INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: President Capron introduced our guest Jennifer Williams of Chemical Bank Shoreline here in Niles. Jennifer is completing the process to become an Optimist. Way to go Jennifer!

PRESENTATIONS: Optimists Liz Capron, Erika Kirtdoll, Gil and Penny Brazo, Mike Listenberger and Tom Majerek attended the recent Michigan District meeting. The Niles Noon Optimists received many awards during the event. Past President Erika Kirtdoll said that it was a very inspiring and motivational meeting and that it just made your heart feel good. Many awards were presented to our club and Past President Kirtdoll did the honor of presenting some of those awards during our noon meeting. First, Michel Listenberger presented Past President Kirtdoll with two awards for her excellence in helping to guide our club: the Distinguished Club President Award and the Honor Club President Award. She also received an Optimist watch as part of her awards. Past President Kirtdoll reminded the group that this honor is due to the hard work of many Optimists and she specifically named Past Past President Tom Majerek as a contributing factor to our success. But she said that ultimately, every individual Optimist makes the club a great one. Our club definitely finished last year very strong. We also received a Distinguish and Honor Club patch for our banner. Past President Kirtdoll presented Dana Trowbridge with two awards for both Distinguished Club Treasurer and Honor Club Treasurer. Diane Bass was presented with two awards for Distinguished Club Secretary and Honor Club Secretary. Our club also received awards and ribbons for Soccer, Essay and Oratorical contests, and Race Timing. Congratulations Niles Optimists!

SECOND READING: President Capron also conducted a First Reading for perspective new member Jennifer Williams. Jennifer is the branch manager for Chemical Shoreline in Niles. She has four children and has recently relocated to Niles from Florida. Jennifer enjoys camping and water sports. She has been active in church youth activities and is eager to become an Optimist.

BRAGS: John Willis bragged on President Capron who brought another needed coach to the soccer program. Heidi Leneway has agreed to coach first through second grade soccer and will be completing an application for membership to our club. John said that we need one more third through fifth grade coach. Rudy Kappe bragged that he reminded his neighbor that the Optimists and the Buchanan Lions Club were coordinating the development of four soccer fields. His neighbor agreed to order the steel and weld together 8 soccer goals. He says his neighbor now has a back yard full of steel and is showing the true Optimist Spirit!

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Capron announced that there is a board meeting on Monday, March 8^th. She also announced that our club will be changing to a new noon meeting location. Beginning Tuesday, March 9^th we will be meeting at the Riverfront Café in downtown Niles. Please make sure you inform all Optimists you come in contact with so that everyone gets the news.

50/50 RAFFLE DRAWING: Past President Erika Kirtdoll conducted the 50/50 raffle. Nancy Kulesia took home the $pot! Congratulations Nancy!

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH: Student of the Month biographies will be added to next week’s Optizette.

CLOSING CREED: Nancy Kulesia led the group in reciting the Optimist Pledge at the close of the meeting.

A young businessman had just started his own firm. He had just rented a beautiful office and had it furnished with antiques.

He saw a man come into the outer office. Wishing to appear the hot shot, the businessman picked up the phone and started to pretend he had a big deal working. He threw huge figures around and made giant commitments.

Finally he hung up and asked the visitor, ''Can I help you?''

''Yeah, I've come to activate your phone lines.''

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