By Dr. Ferrell Miller
JC Breakfast Optimists
The JC Breakfast Optimist Club recognizes community members who have made a significant contribution to youth in Geary County. The person being recognizes must have volunteered to work with and for youth and their families for at least five years and be someone who is 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 and has demonstrated volunteer work that makes a difference in youth as a priority. These criteria are based on The Optimist Creed.
Joe Handlos lives The Optimist Creed. Even though he has worked with youth as a teacher and Principal at Fort Riley Middle School, there have been many different volunteer opportunities in which he participated that benefited not only the young people in Geary County, but also their families.
The JC Breakfast Optimist Club appreciates our colleague who has given so much time to help create safe bike routes in Junction City; provided bicycle training at schools; was an integral part of the important work of Live Well Geary County; served and/or delivered meals to needy families and helped create and develop the greenhouse and plant sales at Westwood School. Even on the hottest of Kansas days he helped manage and serve others by carrying bags of fresh fruits and vegetables to cars at the Farmer’s Market. He is an advocate for eating healthy foods and models that advocacy not only for youth, but anyone who will listen.
Joe Handlos has been the Treasurer of the JC Breakfast Optimist Club since 2015. He is most deserving of recognition as a person who makes a difference for youth.