The winners of our recent Oratorical Contest came to this morning’s meeting, and two of the three delivered their winning speeches to the Club. Jason Van Tol (who was the $200 winner) attended with his parents, Jaden O’Berry (the $100 winner) and John Hill (winner of $75) came alone and sat with their teacher and Friend of Optimism Jane Wensko (their teacher at Swartz Creek High School). The competitors may now proceed to the next level of competition in Clawson next month, with our sponsorship and support. The Club was clearly impressed with the talent and enthusiasm of the youth, as well as appreciative of all the hard work that they, Ms. Wensko, and our own Joe Bushey put into the competition.

Peter Venos, our illustrious President, rang the morning meeting to order and called on Art Ridley to lead the Pledge to the Flag and Greg Hilliker to speak the invocation, which Matt Mrasek apparently heard this time. Jeff Dennings paid $1 for the Crown in an attempt to sidestep being penalized for a late arrival. Matt Mrasek fined the entire Club for coming in for breakfast, rather than lunch, calling his “tax season” schedule to our attention. Joe Bushey fined all who sat “in the same seat week after week after week” and John Losinski paid fines for selling his wares at the meeting and for bragging about his Hawaiian vacation. Floyd Olmstead brought Dick McCormick’s old bell (a gift from Geri, his widow) to the Club, Bill Hentgen reported on Planetarium presentation plans and distributed tickets for the April 30 Masonic Temple Chicken Dinner fundraiser, and the Club formally recognized the passing of Bill Churchill (Sr.) and Tom Muldoon’s father. Jeff Dennings noted plans for Dragons (JOOI) Club publicity, recruitment, and service events, and the 23 people present for the meeting supplied Jim Reigle with yet another “50/50” pot to enhance the quality of his retirement life, before Dan Crannie closed the breaksfast meeting with recitation of the Creed.