Downtown Optimist Club of Columbia

In Person Meeting

Monday, March 6, 2023 at the Clubhouse

Meeting began at 12:00

Members in attendance: Dave Murphy, Mary Dewey, President, Jerry Sullivan, Ken Oster, Ed Musterman, Charles Langreder, Mike Hatchett, Rick Mckernan, Pat Brown, Red Leighton, Steve Klein, Larry Fick, Travis Kempf, Tony Parisio, Carl Scott, Deb Swanegan, C.O. Scheffer, and Kelly Schilling

Special Guests:  Jessica Macey, Coordinated Entry Specialist, Flourish, Susie McKernan, Bob and Penny McFadyen and Travis Kempf friend Kristen. 

Prayer: Deb Swanegan 

Pledge of Allegiance: Tony Parisio

Recognize new members and members who are back for the first time in a while:   

We like to welcome back Pat Brown, Dave Murphy, Charles Langreder, and Travis Kempf

Birthdays/Anniversaries:  N/A

Thank you to:  Ed for food, Tony for tech support, and Mary for notetaking and newsletter

Pay the pig? Carl Scott paid $.50 for no name tag, and the Mizzou coach, Ed Musternan paid $.25 for no name tag, Mary Dewey paid $1.00 for her pictures on East Missouri Optimist District Facebook website, and Jerry Sullivan paid $.25 for his picture on East Missouri Optimist District Facebook website.

Don’t forget to enter your name for the new board approved $50 drawing to be done April 3.  Enter your name once for each time you invite a new person to a club activity.  Entry forms are on the table by me. So far there is Kelly Schilling, Rick McKernan and Travis Kempf for the drawing. 

Minutes:  (Ask for any corrections – need motion to approve)

Treasurer’s Report:  little change from last month.  No major income and no funding requests.  About $30,000 to give away.  

Old Business:

Meeting info – The March 13 meeting will be here at noon. Fried Chicken or Ham with pineapple from the Sr. Center is available for order through Ed.   Speaker is our own Mary Dewey.  Her topic, the OI Foundation.   

Committees – Adopt a Spot – Kelly.  There is a city meeting for Adopt-A-Spot leaders on March 16 in the evening.  

Welcome Committee for new members – Kelly – New member application has been received from Tyler Miller. 

Board passed a background check requirement at our last meeting.  We are working on a policy change to address the new requirements.  Anyone who wants a look at the proposed policy change let me know.   

Nominating Committee 

2023-2024 

President: Mike Hatchet Board members: Steve Klein

1^st VP: Deb Swanegan Mary Dewey Ed Musternan

2nd VP: Still looking Bonnie Yantzi Nadia Ryakmyatullov

Secretary: Phyllis Nichols Adam Bakos

Treasurer: Jack Beard Tony Parisio will step in Adam spot in October

– Ed – Still looking for a 2^nd VP candidate and one new Board member.  

Scholarship Committee – Nadia – Deadline is March 17 – Has the readers – she could still use people to present the scholarships at the school assemblies.

Derby info – Rick – date for derby June 11 – race cars take over clubhouse from May 9 until the week after the derby.  Ideas for a meeting space during derby time – let me know.  There will another Zoom meeting coming up soon for the kids. We have ½ of the cars signed up for . 

Youth Event – The Bill of Rights and Jeff City trip. – Rick – likely moved to fall.

Essay Contest – Rick – Results – 38 entries – Topic was “Who is an everyday hero who brings out the best in you” All 3out of 4 clubs in Columbia help read the Essays. There were 3 winners that were sent on one from Sunrise Optimist, one from Kids 1^st Optimist and one from Downtown Optimist Club. 

Oratorical Contest – Rick – Deadline to register is March 15.  Contest is Sunday March 19 at the Downtown Optimist Clubhouse.  Viewers welcome.  Topic -“Discovering the optimism in me.”  Come by 2:00 pm to listen to them.

No new info on the repair to the outside wall by Mark Perkins, from Keystone Masonry.   Will be fixed this week.

 Bike Safety – May 20 – Karis Church – Mary C.O Scheffer will be sending out a sign up Genius in the next two weeks.

Deb’s church event – Deb’s church is having a Community Block Party event on either the Saturday, August 26th.  She invited us to have a booth to promote the SBD and the Downtown Optimist Club. No cost to the club.  Approved unanimously

Car show – Mike Russell

Chili Cook Off for members – April 3, evening meeting.  Poker after if anyone is interested.  No speaker. Contestants who bring chili and one guest eat free.  Everyone else $7.  Includes Chili, hot dog, chips, corn bread, drink and dessert.  Winner’s name will be added to the plaque.  Still need someone to head it up.  Larry can you collect money?  Let me know who plans to bring Chili. Larry Fick will be collecting the money

Kids Carnival – Will talk with Big Brothers/ Big Sisters to see if we can work together on a “Kids’ Carnival” behind the clubhouse before school is out.    We plan to host this in Early May 

New Business:

Rick’s wife Susie McKernan was a approved as new member. Dave Murphy made the motion to have her as a new member and Mike Hatchet 2^nd the motion. Susie then signed her membership application in front of all the club members. Then our International President Bob McFadyen sorer her in as a new member of the Downtown Optimist Club. She will really become a member after the board approved her at the March 16^th board meeting. 

Second Quarter Conference – Reminders – Junior Golf – Qualifier in Ste. Gen June 9 for youth 10-18.  Optimist International Convention, Washington D.C. July 2, 3 & 4.  If Tony is there, give him his Honor Club award.   

