Press Release - Scholarship offered to students pursuing education in Public Safety

The Beaverton Optimist Club will again offer a $1000 scholarship to a student from the Beaverton area to pursue a career in public safety.

Optimist International is an international service organization whose motto is "Friend of Youth". Optimist clubs current main thrust is support for children with cancer. Other activities include oratorical and essay contests, support for scouts, reading programs, bicycle safety, and various other activities of benefit to the youth of the community.

Dean Mitchell, a local business man, was a former club president and district lieutenant governor who had an avid interest in law enforcement. He was instrumental in implementing an annual Beaverton Police family picnic and the club to celebrate respect for law week. After his death his widow assisted the club in establishing the Dean Mitchell Law Enforcement and Public Safety scholarship fund.

For information about the scholarship contact your local High School counselor's office or call Marv Thompson at 503-439-0901.

We invite anyone with an interest in serving the youth of the community to join the Beaverton Optimist club, who meet every Thursday morning from 7:00 to 8:00 AM at the Peppermill Restaurant at 17455 Farmington Road, Aloha, OR.

Opti-B-Bull 2-17-11

Welcome new member Meredith Weber
shown with sponsor Joe Coss

            Flag salute by Jack Franklin and Alan the invocation, the meeting was off and running.  Alan you are correct, no birthdays today. Just as a reminder please use the roster dated Jan. 2011 to be sure.

            Alan reviewed last Tuesday’s board meeting where we discussed joining the Hillsboro club this summer to co-host a golf tournament.  Marv Thompson hopes to raise enough money for our Dean Mitchell Public Safety Scholarship. Joe Coss explained our club’s possibility of helping at the Faith Café serving Sunday meals to hungry families which could lead to more out reach  and perhaps members in our club and wood sales.  An Optimist night out is in the planning stages in April at a local restaurant for dinner. This would be for members, wives, and guests with a chance to maybe get some new members, more later.

            Reaching back Alan’s this day in history 1817 is when Baltimore was the first city to install gas street lights. That was so the horse and buggies rides through the streets would not get lost. In today’s time, older men like younger women so they can drive at night. This year Optimist International is holding its Annual Convention July 3-5^th in Baltimore. And Thomas Jefferson was elected our third President on this day in 1801.

            Commish, Dick Schouten announced THPR has received an easement to Roy Dancer Park, this will allow better access to Roy’s park.  Oh, by the way while Dick was here this morning he won the raffle (AGAIN) $6.00.  Thanks Dick it really was my turn.

            Speaker this morning was Teresa Huntsinger from the Oregon Clean River council. Teresa spoke on the best ways to maintain clean rivers in our area, we live on Tualatin River basin. Keeping our storm drains clean from foreign materials is every ones duty. Don’t buy “Antibacterial” soap as the active ingredient triclosan combines with Clorox in our water treatment plants to make dioxin a potent carcinogen. To get involved in clean rivers and find out what to do, get on line to Love Your Rivers.Org.          Thanks Teresa

            Alan and Joe Coss were pleased to swear in our newest member Meredith Weber. Meredith came to us from the SMART program. Welcome Meredith!

Next week’s speaker will be Joan Goldhammer from Rebuilding Washington County.

      Have a nice March everyone!!                           Until then.     

Opti-B-Bull 2-10-11

This morning meeting was opened by the ring of the bell, Michael Stack (flag) and Dave Chrisman (invocation). It was a sunny 7 A.M. morning with smiles all around.

Reports:  Lillian reported that Wally Johnston is doing well from a knee problem and should see us next week.  Barry Baxter announced he now has eight entries in the Essay contest coming up on the 24^th of this month, district finals on the 28^th. Joe Coss introduced our newest club member Meredith Weber from SMART (pending board approval on the 15^th).  Next Tuesday the 15^th is our board meeting starting at 6:30. We meet at the community center on Allen all are invited.

