Call to order: by V.P. Mary Dewey at 12:05

Invocation: Red Leighton

Pledge: Phil Rodriquez

 

Introduction of Guests

Rick McKernan introduced his grand-daughter, Halley (famously known for her Halley’s Comet derby car), who is visiting from Kansas City

 

Missing Members

Charlie Langreder is still recovering from rotary cuff surgery.

 

Birthdays and Anniversaries

None

 

Mystery Person –

Sid Sullivan gave this week’s award to Harold Rowe who protected our turf at the Show Me State Games. Harold arrived early at the soccer field when a group of squatters selling Show Me merchandise tried to appropriate our table and tent cover. He got them to find their own table and tent cover which they moved several feet away from ours.

 

Greeter   – Jim Murphy had a quiet weekend traveling to New Franklin; this time without backing his wife’s car into any foreign object. He had a nice dinner with his wife.

 

Announcements

• Sign In and badge or Pay the Pig  All were signed in.
• Show Me Games – (Jake), Mary had last weekend volunteers raise their hands to be recognized.
• Scrap Book- Mary Dewey is still looking for additional photographs of our Optimists at work.
• Oratorical Contest – Rick McKernan emphasized the benefit of the Oratorical contest for public speaking as a vital tool for leadership in adult life. Last year the national winner was awarded $22,500. Topic for the 2017-2018 School Year is: “Where are My Roots of Optimism?” Students under the age of 18 as of October 1, 2017 are eligible. Interested students need to submit a speech on the pre-assigned topic to one of the local Optimist Clubs. More information can be found at: http://www.optimist.org/e/member/scholarships4.cfm
• Essay Contest – Rick repeated the announcement of this upcoming February, 2018 event. Feel free to join this committed by contacting President Ed Musterman (eemusterman@gmail.com) the club needs to spread the word to youth groups and churches to attract more kids. Topic for the 2017-18 School Year is: “Can Society Function Without Respect?” Youth under the age of 18 as of October 1, 2017
• Soap Box Derby Rick McKernan reminded the group that the Columbia Derby contestants along with their family will be at next Monday’s lunch. Rick circulated the plaque the club received from the Akron Derby Committee. It is inscribed: 1^st Energy All-American Soap Box Derby “Outstanding Race City” Columbia, Midlands, MO dated 7/22/17 Akron, OH. There was no explanation of how we got to be known as Columbia Midlands.
• Crime Prevention Month: The month of August has been designated “Crime Prevention Month.” To wit, the Ridgeway Neighborhood Association is sponsors a crime free event at Optimist Park on Tuesday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Games for kids and food will be provided. Community Policing Officer Jesse is expected to attend. Members are encouraged to attend and support this event.

 

Today’s Speaker

Brianna Lennon, Atty,  New MO Voter ID law

Brianna is currently a private attorney with offices in the Forum Shopping Center. She announced several months ago of her intention to seek the position of County Clerk upon Wendy Noren’s retirement. She was unsuccessful in getting an interim appointment from the governor after Wendy’s untimely resignation for health reasons. (Wrong Party) She formerly worked for the Secretary of State assisting local and county government with election transparency.

 

The Constitutional Amendment requiring a photo ID to vote takes effect at the August 8 election. During prior elections the Voter ID Card along with signature verification was sufficient to vote. Now a voter present at the poll on Election Day must provide a valid driver’s license. Yet, a passport or military ID can be substituted. Voters without a photo ID are not out of luck. They can swear to their identity on an affidavit. Upon signature verification they will be granted a provisional ballot. And, unlike provisional ballots in the past, these ballots will be counted. However, the photo ID rule does not apply to absentee ballots or mail in ballots.

 

A person without a photo ID and wishing to vote can obtain a non-driving ID from the Division of Motor Vehicles. A birth certificate and bill or envelope showing their current address is required. Other DMV rules may apply if a person has changed names.

 

The one issue on the ballot for all voters in Boone County is the 10 year extension of the ½ cent sales tax for Roads and Bridges in the county. When asked to explain this issue, Brianna mentioned the County Commission originally allowed the sales tax law to substitute for a 26 cent per $1,000 of assessed valuation property tax. The current ballot issue has no organized opposition and has been endorsed by the local Chamber of Commerce and has the support of the County Commission. Given the need for funds for the upkeep and maintenance of county roads and bridges, the Commission has the option of passing a property tax should the ballot issue fail. Brianna emphasized the Commission has given no indication of this action.

 

UPCOMING SPEAKERS

Aug 7 –  Soap Box

Aug 14 – Cheryl Unterschutz, Girls on the Run

Aug 21 – No Meeting, Solar Eclipse

Aug 28 – Steve Winters, Koeze Nuts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjourn with the Creed: 1:00

Optimistically Yours,

 

Sid Sullivan

Secretary