Downtown Optimist Club of Columbia
Zoom/In Person Meeting Newsletter
Monday, January 16th 2023
Meeting began at 12:01 pm
Members attend in person President Jerry Sullivan, Tony Pariso, Rick McKernan, Kelly Schilling, Red Leighton, Ken Oster, Jim Murphy, Ed Musterman, Carl Scott, Mary Dewey, Pat Brown, Mike Russell, Deb Swanagen and Mike Hachett. Guest: Camelina and Dominick Pariso, Darrell and Mike (veterans from VA)
Our speaker and special guest: NO Guest Speaker today
Prayer: Deb Swanagen
Pledge of Allegiance: Red Leighton
Birthday/Anniversary: Kelly Schilling birthday this Sunday, Betty White Birthday today, and Dominick Pariso who is 5 years old today.
Paying the Pig: No one paid the pig
Tribute to ML King:
1963 Martin Luther King
Martin Luther King once said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” I believe that this quote describes that a person shows his or her true colors when they are challenged. The true neighbor will risk his position his prestige even his life for the welfare of others.
Thank you everyone who helped with tree lot and selling Koeze nuts. Jerry would like to really thank Ed Musterman for pick and organizing the food from the Boone County Senior Citizen Center, Rick Musterman for sending out the email for where the meetings are located and time, Mary Dewey for take the minutes during the club meeting , and Tony Pariso who help set up the zoom.
Board Meeting: Board Meeting will be on January 18th at the Clubhouse at 6:00 pm. Feel free to attend. No Funding request at this time. We will be talking about the Nominating Committee. (If you would like be on the Board or an Officer please let Jerry know.) How to increase publicity for what we do (winter activities programs, how to increase membership and social activities and Miscellaneous club business.)?
Rick McKerman let us know that Butch Brauner passed away on Sunday, January 15 from stage 4 cancer. His Celebrate life will take place on Saturday, January 28th from 1 to 4 at the VFW in Fulton, MO.
Koeze Nut information: Steve Winter wants to Thank everyone who works on Koeze Nuts and gift card sales. Make sure you get all your money turned in so we can get a final total on what we sold.
Tree Lot: Jim Murphy said “There is a work day this Saturday, January 14th at 9:00 am” We will be putting the drills up and the tree stand back under the shelter. It will only take a hour if we have the man power. Please sign up on the Genius that C.O. sent out so we know who is coming for work day.
Dues for the year: Pay your dues. Dues are $97.00 for regular members $56.00 for Lifetime members. Dues must be paid by March 1 to avoid being dropped from membership.
Meeting Information: All meetings until Soapbox Derby time will be at the clubhouse. January 23th meeting will be an evening meeting with Poker Night to follow after. Bring your snacks to share for the Poker Night. Guests are welcome to join us that evening. Playing for bragging right only. The speaker that evening meeting will be Deb Swanagen will be talking to us about her trip to Italy and pasta that evening for dinner. Dinner starts at 5:30 pm.
Membership: The board has set a goal of 12 new members for 2022-2023. There are applications are by the door of the clubhouse and by the copy machine if you need any extra. Remember your spouse can to join we really would love to see them join the club too.
Committees were in the newsletter recently. We still need someone to chair the Chili Cook-off, (Checking with Greg) and two new committees – the New Member Welcome and the Adopt-A-Spot committees. And we still need people to co-chair the Tree Lot and Koeze Nut committees. Get involved.
Boys and Girls Club Chili Cook Off: Greg Schneider will be a chief cook for this event. Will take place at Holiday Inn Executive Center on Saturday, February 25, 2023. We will have 2 booths at this event one for the chili making and other one is for the Soap Box Derby Car.
We had a donation of $2000 has been made to our club to be used for a youth program or programs for the kids. If you have an idea please let Jerry know.
Shirts and Hats: We are planning to order more shirts and hats in the future. We need 12 shirts before we can order please let Mary Dewey know (573) 808-1120 if you would like a shirt or a hat.
Secord Qtr. East Missouri Optimist District will be on Friday, February 24 and Saturday, February 25 at the Hilton St. Louis Airport Hotel. Please let Jerry know if you would like to go the club will pay for your registration.
Dime a Day – Mary – Explain what it is and how the money is used. A form was sent out with the last newsletter and will be sent again. A fundraiser for OI.
Guest Speaker: All the club members told us why they joined the club and why they stay?
Attachment: What Mike talked about that day?
Optimist Creed was recited at 1:00 pm
Meeting adjourned at 1:01 pm
Jerry Sullivan: President
573-701-4122
Downtown Optimist Club 