Welcome back Optimists to the year 2021…we kicked off our outdoor eating adventures at Bay Books last Saturday, but tonight between 5 and 6:30pm…we will do take out at The Brigantine.
There were about 23 early risers this morning for our first meeting of the year. Carla shared a prayer and Bob Sheridan led us in the pledge of allegiance.
We lost two of our dear friends over the holidays: Jim Cooper and Jim Cartwright. Jim Cooper’s zoom memorial was held last week with many Optimists in attendance. Jim was brought in by Charter member, Dave Nash. Jim was involved in a variety of positions in the club, but the one most of us will remember him for…his assistance to the Ding Master and fine collector.
Jim Cartwright passed away on Dec 29th. Bob Kennelly shared his memories of Jim. Bob remembers Jim fondly from the US Naval Academy Class of 1959 and Bob Class of 1962(also Sheridan was in the academy same time class of 1960) Jim and Bob flew the same planes with other Optimists Zeke Zalude and Ted Krohne. Bob and Jim were both part of the Air Wing of the USS Kitty Hawk in 1975. Bob said Jim will be remembered as a caring and kind friend and great greeter at our Optimist meetings.
Quote of the day: “An optimist stays up until midnight to see the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” William Vaughn
December Trivia champions: Roy Mantz and Don Crawford…answer 1st ghost in A Christmas Carol was Jacob Marley.
AKPATCHauthor.com | APATCH2@cox.net email
Today’s speaker Dr. Patch is rejoining us today as he was a prior speaker when we met in person. A retired Navy Captain and author. Dr. Patch arrived to San Diego from Boston in 1982 as a newly commissioned lieutenant in the UNITED STATES NAVY. He grew up in Massachusetts, earned a B.S. in Biology from Boston College, a DMD degree from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and enjoyed four active-duty years. . Since retiring from the Navy in 2004, he has moved into the arena of novel writing, drawing from historical knowledge, travel, and interests in mythology and science.
Dr. Patch shared his travels to Greece from where many of his characters go during the trilogy in his books. The idea of the book came as Dr. Patch was with family in the catacombs of France and he bumped into a skull. NEVER TOUCH THE BONES… a story was born. His book is described as a paranormal thriller. The characters Esmeralda and Remy Alares visit the Paris Catacombs and should have paid more attention to the instructions: DON’T TOUCH THE BONES
What happens next will test all they thought sacred.
BRAGS
Cynthia bragged she made her quota for sales on the first day of the New Year.
Rob bragged on Carla, The Cargils, The Cavanaughs and Diana for the holiday zoom video and fun.
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
The Board of Directors’ next meeting was rescheduled to Monday, January 11. The main topic will be bylaws and policies. All members are welcome to attend; we will have ZOOM access for those interested.
ESSAY and ORATORICAL competition coming up…Carla and Diana are chairing the Oratorical and Dave Bean has stepped up to chair the essay competition.
ANNIVERSARIES 1- 13 JAN
Jan 3 Evan Piritz, 8 years, brought in by Bruce Johnson
Jan 10 Richard Owens, 9 years, brought in by Gooch Goetschius
BIRTHDAYS 1- 13 JAN
Jan 11 – Roy Mantz, born in Los Angeles, CA
Jan 12 – Bo Blumenthal, born in Coronado, CA
Jan 13 – Larry Kracht, born in Westside, IA
Jan 13 – Leslie Crawford Bethesda, MD
NEXT WEEK’S SPEAKER: Optimist Tom Catlin’s Emmy winning interview with a Navy SEAL