Feb 18, 2026 - OptiCast

The transcript is a recap of the OptiCast show from February 18th, discussing the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club's activities. They covered various topics, including a grant to the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams for classroom aquariums, school safety programs by the Sheriff's Department, and a presentation on showing goats. The club's community impact was highlighted, including a member's recognition by Ford Motor Company and new member inductions. The meeting also featured fun activities like historical quizzes and a 50-50 raffle with humorous incidents. Hello, and welcome back. You are listening to the OptiCast Recap. This is the audio edition of the OptiBullet, and if you're a member of the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club or frankly, just someone curious about how a local group is shaping their community, you are in the right place. It is Wednesday, February 18th, 2026. It's great to be here, and honestly, shaping the future might sound like a bit of a grand statement for Wednesday morning, but when you look at the agenda we just covered, it's really not an exaggeration. It really isn't. We have so much to get through today. We've got ecosystem science, law enforcement, some serious awards, and I am not kidding, we have livestock. We do have livestock. But before we get to the farm animals, I think it's important to kind of set the scene for anyone who might not make that 7-0 a.m. bell. We're talking about the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club. This is not just some casual coffee meetup. This club was chartered way, way back in 1958. Wow, that's a lot of history in one room. It is. They meet every single Wednesday, faithfully, at the Shrine Building on East Smith Street. And it's worth noting, this is one of the largest and most active optimist clubs in the entire United States. They're part of Optimist International, and the mission is really singular, bringing out the best in you. And today's recap is just a perfect example of that mission in action. It's eclectic, it's funny, but it's also deeply impactful. So let's dive into the meeting that just happened this morning, February 18th. President Brooke Hamstra rang the bell to order. We had the invocation from Bill Landrigan. And the greeters, Mitch Reinholdt and Corbin Holsberry, were manning the doors. The classic start. But the energy in the room has shifted pretty quickly to what I like to call the big check moment. Because let's be honest, good intentions are great, but funding is better. Exactly, and this was a significant moment. The club presented a grant of $950. Now to some, 950 might just sound like a number, but we really need to look at where this went. It went to the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams, and Mark Andrews was there to accept it. Okay, let's unpack this. Because I think people hear Lilly Center, and they think, you know, science research, which is true. But this specific grant was for something very cool. The maintenance of classroom aquariums. This is such a vital program. I mean, think about it, we're in the city of lakes. Our whole geography is defined by water. But how many kids actually get to understand what is happening under that water? What this grant does is it takes that ecosystem and puts it right inside the school. So it's not just a fish tank for decoration. No, no, it's an educational tool. It allows students to observe local species, understand water quality, and see all the biological interactions that are happening in their own backyard. I love that. It takes this sort of abstract idea of environmental science and makes it completely tangible. It's right there next to the whiteboard. That is a direct investment in the curiosity of these students. And that ties perfectly back to the mission, bringing out the best in youth. I mean, sometimes bringing out the best means sparking an interest in biology that could lead to a career 20 years down the road. That $950 is seed money for future scientists. So we start with this very high-minded scientific contribution. And then the program pivots. And this is what I love about the Optible. You never quite know what's coming next. We moved into a presentation from the Casusco County Sheriff's Department. Yeah, a very serious and very necessary topic. Doug Light, Jim Smith, and Chris McKins were the presenters. And they weren't just giving a general support the police talk. They were specifically discussing programs that the Sheriff's Department has implemented inside the Casusco County schools. This is really the other side of the coin for youth support. On one hand, you have education and science with the aquariums. On the other, you have safety and security. Having the Sheriff's Department partner directly with the schools is just crucial. It builds a bridge. It's not just about responding to emergencies. It's about prevention. It's about mentorship and creating an environment where kids can actually learn because they feel safe. It's a holistic approach. The Optimist Club is basically hosting a forum where all these different stakeholders, educators, scientists, law enforcement can come together. But then, okay, here is where it gets really interesting. I think I know where you're going with this. The tone of the meeting shifted from school safety protocol to Ott Schroeder. And his goats. I just need you to visualize this for a second. You're at a breakfast meeting. You've just heard about grants and police work. And then, Ott Schroeder brings actual live goats into the shrine building. Only in Warsaw, right? But here's the thing. It wasn't just a stunt. Ott was there to demonstrate how to feed them and to talk about judging and showing goats. Which, to be fair, if you didn't grow up in 4-H, might sound a little strange. But this is a huge part of the culture here. It is huge. And if we connect