INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS: Jennifer Williams introduced her guests from Chemical Shoreline Bank as Tracey Lee and Sandy Wallace. Welcome to a meeting of the Niles Noon Optimists ladies.

BIRTHDAYS: Jazmine Kyles will celebrate her birthday on April 20^th. Barbara Williams will celebrate her anniversary on April 22^nd. Congratulations Ladies!

PRESENTATION: President Capron presented Jazmine Kyles with a new Optimist Membership Pin for recruiting a new member during the quarter. Congratulations Jazmine!

BRAGS: John Willis bragged that his phone has finally stopped ringing now that the soccer season is fully underway. He reminded us that more than 1,200 kids are playing Optimist Soccer this season.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: John Willis announced that he and Jack Frost and Dave Morse would be setting up soccer goals at Eastside Park tomorrow. They could use a hand or two to help out for about an hour and a half. President Capron announced that there would be a Board of Directors meeting this Monday, April 12^th at 5:30 p.m. at Riverfront Café. All Optimists may attend board meetings.

50/50 RAFFLE DRAWING: Secretary/Treasurer Erika Kirtdoll conducted the 50/50 raffle. David Morse took home the $14 pot! Congratulations Dave!

GUEST SPEAKERS: Our guest speakers for the day were Wendy Jones, Naturalist and Larry Sehy, Director of Fernwood Botanical Gardens. Wendy did an excellent presentation informing us about all the school and summer programs that they have at Fernwood. She took us threw the various projects for Grade Levels K thru 6^th grade. She also brought samples that are used for the Environmental Studies program. Wendy says that they provide classes to all the kids in all Niles Schools, plus Buchanan, Edwardsburg and other schools. They even have college students, environmentalists and others who use the facilities and nature preserves at Fernwood. She also reminded the Optimists that there is an 8-week summer program for children ages 4 to 12 and a 5-week program for Art inspired by Nature. Wendy talked about the many nature trails, types of plants and animals, viewing areas, facilities and much more that Fernwood provides. She also explained why the Fire Departments burned the high prairie grass in the spring, so that it will nurture the land and make everything healthy. Fernwood has a website at www.fernwood botanical.org, which has lots of information and beautiful pictures of the wildlife and vegetation to be found at the preserve. There are constant programs and events going on at Fernwood. Although there are only 12 permanent staff members, more than 300 volunteers help take care of the land, do re-plantings, lead classes, lectures and help with the hundreds of kids that are involved. Our thanks to Wendy Jones and Larry Sehy for being our guests today.

PRSENTATION: President Capron presented a check for $400.00 to the Fernwood Botanical Gardens and Nature Preserve to help with their children’s Environmental Studies program.

CLOSING CREED: Dave Morse led the group in reciting the Optimist Pledge at the close of the meeting.