This Day in History:  In Wally’s absence Alan tries, but I’m not sure where he gets his information. This day in the 1960’s Gary Powers (the high flyer) crashed in Russia and was supposed to take a pill (not sure what kind)[cyanide!] then Ralph Nader had something about car safety. Last item was that if you’re in politics in Belgium you’re not to have any Hanky-Panky (sex) until a new government is formed. (Otherwise, it will have taken them longer than Iraq to get their act together)   I wonder how long before elections, in the U.S. it can take two years. Wally hurry back!!!

Speaker:  Bob Arneson introduced Eric Hearn the District Director of the Sunset Trail District for the Boy Scouts. This being the 100^th year of Scouting Eric reviewed all about their program successes. Our local District serves over 3100 youth and young adults within 131 units, cub packs, and ventures programs.  Bob Arneson announced our troop is very strong and after completing this year’s tree recycle program, they now have ample monies to cover this year’s programs.

Next Speakers:  February 17^th  Teresa Huntsinger  from the River Keepers will talk on a program to clean our streams. Coming up is a river restoration day March 5^th at Munger Lane Farm with the Tualatin Riverkeepers. More from Teresa on the 17^th.

February 24^th we have Joan Goldhammer from Rebuilding Washington County.

Isn’t  it fun being a Beaverton Optimist…………………Until Then           

Opti-B-Bull 2-3-11

Did I hear right, this morning, Noel Franz while walking in grabbed the gavel from Alan to ring the bell to start the meeting and then Marv Doty gave the invocation. Mr. President you need to protect that gavel at all time.  (ask Gary Mahone)

Raffle:  A payment was made to Marv Doty ($7.50) for last week, then this weeks winner is Gene Grosse ($8.00). Did anyone else notice these two winners sit next to each other each week.  Do you think some payoff has been paid??HMM.

Secret greeter: Marv Thompson is too friendly and caught nobody greeting him, or did he greet everyone.  Marv better luck next time, we need the money.

Announcements:  Marv Thompson (Dean Mitchell) all letters have been sent to schools and Local papers.  Barry Baxter (essays) has three letters returned so far from applicants. Joe Coss announced he has had contact with the person from SMART with an interest of joining our club, great Joe.  Alan has sent pictures of the wood piles we have to stack and sell from the Jenkins Estate, work party coming soon. Noel Franz has a new E mail address now that his old one is in the hands of others.

Speaker:  This morning Arnie Leppert from the Faith Café reviewed what is the Faith Café. The Faith Café is a partnership of faith communities who, in love and justice, are dedicated to serving our neighbors in Washington County who are hungry for food and advocating for long-term social changes that reduce poverty and hunger. The Faith café serves free meals each Sunday evening at 6 P.M. to anyone who comes in at Beaverton first united Methodist church .  All this by volunteers from eight local churches, and each week serve more than 100 meals. In addition to meals they give out groceries and some clothing when they have it. Arnie being a past Optimist knows what it is like to serve the youth and the community.  Come back soon Arnie, join us!!

Next Week Speaker, Surprise!!!............Until Then

Opti-B-Bull 1-27-11

The meeting opened as usual with the flag salute and invocation (Wally Johnston) This day in history—1943 more on that later.

Secret Greeter: For the second week in a row Gary Mahone was selected our secret greeter. This week Gary was in the house, not like last week when he was a no show and tried to pull a fast one to no avail.  This week he did catch President Alan for a quick fine.  Gary was told to sit, stay, and be quiet, not sure why?

Birthdays: Lillian Majury (1-29) and Marvin Thompson (today), Lillian wanted to sing to the group but Marv would not have a part of that, so he paid for both.  That was a good thing because I’ve heard Marv sing on the golf course and it’s not what you want to hear that early in the morning, right Scott?

Raffle: Today’s raffle winner was Marv Doty I think! ( I was not listening at that time because I did not  win again ‘shoot’ ) . Doty wins too often for me. Last weeks winner Noel Franz was in the house to collect, but gave it up to the club account, thanks Noel.

