Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo

10/29/2026

Today's meeting was all about fun and games as we celebrated Halloween. Many even dressed for the occasion. We had 3 different games/quizzes. The first was seeing who could name the most villains/monsters (if you didn't know the name, you got a half point if you knew what they were from), a quiz of general Halloween questions, and a quiz of Halloween-ish questions from movies. What villains/monsters would you have added?

Also below are more photos from the trip some of our members took with our OWLS 2nd grade class to Gull Meadow Farms.

10/28/2026

Please consider a visit to one of our gatherings or events. There’s always laughter and fun.

Come and find friendship and laughter. Being an Optimist changes your outlook on life! Visit optimist.org and be surrounded by joy.

10/23/2026

Tonight BOCK members, along with some friends, tied blankets for Bronson Children's Hospital. Also tonight, our progressive raffle was won and graciously donated back to the club.

10/21/2026

Hey, BOCK Members!

Just a reminder that tomorrow’s meeting will be in the evening at Jac’s on Westnedge at 5:30 PM!

We’ll be tying blankets for Bronson Children’s Hospital to help bring a little extra warmth and comfort to some very special kids.

Feel free to bring a friend! Not a member yet but thinking about joining us? You’re absolutely welcome, too! The more hands, the more love we can share!

Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!

Send a message to learn more

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.

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!

10/07/2026

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

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

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! 🎂🎉

09/18/2026

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