INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: President Capron introduced her guest Heidi Leneway. Heidi is the president’s "right hand woman" and has completed an application for membership. The president also introduced Jennifer Williams who will be a guest for the last time today. Her membership induction is scheduled for next Tuesday.

FIRST READING: Heidi Leneway is a Niles resident employed at Creditor’s Service Bureau. She enjoys shopping, going to the beach, being with friends and family outings. She is currently a 4-H leader, soccer coach, and an entry officer volunteer. She is on the Ag-Olympics committee for the Berrien County Youth Fair and has a high interest in fellowship and youth activities

SECOND READING: Heidi Leneway is a Niles resident employed at Creditor’s Service Bureau. She enjoys shopping, going to the beach, being with friends and family outings. She is currently a 4-H leader, soccer coach, and an entry officer volunteer. She is on the Ag-Olympics committee for the Berrien County Youth Fair and has a high interest in fellowship and youth activities

BRAGS: Rudy Kappe bragged on the 40 referees they already have to help out with Optimist Soccer in Buchanan. He also bragged on Jim Jesse, a friend of his in Buchanan who is building goal posts for the soccer teams. Thanks for all your help Jim! Jack Frost bragged that the Niles firefighters had moved into their brand new fire station over the weekend. Congratulations to the Niles Fire Department! John Willis bragged that although Niles lost a soccer coach last week, on the same day he received a late registration for a mother who volunteered to be a head coach. Needless to say he was able to squeeze one more kid on a team. Mark Whittaker bragged on all the help and support he got from Tom Majerek, Erika Kirtdoll, Liz Capron and especially from Betty Perkins and Kerry Rhinehart at Niles High School and Lisa a teacher at Edwardsburg High School. He said that the Essay contest would not have been such a success without their help. Treasurer/Secretary Erika Kirtdoll bragged on the splendid job that Mark Whittaker did in getting the contest up and going by soliciting prizes, finding the judges and motivating the kids. She said he did a wonderful job. She also bragged that one of the finalists, Andrea, was a former tennis player on her team.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: President Capron announced that there would be a N.O.W. meeting on Tuesday, March 30^th in the old Bell telephone building. There will be prizes, games and free pizza and pop. The JOOI kids will also be inviting young people to the membership drive. It is a time to let our club shine and bring in new members. The event promises to be a fun one and will be held from 6 to 9 pm that evening. She also reminded members to wear their JUST ASK buttons this month. John Willis announced that training for Optimist Soccer coaches will take place on Tuesday, March 16^th at 6 pm at Ballard School in Niles. However; before that, on Monday, March 15^th we will need several volunteers to help with putting together Coaches’ Kits. No experience is necessary. We will be putting together the Coaches Kits by separating T-Shirts for the teams and placing various supplies in bags. Remember, there are 81 teams – the more volunteers the earlier we go home. Come out and have fun with us on Monday, March 15^th! John Willis also announced that the first timing race of the year will be held on Sunday, March 21^st at Battel Center. Please come out to help with the race. Volunteers should be on site by noon. Sgt At Arms Andrew Plym announced that members are to wear KELLY GREEN to the noon meeting on Tuesday, March 16^th in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Those not in the appropriate color green will be fined a whopping $1 bill! Sgt At Arms Plym reminded the group that he has the authority to not only double 25 cent fines to 50 cents, but also to impose special rate fines. =0 ). Amy McKean announced that Tri-Star Basketball competition will be held on March 20^th from 8:00 a.m. to 11 am. We need volunteers to come out and help the kids have lots of fun.

50/50 RAFFLE DRAWING: Secretary/Treasurer Erika Kirtdoll conducted the 50/50 raffle. John Willis took home the big pot! Congratulations John!

OPTIMIST ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS: This years essay topic is, "Being the Best I Can Be". The First Place winner won an entry to the Michigan District Essay Contest, a Gold Optimist Medallion, a six-month family membership in the YMCA, a certificate to Tan Unique and a Walmart certificate. The Second Place winner won a Silver Optimist Medallion, a 1-year single membership to the YMCA and a Walmart Card. The Third Place winner won a Bronze Optimist Medallion, a 1-year membership to the YMCA and a Walmart Card.

First Place winner was John Van der Linden a sophomore from Niles High School. He is the son of Peter and Judy Van der Linden. Tyler VanBuren was the second place winner. He attends Edwardsburg High School and is a junior. He is the son of Tom and Coral VanBuren. Andrea Clabaugh won third place. She is the daughter of Tom and Barbara Clabaugh. She is 15 and attends Niles High School.

Optimists offer their congratulations to John, Andrea and Tyler. Their winning essays will be distributed in their entirety at the next Optimist meeting.

CLOSING CREED: John Willis led the group in reciting the Optimist Pledge at the close of the meeting.

POINTS TO PONDER

Borrow money from a pessimist – they don’t expect it back.

Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it.

For every action there is an equal and opposite criticism.

No one is listening until you make a mistake.

The early bird gets the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese.

A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.