Board Meeting topics– March 16 – two funding requests so far.  Boys & Girls Clubs – $5000 and Diamond Council – $1050 (three team sponsorships).  

Will get more info about 501c-3 from Ernie Wren from Ashland at our April meeting.

Dropped members- Deadline to renew was February 28^th. We dropped 11 members on that date. Brings total dropped for the year to 19. We’ve got a lot of work to do.

More discussion of the Service Clubs Presidents’ meeting – Proposal to work jointly on a “Blitz Build” for Habitat for Humanity.  They plan to build four houses in 10 days – Sept 18-29. We are committed to 5 workers per day to the project.  

Further discussion about background checks for new members.

Vote on new member – Tyler Miller and Susie McKernan. If any member has an objection to his membership please let a Board member know before the 16^th.  

Spring activities – Club Chili Cook Off, Car show and Kids Carnival  

Other clubs’ activities – Hallsville, Cinco de Mayo May 5, taco bar and band:  Kids First, Ham & Bean Dinner and Trivia Night April 1, 5:00 pm, American Legion Post 202; Kiwanis Pancake Day March 25, 7 – noon Dulany Hall, Columbia College, and   Sunrise Optimist Club Trivia Night May 6

Speaker for the Day – Jessica Macey, Coordinated Entry Specialist, Flourish. See attachment about the Flourish. 

Optimist Creed was recited and meeting adjourned at  

Jerry Sullivan, President 

573-701-4122

jsulliva@mineralarea.edu                                       

◄ Feb 2023	March  2023					Apr 2023 ►
Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
			1	2	3	4
5 Meet with the International President at the Ashland Optimist Clubhouse at 4:00 pm	6 Club meeting at the Club House at 12:00 pm	7	8	9	10	11
12	13 Club meeting at the Club House at 12:00 pm	14	15 Deadline to register for Oratorical Contest	16 Board meeting at the Club House at 6:00 pm	17	18
19 Oratorial Contest at Downtown Optimist Clubhouse	20 Club meeting at the Club House at 12:00 pm	21	22	23	24	25 Kiwanis Pancake at Columbia College from 7 to 12 pm
26	27 Club meeting at the Club House at 12:00 pm	28	29	30	31

Downtown Optimist Club of Columbia

In Person Meeting/Zoom

Monday, February 27, 2023 at the Clubhouse

Meeting began at 12:00 pm

Members in attendance: Greg Schneider, Rick McKernan, Larry Fick, C.O. Scheffer, Steve Klein, Deb Swanegan, Mary Dewey, President Jerry Sullivan, Red Leighton, Ken Oster, Ed Musterman, Carl Scott, and Kelly Schilling. Zoom Adam Bakos and Tony Parisio. Special Guests: Ashley Spitzer, Habitat for Humanity, Ed Holt from Shelter Insurance, Reid Lyle and William from Fast Youti Custom Tees all friends of Rick McKernan.

Prayer:      Rick McKernan

Pledge of Allegiance: Greg Schneider

Recognize new members and members who are back for the first time in a while:   

Birthdays/Anniversaries:  Larry Fick, Ken Oster, Red Leighton and Max Miller club anniversary

Thank you to:  Carl for clean-up, Rick for awards, Ed for food, Tony for tech support, and Mary for notetaking and newsletter

Pay the pig?  Carl Scott paid for a $.25 for each No Tag, Local State Wrestlers Winner, and all the volunteers who helped with Chili Cook of Contest. Paid a $1.00. Mary Dewey paid a $.50 for her pictures on Facebook East Missouri Optimist District page. Greg Schneider paid a $1.00 for NO name tag.

Don’t forget to enter your name for the new board approved $50 drawing to be done April 2.  You enter your name once for each time you invite a new person to a club activity.  Entry forms are on the table by me. Kelly and I are the only entries so far. 

Minutes: (Ask for any corrections – need motion to approve) Larry Fick made the motion to approve the minutes and Deb Swanegan 2^nd the motion.

Treasurer’s Report:  little change from last month.  No major income and no funding requests.  About $30,000 to give away. 

Old Business:

Meeting info – The March 6 meeting will be here at noon. Fried Chicken or ??? from the Sr. Center is available for order through Ed.   Speaker is Jessica Macey, Coordinated Entry Specialist, Flourish

Committees – Kelly is now the Adopt a Spot chairman.  We have a really good location just north of the country club entrance on Forum.  There is a city meeting for Adopt-A-Spot leaders on March 16 in the evening.  If you want to help, let Kelly know.

Welcome Committee for new members – Kelly is heading it. – New member application has been received from Tyler Miller.  Board passed a background check requirement at our last meeting.  We are working on a policy change to address the new requirements.  Anyone who wants a look at the proposed policy change let me know.   Kelly Schillng is his sponsor.

Scholarship Committee – Nadia – Deadline is March 17 – Has the readers – she could still use people to present the scholarships at the school assemblies. If you want to help out the scholarship to the winners please let Jerry or Nadia know.

Derby info – Rick – date for derby June 11 – race cars take over clubhouse from May 9 until the week after the derby.  Ideas for a meeting space during derby time – let me know.  We have 5 new kids signed up at the Boys and Girls Club Chili Contest on Saturday, March 25^th.

(Skip) Youth Event – The Bill of Rights and Jeff City trip. – Rick – likely moved to fall.

