Volume 86 – Issue 11 – February 21, 2011:

February Meetings – Ted Heim. Chairman:

Feb. 25 – Dr. Diane McMillan, Professor of Human

Services, Washburn University

March Meetings – Jerry Bessette, Chairman:

Mar. 3 – Amy Bermadez, Topeka Fire Department

Current News:

Treasurer Rod Obermeier reports that our Club

cleared just over $1,000 from the Chili Dinner held on February 12. Now we can look forward to a Pancake Breakfast and Bake Sale on March 19.

Director Art Lancaster reports that he is receiving applicants for the Optimist Oratorical Contest to be held on March 6 at 7 P.M. at the Topeka Public Library.

Good News! Bob Holmes has been in the St. Francis Physical Therapy Unit. His therapy went well and he was able to go home on February 12., in time for his birthday on February 21. President Ron Brown is asking for a volunteer to replace Bob on the Board for the rest of his term. Anybody interested?

Present plans are to change the mailing of the Newsletter to e-mail to all members who have e-mail addresses; and to continue to use the U.S. Postal Service for those who are not using e-mail. In order to help us, please update your e-mail address with Ron Obermeier at: obermeirrd@cox.net. By making this change it is estimated that our Club can save approximately $1,000 each year.

Meeting of February 11, 2011

Past President Tom Wigley presided in the absence of President Ron Brown who was on his way to greet his son, Adam who has just returned from Afghanistan.

Thanks to Ted Heim, the Club recognized members who served in World War II (WWII) .Ted was able to locate the following who were present:

Harold Burkdoll – U.S. Navy

Leland Denton – U.S. Air force

Junior Elder – National Guard & U.S. Army

Frank Galbraith – U.S. Navy

Rowland Hyle – U.S. Navy

Justin McGarity – U.S. Air Force

Clayton McMurray – U.S. Army

John Meyer – U.S. Army

Not able to be present was’

Freeman Vicory – U.S. Navy

Bill Kastens pointed out that his wife, Monica, also served in the U.S. Navy toward the end of WWII.

Dr. Alan Bearman, Ph.D. who is the Dean of University Libraries at Washburn University, gave us his thoughts about how present day students are quite interested in understanding more about World War II. He pointed out that almost all present day students have been affected by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. In fact, he said, there is a waiting list of students for such classes. Dr. Bearman stated that, in his opinion, WWII was conducted by “the greatest generation”. He went on to say he believed it was a “just war”, fought for a virtuous reason. It was the “right thing to do”. We needed to fight for hope and freedom. To many it was a last resort.

Although born in England, Dr. Bearman has gained a personal view of the citizenry in WWII. In his opinion, we were trying to stand up to the ideals of our first President, George Washington. We wanted to give as much to our country as did Washington.

One major difference, he noted, was in WWII, everyone was at war, both the military and civilians.

This gave our Country a sense of identity. Often we forget to thank the “home front” of WWII for their valiant efforts.

However, in this generation, the students feel disconnected from the current wars. Only about 2% of our population is involved in the fighting. We are not as scared as we were at the beginning of WWII; He closed by saying that at Washburn the School is dedicated to turning out “citizens” as opposed to accountants or lawyers or social workers. They want the graduates to feel an obligation to work for the greater good.

We were pleased to have Gene Mosiman, Paul Ahlenius, Harold Burkdoll and Frank Galbraith in attendance. They have not been able to be with us for some time. Actual guests were: Ray Burns, a guest of Justin McGarity; Carrie Lancaster, Art’s wife; Ann Heim, Ted’s wife; Monica Kastens, and wives of WWII members: Arlene Burkdoll and Gwen McMurray.

Tom Wigley noted recent or coming birthdays for Bob Holmes and Rowland Hyle. Bill Kastens was the winner to share $24 with the OI foundation; Linda Smith was not present to receive the prize of a bag of nuts; and Junior Elder received the President’s Award.

Meeting of February 18, 2011

Richard (Dick) Kline, who is the Director of the Shawnee County Department of Corrections, made a repeat visit to our club. Because of the involvement of Ted Heim and Ken Kerle in the DODG (Downtown Optimist Discussion Group) at the Juvenile Detention Center, Dick spoke primarily about juveniles.

Unfortunately, he said, he won’t run out of business, but the mission of the detention center is to instill a sense of value and positive character in the youngsters, although, often they have very little time to do so.

In a number of cases, for those attending the DODG sessions, it is the first time anyone has ever read a book to them. Thus he had high praise for Ted and Ken, as well others who have participated in the past.

Juvenile inmates are youngsters under the age of 18, who have been stopped by the police. They are sent to Juvenile Intake for evaluation, from which they may be sent to the Juvenile Detention Center. At the Center the average length of stay is 15 days, although some may be there for a year.

The average population at the Center is 65; and in total the Center processed about 1,000 youngsters last year.

While at the Center the youngsters are required to attend school classes, which are provided by School District 501. They are also exposed to “Positive Action Programs”, “Healthy Young Programs” and “Religious based Programs”.

There were no guests; jokes were told by Art Lancaster and Clayton McMurray. In a fortuitous drawing (by Ted’s friend, Dick Kline) Ted Heim shared the pot with the OI Foundation; Dean Landman won the last bag of nuts; and Tom Wigley won the President’s Prize of Creamy Caramels.

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