Fire Wood: Thanks to the park district guy’s all the logs at the Jenkins Estate have been cut and split ready for stacking by the Optimist to keep it dry and for sale. We now have 10 to 12 cords of wood ready. Jack or Marv will form a work party to help stack the wood.

This day in history: This day in 1943 was when the US 8^th Air Force first bombed Germany in the war, trying to eliminate fuel supplies. These planes were dispatched from England.

Speaker:  Today’s guest speaker was Beaverton Chief of Police Geoff Spaulding. Geoff has been with Beaverton for two years now and he reviewed why Beaverton is one of the safest cities in N.W. Oregon, Bend is the other one. Geoff is very proud of   the quickness they settle each of the situations they have before them.  One item they do need is more space for the size of the Department right now they have 137 sworn officers. Thanks Geoff for joining us and we will be having you back soon.

Next week:  The speaker next week will be Arnie Leppert from the Faith Café. Let’s fill up the room again!!!

Next week who will be the secret greeter???

Until then  .... Think about this...


Click here to see the best card trick ever! 

Opti-B-Bull 1-20-11

Our meeting started with the flag salute and a invocation with 16 members plus guests from SMART, Stacy Goodwin and Meredith Weber.

As for last weeks B-Bull a few corrections were noted such as tattoos, and the members felt a fine was in order. This writer of the “B” did not vote as I do not accept fines for this effort.

Raffle: This weeks raffle was won by Noel Franz ($8.00)- Last weeks winner Richard Hose was not present and as suggested was donating to the scholarship, but this was re-donated to our Admin. account.  Sorry Richard, but if you would like to make another donation we would accept it in what ever place you would like.

Secret Greeter: This morning’s secret greeter was requested and accepted earlier this week by Gary Mahone. Late last night I was informed that Gary would be absent but he wanted to remain as SG and “sting” everyone with a fine. As this was announced the members were upset and then voted that all fines be leveled on Gary.  Sorry Gary I tried to turn it another way with no results, so please ask April for money next week to cover the 16 fines.

Birthday: This week was Joe Coss’s birthday.  We paid and Joe sang.  I believe he said he has 57 rings somewhere on him??

Board Meeting: The February board meeting will be on the 15^th at the PAL center starting at 6:30 p.m.

Speaker: The speakers this morning were Stacy Goodwin and Meredith Weber from SMART.  They covered what SMART does in our area and in Oregon for the kids reading program in schools. We presented Stacy and Meredith with our check for $350.00 for this year. Thanks for joining us this morning.

Next week speaker:  Next week the Beaverton Chief of Police will speak.  Let’s see if we can fill the room.            Alan we did miss you??  Until Then…..

Opti-B-Bull 1-13-11

My secretary has disappeared to Depot Bay to play pinochle and eat clam chowder. So I am left to report on our meeting and deal with the tragedy which happened this week! (I speak, of course, not about Arizona or the loss of our police chief, but my own devastating loss of my zodiac sign.  More of this later…)

We opened the meeting with our pledge to the flag lead by ex Scout Master Bob (we don’t sing to Canada because some of us can’t even remember happy birthday songs when called upon) and the invocation by American Legion Commander Marv T. reminding us of the loss of all those marines over the last week. Chaplain Wally decided to go to the coast and teach other Chaplains about dealing with loss. Thank goodness for Marv T who I accidentally will lose Feb 17^th to the Community Leaders Breakfast. The Beaverton Together group who spoke to us in November organizes Prom Perfect which gets our high school students to attend this party after the dance instead of private parties where they drink and whatever and drive drunk. I also accidentally mentioned Dick Schouten and Wally and Dave Chrisman so our meeting that Thursday morning will be shrunken. Beaverton Together also organizes an Inter-cultural Basketball Tournament and needs referees and coaches to help out. This is for kids who aren’t on the high school teams.