Essay Contest – Rick:  Winner’s name must be to the District by February 28.  Topic is “Who is an everyday hero who brings out the best in you” We had 2 last Monday and 36 came in on Friday which gave us a total of 38 Essays. Deb Swanegan and to other members from Kids 1^st Optimist and Sunrise Optimist Clubs were our reader for the Essays.

Oratorical Contest – Rick – Deadline to register is March 15.  Contest is Sunday March 19 at the Downtown Optimist Clubhouse.  Viewers welcome.  Topic -“Discovering the optimism in me.”

No new info on the repair to the outside wall by Mark Perkins, from Keystone Masonry.  

Bike Safety – May 20 – Karis Church –

 (Skip) Deb’s church event – Deb’s church is having a community event on either the 19 or 26 of August.  She invited us to have a booth to promote the SBD and the Downtown Optimist Club. No cost to the club.  Approved unanimously. 

Discussed other winter /spring activities.  Still considering a car show – need info from Mike Russell.  Plan to do a chili cook off in late March – need someone to head it up.  Will talk with Big Brothers/ Big Sisters to see if we can work together on a “Kids’ Carnival” behind the clubhouse before school is out. Unfortunately ax throwing was defeated.   

New Business

Chili Cook-off – Greg Schneider.  Was last Saturday Feb 25, 2023 at the Holiday Inn Executive Center. Benefits the Boys and Girls Club.  Results – Greg and crew, Rick and Carl – Optimist Club booth.  Greg said “It started out every ruff with the meat being frozen, and a broken grill.” The raised over 8 thousand this year.  Thank you for Rick McKernan, Greg Schneider, his son Rick, Carl Scott, Steve Winter, and Kelly Schilling for coming out to help.

Second Quarter Conference – Was also this past weekend – Friday evening and Saturday – Hilton St Louis Airport – items of interest – Awards – Mary – nice plaque for “Distinguished District Foundation Representative -21-22, Tony, Phyllis, and Jack – certificates for Honor Club.  Club awards – Honor Club and – Mary – Foundation –patch for dollar per member.  Review notes from meeting. District Executive Committee and Board Meetings were uneventful.  Had a good speaker on Friday night.  Saturday was Frank Jones with Jefferson Barracks Food Pantry.  Then the OI executive Director.  At lunch a few words from Ernie Wrinn.  After lunch – A& A Awards, Branding presentation, and program about Jr. Golf.   Junior Golf – Qualifier in Ste. Gen June 9 for youth 10-18.  Optimist International Convention, Washington D.C. July 2, 3 & 4.

Board Meeting topics– March 16 – two funding requests so far.  Boys & Girls Clubs – $5000 and Diamond Council – $1050 (three team sponsorships). 

Will get more info about 501c-3 from Ernie Wrinn from Ashland.

More discussion of the Service Clubs Presidents’ meeting – Proposal to work jointly on a “Blitz Build” for Habitat for Humanity.  They plan to build four houses in 10 days – Sept 18-29. We are committed to 5 workers per day to the project. 

Further discussion about background checks for new members.

Vote on new member – Tyler Miller. 

Spring activities – Club Chili Cook Off, Car show and Kids Carnival  

Dropping members –

After last month’s election the current Board is – Jerry Sullivan – Pres; Mike Hatchett- First VP; Deb Swanegan – Second VP; Jack Beard – Treasurer; Phyllis Nichols – Secretary.  Members Ed Musterman, Adam Bakos, Mary Dewey, Steve Klein, Nadia Ryakmyatullov and Bonnie Yantzi.  Nomination Committee is still looking for a Second VP, Treasurer, and a new at large member for the coming year.

Other clubs’ activities – Hallsville, Cinco de Mayo May 5, taco bar and band:  Midway – Cinderella’s Closet, March 3, 4,&5; Kids First, Ham & Bean Dinner and Trivia Night April 1, 5:00 pm, American Legion Post 202; Kiwanis Pancake Day March 25, 7 – noon Dulany Hall, Columbia College.  OI International Pres visiting Ashland March 5 at 4:00.  VFW will be having a pancake day on Saturday, March 11 from 8 to 11 pm at the American Legion for $8.00.

Sunday March, 5 the International President and his wife Penny will be at Ashland Optimist Club at 4 pm for East and West Missouri District Optimist Clubs.

This Friday Battle Hig

Downtown Optimist Club of Columbia

In Person Meeting/Zoom

Monday, February 27, 2023 at the Clubhouse

Meeting began at 12:00 pm

Members in attendance: Greg Schneider, Rick McKernan, Larry Fick, C.O. Scheffer, Steve Klein, Deb Swanegan, Mary Dewey, President Jerry Sullivan, Red Leighton, Ken Oster, Ed Musterman, Carl Scott, and Kelly Schilling. Zoom Adam Bakos and Tony Parisio. Special Guests: Ashley Spitzer, Habitat for Humanity, Ed Holt from Shelter Insurance, Reid Lyle and William from Fast Youti Custom Tees all friends of Rick McKernan.

Prayer:      Rick McKernan

Pledge of Allegiance: Greg Schneider

Recognize new members and members who are back for the first time in a while:   

Birthdays/Anniversaries:  Larry Fick, Ken Oster, Red Leighton and Max Miller club anniversary

Thank you to:  Carl for clean-up, Rick for awards, Ed for food, Tony for tech support, and Mary for notetaking and newsletter

Pay the pig?  Carl Scott paid for a $.25 for each No Tag, Local State Wrestlers Winner, and all the volunteers who helped with Chili Cook of Contest. Paid a $1.00. Mary Dewey paid a $.50 for her pictures on Facebook East Missouri Optimist District page. Greg Schneider paid a $1.00 for NO name tag.

