Downtown Optimist Club of Columbia

In Person Meeting

Monday, January 30, 2023 at the Clubhouse

Meeting began at 12:00 pm

Prayer: Mary Dewey

Pledge of Allegiance: Ken Oster

Members in attendance: Red Leighton, Rick McKernan, Deb Swanegen, President Jerry Sullivan, Larry Fick, Tony Pariso Kelly Schilling, Carl Scott, Pat Brown, Steve Klein, Ken Oster, Mike Russell, Jim Murphy, and Mary Dewey 

Special Guests:  Kelly Schilling friend Tyler Miller and daughter Regan and Andrew Grabau from United Way.  Jerry also said “Don’t play poker with Kelly

Birthdays/Anniversaries: Club anniversaries Jake Beard 1/29/2010, Richard Bellinghausen 1/30/2021, and Jake Jolley 1/30/1997

Thank you to: Jerry’s wife for making all the food for last Monday club evening meeting and Deb for bring the desserts. 

Pay the pig?  Mary Dewey $1.00 for her picture in the MPRA Magazine and $.25 for not having Richard (Marc) Oseth, Carl Scott paid $.75 for the Kansas City Chief going to the Super Bowl, Mizzou win and NO name tag

Treasurer’s Report:     2022 2021

Tree lot sales     $100,171.04         $96,409.51

Tree expenses $69,556.38                               $62,856.30

              Hired Workers      $6,649.29                                 $4,261.52

                      Net Total     $23,965.37                               $29,291.69

Even though we had more gross sales than last year, we made less money because of the higher cost of trees and additional hired workers.

Koeze nut, gift cards and Amish candy

  Sales           $104,232.65                            $95,878.86      

                    Expenses       $65,338.09 $65,672.45

                       Net Total     $38,894.56       $ 30,206.46

Net Amish candy sales were down about $150.  Koeze nut sales were up $2654.54.  Gift card sales were up $5875.  What made the biggest difference was that Koeze nut costs were down by $4511.48.  

Old Business:

Board Meeting report – info from Board Meeting was covered at last meeting so this is just a repeat of the highlights:

Rick McKernan requested $1000 for the Soap Box Derby.   

First Vice President, Nadia Ryakhmyatullov, submitted a letter resigning her position on the board effective immediately. She will continue to head the Scholarship Committee.   

Daniel Abraham agreed to step down from the board as his business requirements currently do not allow him time to attend the board meetings.

Mary Dewey was nominated to fill the spot vacated by Daniel Abraham.  Approved unanimously.   

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

The club has received a donation of $2000 to be used for an activity for youth.  The board decided to fund a trip to Jefferson City for a Capital tour for a group of about 15 students.   Rick McKernan is working on the event.   

Mike Russel, who is a member of both DTO and the Old Wheels Car Club will explore that possibility of putting on a car show.  

Nominating Committee of Ed Musterman, Steve Klein and Phyllis Nichols is working on new officer and board nominations.  

Shirts and hats – The board approved $300 for the President to use for shirts or hats to give to new members. 

Jack mentioned that 13 members have yet to submit their dues for the year.  Board members will make personal contact with those members if they are still outstanding as of next board meeting.

Award – In a recent letter from our past OI president, it was made official that we made Honor Club last year.  

Koeze Nut info: – Steve W. – Thank you and all who worked on Koeze nut and gift cards.

Tree lot:  Work is done for another year.  Thanks to all who worked on any part of it

Meeting info – All meetings until Derby time will be at the clubhouse.  January 30 meeting here at noon. Fried Chicken from Sr. Center available for order.  Speaker is Andrew Grabau from the United Way presenting “Reading Across America”.

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. 

Second Quarter Conference – Mary – Hilton St Louis Airport – Feb 24&25 – I have registration forms. Early registration deadline Feb 2.  Club will pay conference fee for members.  Looking for item for Silent Auction and please sign up for Dime A Day.

Committees Leaders – I’m pleased to announce that the following people have agreed to continue their committee leadership for next year.  Jim Murphy – tree lot (looking for an assistant).  Steve Winters – Koeze nuts/gift cards (looking for an assistant).  C.O. Scheffer – tree ordering and tree lot workers.  Tony Parisio will handle Awards and Achievements data entry for District. Need more people to step up for other committees. Still looking for an Adopt-A-Spot chair.  We have a really good location.  We just need someone to put together a planting plan and line up workers.  This activity costs the club nothing but time.  Plants and mulch are provided. (Kelly Schilling will chair this committee)

Membership:  The Board has set a goal of 12 new members for 22-23. There are applications by the door of the clubhouse and by the copy machine if you need extra. If your spouse wants to join, we’d be glad to have him/her as a member. Kelly Schilling and Deb Swanegan will co-chair this committee

Publicity – U of MO School of Journalism has agreed to provide a few students from an advertising/marketing program to help us plan to improve our publicity and increase membership. Students who will work with us should be selected in the next two weeks.  

