October 1, 2008

Optimists:
 
    It has been a pleasure to serve you as District Governor for the past year. And what a year! Visits and friendships and places I've never seen before - to share your projects and club meetings with you has been so fulfilling for Liz and I, and thank you for the billets and rides around your cities and towns, it has been so rewarding to us.
 
    Then to have the great Optimists of this great District come together and have a positive growth for the year of +27 members is overwhelming.
 
    The telephone calls of encouragement and self assurance, the well wishes during a very trying heart problem that culminated in surgery that I was told I wouldn't survive but it was all I had left to hope for, the old and new friendships that have been created.
 
   
    It is people like you the great Optimists of our District that have helped this District to where we are today. But remember, the competition and recognition and awards are nothing - NOTHING - compared to the smiles on the faces of the people and children we serve.
 
    Monday night I bought a Saskatoon pie and a pecan pie at the store and went to the Senior's Manor were my mother lived before her death. All the resident's were excited to see me (and the pies), and their first question was "are those nice Optimists cooking us seniors a free Christmas supper again this year?', do you see what gives me the warm and fuzzy feeling?
 
    I am so proud of all of you and so happy that you have achieved our District goals.
 
    President Theo Golding called to congratulate our District on our great year.
 
    Vice President Chris is so excited for us and promises to be in our attendance at a board meeting soon. You see - you have left an impression on these people from far away - so much so that they are happy for us and our accomplishments.
 
    Each and every one of you can puff out your chest today and accept a big THANK YOU!
 
Through the Eyes of A Child

Past Governor Norm    

August 26, 2008

Hello Friends.

I could not be sure if I would be in your attendance this evening – and I have been warned that while public speaking that my emotions can vary from uncontrollable laughter on items that are not even funny to crying like a little baby. So I thought this presentation would be the best and that we all could feel that your leader was in your midst.

We have had all the themes this year- from the very successful Super Hero for Kids in Red Deer (my second home) to VP Jernigan’s Heroes my Road to Success and Through the Eyes of A Child. Themes are nice and they tend to help us fulfill our goals.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our many members and spouses within this District who have given us their heartfelt wishes, prayers, telephone calls, emails, accommodations and warm friendships while we traveled the District or had become with some health misfortunes.

DST Don and Norine, the hand-picked LG’s and Committee Chairs it has been a hell of a year, everything is so close to meeting International goals that I would feel badly if we didn’t obtain the lofty status of Outstanding Distinguished District. You and all the members of this great AMSNW District deserve the recognition.

Liz, I bet you had no idea what kind of a year awaited you as First Lady, nurse, your 3 levels of Optimist duties and operator of my three businesses. Thank you and I Love you.

And if some of our newer members will allow me a moment – I want to especially thank Past Governors, my mentors and my friends Harry Bauer and Elmer Youck.

If you recall some of my previous addresses or personal conversations I promised you that I would lead this District by example – but that if I stumbled along the way I asked you to carry me across the finish line with you, I never thought it would get to this extreme, nor did you, let’s see what we are made of because the finish line is seven weeks ahead.

As Governor, if my public speaking has not motivated you as member then I have failed you.

If your Zone Lt. Governor might not been able to attend your club’s every project or function you might feel betrayed.

I was bombarded on one of my visits to a club Dinner Meeting and a member said the District does not communicate with them on a personal note. It turned out the Club Officer Report had not been submitted so the District or Optimist International had no chance – none, of communicating.

Some have told me in my traveling the District that their fellow club members are old, lazy and offer nothing to the club.

When I wake every morning and shower, shave. brush and freshen up and take a look into the large bathroom mirror and I smile and think of someone that I can make happy today. As I reach the front door of the house I am now happy and pumped. That someone that I will greet today may otherwise have no one or nothing to look forward to today.

AS I have mentioned before as a farm boy we were taught to not put on heirs and don’t hide behind pillars. I was taught to love my family and to love myself. If you don’t like yourself – how can anyone like you?

So if your club members are old and lazy THEN YOU go sign some younger industrious members who will bring new ideas

And seek out who the Lt. Gov’s and District personnel are – don’t wait for them come to you.

And your Lt. Governor couldn’t possibly attend every function in their Zone and balance family, work and his own club work.

So if you feel that our organization isn’t meeting your standards do one of the following 2 things:
1 – Quit and get out of the way before the rest of us run you over.

OR BETTER YET

2 – Buy a new mirror.

I had a couple closing jokes but I’m in a serious mood now so I will share them later.

In closing, my mother didn’t put on heirs or hide behind pillars; she would shoot from the hip, embarrassing people sometimes & then would put her arms around them and showed them their strengths and encouraged them.

And she would say that maybe we spend too much time trying to achieve success that we forget to appreciate the success we have just attained (if only for a moment).

Liz and I love all of you – we are better people to have grown to know each of you thank you for allowing us to extend our hand in friendship.

Seven more weeks – we are all in this together – our communities and the children that live within them need us. Let’s make our moves positive ones – it’s catchy.

Through the Eyes of A Child – they are watching us.
 