Don’t forget to enter your name for the new board approved $50 drawing to be done April 2.  You enter your name once for each time you invite a new person to a club activity.  Entry forms are on the table by me. Kelly and I are the only entries so far. 

Minutes: (Ask for any corrections – need motion to approve) Larry Fick made the motion to approve the minutes and Deb Swanegan 2^nd the motion.

Treasurer’s Report:  little change from last month.  No major income and no funding requests.  About $30,000 to give away. 

Old Business:

Meeting info – The March 6 meeting will be here at noon. Fried Chicken or ??? from the Sr. Center is available for order through Ed.   Speaker is Jessica Macey, Coordinated Entry Specialist, Flourish

Committees – Kelly is now the Adopt a Spot chairman.  We have a really good location just north of the country club entrance on Forum.  There is a city meeting for Adopt-A-Spot leaders on March 16 in the evening.  If you want to help, let Kelly know.

Welcome Committee for new members – Kelly is heading it. – New member application has been received from Tyler Miller.  Board passed a background check requirement at our last meeting.  We are working on a policy change to address the new requirements.  Anyone who wants a look at the proposed policy change let me know.   Kelly Schillng is his sponsor.

Scholarship Committee – Nadia – Deadline is March 17 – Has the readers – she could still use people to present the scholarships at the school assemblies. If you want to help out the scholarship to the winners please let Jerry or Nadia know.

Derby info – Rick – date for derby June 11 – race cars take over clubhouse from May 9 until the week after the derby.  Ideas for a meeting space during derby time – let me know.  We have 5 new kids signed up at the Boys and Girls Club Chili Contest on Saturday, March 25^th.

(Skip) Youth Event – The Bill of Rights and Jeff City trip. – Rick – likely moved to fall.

Essay Contest – Rick:  Winner’s name must be to the District by February 28.  Topic is “Who is an everyday hero who brings out the best in you” We had 2 last Monday and 36 came in on Friday which gave us a total of 38 Essays. Deb Swanegan and to other members from Kids 1^st Optimist and Sunrise Optimist Clubs were our reader for the Essays.

Oratorical Contest – Rick – Deadline to register is March 15.  Contest is Sunday March 19 at the Downtown Optimist Clubhouse.  Viewers welcome.  Topic -“Discovering the optimism in me.”

No new info on the repair to the outside wall by Mark Perkins, from Keystone Masonry.  

Bike Safety – May 20 – Karis Church –

 (Skip) Deb’s church event – Deb’s church is having a community event on either the 19 or 26 of August.  She invited us to have a booth to promote the SBD and the Downtown Optimist Club. No cost to the club.  Approved unanimously. 

Discussed other winter /spring activities.  Still considering a car show – need info from Mike Russell.  Plan to do a chili cook off in late March – need someone to head it up.  Will talk with Big Brothers/ Big Sisters to see if we can work together on a “Kids’ Carnival” behind the clubhouse before school is out. Unfortunately ax throwing was defeated.   

New Business

Chili Cook-off – Greg Schneider.  Was last Saturday Feb 25, 2023 at the Holiday Inn Executive Center. Benefits the Boys and Girls Club.  Results – Greg and crew, Rick and Carl – Optimist Club booth.  Greg said “It started out every ruff with the meat being frozen, and a broken grill.” The raised over 8 thousand this year.  Thank you for Rick McKernan, Greg Schneider, his son Rick, Carl Scott, Steve Winter, and Kelly Schilling for coming out to help.

Second Quarter Conference – Was also this past weekend – Friday evening and Saturday – Hilton St Louis Airport – items of interest – Awards – Mary – nice plaque for “Distinguished District Foundation Representative -21-22, Tony, Phyllis, and Jack – certificates for Honor Club.  Club awards – Honor Club and – Mary – Foundation –patch for dollar per member.  Review notes from meeting. District Executive Committee and Board Meetings were uneventful.  Had a good speaker on Friday night.  Saturday was Frank Jones with Jefferson Barracks Food Pantry.  Then the OI executive Director.  At lunch a few words from Ernie Wrinn.  After lunch – A& A Awards, Branding presentation, and program about Jr. Golf.   Junior Golf – Qualifier in Ste. Gen June 9 for youth 10-18.  Optimist International Convention, Washington D.C. July 2, 3 & 4.

Board Meeting topics– March 16 – two funding requests so far.  Boys & Girls Clubs – $5000 and Diamond Council – $1050 (three team sponsorships). 

Will get more info about 501c-3 from Ernie Wrinn from Ashland.

More discussion of the Service Clubs Presidents’ meeting – Proposal to work jointly on a “Blitz Build” for Habitat for Humanity.  They plan to build four houses in 10 days – Sept 18-29. We are committed to 5 workers per day to the project. 

Further discussion about background checks for new members.

Vote on new member – Tyler Miller. 

Spring activities – Club Chili Cook Off, Car show and Kids Carnival  

Dropping members –

After last month’s election the current Board is – Jerry Sullivan – Pres; Mike Hatchett- First VP; Deb Swanegan – Second VP; Jack Beard – Treasurer; Phyllis Nichols – Secretary.  Members Ed Musterman, Adam Bakos, Mary Dewey, Steve Klein, Nadia Ryakmyatullov and Bonnie Yantzi.  Nomination Committee is still looking for a Second VP, Treasurer, and a new at large member for the coming year.

