OPTI-BEA-BULL 5-12-11

Today we opened with the flag salute by Marv and invocation by Wally and his Chicago Cub’s day in 1970. (Something about 500 home runs?) What an opening, we were visited by five members of the Hillsboro club (an official visitation). Our Pres. did take precautions by having our bell and gavel guarded by Gene Grosse from the honored guests. (It ultimately didn’t work and they stole our gavel anyway!)

Announcements: Bruce Buffington announced two upcoming bike safety fairs 5/14 and 5/21 at local schools. Dave Chrisman announced our partnership in the assembly of park equipment Saturday 5/14 at the John Marty Park starting at 8 a.m. until finished. In retrospect, we only had two Optimists show along with lots of neighbors from the area. Not a good showing for Optimists.  Sorry Dave.   Oregon City club is holding a Pioneer Family Fun Days May 20-22 at Clackamette Park, see: http://www.pioneerfamilyfestival.com/  .

Today’s raffle:  After leaving our club as a member and going to Hillsboro Club, Tony Montes won this morning’s raffle.  One good thing, he bought five raffle tickets for all Hillsboro visitors. Tony said he will return to collect his $10.00 prize.

Speaker: Scott Thompson introduced his good friend, Greg Pressler, as this morning’s speaker. Greg gave us all a lesson in endurance sports and his way of living the moment.  For those who missed this ½ hour talk, you missed a great one for sure. Greg started his running with triathalon races where you swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles, and run 26.2 miles, first in Canada and then in Hawaii five weeks later. Then he said that was not enough, maybe a 500 mile bike ride or a run to Seattle with a pack on your back (180 miles in four days). Next it was 100 miles in Colorado at above the 10,000 ft elevation. In 2005 he did the Warm Springs 100 mile bike and run then on to Morocco for the extreme test where you run in high temperatures in the Sahara Desert with a pack full of the provisions you need. And now his latest 2007 run was in Death Valley 135 miles again with a pack. Greg is a motivational speaker and writer in Portland and believes in living the moment. Thanks Scott and Greg for a great talk.

Last weeks board meeting reviewed the need for next year’s slate of officers.  All interested in serving on the board, President, President-elect, contact Alan with your thoughts. We are in need of this in the next two weeks.

Until then!