this to the bigger picture, showing livestock is a massive youth development tool. It teaches responsibility. It teaches economics. You have to buy feed, manage the animal's health, present it to a judge. It teaches public speaking and confidence. So, in a way, the goat is just as much of an educational tool as the aquarium. Precisely. It's just a much louder, probably messier educational tool. But I think that contrast is what makes this club so special. You have sheriff's deputies and goat handlers in the same room, sharing the same breakfast, all focused on the same goal, helping kids. That diversity is really the strength of the club. Now, I wanna hit the rewind button for a second. Because we're catching up on a whirlwind of activity. And there were some major things that happened in the last couple of weeks, we have to acknowledge. Specifically from the February 11th meeting. Oh, absolutely. We have to talk about Rick Herrlin. This is a big deal. Rick was recognized by the Ford Motor Company with the Salute to Dealers Award. And for those who aren't in the auto industry, let me explain why this matters. This is not an award for selling the most F-150s. It's not about volume. The Salute to Dealers Award is specifically for community service. That is the key differentiator. It is. Ford looks at dealers globally and picks the ones who are making a genuine impact in their towns. For Rick to get this, it just validates everything the Optimist Club stands for. It shows the members aren't just showing up for coffee. They're out there actually doing the work. It reflects so well on the whole group. Distinguished Honor Club isn't just a title they slap on the letterhead. It's backed up by members like Rick. Speaking of that February 11th meeting, that was the Valentine's special, right? It was the Love Our Board program. Which I assume was filled with glowing praise and adoration. Well, knowing this club, it was more like fines and friendly roasting. The sergeants, Jim Smith, Jeff Owens, and Abby Smith, they decided to quiz the membership on historical facts about the board members. Which is a trap. It's absolutely a trap. If you don't know the obscure fact, you pay a fine. If you do know the fact, you probably get fined for being a know-it-all. But it's all in good fun. And they capped it off with the Optimist singers performing a couple of love songs. That fellowship aspect is so important. But you can't have a club without members. And one thing that really stood out to me in the notes was the sheer number of new people coming in. It's impressive. On that same day, February 11th, they officially inducted three new members. Johnson Holler, sponsored by Mitch Reinhold, Peyton Oldham, sponsored by Abby Smith, and Allison Weeks. Three in one day. Three in one day. That is the sign of a healthy organization. You know, this club has a history of growth. They spawned other clubs in Plymouth, South Bend, Rochester, even the Winona Lake French Optimist Club back in 2004. But to keep that momentum, you have to keep filling the ranks at home. And apparently the recruitment process can sometimes get a little chaotic. Yeah. I was looking at the notes from the February 4th meeting. The, wait, what? Files, is that how to call them? Ah, yes. The induction of Stephen Fogley. So Stephen was inducted by Everett Nafong. But the official notes explicitly say the details about his sponsorship were murky at best. Murky is not a word you usually want in official minutes. It says it was a toss-up between Angie Tom and Paul Finley. You know what that tells me? Everyone is so eager to bring people in that they're practically fighting over who gets the credit. It's a good problem to have. Better than having no sponsor at all. But speaking of murky situations, we need to talk about the 50-50 drawing because I am sensing a conspiracy. The 50-50 is sacred. Is it? Because on February 4th, the notes literally say the fix was in when Kristen Farwell selected Chris Williams. That's not even the big story. You're talking about Everett Nafong. I am talking about Everett Nafong. On February 11th, he won the 50-50. He took home $41. Good for him. But then, fast forward to today, February 18th, guess who won again? It wasn't Everett again. It was Everett Nafong. Two weeks in a row. Okay, that is statistically improbable. I'm just saying, if I'm sitting next to Everett next Wednesday, I'm rubbing his shoulder for luck or I'm calling the sergeants for investigation. I think he's gonna have a target on his back for fines next week, that's for sure. But, you know, that laughter, that banter about the raffle, that's what keeps people coming back at 7 a.m., that and the sheer energy of the group. Speaking of energy, did you see the note about the cheer competition earlier this month? The ho, ho, ho, who's yours chant. Yes, Rick Swayam led it. I just love the mental image of a room full of business professionals, civic leaders, retirees, all screaming ho, ho, ho, who's yours before the sun is even fully up. It breaks down barriers. You can't take yourself too seriously when you're doing a cheer chant. Honestly, they need that energy because, and we really need to stress this, the work they have coming up is massive. That's a great transition, because we've talked about the fun, we've talked about the giving, but the money for those aquariums and those grants, it doesn't just appear out of thin air. No, it is hard earned. The club has what I call the big four fundraisers and looking at the calendar, if you are a member, it is time to roll up your sleeves. Let's run through these, because this is the engine of the club. First up, we have the Car Show. The City of Lakes Car Show. That's scheduled for May 17th, 2026. We're about 95 days out. That sounds like a long time, but for an event this size. It's nothing. Tom Tierney and Ken Shamblin are chairing this. We're talking vintage cars, trucks, motorcycles taking over the area. It