Other clubs’ activities – Hallsville, Cinco de Mayo May 5, taco bar and band:  Midway – Cinderella’s Closet, March 3, 4,&5; Kids First, Ham & Bean Dinner and Trivia Night April 1, 5:00 pm, American Legion Post 202; Kiwanis Pancake Day March 25, 7 – noon Dulany Hall, Columbia College.  OI International Pres visiting Ashland March 5 at 4:00.  VFW will be having a pancake day on Saturday, March 11 from 8 to 11 pm at the American Legion for $8.00.

Sunday March, 5 the International President and his wife Penny will be at Ashland Optimist Club at 4 pm for East and West Missouri District Optimist Clubs.

This Friday Battle High School will be celebrating their 10^th Anniversary open at the Elk Lodge at 6:00 pm. 

Speaker for the Day – Ashley Spitzer, Habitat for Humanity see attached sheet

Optimist Creed was recited and meeting adjourned at 

Jerry Sullivan, President

573-701-4122

jsulliva@mineralarea.edu                                       

Downtown Optimist Club of Columbia

In Person Meeting

Monday, February 20, 2023 at the Clubhouse

Meeting began at 12:00 pm

Members in attendance: President Jerry Sullivan, Carl Scott, Kelly Schilling, Mike Hatchett, Mary Dewey, Tony Parision, Deb Swanegan, Red Leighton, Rick McKernan, Larry Fick, and Ken Oster 

Prayer: Larry Fick

Pledge of Allegiance: Tony Parision

Recognize new members and members who are back for the first time in a while:   Tyler Miller has signed up to become a new member. We like to welcome him to our club.

Special Guests: Morgan Dennehy, District Manager, Junior Achievement, Owen and Drew Schilling (Kelly’s Sons), Kelly Schilling friend Tyler Miller and daughter Regan. 

Birthdays/Anniversaries:  Presidents Day – Celebrates George Washington and Ab Lincoln’s combined birthdays.  Created in 1971 by Nixon. Steve Klein club member anniversary will be on February 22 and will be his 18^th year with the club.  

Thank you to: Mary Dewey for taking notes and send out the newsletters, Ed Muserman for ordering the food from the Senior Citizen, and Tony for helping set up the Zoom. 

Pay the pig? Carl Scott paid $.50 for his name tag missing and KU not # 1 in the poll they are 4^th. Carl also let us know during the Super Bowl fly over before the game was all women Navy Flight team to celebrate the 50 years. Larry Fick paid $.25 for the letting us know that Knight of Columbus Fish Fry this Friday night starting a 4:30 pm at the Knight of  Columbus Hall.

Don’t forget to enter your name for the new board approved $50 drawing to be done April 2.  You enter your name once for each time you invite a new person to a club activity.  Entry forms are on the table by me. Kelly and I are the only entries so far.  

Minutes: There was a few corrections on the minutes that was sent out.

Treasurer’s Report:  little change from last month.  No major income and no funding requests.

Old Business:

Meeting info – The February 27 meeting will be here at noon. Fried Chicken or Ham slice with pineapple from the Sr. Center is available for order through Ed.   Speaker is Ashley Spitzer from Habitat for Humanity.

Chili Cook-off – Greg Schneider.  Date is this Saturday Feb 25, 2023 at the Holiday Inn Executive Center. Benefits the Boys and Girls Club.  We have two booths reserved. Need help for set up and working the second booth – Derby and Club information.  Besides prizes for chili, there are prizes for best costumes, best booth decorations and most money raised in the “Big Bowl”. Kelly Schilling will help Rick with getting the Soap Box Derby Cars over to the Executive Center on Saturday.  

Second Quarter Conference – Mary – Hilton St Louis Airport – Feb 24 & 25 – At the Conference they will be collecting diapers and toiletries for the Forces for Food, The Palazola Foundation Veterans’ Food Pantry. Also need items for silent auction.  

Committees – Kelly is now the Adopt a Spot chairman.  We have a really good location just north of the country club entrance on Forum.  We just need a planting plan and workers. If you want to help, let Kelly know. 

Welcome Committee for new members – Kelly is heading it with Deb Swanegan and Mary Dewey helping. 

Scholarship Committee – Nadia – Deadline is March 17 – Has the readers she needs – could still use people to present the scholarships at the school assemblies.

Derby info – Rick – date for derby June 11 – race cars take over clubhouse from May 9 until the week after the derby.  Ideas for a meeting space during derby time – let me know. Information on the Soap Box Derby website.    A family who had kids and the grandkids racing has donated 1 thousand to the Derby. We will be out of the clubhouse after May 9^th and back after the Soap Box Derby is done in June. 

Youth Event – The Bill of Rights and Jeff City trip. – Rick – likely moved to fall. Deb reported the sessions will end on May 12^th By laws will be done on May 31th, Veto will be done on September 13^th Need to check with Molly about the 11^th grade and school bus.

Essay Contest – Rick – Readers needed.  Deadline is February 24 – Winner’s name must be to the District by February 28.  Topic is “Who is an everyday hero who brings out the best in you” Looking a 1 judge to help read the essay this weekend. If you want to help let Rick know.

Oratorical Contest – Rick – Deadline to register is March 15.  Contest is Sunday March 19 at the Downtown Optimist Clubhouse.  Viewers welcome.  Topic -“Discovering the optimism in me.” This will start at 2:00 pm.

No new info on the repair to the outside wall by Mark Perkins, from Keystone Masonry.  

