Beaverton Optimist Bulletin 6-16-2011

Marv D. led our Pledge of Allegiance and Wally gave the invocation and misled us in his history hint. As Joan knew (cause she looks these things up on the internet) on this day in 1884 there was no mention of dogs! The first roller coaster in the US was opened at Coney Island which went 6 miles an hour for some 600 feet. It is true that Nathan started selling “dogs” in the twenties at Coney Island but what kind of hint is that? Coney is Americanized Dutch for rabbit in case you wondered. Hopefully we impressed today’s speakers with our historical savior faire as they came to update us on our own Washington County Museum.

Our elderly President forgot his bag with money so appointed a very secret greeter to raise funds to pay Barry’s raffle winnings. This ploy worked because when Michael announced his victims, six annoyed members had to pay fines. There was further irritation when our President did his victory dance after winning today’s raffle.

Jack reported that Vern is in good spirits with his new heart valve but the Doctors want him to lay low for a couple of months. He would possibly appreciate a call or visit. Jack passed a map around showing where in Iowa he was born and gave us a quiz about famous people with weird names. His clue was guys who sculpt using dynamite? Gene claims to have a chunk of granite from one of these folks and Jack promises to auction off a rock from one of these tortured souls. Be cautious bidding on Jack’s auctions.  Michael, having recently returned from touring Texas, actually remembered the name of the Commander of the Alamo! (So, incidentally, did Mr. Meek at our Hillsboro Club and it cost Jack a breakfast.)

Our own 9/11 Ground Zero Chaplain and author, Wally, reminded us about Saturday’s yard sale at the Nazarene Church. He has decided not to have a book sale stand there so he can keep a better eye on our members and not be pestered by people wanting him to sign books. He is being interviewed today about his book by the Oregonian here at the Peppermill! He will also be here on Friday the 24^th from 7-9 PM for a book signing.

Marv T passed out his latest proposed letter to our business community regarding our joint Golf Tournament with the Hillsboro Club scheduled for October 1^st at Forest Hills. We need hole sponsors at $100 and a copy of their business card. This will fund our Dean Mitchell $1,000 Public Safety Scholarship and other children’s funding through our Club.

Monday night the Board reallocated $200 which had been designated for feasting and dancing girls while helping to erect playgrounds for children with the Park District to help fund Jordan Strahl’s Scout Eagle project. He is building things for the Beaverton Police’s K-9 section. We still need two more Board members and a Secretary. Joe also detailed transferring designated funds to our Youth and Community area instead of building a storage area and maintaining firewood equipment at the Jenkins Estate.

We gave a wrap-up report on the Optimist Jr. Golf Tournament conducted by the Hillsboro Optimists. They had 42 kids participate this year and raised about $3100. Their costs were about $1000 to the Meriwether Golf Club and they need to send each child to Florida with $695. The Pacific NW District also contributes about $1500. Last year they sent 5 children and anticipate sending about the same number this year. We funded Parker Ryan’s participation in the tournament this year.

Donna Schmidt and Sam Shogren updated us on our Museum. Besides updating the building they changed the name from an Historical Society and are now the Washington County Museum. They have exhibits from early Silicone Forest companies like Floating Point Systems and flat panel screens. Tonight they have free wine and paintings of our own Washington County artists. Perhaps they will sign their works?

Go to: www.washingtoncountymuseum.org  for exhibit schedules

Go to:  http://beavertonoptimistclub.wordpress.com/?blogsub=confirming#subscribe-blog  for update on garage sale.

Go to: http://beavertonoptimist.webs.com/  for pictures and bulletin