FRIDAY, December 4, 2009 MEETING NOTES Volume 44, Issue 10
We had 19 Optimists today. Our only guest was our speaker. The Mystery Greeter was Milt Rewey who greeted Gary Engelke. John Dutcher, John Urness, Tom Nall, Phil Swift, Gary & Eileen Engelke, Charlie Clark, Hap Daus and Ray Meiklejohn wore their Optimist shirts today.
Today’s Speaker - Connie Steinhoff - Senior Center
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Here is President Tom Nall and our speaker, Connie Steinhoff, Director of the Senior Center. She was here almost 2 years ago when she was new to the job. She said she has learned a lot and has grown I wisdom listening to the people she serves. Connie said that there are 3 concerns about aging: Boredom, Loneliness and Helplessness. She said that she tries to create programs that will combat each of these. Boredom: Elderly think they are out of the mainstream and can’t do anything fun. At the Senior Center, they have education programs; they recently had a winter driving briefing by UW-P students. There are entertainers from the schools, they use the Wii and hold other exercise classes. |
Loneliness: The Senior Center is a social environment. Some come for lunch only; others come for cards, bingo or other things to share with others. They also have the meal delivery for those who cannot come to the Senior Center. Many times that is the only contact these people have. Helplessness: Their bodies may be getting around a little slower, but they still have the "Yes, I can" attitude. There are opportunities for seniors to volunteer in the kitchen and other areas. Connie says they serve 50 for lunch daily. This is funded by the County. It is the largest site in the County and the only one attached to a Senior Center. Seniors are asked to give a donation if they are able to. |
The Senior Center is open 8:30 - 4:00 except Tuesday. They generally have 30 - 40 seniors at the Center during the day. She spoke about some programs where University student organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers rake leaves or shovel snow for some seniors. She talked about the fundraising for the mini-bus. It will be a low-floor entrance with a ramp instead of a lift for maintenance. The cost is about $80,000. They have $40,000 from the City and have raised another $25,000. They are still looking for the final $15,000. If you are interested, you can send donations to Connie at the Senior Center. Thanks for the wonderful speech! |
This Friday - TBD
UPCOMING EVENTSNovember 23 - December 5 - Holiday Project (Toys). Dec 5 - Badger Camp Telethon Dec 15 - 17 - Santa Calling |
UPCOMING SPEAKERSDecember 18 - TBD December 25 - No Meeting - Merry Christmas! |
JOKER DRAWThe Die Hards from the Black Friday meeting held their Joker Draw first. Charlie Clark was the lucky one selected and drew the 2 of Clubs and won $2 for last week’s drawing. He was ALSO selected for the drawing for this week! He drew the 2 of Spades and won $2. The pot is up to $911 with only 14 cards left! Good luck to next week’s winner! CONGRATULATIONSCongratulations to Tom & Fern Nall on the birth of a Granddaughter on Tuesday December 1! |
UPDATESThe final Holiday Project toy pickup will be Saturday Dec 5th.
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No Meeting on Christmas Day or on New Year’s Day.
BOARD MEETINGThe new board will meet on Thursday, December 17th at 7 AM at Badger Brothers. Note the change in the date! |
Optimist International | SWIS District | Platteville, Wisconsin--Information
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Last Modified: December 7, 2009