Background Check for new members will cost $15.00 for each background check

Bike Safety – May 20 – Karis Church – Mary 

New Business 

Board Meeting– No funding requests.  We did receive an email requesting our help with the 2023 Golf Classic.  This is something we helped with in the past that they are restarting.

Discussion to update by-laws.  OI has some recommended changes.  More info needed.

Nominating Committee – Nominated Mike Hatchett to fill vacant First Vice President seat.  Approved unanimously.  Nominated Nadia Ryakmyatullov to fill Mike’s at large Board spot.  Approved unanimously.  Current Board make-up is – Nomination Committee is still looking for a Second VP, Treasurer, and a new at large member for the coming year 

From the Club Presidents’ meeting- Should we set up a 501c-3.  Steve Klein led a discussion on the pros and cons.  No decision.  Will get more info from Ashland Club.  They have one set up.

Also, from the club Presidents’ meeting – Should we do background checks on new members through OI?  Cost is $15 per check.  Motion made to do background checks on future members.  Passed with one dissenting vote.  Need procedure to follow ASAP.

From the Service Clubs Presidents’ meeting – Proposal to work jointly on a “Blitz Build” for Habitat for Humanity.  They plan to build four houses in 10 days Sept 18 – 29.  They will need 120 workers per day.  Motion made to commit 5 workers per day to the project.  Passed unanimously.  

Discussion of developing a common web page and calendar for all the clubs. May happen as a result of an electronic information board at the airport.  Next meeting of this group is May 3 at the clubhouse.   

Deb’s church event – Deb’s church is having a community event on either the 19 or 26 of August.  She invited us to have a booth to promote the SBD and the Downtown Optimist Club. No cost to the club.  Approved unanimously.   With Soap Box Derby Cars 

Discussed other winter /spring activities.  Still considering a car show – need info from Mike Russel.  Plan to do a chili cook off in late March at the Club House (looking for someone to chair).  Will talk with Big Brothers/ Big Sisters to see if we can work together on a “Kids’ Carnival” behind the clubhouse before school is out. Unfortunately ax throwing was defeated.    

Other clubs’ activities – Hallsville, Cinco de Mayo May 5, taco bar and band:  Midway – Cinderella’s Closet, March 3, 4 & 5, Kids First, Chili Cook Off Feb 25, Kiwanis Pancake day is Saturday, March 25 at Columbia College, Ashland Optimist Club Meet the International President on Sunday March 5^th at 4 pm at the Ashland Optimist Club House. 

Speaker for the Day –Morgan Dennehy, District Manager, Junior Achievement 

Optimist Creed was recited and meeting adjourned at  

Jerry Sullivan, President 

573-701-4122

jsulliva@mineralarea.edu                                       

Downtown Optimist Club of Columbia

In Person Meeting

Monday, February 13^th, 2023 at the Clubhouse

Meeting began at 12:00 pm

Prayer: Mary Dewey

Pledge of Allegiance: Carl Scott

Members in attendance: Rick McKernan, Deb Swanegan, President Jerry Sullivan, Tony Pariso Kelly Schilling/Loki , Carl Scott, C.O. Scheffer, Nadia Ryakmyatullov, Ed Musterman, Larry Fick, Mary Dewey, Steve Klein, Wesley Parks,  and  Ken Oster

Recognize new members and members who are back foe the first time in a while: Welcome back Wesley Parks

Special Guests:  Kelly Schilling friend Tyler Miller and daughter Regan, Taylor Derritt the HR Recruitment Consultant for Mizzou guest of Rick McKernan and is De’Vion Moore the Asst. Supt. Elementary Education from the Columbia Public School.

Birthdays/Anniversaries: Bonnie Yantzi club anniversary was February 2, 2018 Regan Miller the daughter of Tyler Miller birthday was February 7th

Thank you to: Mary Dewey for note taking, Tony Pariso for helping with the set up and Ed Musterman for ordering and picking up the lunches. 

Pay the pig?  Mary Dewey paid a $.25 for the remark about KU, and Chiefs winning the Super Bowl, Deb Swanegan paid a $.25 for a KU remark too, Carl Scott paid $.50 for the Mizzou win over Tennessee and Kansas Chief Super Bowl win, Jerry Sullivn also paid $.50 for Mizzou win over Tennesse and Kansas City Chief Super Bowl win, and Nadia Ryakmyatullov.

Don’t forget to enter your name for the new board approved $50 drawing to be done on April 12^th. Enter your name once for each time you invite a new person to a club activity. Entry forms are on the table by Jerry.

Minutes” (Ask for any corrections – Approved as presented)

Treasurer’s Report: No new report. Jerry has copy of the most recent full treasurer’s report here for anyone who wants to review it.    

Old Business:

Meeting info – All meetings until Derby time will be at the clubhouse.  The February 20^th meeting will be here at the clubhouse at 12:00 pm. Fried Chicken or Salisbury Streak from the Senior Citizen Center is available for order through Ed Musterman. Speaker is Morgan Dennehy, District Manager, Junior Achievement

Chili Cook-off –Greg Schneider. Date is Saturday, February 25, 2023 at the Holiday Inn Executive Center. The chili cook off will benefits the Boys and Girls Club of Columbia. MO. Greg attended the orientation meeting. If you’d like to make a personal donation to this event. Jerry would be glad to take your money and give the money to Greg to add to our “Big Bowl.” We have two booths reserved and need help for setting up and working the second booth- Derby and Club information will be at that booth. Besides the prizes for the best chili, there is also prizes for best costumes, best booth decorations and most money raised in the “Big Bowl.” 