Our Secret Greeter Susan wasn’t able to fine anyone because she sits near the front and had to leave early for some tests so Joe Coss who came in just under the bell was able to shake her hand. (Note to me…pick greeters way in the back!) Our Sheriff is so dedicated that he fined himself and someone else for neglecting to wear a pin or name badge. The raffle winner turned out to be Richard Hose who hobbled in with his new titanium knee and no crutches. He picked titanium so that it would match his other knee. Turns out he played football besides rugby and I believe there might be a lesson here? He returns to work next week so he can’t collect his winnings and donated them to our scholarship. (Well, perhaps, of course this will have to be discussed with the appropriate sub committees and we can only hope no filibusters occur! And your dedicated leadership will need funds to register with the Second Quarter District Board meeting scheduled for next week in Seattle.) Maybe Bob will return in time to lead our meeting?

Richard filled us in on his peripatetic trip by train to all his old stomping grounds across our nation which enthralled Jack who wants to take the train south despite his new trailer. Bruce Buffington showed up to collect his raffle winnings from last week. He reported on his birthday bike ride in the rain yesterday and the pizza party he organized to raise funds for the Northwest Bicycle Safety Council. They provided two thousand children with helmets last year so need funds to purchase more for children who can’t afford to buy them this year. If you have a bit of cash left over, I think he might be happy to accept it.

He promised to sing a brand new birthday song to us once I reminded him of his 65^th birthday celebration which he apparently had forgotten since it happened yesterday. (Old age can be a terrible thing) Unfortunately, he couldn’t remember this secret song despite the fact he tried to sell us on an upcoming barbershop quartet production. He did finish off the old standard with a flourish and he does have a nice voice.

Our speaker this week was Jocelyn Taylor from the PAL Club. They have been in business for ten years and our Club helped to sponsor them and some of our members were on the Chief’s Advisory Committee involved in their formation. She accidentally mentioned Rotary’s $550 grant to PAL so that when I gave her our $500 donation check we came out a bit behind. She did hug me most graciously but I noticed she hugged Bob Arneson at the start of the meeting so she can be fickle. Their boxing program is quite successful. They even have gals boxing…I thought they were just working out. They had the mayor come to visit the kids and answered questions which delighted one of the kids who explained to his mom how he’d shaken the mayor’s hand. The Mayor’s Ball is scheduled for Feb 12^th at $85/ticket to raise money for PAL. Jocelyn loaned six kids to Bruce for his bike TV program and they answered safety questions sort of like Jeopardy with our past member Wayne Faligowski acting as MC. That progam is still running on the community access channel I think.

But, back to my  own devastating loss of my zodiac sign. Apparently 

"Astronomers have known about this since about 130 B.C.," Kunkle told The Associated Press Friday in his office at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College!” Astronomer Parke Kunkle says that due to changes in the Earth's alignment the dates of many zodiac signs have changed, according to NBC. In addition, there may be a 13th Zodiac sign: Ophiuchus. Kunkle says that as the Earth and Sun slowly move the signs gradually change, as expected. The change didn't happen over night either. The 12 signs were designated to different periods of the year almost 3,000 years ago, when astrology began, and since then the Earth's position in relation to the sun has changed. 

Linda Zlotnick, an astrologer for 32 years in St. Paul, Minn., said she and fellow astrologers have long known of the issue raised by Kunkle, but that the most commonly used zodiac – tropical – isn't affected by it. Zlotnick said the sidereal zodiac, which isn't as widely used, IS based on the constellations "Will my personality change?" she mused. "Capricorns are diligent and regimented, and super-hard-working like me. Sagittarians are more laid back. This is all a little off-putting." 

By the reckoning of Kunkle and other astronomers, astrologers are not only a month off in their zodiac signs, but they are neglecting a 13th constellation, Ophiuchus (Ooh-FEE-yew-kus) the Serpent Bearer, for those born from Nov. 30 to Dec. 17. According to myth, Ophiuchus became a healer when he killed a snake and another appeared with an herb in his mouth that revived the dead one, said Amy Sayle, an astronomy educator at the Moorehead Planetarium at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

All I can say is , thank goodness I didn’t get a tattoo. I know Bob was in the navy so I can only hope he didn’t put Sagittarius on his butt.