Invocation and Pledge: Liz Capron

Welcome Back: Dr. William Robinson, Craig Krassow

Brags:

Rudy Kappe bragged on his upcoming cruise to Panama.

Liz Capron bragged on a trip to Hollywood, on getting 10 hours of sleep (in one night!) and on a successful "grand slam" health day - drinking all the water she's supposed to, sticking to her diet, and getting a good night's sleep.

Dr. Robinson bragged on having received "best chiropractor" honors, and that he'll be attending the spring regional conference in St. Louis.

Tom Majarek bragged on excellent club leadership in the first quarter.

Lloyd Phillips bragged that his son is in Gulfport through Saturday assisting in hurricane recovery efforts.

John Willis thanked the employees of Greater Niles Federal Credit Union for counting and bundling soccer player registration forms for delivery to local classrooms.

John Willis would also like you to know that there's a link from our webpage at www.nilesoptimist.org to a site for our Optimist Soccer program, including copies of sponsorship forms and player registration forms.

Rudy Kappe bragged that John might make the new soccer website not sound like much, but that it's a big deal, well done, and an excellent thing to have online. (It really IS a wonderful and impressive thing and I'm sorry I didn't think to brag on it myself. -Robb)

Announcements: * = New

*Optimists After Hours February 7th in Cassopolis, including Optimist International President Michel Listenberger and Michigan District Governor Don Brose. Location TBD.

Regional Optimist Meeting February 4th in Kalamazoo, 9am - 1ish. John Willis and the club will be receiving honor club recognition. Tom is providing a van for a carpool for those that don't want to drive.

Dr. Todd is always in need of Programs, please get hold him if you have a program for us.

50/50: $16, won by Tom Majerek, who also gets curious the monkey.

Curious the Monkey: Joann Krueger read from a letter that was received at Simplicity Pattern from a woman who designed "finery for Fidos", designer duds for dogs. After designing these coats for pets, the woman sold 4 patterns to simplicity for $2500 shortly after starting up her company, then recently sold the business out to Simplicity including 24 patterns for another $5500, succeeding beyond her wildest dreams.

Program: John Willis walked us through an "art project" which he participated in during the President's Breakfast at the last district meeting. Everyone collaborated to draw moose(s?). Everyone drew the moose eyes on an index card, then you passed them to someone else who drew the hind legs, then passed them to someone to draw the hind legs, and so on. The most outlandish "animals" imaginable took shape by the end of the process, and it was all quite hysterical. And the moral of the exercise: "Sometimes when you delegate to a committee, you'd have been better off just doing it all yourself".