requires traffic control, registration logistics, food vendors, sponsorship coordination. It is a massive community tradition. And then you barely have time to breathe before the triathlon is right on its heels. June 27th, 2026. Jeff Owens and Adam Heckaman are the chairs for this one. A triathlon isn't just a picnic. You've got swimming in the lake, biking on the roads, running. The safety logistics alone are intense. This is where that relationship with the Sheriff's Department really pays off. You need coordinated road closures. You need safety boats in the water. It's a serious athletic event that showcases Winona Lake, but it takes an army of volunteers to run it. And then we move to late summer. August 1st is the start of sales for the fall displays. I love this fundraiser. It's so unique. Chris Williams chairs it. Basically, the club sells autumn. You pay a fee and the Optimist members will deliver hay bales, corn stalks, and pumpkins to your business or your front porch. And when you say deliver, you mean manual labor. I mean manual labor. Hauling hay bales is scratchy, heavy work, but it transforms the town. You drive through Warsaw in October and it looks festive because these members spend their August and September sweating to set it all up. And finally, the golf outing. September 8th, 2026, Chris Hansen and Chris McCray are leading that. That's your classic high networking fundraiser. But again, it all feeds the same pot. Whether it's hauling hay or hitting links, every dollar goes back to the youth. Now, speaking of youth, there is a deadline staring us right in the face right now. If you are listening and you have a teenager or you know a teacher, you need to pay attention to this next part. This is an immediate action item, the essay contest. The deadline is February 25th, 2026. That is just one week from today's meeting. Sherry Baniewski is the chair for this. And the topic this year is really profound. How my acts of service help me understand what community means to me. That is deep. Yeah. It's not just asking kids to brag about volunteering, it's asking them to analyze the impact of that volunteering on their own worldview. Exactly. It forces critical thinking. It's open to youth under 19. The essays need to be between 700 and 800 words. If you know a student who likes to write, nudge them. This is a scholarship opportunity, but it's also just a great exercise in self-reflection. And if they prefer talking to writing. Then you mark your calendar for March 29th. That's the oratorical contest chaired by Latricia Nichols. Public speaking is such a lost art and this club really keeps it alive. And what if you're not a writer or a speaker, but you just know a lot of random facts. Then you are perfect for the quiz bowl. That's coming up on March 10th. The club needs two teams of five people. So if you're the person who shouts answers at the TV during Jeopardy, step up. It really seems like there is a lane for everyone here. Whether you're an athlete for the triathlon, a car enthusiast, a writer, a trivia buff, or a goat handler. It's a portfolio approach to community service. They cast a wide net. Which brings us back to the people. We talked about the inductions on the 11th, but the pipeline is still full. The club uses this reading system for new members, right? You don't just get in overnight. Right, it's a vetting process, but it's also about commitment. You have to show up. Today, on February 18th, Logan Anderson had his third reading. Sponsored by Jim Smith and Angie Tom. A third reading usually means you were right at the finish line. Induction is imminent. And we had a first reading from Mariano Oliveri. And who sponsored him? Odd Schroeder. The goat guy. See? He brings the livestock and he brings the new members. That is efficiency. I love it. And we also had a repeat guest, Megan Davis. She was there on the 11th, and again today on the 18th. Megan, if you're listening, you've been twice. You know the drill. It's time to join. Seriously, Megan. You're already waking up at 6.30. Just pay the dues and get the badge. It's the logical next step. So what does this all mean? We've looked at the money, the goats, the awards, and the massive amount of work coming down the pike with the fundraisers. I think it paints a picture of a vibrant, living ecosystem. You know, they shared a did you know fact at the meeting today that I found really poignant. What was that? Winter encourages deeper thinking because shorter days promote reflection. That is beautiful. And very appropriate for February in Indiana. It is. And I think that's what we're seeing here. Amidst all the busyness, the club is reflecting on what matters. They're thinking deeply about how to keep kids safe with the Sheriff's program, how to spark curiosity with the aquariums, and how to build character with the contest. They aren't just going through the motions. They're building the community they want to live in. Exactly. And they closed the meeting with a quote from Audrey Hepburn. The best thing to hold onto in life is each other. That really sums it up, doesn't it? Whether you're holding onto a raffle ticket, a grant check, or, well, a goat, you're really holding onto each other. That's the spirit of the club. And on a practical note, there is one more thing you need to hold onto, or rather, let go of. What's that? Your checkbook. A friendly reminder to all members, pay your dues. It's $440 annually. That covers your breakfast, the OptiBullet, and the fees to Optimist International. And honestly, for the entertainment value of the Sheriff meeting the goats, that is a bargain. It really is. A huge thank you to the Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club for all the work you do, and for letting us recap your whirlwind of a week. And thank you to you, the listener, for tuning in to the OptiCast Recap. It's been a pleasure. Until next week, keep looking on the bright side. Take care.