Second Quarter Conference – Mary – Hilton St Louis Airport – Feb 24&25 – I have registration forms. Early registration deadline Feb 2 has passed. At the Conference they will be collecting diapers and bathroom toilets for the Forces for the Food, The Palazola Foundation Veteran’s Food Pantry.  Looking for item for Silent Auction and please sign up for Dime A Day.

Committees:  Kelly is now the Adopt a spot chairman. We have really good location. We just need a planting plan and workers. This activity costs the club nothing but time. Plants and mulch are provided If you want to help, let Kelly know. She plans a clean up for the spot sometime in April. Mary Dewey and Deb Swanegan will be helping her with this Adopt Spot clean up.

Welcome Committee:  Kelly is also going to welcome new members and make sure they get the information he/she needs as well as follow up contact to keep them apprised of up coming activities. She will also insure that they get a club shirt or hat.

Scholarship Committee:  Nadia- Deadline is march 17^th Will reach out to CPS schools this week to remind them about the upcoming deadline. Has the readers she needs- could still use some help to present the scholarship at the school assemblies. Kelly, Deb and Carl volunteered to help with the reading and Kelly volunteered to present to winner their scholarship.

Board Meeting Report:  Next Board meeting will be February 16^th at the clubhouse at 6:00 pm. Topics will include will include 2023 Golf Classic funding, should we have 501c3? By Law changes from OI: Plans for Spring activities; Blitz Build; Everyone is welcome to attend. 

Derby information:  Rick – Zoom meeting for participants February 7^th  

There are 35 participants signed up out of 50 cars. The cars will take over the club house starting from May 9^th until Derby Day in June. 

Nominating Committee info: Ed Board is set Officers: President, 1^st Vice President are set still looking for 2^nd Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary. 

Car Show info: Mike R- nothing new

Youth event – Bill of Right and Jefferson City Trip – Rick – date and help needed will be moved until the Fall

Essay Contest – Rick-deadline February 24^th.  Topic is “Who is an everyday hero who brings out the best in you?” He needs readers. Winner must be sent to District by February 28^th

Oratorical Contest- Rick- deadline to register by March 15^th – Contest is Sunday, March 19^th at the Downtown Optimist Clubhouse. Viewers are Welcome to come topic is “Discovering the Optimism in me.”  Will start at 2:00 pm

Board President’s Meeting: Jerry talked about that we should we have a 501c3, should we do background checks on new members, recheck by laws to be sure they include OI changes. Upcoming activities for other clubs: Hallsville is having a Cinco de Mayo taco bar and band on May 5^th at their clubhouse, Midway- Cinderella’s Closet in March 3-5, Kids 1^st will be having a Ham and Bean Dinner with Trivia on April 1^st at the American Legion which will benefit Cedar Creek Therapy Riding Club, Chili Cook Off on February 25 to benefit Ronald McDonald House.

Bike Safety– May 20 at Karis Church from 9:30 to 11:30. Mary will be asking for volunteer to help with this event.

Membership:  The Board is considering an activity for this spring that combines a social activity with a friendly competition and a cheap lunch. The set up would be something like this: Three competitions – ax throwing, corn hole and horseshoes or any other events we can come up with. A hot dog/hamburger lunch with chips and a drink. Cost will be $10.00 entry fee covers meal and entry of all 3 contest. $50 prizes for each contest winner. Free entry for guests of members who are prospective members. This is still in the early planning stage. Would be interested in members’ ideas and thoughts. If we decide to try this we will pick a date and outline help needed at the next Board meeting.

New Business

Publicity – Ed – We meant with Sydeny Bearden from the U of MO School of Journalism. She gathered information about the club to begin the process of helping us design a marketing plan a improve our publicity and increase membership.

Service Clubs Meeting:  Rick Celebrate Community Group- Service club leaders to meet at the clubhouse on February 9th at 7:00 pm to discuss a group project for this year. Like a Habitat Project. Tentative plan for a joint project for Columbia services clubs is helping Habitat for Humanity with a “Blitz Build” of four houses in 10 days, September 18-19. Ashley Switzer from Habitat will be our Speaker on February 27^th to talk about Habitat and the “Blitz Build.” We also discussed developing a common web page and community calendar. Next meeting of this group will be on May 3th at 7:00 pm

Upcoming activities from other clubs in Zone 2:  Hallsville , Cinco de Mayo will be on Saturday, May 5^th (Taco bar and band), Midway will be having a Cinderella’s Closet on March 3, 4 and 5^th, and Kids 1^st Optimist Club will be having Ham and Beans with Trivia night on Saturday, April 1^st at the American Legion for Cedar Ridge Therapy Riding Club. Mary will have 2 tables for Trivia and looking for team members.

Carl Scott is hosting a Basketball Pool for the 32-team bracket for only a $1.00. All the money will go toward Children Hood Cancer. 

Speaker for the Day: De’Voin Moore, Asst. Supt. Elementary Education of the Columbia Public Schools. See Attachment about his presentation.