July 11, 2008

Another New Club in Town

Another Optimist Club is formed for the Red Deer area. Lt. Governor Darryl Sim reported that at the Organizational Meeting of July 10th that 27 members have already signed and twenty five more are prepared to join. Congratulations to the organizing club – President Les and the members of The Optimist Club of Red Deer.

Six short weeks and we will gather in Red Deer for the Annual District Convention. Be sure to register early and reserve your hotel rooms. It would be great to see everyone again and meet the new members who may attend!

Our District needs a final push of new members and new clubs to obtain distinguished status for the 3rd year in a row. They know who we are in St. Louis and are counting on us to succeed again. Remember my ‘Road to Success’? – we are well on our course.

We hope to see all of our Optimist friends in Red Deer in August.

Through the Eyes of A Child
Governor Norm


May 8, 2008

Thank you for Caring

A special thank you to my Optimist friends for the prayers, cards, visits, e-mails, telephone calls et al during my recent health problem. I am slowly mending and preparing for a multiple bypass in two to three months.

And wasn’t the May 2 & 3rd Board Meeting in Calgary a great time. Congratulations to the committee that hosted the event for a well organized and warm weekend.

Now just because the Governor is slowed down a little – doesn’t mean the children and the communities they live in have to wait for ME to get better. They are counting on YOU to provide them with the same service that you have provided others in the past, And while you are doing that, why not sign a couple of new members or introduce a new club into another community. We cannot do it alone, we need more hands and more ideas and this can come from new people, right? You know the routine so let’s practice it.

Through the Eyes of A Child
Governor Norm



April 6, 2008

Traveling the District

What a great two weeks we had traveling through parts of the AMSNW District.

On March 10th we visited the Regina Downtowners Annual Band Festival where over 180 young bands participated. That night we attended the Regina Optimist club meeting.

The next day we attended the Regina Sundown meeting.

On Wednesday we were the guests of the Regina High Noon club meeting.

Liz and I catered a 6 and under Hockey Tournament breakfast with our own Davidson club on Saturday morning – then in the car and traveled to Medicine Hat for a dinner with the Medicine Hat Optimist Club. Ted and Donna gave us a tour of projects they sponsored in their city.

Sunday afternoon I met with the new Gas City Optimist Club and presented a PGI Module.

The next day we motored to Havre where President Jody provided us with a tour of their city and the ongoing projects that they perform.

On Tuesday we attended the Optimist Club of Havre noon meeting and then drove to Great Falls where we met for coffee with Uptown President Darla in the mid afternoon. Then it was off to Helena and dinner with some members of the Capital City Club. The next morning bright and early we attended the breakfast meeting of the same Capital City Club. Then Dan gave us a tour of their city in the morning.

At noon we visited the Optimist Club of Helena lunch meeting and drove back to Great Falls for a joint dinner with the Great Falls P.M. and Great Falls clubs.

We were fortunate to billet at Dan & Sue’s the next two evenings. On Thursday morning and afternoon Brett from The Uptown Optimist Club guided us to various club sponsored facilities.

That evening we attended the Uptown dinner meeting and then back to Dan & Sue’s for the evening.

The next morning we drove back to Medicine Hat and visited with Roy and Addy.

Saturday morning Liz and I were treated to a project ‘in the making’ sponsored by the Gas City Club.

We returned home that evening of March 22nd to a well deserved rest for a day or two.

Thanks to everyone for making us so welcome.

Through the Eyes of a Child
Governor Norm

<Something Special from Ocho Rios>

February 19, 2008

Could it get any Better?

A new Optimist Club in December, another club in February, the International President visits our District and our 2nd Quarter Conference was a resounding success!

Welcome the Gas City Optimist Club of Medicine Hat and the Futures Optimist Club of Red Deer to our District!

OI President Theo Golding was warmly welcomed by over 150 Optimists at the well organized Board Meeting in Moose Jaw.

Over 25 ‘first timers’ attended the Board Meeting. WOW! And the presenters of the exciting workshops, showing off new ideas and refining important programs that are soon approaching, really showed their talents.

Members, new and old, have been applauding the overall success of the Conference.

Are we doing something right? You bet we are and the success is only beginning!

Congratulations to the Builders of Excellence – Duane Kelly, Liz Sagen, Norman Sagen, Norm Cooper and James Hornett.

They are starting to come to board meetings from everywhere: Roundup, Arcola, Maskwachees, Gas City (Medicine Hat) and Bozeman.

We are going to their cities and towns like Glasgow, Fairview and Plentywood.

It just seems the momentum is building and the public is responding. Mayors are joining the club in their cities, the media is co-operating and promoting us at every opportunity.

To nice people who deserve a plug: Debbie Ettleman, Elmer Hilgers, Debbie Merriam, Melissa St. Cyr, Keivin Wallace, Brian Wallace, Christine Boychuk-Rensby, Keith Lea, John Reinert, Tamara Read, Jim Nicholson, Gavin McCluey, Murray and Debbie Croteau, the members of the Brailtone choir, Jay Brookie, Gary Cross, Arnie Seida, Leanne Hanson, Martin Bailey, Tracey Larocque and Albert Kuxhaus.

