Bruce Blanschen guest speaker for Optimists Club meeting

Bruce Blanschen, executive director of the Christian County YMCA, right, was the guest speaker for the Jan. 12 meeting of the Taylorville Optimist Club. He spoke about the many activities and plans for the coming year at the “Y.” With him is Optimist Club President Adam Vocks, left.

The Taylorville Optimist Club held its first meeting of the new year on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, in the Com- munity Room of the People’s Bank. President Adam Vocks called the meeting to order with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the morning prayer given by Pastor Steve Robinson.

Adam briefly reviewed a list of upcoming projects/ events for our club. Those include Essay and Oratorical Contests in the Spring; a Youth Appreciation Banquet in April; Salute to Law Enforcement in May; bike-a-thon in June; Fourth of July fireworks; pumpkin races during Chilifest in the fall; and more to be announced at a later date.

Speaker for the morning was Bruce Blanschen, Ex- ecutive Director of the Chris- tian County YMCA. Bruce gave a thorough report on recent events & activities at the “Y” and a great deal of information about the status of the “Y” in general.

Bruce started his report by stating that they were in good shape at the “Y,” thanks to the great support from the area businesses and financial support shown by the various communities in the county. Fundraising events are a mainstay of support as well as events such as the golf outing, sustaining drive, drive-through dinners, and the annual auction have been very successful. Gifts from other sources, such as the Hopper Foundation, have contributed to the “Y” for a newer bus in 2021 and an upgrade to the phone/computer systems in the building.

Bruce also reported that there are currently approximately 1300 member units making up 3,000 members. These members account for the many successful programs sponsored by the “Y.” He also recognized the new programs director Jodi VanUtyven for her leader-ship. The next fundraiser for the “Y” will be a drive-through meal on February 22. Tickets will soon be available.

As always, visitors and guests are welcome at any regular meeting of the Opti- mist Club. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at the People’s Bank. For more information, contact any club member or call 217- 827-5978.