Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo

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Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo The Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo belongs to the Michigan District of Optimist International. Our Club was chartered on September 29, 1988.

We meet most Thursdays at 7:30 am at Mark's Diner, 677 Romence Road, Portage BOCK is also involved with the Optimist International Essay Contest - our Club works with Kalamazoo area schools and a scholarship is awarded to the winner. Holiday Food Drive & Adopt-a-Family Project - during the holiday season our Club works with different agencies to provide them with non-perishable food items and then we adopt 1-3 families or groups and supply them with gifts and food to give them a joyous holiday. Community Service - Our Club provides support to meet the needs of the community through projects, participating in the Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee, Edison School Garden project, sponsoring Girls on the Run, etc.

Last night members of BOCK packed 451 kid-friendly meals in under 30 minutes for Power Up Packs - ensuring kids on the a...
10/08/2026

Last night members of BOCK packed 451 kid-friendly meals in under 30 minutes for Power Up Packs - ensuring kids on the area have something to eat for the weekend.

Today’s guest speaker was Misty Merrick, Channel Development and Technology, Manager at Midwest Enterprises for the Blin...
10/08/2026

Today’s guest speaker was Misty Merrick, Channel Development and Technology, Manager at Midwest Enterprises for the Blind

MWEB started in 1993 with 5 employees. They currently have 18, most of which are visually impaired. Their employees build tables, chairs and shelves which are for sale on their website.

In 2020 they started a community outreach program, helping organizations such as the Kalamazoo Marathon (unpacking and grouping medals) and Family & Children Services (pack a camper program).

This past week they held the White Cane 5K. The White Cane 5K Fund races to shine a spotlight on blind and low-vision support in the Kalamazoo community and to raise community awareness concerning those who have visual impairments.

White Cane Safety Day is coming up on October 15. It originated in Michigan in 1937 and became a National Day in 1964. It’s a day to celebrate the achievements of people who are blind or visually impaired and the important symbol of blindness and tool of independence, the white cane.

--ongoing/future BOCK events--

OCTOBER
13 - Board Meeting
13 - Care Collective
15 - AM meeting - Stacy - OI CHAP
22 - PM Meeting - Blanket Tying
23 - OWLS Field Trip, Gull Meadow Farms
23 - Night of Fun, Family and Children Services
29 - AM Meeting - Fellowship - Halloween

November 2026
3 - Book Club - My Brother's Destroyer by Clayton Lindemuth
5 - AM Meeting -
10 - Board Meeting
11 - Power Up
12 - AM Meeting -
13/14 - District - Bay City
19 - AM Meeting - Thanksgiving Fellowship
26 - NO MEETING - Happy Thanksgiving!

BOCK members at the Kalamazoo County Senior Expo today, spreading optimisim.
10/07/2026

BOCK members at the Kalamazoo County Senior Expo today, spreading optimisim.

Today’s guest speaker was Dr. Michael Albani, Education Director of the Gilmore Car MuseumThey have 4 main programs:👉🏻Mo...
10/01/2026

Today’s guest speaker was Dr. Michael Albani, Education Director of the Gilmore Car Museum

They have 4 main programs:
👉🏻Model T driving experience, which is from May to October - 2027 dates are now open.
👉🏻Lecture Series during the winter - dates aren’t posted yet
👉🏻K-12 school groups - learn about the History of America through the Automobile
👉🏻Garage Works Program - high schoolers restore/build cars

When asked about what will be new in 2027:
🚗opening a new education center
🚗expanding muscle car exhibit
🚗a “James Bond type” car exhibit

--- New/updates —

Friendly reminder to open and read your weekly newsletter.

Care Collective, Senior expo, Trunk r treats, Care collective are looking for volunteers- see the newsletter for more details.

Looking for blankets for blanket tying on Oct 22. You can bring them to a morning meeting or drop them off to Cathalia at work. She’ll also take monetary donations to purchase blankets - her venmo will be in the next newsletter.

--future events–

OCTOBER
6 - Book Club - Grace of the Empire State by Gemma Tizzard
7 - Power Up
8 - AM meeting - Misty Merrick, Midwest Enterprises for the Blind
13 - Board Meeting
13 - Care Collective
17 - Trunk-or-Treat, Great Lakes Center for Autism
15 - AM meeting
22 - PM Meeting - Blanket Tying
29 - AM Meeting - Fellowship - Halloween

🎉 Happy 38th Birthday, BOCK! 🎉As we celebrate 38 years of Optimism and service to our community, we’re also celebrating ...
09/25/2026

🎉 Happy 38th Birthday, BOCK! 🎉

As we celebrate 38 years of Optimism and service to our community, we’re also celebrating an incredible year of accomplishments!