Could it get any better? With your help and optimism I know it can get better. I can hardly wait!

Through the Eyes of A Child
Governor Norm


December 2, 2007

What a wonderful visit with the Alberta clubs last week. All clubs are healthy and a couple that are struggling a little have a renewed interest of restructuring themselves.

I was especially impressed with the Brailtone club – what a heartfelt Christmas Concert they presented to us!

New clubs are near completion in Medicine Hat and Red Deer. New members were signing so they may help their clubs, communities and the children that live within them.

Next on my agenda of visitations are Wolf Point, Glasgow and Fairview on December 8, 2007, I look forward to meeting new people and renewing acquaintances with old friends.

Remember to review the ‘Hit for the Cycle’ promotion. (just above)

Get your registrations filled out and sent in for the 2nd Quarter Board Meeting in Moose Jaw on February 15-16, 2008. Book rooms early as I anticipate a large attendance. Rumor is a ‘Jail & Bail’ will highlight the noon luncheon. Create your group or consortium to help bail out the unfortunate victims in a fundraiser for the OI Foundation.

It would be appropriate to bring newer members to the Moose Jaw Conference as their will be an abundance of workshops with a different twist and new ideas. Clubs in Roundup, Glasgow, Maskwachees, Fairview, etc would definitely benefit from this event!

Next update will appear just before Christmas. As a great Christmas gift – invite a friend to join your club and keep them busy having the same fun and fellowship that you create – don’t be selfish and share your knowledge, effort and happiness!

Through the Eyes of A Child
Governor Norm
 

October 28, 2007

What a Super Start to the New Year
 
 For those unable to attend the Cody Board Meeting – you missed a great one! Good fellowship, great workshops and even some laughter.
 
The noon luncheon gave us the opportunity to smuck pies in the face of Past Distinguished Governor Don and Past Governor Roger’s face as a fundraiser for the OI Foundation. But the action really heated up when the bidding started for the pie to be sold ‘at large’ and the lucky bidder was the group headed up by Gary Cross. He quickly chose a Twisted Sister (Liz Sagen) and proceeded to smash the pie in her face. About $2,000.00 was raised for this fundraiser.
 
OI Vice President Chris Jernigan and his wife Marlene were welcome guests that fit into our District with ease.
 
The banquet hosted by the Cody members was in Western attire and proved to be entertaining.
 
We have been visiting clubs and installing boards and inducting new members at Regina Downtowners, Saskatoon Bridge City, Duval, Govan, Davidson, Arcola, and Regina High Noon. Next up are the Regina Optimist Club, Zone 8 & 9 Meeting, Zone 6 Meeting, Medicine Hat & All Nations, Calgary clubs, Red Deer, Red Deer Piper Creek, Zone 5 Meeting, Brailtone and Border City Lloydminster.
 
And that just takes us to the third week of November!
 
We hope to see as many of our great members during our travels as we can. By the way – I do have 2 real jobs.
 
Remember to look at everything ‘Through the Eyes of A Child’, it may be enlightening what you may see.
 
Governor Norm

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October 14, 2007

Thank you to everyone who contributed in any way to the success of the 1st Qr. Board Meeting in Cody, WY.
 
I have heard from many members that they thoroughly enjoyed the Conference.
 
Special thanks to Debbie Ettleman and the Cody members for the organization of the event,
 
Special thanks to Debbie Ettleman and Lt. Gov. Ted Huber for the MC jobs.
 
Special thanks to the pie recipients - Don, Roger and Liz - you are good sports.
 
Through the Eyes of a Child
Governor Norm

October 14, 2007

A special thank you from Don Morrison.

Well, I think you did it!

It appears that AMS & NW is set to become a Distinguished District for the 2nd year in a row.

All that needs  finishing now, is a small amount of paperwork, and some outstanding dues to be paid ,and we are there.

It takes a team of dedicated Optimists to achive what you did this year. I am very appreciative of the hard work and determination that you showed over the past year.

To the District Board of Directors, the 2006 - 2007 Growth Team,  Governor Norm, 2006 - 2007 Commitee Chair's, Thank you for giving me the opportunity to lead our great organization over the past year. Thank you for having faith in me. I tried not to let any of you down.

To each and every one of the members of our fine District, thank you for helping us grow our organization. If you were able to join us at one of our Quarterly Board Meetings, attend any of  our training sessions, or a Zone Meeting, help bring in a new member, thank you for taking the time from your busy schedules to help your District.

That's a lot of thank you's. You deserve them.

One last thank you. I say it on behalf of the thousands of children in our District that we have touched over the past year.I know they appreciate all of our efforts.

Past Governor Don Morrison

Are we ready to Serve?

The new Optimist year has arrived and children and communities await us.

First we would like to congratulate Past Governor Don and our great District on becoming ‘Distinguished’. This accomplishment only comes with everyone contributing in each and every way, so congratulations to all our members.

This year’s District theme is ‘Through the Eyes of a Child’ as depicted by the picture and logo on our District pin and Directory.

