit the Genesee County Youth Corp.

REACH was founded in 1977 and offers emergency shelter to runaways between the ages of 10 and 17. Traverse Place offers accommodations for up to 21 months for homeless youth ages 17 to 21. There website is www.reach-traverseplace.org for more information. Ways people can help: volunteers, cash, food, clothes, event tickets, gift cards and supplies. Checks can be made payable to REACH/Traverse Place.

Reminders

Reminders were given as follows:

• All members are invited to our August Board Meeting to enjoy a steak dinner at Judge Farah’s house on August 21st. If you haven’t already written your name on the list, you MUST now RSVP to Greg Hilliker
• All members are reminded to SELL, SELL, SELL $5,000 Raffle Tickets

Respectfully yours in optimism,
Jeff Dennings