New Business  

In order to improve membership, the board approved a $50 quarterly prize.  The winner of the prize will be drawn at the next meeting following the end of each quarter (first drawing will be April 3^rd). To be entered in the drawing you must invite someone to attend a DTO event or meeting. For each person you invite you will be allowed one entry.  If you invite six people you get to enter your name six times. Entry forms will be available at each meeting starting next meeting. 

Jack mentioned that 13 members have yet to submit their dues for the year.  Board members will make personal contact with those members if they are still outstanding as of next board meeting.

Rick will have a Citizen Clubs meeting with Optimist Clubs, Lion Clubs, Columbia Rotary Clubs, Kiwanis Clubs, and Cosmopolitan Clubs on February 9^th at 7:00 pm at the Clubhouse. They will be talking about t a September Service Project. Last year we had over 70 people helping from 15 different clubs clean up the park.

Rick   will be having a Zone 2 President Zoom meeting this week or next week. They will be talking about several topics. 

February 2^nd National Optimist Day wear you Optimist shirts  

February 4th Ashland Optimist Pancake at the Clubhouse from 6:30 to 11:00 am

February 7^th Zoom Soap Box Derby Meeting at 7:00 pm

Feb 24 & 25 – Convention in St Louis;  

Feb 25 – Chili Cook Off – Holiday Inn Executive Center

March 15–Essay Contest; and Oratorical Contest

March 17– Hallsville Trivia Night (Luke O’Irish)

April 1– Kids 1^st Trivia and Ham and Beans Fundraiser. Mary will be getting a table for Trivia for $250. Looking for members to join her. 

May 20 – Bike Safety at Karis Church 9:30 to 11:30

Proposed – no date set – Car Show; Proposed no date set –Geo-cash event – Know your Bill of Rights;  

Special Guest Andrew Grabau information about Reading Across Columbia is attached

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, January 23, 2023 at the Clubhouse

Meeting began at 6:00 pm

Prayer: Larry Fick

Pledge of Allegiance: Marc Dooth

Members in attendance: Red and Dorcas Leighton, Rick and Susan McKernan, Charlie and Bonnie Langreder, Deb and Odie Swangen, President Jerry Sullivan, Larry Fick, Tony Pariso Kelly Schilling, Richard (Marc) Dooth, and Carl Scott.  Zoom: Mary Dewey and Scott Stager 

Thank you to: Joan for dinner, Sue Musterman for dessert

Special Guests:  Bonnie Langreder, Dorcas Leighton, Susan McKernan, Odie Swangen,

Birthdays/Anniversaries: N/A

Pay the pig?  Charlie paid $.25 for no name bandage, Carl paid $.50 KU lost on Saturday, and no name bandage, and Rick paid $.75 for be proud to be a Jayhawk.

Treasurer’s Report:     2022 2021

Tree lot sales     $100,171.04         $96,409.51

Tree expenses $69,556.38                               $62,856.30

              Hired Workers      $6,649.29                                 $4,261.52

                      Net Total     $23,965.37                               $29,291.69

Even though we had more gross sales than last year, we made less money because of the higher cost of trees and additional hired workers.

Koeze nut, gift cards and Amish candy

  Sales           $104,232.65                            $95,878.86      

                    Expenses       $65,338.09 $65,672.45

                       Net Total     $38,894.56       $ 30,206.46

Net Amish candy sales were down about $150.  Koeze nut sales were up $2654.54.  Gift card sales were up $5875.  What made the biggest difference was that Koeze nut costs were down by $4511.48.  

Old Business:

Koeze Nut info: – Steve W. – Thank you and all who worked on Koeze nut and gift cards.

Tree lot:  Work is done for another year.  Thanks to all who worked on any part of it

Meeting info – All meetings until Derby time will be at the clubhouse.  January 30 meeting here at noon. Fried Chicken from Sr. Center available for order.  Speaker is Andrew Grabau from the United Way presenting “Reading Across America”.