Our Lt. Governors and Committee Chairs are anxious and prepared to serve, do not hesitate to involve them with the plans of your club in their respective duties.

Liz and I are filling up our travel schedule very quickly. Our first major trip will be the third week of November through Alberta and we will visit as many clubs and Zone meetings as possible. We are prepared to billet as hotel rooms have little hospitality compared to our fellow members.

The 1st Quarter Board Meeting in Cody, WY is fast approaching on October 19-20, 2007 and the members there have been planning for almost a year. Let’s not disappoint them and attend in large numbers for this gala presentation.

The Lt. Gov’s will be receiving their supply of District Directories and pins in Cody and will get them to clubs shortly.
 Thank you for entrusting me to lead you through the coming year, but a leader needs other leaders to help them along, and believe me I need your help and participation in any small way that you may make available. Because you are really not helping me – you are helping your community and the children that live within them.

Through the Eyes of a Child

Governor Norm

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Norm Sagen
--------------------------------------------------------------------September 18, 2007

Hello fellow AMS & NW Optimists.

We are now into the home stretch of the 2006 - 2007 Optimist year and we are going to need your help in the next few days to achieve positive membership growth for this year. As it stands right now, our District is showing minus 17 members. It's not an insurmountable number of new members that we need to bring into the District. I am asking you to act now if you know of someone who would be a great addition to our organization.

I know I can count on you all! It's crunch time.

We do have some incentives for any club that does bring in new members for our final race of the year. From Aug 15th to Oct. 19th, the club with the highest percentage growth for the period ,without cutting any members, will be declared the winner. And what do they win you ask? Their First Quarter District dues! We also intend to add some other prizes in the near future. Billings Breakfast won our last race , taking away a DVD player and a TV, as well as their District Dues. SO, THE RACE IS ON !

Each member that does bring in someone new, will receive an AMS & NW 2006 - 2007 commemorative glass. You can't get these glasses anywhere else. It would be great if I could present one to each and everyone of you.

To quote Optimist International President Ronnie," If you

are not growing, you are dying."

My hope is that you will join with me in keeping our District growing. The Children in our District need our help now.

Feel the Enthusiasm

Don

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August 30, 2007

What a great District Convention !
 
I think I can speak for everyone who attended our District Convention in Great Falls.
 
Our weekend started on Wednesday with a B-B-Q for the incoming District Team, hosted by Zane and Jodi Paulson.
Optimist International Director Mile Allen was also able to join us for some excellent food and fellowship.
Thanks Zane and Jodi for opening your home to us.
 
On Thursday, the Leadership Development Team  spent the day training the incoming Lt. Governors. I can say that we had a very good group to work with and I believe that they are well trained and ready to start their duties to represent their Zones in the District.
 
After the Dist. Board meeting on Thursday evening, Norine and I were invited to the Past Governors dinner. I can say they are a great bunch and we should be proud that they helped shape our district to what it is today.
 
After the dinner we headed to the hotel for a 'Mixer'. We missed the Human Bingo but Norine and I were able to sit back and relax and say hello to most of the members present.
 
Friday morning we started the business end of a convention. I think the meeting  went quite well and we accomplished what we needed to get done. Friday afternoon there were 6 different workshops that Optimist members could attend. I believe the workshops were informative and well attended.
 
Friday night we found ourselves in ' Margaritaville'. What a time ! Music, dancing, food, fun and fellowship. Enough said.
 
Saturday morning it was back to business. Our growth team put on a great presentation and it was here that we announced who won the race for the largest percentage membership increase from May to Aug. 17th.
Please join me in congratulating the Billings Breakfast Club. They were the eventual winners in a very hotly contested  race. The Breakfast Club won a DVD player, a flat screen TV as well as their first Quarter Dist. dues.  Thank-you to everyone who brought in a new member to our district to help us grow.
 
We also announced on Sat. the start of our next race. It will run from Aug 18th to Oct 18th. Again, the AMS & NW club, that has the highest percentage of NET growth will be the winner The rules will be posted on the Web site shortly. . What will they win? Well, first of all they will again win their first quarter district dues. More prizes will be added soon.
 
I also announced on Sat. another incentive.  We commissioned the creation of the 2006 -2007 AMS & NW District collector glass, which you will receive when you bring out a new member to our district from Aug. 17th to Sept. 30th. We have already distributed a number of these glasses  and I hope that our members will want to start their own collection.
 
Great Falls, Thank You.
 
As I said Saturday evening, this was the best District Convention ever!
 
Don
 
Feel the Enthusiasm
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July 26, 2007

Greetings all.
 
I hope everyone has had a great summer so far. Man it's been hot! One of my customers at the gas station said to some other customers that were complaining about the heat '' Yea it's hot, but you don't have to shovel heat!"
 
Anyway, we will all gather in the great city of Great Falls soon. You should have received by now the agenda for the weekend.
 
 As you can probably tell, it's going to be a fun District Convention for everyone who attends. Dan Petersen and his committee have planned a great weekend for us all.
 
Our convention is also a time for the District Executive to assess where we are, as far as achieving our district goals.
 
