NEXT CLUB MEETING

  The next meeting of the Optimist Club of Treynor is planned at 7:20 a.m. Saturday morning May 26, 2007 in the Community Center.  CHAD GUTTAU has arranged for his sister Lyse Wells to speak about Strategy Implementation and Life Planning.  Wells is an Industrial Organization Psychologist with Payless Shoe Source Company.  All members are encouraged to bring a guest and the public is invited. 

REPORT OF RECENT CLUB MEETINGS

  At the club meeting on 5/17 there were 17 members and one guest present.  President GARY GUTTAU opened the meeting with the pledge and RICHARD VORTHMANN led the devotion.

  The 50/50 was awarded to GERALD FORRISTALL.  The attendance pot was awarded to KEVIN UNDERWOOD.

  KEITH DENTON had another birthday, so he contributed a dollar to the Youth Fund.  Pres. GUTTAU added a dollar to remind everyone about the Master Gardeners plant sale at ISD.

  Thanks to RICHARD VORTHMANN, JEFF JORGENSEN, and LARRY KRAMER for helping with the gate at the high school district track meet.

  Treasurer JEFF JORGENSEN noted the Junior Optimist Octagon Club received an additional $30.95 from Can Kennel activities.  The late winter snow storm impacted the scheduled pickup of sorted cans and bottles, so it took awhile to determine the materials sorted by each group in successive months.  That gave the Octagon Club a total of $516.05 for their efforts in February. 

  Pres. GUTTAU announced the Bike Safety Day at the elementary school is scheduled on the 24^th after school.  Several volunteers are needed to conduct the event.

   JOHN KLEIN circulated photos of the graduating class of the 2007 Baby Sitting/Child Care Clinic.  Thanks to KLEIN for making arrangements with Junior Treynor Women, Extension Service, and the school for this activity.

  LARRY KRAMER announced he will be attending the 3^rd quarter Iowa District Optimist Conference in Des Moines on the 19^th.

  STEVE IRVIN noted that several complimentary comments were received from parents of students recognized at our Youth Appreciation Celebration.

  The 5/19 club meeting was opened by Pres. GUTTAU leading the pledge and a prayer by ARLYN NORRIS.

  The 50/50 was awarded to JERYL UNDERWOOD and the attendance pot was awarded to VIRGIL HOLST.

  Pres. GUTTAU presented a request from Treynor Schools for support to send eight eighth graders to a Junior Leadership Academy.

  LES HARVEY suggested recognition of school crossing guards as part of Respect for Law Week activity.

  DALE WILLENBORG announced plans for the elementary Bike Safety Day this coming Thursday the 24^th after school.  Several volunteers are needed at the riding skills and bike inspection stations.  LARRY KRAMER will need some assistance earlier in the afternoon to chalk the riding skills course on the playground area at the Elementary School.

  Treasurer JORGENSEN noted the club needs to raise funds to support CLUB sponsored activities, so think about a fund raising event.

  Thanks to Pres. GUTTAU, JOHN KLEIN, DALE WALLENBORG, GARY FUNKHOUSER, CHAD GUTTAU, RICHARD VORTHMANN, JEFF JORGENSEN, STEVE IRVIN, and JOHN SCHMITT for working at the substantial sorting of cans and bottles for scholarships on the 16^th.  The last sorting of May is on the 30^th.

  Yvette Perdue accepted a check to the Treynor Dance Team from Treas. JORGENSEN in the amount of $621.85 from their efforts with the Can Kennel in March.

COUNTY ATTORNEY WORK LOAD GROWS

  Pottawattamie County Attorney Matt Wilber spoke to club members about the first year of his second term of office.  He stated this year has been more challenging compared to previous years.  His department of fourteen lawyers is dealing with five open murder cases.  In addition Wilber explained he spends considerable time dealing with civil matters for the county such as drafting agreements, examining real estate issues, and planning for future operations.  Also, he had to deal with the firing of a staff member.  Wilber noted that as an! elected official he has the responsibility to choose the criminal cases going to trial, the approach of argument for prosecution, and which lawyers to present the case in court.  He said junior and senior staff lawyers are often paired to take a case to trial.  He doesn’t want any one to handle a case unless they feel ready to do so.  In response to questions, Wilber noted that Iowa has the most restrictive rules against a lawyer advertising his services.  Also, evaluations of the actions of judges are not easy to find.  It is unethical for lawyers to comment about judges.  However, there is an opinion survey by lawyers available from the state bar ! association.

THERE IS ANOTHER CHOICE

  Jean Plourde addressed club members about the Pregnancy Counseling Center called Gabriel’s Corner he and his wife, Kathy, established in Council Bluffs last year.  Plourde stated that the center which is located at 131 S 16^th St celebrated the first year of service in March, and during the first year with their all volunteer staff they counseled 267 women ages 13 to 53.  Plourde emphasized they could ! do more with more volunteer hours.  Eighty percent of visitors to Gabriel’s Corner were not pregnant.  Those that are pregnant are counseled on their choices.  If a baby is to be given for adoption Gabriel’s Corner can facilitate this through Lutheran Services, Bethany Christian Services, and Catholic Charities.  Plourde stated they want to explain the facts and choices regarding pregnancy and the services they provide to young people at schools, churches, and other organizations if the way is open.  As a not-for-profit corporation, they are seeking financial support as well as professional support.  They plan to expand their services as opportunities arise.  Gabriel’s Co! rner can be contacted at 323-7756.

CALENDAR

May Can Kennel contributions for Optimist Scholarships

May 24    Bike Safety Day, Elementary School, 3:45-5 p.m.

May 26    Club meeting, program by Lyse Wells.

May 30    Can and bottle sorting, 6 p.m.

June Can Kennel contributions for High School Baseball Program.

 

   Birthdays

5/11  KEITH DENTON#,   5/20  KELLY SUTHERLAND

5/21  STEVE IRVIN,   5/21  CARL GARAFFA

5/22  LINNEA WHITE

   Anniversaries

5/25  BOB ABBOTT,   5/29  BILL MATTHEW

# recognized to date