Shirley Cochran returned to our Club as speaker for the day, proud of the new sign that identifies Motherly Intercession, her 19-year-old non-profit service organization that now has 2 vans for assisting in visitation between children and their incarcerated parents, and a reading and math tutoring operation that helps children to see that their “parents’ destinies need not determine their own”. Multigenerational households, questionable and impoverished living arrangements, and a plethora of legal issues and residential transience makes communication, follow-up, behavioral themes and transportation highly problematic, but Ms. Cochran (for a long time without a budget) has, through her own strength of will and Providential support, generated several inspiring stories that demonstrate the impact this agency has had in our community. The agency’s “I Determine My Destiny” Fundraising Dinner will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at Davison Knights of Columbus Hall with a silent auction, live entertainment, and door prizes, and tickets and table sponsorships are still available, as are volunteer and donation opportunities.
Jack Proffitt, soon to become Lt. Governor, rang the meeting to order in the absence of President Crys Reed and assigned the leading of 18 attendees in Pledge and Prayer to John Losinski and Greg Hillliker, respectively. TailTwister Jack Medemar,usually immune from such frivolities, was fined for a late arrival (which the Northerly table paid). Reversing the usual fine pattern, Greg Hilliker paid a fine for wearing his name badge, Dan Crannie paid a fine for failing to wear a shirt with his name prominently displayed, Jim Reigle paid a fine for wearing yet another “prosperity billboard” cabana shirt, and Phil Holmblade wound up paying just because he was targeted by the King.
- John Losinski reported that 125 tickets were “out” for sale a month before the “5K Raffle”, so “Sell, Sell, Sell!”
- $8349 has been raised for the Club by the Walt Widder Memorial Golf Classic, and the Club signed and sent a sincere “Thank You” card to the Walt Widder family for their generosity. (Motherly Intercession was one of Walt’s favorite causes.)
- Another card of encouragement and affection was passed around for Ellen Venos and her husband, Club member Peter.
- A planning meeting regarding the coming year of the food distribution program that Lt. Gov. Jeff Dennings, Steve Schlott, and President-Elect Phil Holmblade have helped with is set for his coming Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Food Bank.
- Next Tuesday, 9/25/18, will be the Installation Banquet at Ruggero’s at 6:00 p.m. with other area Optimist Clubs and dignitaries joining us.
Until next time, “Promise Yourself…”