Optimist Creed was recited and meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm by Larry Fick

Jerry Sullivan, President 

573-701-4122

jsulliva@mineralarea.edu                                       

Downtown Optimist Club of Columbia

In Person Meeting

Monday, February 6^th  at the Clubhouse

Meeting began at 12:00 pm

Prayer: Larry Fick

Pledge of Allegiance: Deb Swanegen

Members in attendance: Red Leighton, Rick McKernan, Deb Swanegen, President Jerry Sullivan,Tony Pariso Kelly Schilling/Loki  Carl Scott, C.O. Scheffer, Nadia Ryakmyatullov, Ed Musterman, and  Ken Oster

Recognize new members and members who are back foe the first time in a while: Welcome back Nadia Ryakmyatullov

Special Guests:  Kelly Schilling friend Tyler Miller and daughter Regan, Adam Brietzke from Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Carolyn Magunson a retired educator from Lincoln University a guest of Rick McKernan

Birthdays/Anniversaries: Club members anniversaries Jerry Sullivan 2/6/2019 and Alena Ryahmyatullov

Thank you to: Deb Swangen for note taking, Tony Pariso for helping with the set up and Ed Musterman for ordering and picking up the lunches.

Pay the pig?  (25 cents for missing names badges is in effect) Carl for KU loss and NO name badge.

Don’t forget to enter your name for the new board approved $50 drawing to be done on April 12^th. Enter your name once for each time you invite a new person to a club activity. Entry forms are on the table by Jerry.

Minutes” (Ask for any corrections – Approved as presented)

Treasurer’s Report: No new report. Jerry has copy of the most recent full treasurer’s report here for anyone who wants to review it.    

Old Business:

Meeting info – All meetings until Derby time will be at the clubhouse.  The February 13^th meeting will be here at the clubhouse at 12:00pm. Fried Chicken or Hamburger from the Senior Citizen Center is available for order through Ed Musterman. Speaker is De’Vion Moore the Asst. Supt. Elementary Education from the Columbia Public School.

Chili Cook-off – We have a chief cook – Greg Schneider.  Date is Feb 25, 2023 at the Holiday Inn Executive Center.  We have two booths reserved. Need help for the second booth- Derby and Club Information.

Second Quarter Conference – Mary – Hilton St Louis Airport – Feb 24&25 – I have registration forms. Early registration deadline Feb 2 has passed. At the Conference they will be collecting diapers for the Forces for the Food, The Palazola Foundation Veteran’s Food Pantry.  Looking for item for Silent Auction and please sign up for Dime A Day.

Committees:  Kelly is now the Adopt a spot chairman. We have really good location. We just need a planting plan and workers. This activity costs the club nothing but time. Plants and mulch are provided If you want to help, let Kelly know. She plans a clean up for the spot sometime in April.

Welcome Committee:  Kelly is also going to welcome new members and make sure they get the information he/she needs as well as follow up contact to keep them apprised of up coming activities. She will also insure that they get a club shirt or hat.

Publicity – Nothing new on the U of MO School of Journalism students. They are to help us design a marketing plan improve our publicity and increase membership.

Board Meeting Report:  Next Board meeting will be February 15^th at the clubhouse at 6:00 pm.

Scholarship Committee– Nadia- March 17 deadline- Kelly, Deb and Carl volunteered to help with the reading and Kelly volunteered to present to winner their scholarship.

Derby information – Rick – Zoom meeting for participants February 7^th 

There are 24 participants signed up so far.

Car Show info– Mike R- nothing new

Youth event – Bill of Right and Jefferson City Trip – Rick – date and help needed

Essay Contest – Rick-deadline February 24^th.  Topic is “Who is an everyday hero who brings out the best in you?” He needs readers. Winner must be sent to District by February 28^th

Oratorical Contest– Rick- deadline to register by March 15^th – Contest is Sunday, March 19^th at the Sunrise Optimist Clubhouse. Viewers are Welcome to come topic is “Discovering the Optimism in me.”

Board President’s Meeting: Jerry talked about that we should we have a 501c3, should we do background checks on new members, recheck by laws to be sure they include OI changes. Upcoming activities for other clubs: Hallsville is having a Cinco de Mayo taco bar and band on May 5^th at their clubhouse, Midway- Cinderella’s Closet in March 3-5, Kids 1^st will be having a Ham and Bean Dinner with Trivia on April 1^st at the American Legion which will benefit Cedar Creek Therapy Riding Club, Chili Cook Off on February 25 to benefit Ronald McDonald House.

Bike Safety- May 20 at Karis Church from 9:30 to 11:30. Mary will be asking for volunteer to help with this event.

Service Clubs Meeting:  Rick Celebrate Community Group- Service club leaders to meet at the clubhouse on February 9^th at 7:00 pm to discuss a group project for this year. Like a Habitat Project.

Membership:  The Board is considering an activity for this spring that combines a social activity with a friendly competition and a cheap lunch. The set up would be something like this: Three competitions – ax throwing, corn hole and horseshoes or any other events we can come up with. A hot dog/hamburger lunch with chips and a drink. Cost will be $10.00 entry fee covers meal and entry of all 3 contest. $50 prizes for each contest winner. Free entry for guests of members who are prospective members. This is still in the early planning stage. Would be interested in members’ ideas and thoughts. If we decide to try this we will pick a date and outline help needed at the next Board meeting.

New Business

Other activities proposed between now and Derby time: We are starting to discuss the possibility of a free Kids Carnival be behind the clubhouse in April or May. Games for the kids and hot dogs lunch. Same as with Adults games, if we deicide to do this, a date, activities and help needed with be decided at the next board meeting. Thoughts about this idea are welcome,

Special Guest:  Adam Brietzke, Marketing & Development Director from Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

Optimist Creed was recited and meeting adjourned at  1:00 pm  by Ed Musterman

Jerry Sullivan, President

573-701-4122

jsulliva@mineralarea.edu                                       

Downtown Optimist Club