JC Breakfast Optimist Club members on Wednesday recognized Jeff Childs as the club’s quarterly recipient of the Making A Difference For Youth Award. The purpose of the award is to recognize a Geary County resident who has been a volunteer, had a positive influence on youth and reflects the character represented in The Optimist Creed. Some of those ideals are, but are not limited to: being respectful to themselves and others in words and actions; is a person of integrity and is respected by others; is enthusiastic about the success of youth and strives to help them be successful; has demonstrated volunteer work that makes a difference in youth is a priority by volunteering for at least five consecutive years
Dana Wiegand, Chairperson of the Making A Difference For Youth Award and Joe Handlos both spoke about Jeff’s many contributions to Geary County Girls Softball and Junction City Blue Jay Football. Joe stated that Jeff has organized the players, coaches, helped manage the care of the playing field at the Fair Grounds west of Junction City and coached players. He was one of the founders of Junior Jays Football for youth. Jeff Childs is a retired Junction City Police Officer and teaches Law and Public Safety at Junction City High School.
Dana shared that one parent told her “Jeff inspired all the girls on the team. Our daughter was not the best player, but Jeff encouraged her to always do her best.” Many softball moms said, “If it were not for Jeff, Geary County Girls Softball would not exist. He gives his all to this program and provides the young girls in our community not only with the softball skills needed, but also teaches them life skills.”
Long time member of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club and former Lt. Governor for the District of Kansas, Don Haffner, was recognized for his contribution to the Dime A Day program. The money for the Dime A Day program is the Optimist Foundation’s way of funding research for childhood cancer and other youth needs. Don received a pin from the local Club President, Don Manley, for his support.
Lonnie Clark, member of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club was the guest speaker at the October 20 meeting. He shared that the entire Optimist Creed has meaning to him, but the one sentence that is special is “Promise Yourself: to look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.” Even though he did not know the Creed while serving with the Marine’s in Viet Nam, it was during combat with the Viet Cong when Lonnie reflected on that attitude to get through dangerous situations.
Lonnie Clark grew up in Junction City where he was the first baby born in the hospital on January 1, 1944. His mother died when he was about nine years old. He was raised by his grandparents on East First Street. Lonnie remembered seeing a tattoo with the Marine Corps insignia on the arm of one of his high school teachers, Charlie Fiffe. Lonnie thought that might be a good opportunity for him after graduation. Lonnie left for the Marine’s without telling his grandmother. When he did make contact, he simply said “I won’t be home for dinner tonight, I have joined the Marines.”
Following his term of service in the Marines, Lonnie used the GI Bill to go to college with the intent of becoming a teacher. However, following graduation he was offered a job at Drake University to become an Assistant Athletic Trainer and eventually became the Head Trainer where he worked for 27 years. After moving back to Junction City, Lonnie was elected to and serves as the 65th District Representative in the Kansas House of Representatives