Terre Haute Breakfast Optimist Club

10/24/2026

Big thank you to Rich, Tom . John, Chris, Matt. For helping out this evening at Trunk or treat in Haunted Haute. Also thank you to everyone who donated candy. We ran out of candy about 7:50 pm

10/07/2026

Judge Matthew Sheehan was our guest speaker at our breakfast meeting last Thursday. He provided interesting information about the court and our local justice system. Please, he answered numerous questions from club members.

Thank you, Judge Sheehan.

Club President Owen Davenport is pictured with Judge Sheehan.

09/29/2026

Our 2026 Chili Cook-Off was a fun time for everyone involved and a huge success. We'd like to thank all who sponsored, those who cooked and served chili, and the hundreds of people who attended.

Here's our list of winners:

Best Chili:
1st Place: Riley Lions Club
2nd Place: Johnny Vaughn for Vigo County Prosecutor
3rd Place: J & L Engineering

People's Choice Chili:
1st Place: Indiana Santa Clause Society
2nd Place: Sycamore Engineering
3rd Place: Terre Haute South Culinary Club

Hottest Chili:
1st Place: Clay County Optimist Club
2nd Place: Riley Lions Club
3rd Place: Indiana Society of the Sons of the American Revolution

Best Showmanship:
1st Place: Riley Lions Club
2nd Place: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Newlin-Miller Property Management
3rd Place: Indiana Santa Claus Society

Best High School Club Chili:

1st Place Tie:
Terre Haute North Vigo Culinary Club
Terre Haute South Vigo Culinary Club

Congratulations to all of our winners -- and thank you to all who participated!

09/04/2026

Myla Cottom, owner of Dog It Dig It Rescue, was our guest speaker at our meeting this morning. She described the history of rescue, their mission, how they operate, and how they adopted (found new homes for) over 350 dogs in 2025.

The members had plenty of questions, which Myla took ample time in providing detailed answers. We thank Myla for taking time out of her busy schedule to attend our meeting.

Member Tom Bogigian (left) and Myla Cottom are shown in the picture.

07/30/2026

Our guest speaker today was Tim Cunningham the Vigo County Veteran Service Office.

Tim explained how he and his team assist local veterans get the disability benefits that they are entitled to receive.

Several members at the meeting expressed gratitude for the assistance they have received in the past from Tim.

We'd like to thank Tim for making time from his busy schedule for us.

07/29/2026

07/23/2026

Thank you to our speakers this morning from Renees Thrift store. Doug Bates Board member invited them along with his granddaugther.

07/02/2026

Thank you to Bill Behnke for bringing in weapons used during the Revolutionary war. Also in the picture member Joshua Marsh

06/27/2026

We had two speakers at our June 25th meeting:

Megan Rubey told us about the Coordinated Health Program's Weekend Meal programs that provides meals to food-challenged school children for Saturdays and Sundays.

Katrina Doty provided information about the West Vigo Middle School Theater Club. Shara Enyeart from the club also attended and assisted.

We'd like to thank both speakers for making time to attend our meeting and educate us.

06/11/2026

Eve Friedman-Dekro from the Terre Haute Mayor's Office was our guest speaker at today's weekly Breakfast Meeting.

She educated club members about the city's Birthday on the Bash celebration of our nation's 250th birthday, which will take place at Fairbanks Park on June 27.

The attached picture shows today's guests: Jake Nation, Brynn Royal, and Eve Friedman-Dekro, all from the Mayor's Office.

Guests are always welcome to join our weekly meetings held every Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at Cackleberries.

Next week's guest speaker will be Shikah Bhattacharia from reTHink, Inc.