In order to get AMS&NW into positive growth for membership, the district needs your help NOW!
 
Lt. Governors, will you please, personally, call EACH one of your Club Presidents, and invite him/her to Great Falls? Club presidents are the Spark- Plugs of our organization and we need them in Great Falls for training as well as helping us to help the district Grow. I will also be calling them to invite them as well.

While you are talking to the Club Presidents, remind them of the ' Race is On' contest. Please go to the AMS&NW web site to see where your clubs are and to see what else has been added for prizes. Some clubs could add just one or two members and come out on top.
 
Committee Chairs, with the addition of 4 new clubs it is probable that we will have a few First Timers. Corner Gas is an opportunity we have to show them what we can do as a District. Please have your displays ready before the Friday meeting is called to order. Yes, I will have the coins so the members will be able to get a coffee.
 
Our Growth Team, as usual,  has another excellent presentation for us on Saturday. We again will be stressing GROWTH.
 
With the momentum we have, as well as the Enthusiasm our District has, we should be able to easily meet our goals and have another year of positive growth.
 
See you all soon in Great Falls
 
Governor Don
 
Feel the Enthusiasm

June 10, 2007

Hello fellow Optimists. I know it's been a while since I updated the newsletter. My apologies.

Our district is growing! With the addition of the new Maskwachees and Round Up clubs, our District is on a roll. We should soon see more growth with Glasgow, Mont., Williston ND., as well as a new club in Saskatoon.

I would like to thank all of our members who are working so hard to keep AMS&NW growing and healthy by building new clubs as well as those members that are sponsoring new members in their own clubs. I really do appreciate it. So do all the kids we help!

The 3rd Quarter Board meeting in Saskatoon was a huge success. Thanks to Debbie Croteau as well as the Saskatoon Optimists who did such a great job organizing our event.

I had the pleasure to attend the Charter Banquet of the Maskwachees Optimist Club in May. I'm sure all of those who attended the banquet were as impressed as I was. It was a great celebration attended by over 100 Optimists and guests. They are a great addition to our District.

That same weekend I attended the JOOI convention in Red Deer. The JOOI kids put on a great meeting. They shared their ideas and thoughts about the JOOI District with us. For me and the others that attended, I was a great learning experience. Thanks to Governor Asha for inviting me to your Convention.

That's about all for now. From now on, I promise more frequent updates.

Don

Feel the Enthusiasm
 

December 16, 2006

FEELING THE AMS&NW ENTHUSIASM

Hello, fellow Optimists!

I have to tell you all what a pleasure it is for me to be your Governor. The past two and a half months have gone by way too fast!
Norm, Liz and I made a trip down to Montana in the last part of November. We were able to visit 7 clubs in three days. We would not have been able to make the trip without the help of Membership Chair Doug Kirby and the Billings, Bozeman, and Cody,Wo. clubs. The welcome we received at each club was amazing. Thanks for having us.

The 2nd Quarter board meeting in Medicine Hat is approaching quickly. Registration forms are now available on our web site. I would encourage you all to try and attend as we will be trying out a few ideas we learned at the DMM 1st Quarter board meeting. Our growth team has been working hard to put on another GREAT presentation. Also, our OI Vice-President Ken Johnson will be joining us for this meeting. I will give you more information about Ken in the next newsletter.

At this time of the year, I would like to wish each and everyone of you , from our family to yours, a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR.

Don

FEEL THE ENTHUSIASM
FUEL THE OPTIMISM
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November 19, 2006

FEELING THE AMS&NW ENTHUSIASM

I've had a great month as your District Governor.

From the 1st Quarter Board Meeting in Billings, to now, I have met some great Optimists. I enjoy coming to your area and meeting as many of you as I can.  Thank you for inviting me to your meetings and functions.

Our 1st Quarter meeting in Billings was a great success. I have to thank again Lt. Governor Jay Strever, Past Governor Debbie Ettelman, and the rest of the Billings area Optimist Clubs for their hard work.

For those of you that were in Billings, you know I have to thank our Growth Team of Past Governor Roger Lesofski, New Club Building Chair Edie McInnes, and Membership Chair Doug Kirby, for a fantastic presentation.

DST Norm and I accepted an invitation to attend the 1st Quarter Board meeting of the DMM District in Grand Forks, North Dakota Nov. 3rd.and 4th. Our Districts have a lot of similarities, and share some of the same challenges. Norm and I brought back some ideas we would like to try in our District. Next week Norm, JOOI chairperson Liz and I will be traveling to Zones 2&4 for some club visitations. I want to try and visit as many clubs as I can during the year.

Remember, It’s all about the kids.

FEEL THE ENTHUSIASM
FUEL THE OPTIMISM

Governor Don


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October 10, 2006

What an honor it is for me to serve as your Governor for the 2006-2007 Optimist year. Thank you to all of our Lt. Governors and Committee Chairpersons for joining this years' team.

AMS and NW has a history of being a Distinguished District, and we will follow Past Governor Rod and his team in achieving this position again.

Congratulations to Rod and his Team!