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. 

Second Quarter Conference – Mary – Hilton St Louis Airport – Feb 24&25 – I have registration forms. Early registration deadline Feb 2.  Club will pay conference fee for members.  Looking for item for Silent Auction and please sign up for Dime A Day.

Committees Leaders – I’m pleased to announce that the following people have agreed to continue their committee leadership for next year.  Jim Murphy – tree lot (looking for an assistant).  Steve Winters – Koeze nuts/gift cards (looking for an assistant).  C.O. Scheffer – tree ordering and tree lot workers.  Tony Parisio will handle Awards and Achievements data entry for District. Need more people to step up for other committees.

Membership:  The Board has set a goal of 12 new members for 22-23. There are applications by the door of the clubhouse and by the copy machine if you need extra. If your spouse wants to join, we’d be glad to have him/her as a member. 

Publicity – U of MO School of Journalism has agreed to provide a few students from an advertising/marketing program to help us plan to improve our publicity and increase membership. Students who will work with us should be selected in the next two weeks.  

New Business

Board Meeting report – Board was held January18 at 6:00 pm.  The following business was addressed:

Rick McKernan requested $1000 for the Soap Box Derby.  Approved unanimously.  

First Vice President, Nadia Ryakhmyatullov, submitted a letter resigning her position on the board effective immediately. She will continue to head the Scholarship Committee.   

Daniel Abraham agreed to step down from the board as his business requirements currently do not allow him time to attend the board meetings.

Mary Dewey was nominated to fill the spot vacated by Daniel Abraham.  Approved unanimously.   

Repair to the outside wall on the north east corner of the building should be completed in the next two weeks.  Mark Perkins, from Keystone Masonry, has agreed to do the repair for free because of all the good DTOC does in the community.  In appreciation for his work the club will give him some Koeze nuts (previously approved).  The board also approved offering him or one of his crew a free membership to the club for the rest of this club year.  

The club has received a donation of $2000 to be used for an activity for youth.  The board decided to fund a trip to Jefferson City for a Capital tour for a group of about 15 students.  Participants will be selected based on their participation in an event similar to the Geo-cashing event we did last year.  The plans are being developed but the focus of the event will be the Bill of Rights.  Rick McKernan is working on the event.  We will need chaperones, event workers, people to arrange the tour, meal planning, etc.  Let Jerry know if you want to be involved.   

The board discussed other possible winter/spring activities.  It was decided to explore putting on a Car Show.  Mike Russel, who is a member of both DTO and the Old Wheels Car Club will explore that possibility.  

Nominating Committee:  New officers and additions to the board need to be in place by April so the names can be submitted to OI by May.  New officer nominations must be announced to the membership at three regular meetings before they are voted on.  A Nominating Committee was appointed.  ED Musterman is the Chairman. Steve Klein and Phyllis Nichols are committee members.   

Shirts and hats – The board approved $300 for the President to use for shirts or hats to give to new members.  

In order to improve membership, the board approved a $50 quarterly prize.  The winner of the prize will be drawn at the next meeting following the end of each quarter (first drawing will be April 3^rd). To be entered in the drawing you must invite someone to attend a DTO event or meeting. For each person you invite you will be allowed one entry.  If you invite six people you get to enter your name six times. Entry forms will be available at each meeting starting next meeting. 

Jack mentioned that 13 members have yet to submit their dues for the year.  Board members will make personal contact with those members if they are still outstanding as of next board meeting.

Celebrate for Life for Butch Brauner will be on Saturday, January 28 from 1 to 4 pm at the VFW Hall in Fulton. 

Our Guest Speaker: Deb Swangen, talk to us about their trip to Italy

Optimist Creed was recited and meeting adjourned at  

Jerry Sullivan, President 

573-701-4122

jsulliva@mineralarea.edu                                       

Downtown Optimist Club 

Downtown Optimist Club of Columbia

Zoom/In Person Meeting Newsletter

Monday, January 16^th 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 28^th 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 14^th 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

jsulliva@mineralarea.edu

Downtown Optimist Club of Columbia

Zoom/In Person Meeting Newsletter

Monday, January 9^th, 2023

Meeting began at 12:01 pm

Members attend in person President Jerry Sullivan, Tony Pariso, Rick McKernan, Larry Fick, Red Leighton, Ken Oster, Jim Murphy, Ed Musterman, Jake Jolly, Carl Scott, Mary Dewey, Pat Brown and Mike Hachett

Our speaker and special guest: Mike Harvey, Douglass Baseball Athletic Association 

Prayer: Rick McKernan

Pledge of Allegiance: Jake Jolly

Birthday/Anniversary: Jake Jolly Birthday was on January 6 and Carl Scott Birthday was on January 10. He will be 70 years old.

