The East Utica Optimist Club

February 2006 Bulletin #1

Bob the Turtle

Bob the Turtle visited the club at the January 26th meeting. Bob was accompanied by Nicole White, Publicity Director of the Utica Zoo. Bob is a native of North Africa and has resided at the Utica Zoo for the last six months. Apparently he was very comfortable at the meeting for he traveled around the room quite freely. We learned that the Utica Zoo is going forward with new exhibits, including an expanded primate habitat. Club members were saddened to learn of the death of Clarence, the bear. The Utica Zoo is looking for another bear. As with many other organizations, the Utica Zoo is in need of funding. The Utica Zoo is open all year. The club made a donation to the Utica Zoo. Here is a link to the Utica Zoo: http://www.uticazoo.org/.

From Fed DelGenio, Club Treasurer

If you are one of the 7 members who have not yet paid your membership dues, please do so as soon as possible.

Club Members Head South

Sam and Sandy Paniccia are wintering in The Villages, FL. Frank and Joan Scalise are headed to Florida. Diane and Mike Waskiewicz are also enjoying the sunshine and visiting their relatives, especially the grandson. Janice Okey just returned from a cruise. The butler stayed behind on the ship.

In Memorium

The mother of Don Leo passed away in January. Our sympathy to the entire Leo family.

Club Calendar

February 11

Don Guido has arranged for a group of students from Albany Street School to attend a Utica College basketball game. The children will be treated to soda and pizza after the game. Please call Don if you would like to help Don chaperon the students.

March 21

The club will host the Proctor High School Basketball team's banquet at the Radisson. The Proctor boys are 18-1 this year. The won the Onondaga League Championship.

Basketball Playoffs

The club will sponsor the concession stand at all Section III basketball playoff games held at Proctor. Call Diane Waskiewicz if you can work the concession stand.

Next Meeting

February 8, 6:30 PM at the Radisson. Richard Chancia, from Adelphia Communications, is the scheduled guest speaker. Hope to see you at the meeting.