This Years International President, Ronnie Dunn, has chosen the theme 'LOVE, AMOR, AMOUR' We, as Optimists, do what we do for the love of the children. Her challenge to our District is to increase the number of volunteers, so more children will enjoy the benefits of being served by our members.

The theme we have chosen for our own district is: FEEL THE ENTHUSIASM, FUEL THE OPTIMISM. Your District Leadership team has some great ideas to try and keep the momentum going from last year into this year.

Positive growth is our goal- 7 new Optimist clubs and + 100 members from our start on Oct. 1st. I do believe, as a district that we can and will be successful again.

I invite each and every member of our district to our 1st quarter board meeting in Billings, Mont., Oct. 13th & 14th. Lt. Governor Jay Strever and his committee have been working tirelessly to plan a weekend that will "Fuel the Optimism"

See you all in Billings! "Feel the Enthusiasm"

Governor Don

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September 27, 2006

Hello to each of you,

My year as Governor for the Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan and Northern Wyoming is almost over and I wanted too take a few moments to say thank you for all you have done to “Go The Extra Mile To Bring Out The Best In Kids”.

Every member has played a part in projects, fund raisers, program chairs, zone projects and District positions and by doing so has put a smile on the faces of so many children and also adults. Even we as adults as we help the kids have had a smile on our face because we have fun doing the work and being with other people of the same mind.

We just a few days ago built our 5th Club in the District. The Brail Tone College Optimist Club of Edmonton with 32 members, thank you to Keivin Wallace and others who took the time out to make this happen.

The District is very close to becoming a Distinguished District for the 1st time in four years, so close you can almost touch it, but we need about 25 more members to make that happen, that is one member for every two Clubs. If you have a friend or relative that you have been thinking of asking to join as a member, now is the time.

Yesterday Optimist International went into a positive growth position for the 1st time in 16 years with +17 members. You have made a difference for the organization, but you have also made a difference for the District. Will you help the District achieve the same goal as OI to be in a positive position as of midnight September 30th, so that we can do more to assist the kids?

Both Sheila and I would like to thank you all for the hospitality, hugs and thoughts that we have received during the year. I have traveled many miles around this District, seeing many people and places and there is no better District than the AMS&NW District. Let us show Optimist International and the other Districts that we are the best District there is.

The new Optimist year is just around the corner and I have enjoyed being your Governor this year, I hope to see you all again very soon and spend more time with each of you.

Yours in Optimism

Governor Rod



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August 23, 2006

The Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan and Northern Wyoming Optimist District, is one we should be really proud of, for many reasons.

This year for the first time in the Districts history a JOOI District was formed and a Convention held to celebrate the event. A group of energetic youth with ideas and dreams stepped forward to take on the various roles that are required to run a JOOI District. They showed us that no matter how old we are or where we come from, that if we have a dream to do something, we can in fact achieve that dream. I have to thank once again the incredible work of Optimist Liz Sagen who helped to bring about this achievement. Then we have several energetic members step forward to help build four new Clubs, the Traditional Club of Calgary, the Big Horn Optimist Club of Hardin, the Lower Yellowstone Optimist Club of Fairview and the Optimist Club of Great Falls – Babe Ruth, and still some other Clubs with a little bit of elbow grease to come in before the end of September. Even more members have stepped forward and asked someone to become an Optimist member. To date we have added over 340 new members to this District.

Our theme this year is “Going the Extra Mile to Bring Out the Best in Kids”. Well you have certainly done that for the kids in this District. Every member in this District can be proud that with their hard work and asking others to help by becoming members, over 10,880 additional youth will be supported in some way or another.

During the International Convention in Nashville, the key note speaker Joel Barker spoke of the need for VISION. He spoke of many famous people who had vision and succeeded and he spoke of those individuals who just lived for the day, thought fate would dictate their future, and they failed. There are those who have big dreams and do nothing and there are those who do lots but don’t know where they are going, they have no vision. Put both of them together and you start on the process of vision. Visions are dreams in Action. Most people who are looking for direction don’t have a vision of where they want to go. Do you have goals for yourself, your club, your zone and this District?

He also went on to speak of children who had been asked about their future. It became very clear that those children who had various social issues and lived from day to day without any direction or vision were having trouble succeeding; they believed that their future was in the hands of fate. Those children who had similar issues and had someone to look up to, were given direction by a mentor and helped to identify their vision, went onto succeed. Not just in their adult lives but in their lives as youth, doing well in school and the community.

He also stated that children needed someone to look to, in order to develop their vision of the future and who better to do that than Optimists.

With our mission statement of “Bringing Out the Best In Kids” and the work we do everyday to achieve that for the kids, why then is it so tough to find people to help us with that vision. We need to tell people about what we do and then ask those people to help us bring about that vision.

I believe the vision of this District is to continue to grow, not only this year but for many years to come in order to bring about the responsibility we have been given to “Bringing Out the Best in Kids”. This organization has the vision and the opportunity to grow, and if we grow we are able to help more kids in communities to become successful and future leaders. I hope you will take the opportunity this year to develop a vision of what has to be done to make this District the best District in this great organization. We are already so close to achieving the vision of being in the top five Districts in Optimist International. Will you help me achieve this goal before September 30.