Paying the Pig: Carl paid “$.70 for his birthday and a $.25 for his no name tag)

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 14^th 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 own dinner and snacks to share for the Poker Night. Guests are welcome to join us that evening. Playing for bragging right only

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.

Board Meeting: Board Meeting will be on January 18^th 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.)?

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: Mike Harvey from Douglass Athletic Association 

Attachment: What Mike talked about that day?

Optimist Creed was recited at 1:00 pm

Meeting adjourned at 1:01 pm 

Downtown Optimist Club of Columbia

Zoom/In Person Meeting Newsletter

Monday, October 31, 2022 at Shakespeare’s Pizza South

Meeting began at 6:01 pm

Members attend in person President Jerry Sullivan, Tony Pariso, Rick McKernan, Larry Fick, Red Leighton, Jack Cruise, Steve Winter, Ed Musterman, James Murphy, Mike Russell, Ken Oster, Carl Scott and Mary Dewey 

On Zoom: Scott Stager

Our speaker and special guest: Red Leighton to talk about his Honor Flight

Prayer: Rick McKernan

Pledge of Allegiance: Jack Cruise

Birthday/Anniversary: Jack Cruise and his wife 49^th Wedding Anniversary on November 11.

Paying the Pig; Carl Scott paid the $.50 

1^st Qtr. East Missouri Optimist District meeting:  Deb Swanegan, Jerry Sullvin, Tony Pariso, Ken Oster, Carl Scott, Red Leighton, Ed Musterman, Mary Dewey and Rick Mckernan (LTG).  We had great speakers at the conference the Vice President of Mid-American Julia Robison from Elkart, IN, Nicole Slusser from the Central Missouri Honor Flight and many more great speakers. We had 9 members there great turn out club.

Carl Scott is setting up a food bank drive during the conference which is our Peanut Butter Drive bring to the club house or to the conference. The top club who brings the most peanut butter will winner a prize. Like to thank Rick for his 36 jars of peanut butter. We won the most peanut butter brought in but, we gave the money to Twin City Optimist Club for their 90 jars we had 93 jars. 

Koeze Nut information: Steve Winter and Ed Harre say “Keep Selling order are during Monday, November 7^th.” There will be a third order due Tuesday before or after Thanksgiving 

Tree Lot: Jim Murphy unloading and drill of the tree will begin on Saturday, November 12th We will have both the baseball and softball teams from Mizzou to help on Saturday, November 12^th. We will club members to help letting them know where to the right place to put the trees that they are unloading. James Murphy has all the tree tags done and ready to go on the tree after they get drilled. 

New Business:

Meeting locations for the rest of the year –

The meeting October 31 is a noon meeting and will also be at Shakespeare’s South. Since Koeze nuts and tree lot activities will occupy the Clubhouse from now to the end of the year, all meetings will be at a different location thru December. Meeting locations and times are

· November 7 – noon Shakespeare’s South

· November 14 – noon – Clubhouse – OI President visiting – would like to see a crowd

· November 21 – EVENING MEETING 6:00 pm – Shakespeare’s South – Nadia in charge.

· November 28 – noon – Angelo’s – Nadia in charge – TY to Ken’s wife for suggesting Angelo’s

· December 5 – noon – Angelo’s

· December 12 – noon – Clubhouse

· December 19 – 6:00 – Clubhouse – Christmas Dinner

· First meeting of the new year will be January 9 at the Clubhouse

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.

Board Meeting: Next board meeting will be a t 6:00 pm on Thursday, November 17 at the Club House. The December board meeting will likely be cancelled unless we have urgent business come up. Everyone welcome to the board meetings.

Membership: The goal for this year is to end up with 72 members. We already lost 5 members.

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.

Red Kettle Bell Ringing: Friday, November 18 from 2 to 4 and 4 to 6 at Pro Bass. Please sign up 2 or 3 a shift.

Guest Speaker: Red Leighton (Talk about his trip with the Honor Flight that was on Monday, October 24^th)

Optimist Creed was recited at 1:00 pm

Meeting adjourned at 1:01 pm 

Jerry Sullivan: President                                             

573-701-4122

jsulliva@mineralarea.edu