This past year, our members volunteered approximately 400 hours to our community through a variety of programs and activities, including:

⚡ Power Up
🤝 Care Care Collective
🧸 Blanket Tying for Bronson Children’s Hospital
📚 Book Gardens
🎒 Our Rights Start Campaign
⛳ Golf Outing
🎃 Trunk or Treats
🦉 OWLS Program with a 2nd grade classroom
✍️ Essay Contest
🎤 Oratorical Contest

We have so much to celebrate—not just another year, but the difference we have made together!

🏆 A BIG congratulations to our Optimist of the Year, Dave McKee! Your dedication and service are truly appreciated! Thank You for Your Service

A heartfelt thank-you to our outgoing 2025–26 officers for their leadership and service:
Diane – President
Bruce – Fundraising
Carmen – Membership
Jennifer – Secretary
Dan – Immediate Past President

Thank you to those continuing in their important roles:
Katie – Member Relations
Darci – Community Service & Youth Activities
Terri – Programs
Ralph – Treasurer/Secretary added role in 26/27
Dan – OIF Representative

We’re excited to welcome our new officers:
Stacy – President
Bob – Fundraising
Nancy – Membership
Bruce – President Elect
Diane – Immediate Past President

And finally, we’re excited to share Stacy’s theme for the year:

✨ “You Do You Optimistically!” ✨

Here’s to another year of friendship, service, and making a difference in the lives of others. Happy Birthday, BOCK! 🎂🎉

This morning's speaker was Nicole Waller from Children's Nature Playscape
09/18/2026

This morning's speaker was Nicole Waller from Children's Nature Playscape

It was a beautiful day for a golf outing. Thank you to all that made this a successful day - our sponsors & donors, tho...
09/13/2026

It was a beautiful day for a golf outing. Thank you to all that made this a successful day - our sponsors & donors, those that donated water & treats & prizes, the volunteers, Val, Dave & Cara for all the planning and of course, a special thanks to the golfers!

Today’s speaker was Sean Harris, Executive Director at the Recovery Institute. The Recovery Institute serves Kalamazoo ...
09/10/2026

Today’s speaker was Sean Harris, Executive Director at the Recovery Institute.

The Recovery Institute serves Kalamazoo County by offering peer support to people who have mental health and/or substance use concerns. They provide this service in the form of groups, classes, one-on-ones and social outings.

They have a free event this weekend in downtown Kalamazoo - flyer is in the photos.

--- New/updates —

A few things that were mentioned this morning that we will have more information in next week’s newsletter:

*Oct 17, Trunk-o-Treat, Great Lakes Center for Autism
*Sign-Ups for Power Up and Care Collective
*Oct 23, volunteers for our Comstock classroom field trip to Gull Meadow Farms
*Dues going up to $130

--- Past announcements - ongoing/future events–

SEPTEMBER
12 Golf Outing - Olde Mill Golf Course, 8 am registration, 9 am sh***un start
17 AM Meeting - Nicole Waller from Children's Nature Playscape
24 PM Meeting - Installation of Officers 2026-2027/Birthday Celebration

OCTOBER
1 - AM meeting - Nick LaCasse from the Gilmore Car Museum
6 - Book Club - Grace of the Empire State by Gemma Tizzard
7 - Power Up
8 - AM meeting - Misty Merrick, Midwest Enterprises for the Blind
13 - Board Meeting
13 - Care Collective
17 - Trunk-or-Treat, Great Lakes Center for Autism
15 - AM meeting -
22 - PM Meeting - Blanket Tying
29 - AM Meeting - Fellowship - Halloween

Our Annual Golf Outing benefiting Bronson’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic is just ONE week away—and so far, Mothe...
09/05/2026

Our Annual Golf Outing benefiting Bronson’s Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Clinic is just ONE week away—and so far, Mother Nature is looking like she’s planning to join us with some ☀️ perfect golf weather! ☀️

There are only TWO DAYS LEFT to sign up! So, while you’re gathered with friends and family this holiday weekend, round up your favorite golf buddies, build your foursome, and get ready to hit the links for a great cause. ❤️

Don’t miss your chance—sign up before it’s too late!
Registration form can be found online: https://bockzoo.org/fundraisers/

The Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo is at WMU Bronco Bash! Come visit our membership table to win a free breakfast.
09/01/2026

The Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo is at WMU Bronco Bash! Come visit our membership table to win a free breakfast.

Address

PO Box 16
Portage, MI
49081

Opening Hours

9am - 8:30am

Telephone

269-217-6025

Website

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