All the members have shown me already that they are capable of doing what is best for the kids; let us continue to serve the kids to the best of our abilities.

But I have one more component to add to that challenge. “What will you leave behind as your lasting legacy”.

Every one of us leaves a legacy. Your very existence has an impact on the world whether you intend it or not. So, how do you want to be remembered?

Ask yourself, “If I left this earth today……”

What would I want people to say about me?
How have I helped other people?
Have I done my best, given my all?
Did my life have meaning and purpose?
Working towards a legacy in your personal life keeps you motivated and performing at your peak. It gives higher purpose to your life and work. Above all, it helps you share the fullest of what you are. 
My legacy for this District, before my term is over as Governor, is to leave this District in an even better position than what is was the first day you asked me to serve as your Governor. I will put my heart and soul into achieving that legacy for each and every one of you in this great District.

Will you join me to not only help me achieve my legacy but to leave your legacy to the children in your community, tomorrow and into the future. Let us “go the Extra Mile to Bring Out the Best in Kids”

Thank you each and everyone of you, this is a year I will never forget and it is all because of you.

Thank you.

Gov Rod


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July 30 ,2006

Summer has been great and I hope everybody had a summer that was full of fun and relaxation. With summer just about over and the youth just about ready to go back to school, we also have to now get back to business. Our business is helping those youth in the community who may not have had those supports over the summer that you and I may have had as we grew up.

The Optimist International Convention was an important focal point this year, as we struggled to identify what was best for the organization, the members and the youth we serve. In the end the membership spoke, and the Renewal Plan as presented was defeated and direction was given to the Board of Directors to look to other ways to grow the organization. We can now get back to concentrating on what we do best “Bringing Out the Best in Kids”.

Our role as Optimists of “bringing out the best in kids” is even more important today than ever before.  We read in the papers and see on TV the problems that surround children and youth today, and without direction and someone to look up to for guidance they may go off the tracks. Even those children and youth who do veer off course, they are not bad kids, they are children and kids that just require someone to put a hand out to help them get back on track.

Each and every one of us in this District has taken the time this year to help the kids in our communities. I thank you for doing that and you should also give yourself a pat on the back for taking the time to do that.

We are now on the last quarter of the track in “Going the Extra Mile to Bring Out the Best in Kids”, the previous three quarters have been well run by all in this District. 4 new Clubs with another on the way shortly and many new members introduced to Optimism, have been added because of the hard work you have done. I hope that each of us can put as much into this last quarter as we have in the previous three, so that we can cross that finish line and be able to say we are helping even more youth today than we were a year ago.

At our District Convention this year we have the honour of having the company of our International President Dr. Michel Listenberger and his wife Judy. Both are really excited to be coming to this District. Let’s show them that we are the District that everybody talks about and also the best District in the organization. Hope to see you all there.

Talk to you soon

Governor Rod



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May 28, 2006

Welcome to summer everybody, looks like it is going to be an exciting one. The 3rd Quarter District Board meeting went extremely well and those who attended had a fun weekend.  Thanks to the Airdrie Optimist Club and the Calgary Dinner Optimist Club for all their hard work.

What a great weekend it was, to see youth stand before us and give us an insight into what the youth of today consider important and what they believe the future holds for them. The topic that was given to the youth for the Oratorical competition and the Communications competition for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing was, “My Future is Bright Because”.

Well I would like to take this opportunity to say that the Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan and Northern Wyoming District’s future is bright because each and everyone of you has taken the steps to go the extra mile, by either asking a friend or colleague to become a member, have gone the Extra Mile to bring about a JOOI District for AMS&NW. Thank you to the District JOOI Chair, Liz Sagen, those who supported her, the youth who stepped forward to take office and those who worked with the youth. We have added another milestone in this Districts history.

Let us not forget that our future is bright because of the youth of today who are making steps to become leaders in the their own right in what ever field they choose to participate in. But we also need to remember those youth who may not be as fortunate and would love to have an individual or individuals to look up too for some direction.  Those individuals are each and every one of you.

Can I ask each and every one of you, to ask yourself. “What else can I do, to go the extra mile to assist youth in my community or the community that is just down the road where youth need the help or assistance of a mentor?”

Sometimes the answer to that question doesn’t come easy; we have to think about it. But is there anything to really think about?. We are the “Friend of Youth” with a mandate to “Bring Out the Best in Kids”. When ever we make decisions as individual Optimists, Optimist Clubs, Zones or even this District that relates to the Youth we should never forget that it is the youth we should be doing things for. When we do choose to do something for youth, we should also ask the youth if they would like to join us in making decisions about a project we want to do for them.

Although our ideas are honourable to help the youth, we forget that we are not youth and the world has changed very quickly, even in the last five years. All we have to do is “ASK”.

We have a task ahead of us and we can’t do this alone, we need other people to help us. That may not always be other Optimists, we may have to ask others who are not Optimists to become Optimists to help and assist youth, to bring out the best in them.

As a District we are very well placed among other District’s in Optimist International, to become the number one District in the organization, we are already number one in the region, which is made up of five large Districts. This District is viewed by Optimist International as a model to look to, as to how decisions are being made to achieve goals and address issues and concerns.

Will you join me today in setting that goal to try and become the #1 District in Optimist International? By doing this we will show others that we really do want “To Bring Out The Best in Kids” and we will have done it by Going The Extra Mile.

Once again to each and every one of you a great big “THANK YOU” for doing all you do for the youth. You make me proud to be your Governor.

Governor Rod



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April 18, 2004

Hello everybody, I hope you will forgive me for my tardiness and not writing something sooner. Things have been a little hectic here over the past 6 weeks. I would also like to thank all of you for your thoughts and wishes during that time.

Well the District is doing great and it is all due to the work of the members of the district who are going the extra mile for the kids. We are still adding new members to the District and that shows that there are still kids out there, and people who want to join us to help the kids. Since my last message we have added a new Club to the District which is terrific. The name of the new Club is “The Lower Yellowstone Optimist Club of Fairview”; we organized the Club on March 7, 2006 with 37 members. They are a lively Club and want to do all sorts of things for the youth in the community of Fairview. If you get a chance and would like to say Hi to the new Club, the President is Greg Thiel and his email address is hpjustice45@yahoo.com I think he would enjoy the contact from the members in the District. Greg is the Chief of Police.

I would also like to thank those who help build the Club, Lt. Governor Carol Neutgens (Zone8), Gloria Sande, President of Wolf Point Optimist Club and the Field Rep Debbie Ettleman. Thank you for bringing in this club, the kids in the community of Fairview will also thank you.

The Lower Yellowstone Optimist Club of Fairview will be holding its Charter Night on Saturday April 29, 2006 in Fairview. It will be held at The Water Hole #3, 416 S. Ellery Ave. in Fairview.  That is on the main street through town.  Social is at 6:00 with dinner at 7:00. For banquet dinner reservations, please contact Carol Neutgens carol_ladss@yahoo.com or call 1-406-653-3020 or Elsie Hanson at ehanson@mt.gov.

We have the JOOI Convention in Davidson, April 21, 22, 23, 2006 at which time a JOOI Governor will be elected, together with a slate of officers. I hope you will let the youth of this District know we are behind them. If you have any messages to send for the night of the Banquet, would you forward them to Liz Sagen at lizsagen@sasktel.net

The messages will be more frequent once again and will keep you up to date as to what is going on around the District. Please keep up the good work, all of you are doing great.

Governor Rod



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February 28, 2006

First let me apologize for not writing something to you all earlier.

Now, let’s welcome our newest Club to the District. The “Big Horn Optimist Club”, which was organized on the 23rd January 2006 with 25 members. The supporting groups are the “Billings Sport Club” and the “Billings Breakfast Optimist Club”.

I have to thank Optimist Glen Pike and Optimist Brandy Cady for all their hard work. Further thanks to Lt. Gov. Doug Kirby and Field Representative Debbie Ettleman.

I was so proud to be present at the organizational meeting. It was a great evening in Hardin and the new members of the Club are really excited. If you get a chance please welcome the members of the “Big Horn Optimist Club” of Hardin. You can contact the Club through the Charter President Jeanetta Wobig at jeanetta.wobig@hotmail.com

The 2nd Quarter Board meeting in Wolf Point was an example of how a club can host a board meeting. Everybody, in attendance had a great time, learned a lot, and the members of the Wolf Point Optimist Club are to be commended for a job well done.

The Optimist International Vice President, Sandy Wooten was blown away by the AMS&NW District. She had heard a lot of great things from others whom have visited this great District and she was able to see first hand, what an incredible group of people this District is made of. She asked me to wish every member in the District all the best this year and to keep up the great work.

There is lots happening in the District and I will update you in the next few days about some of those adventures by several Clubs in the District.

Gov Rod

January 17, 2006

Hi Folks,

Sheila and I would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year and may your wishes come true. The first quarter of the Optimist year is now over and as we go into 2006 we start the second quarter We had a very successful first quarter with one new club built and over 140 members added, what a terrific start for the District, I thank you for all the work that it took to get to this point.

If we can add about one and a half members a day in the District up to this point, think how many more kids we can serve in our communities. We have at least five other new clubs in the works, meetings have already taken place with folks in the communities. Now that Christmas is now over we can bring those new clubs to completion. I have personally been going to Sidney, Montana, where we have been meeting with people in the community. They pulled together over 15 people already and they are excited. We hope to have this club completed by the end of January. I hope you can help me with others in your community or ones close by.

A number of Clubs in the District made Internationals "Honour Roll" by having +1 members or above on the numbers they started with on Oct 1, 2005. I will be contacting the Clubs personally to thank them.

Have you asked a person to become a member yet this year. How many have you have received your one member "Starman" pin from President Michel. It would be great to see all the members at 2nd Quarter Board meeting wearing the pin. You are the leaders of your club. If you can do it so can other members in the Club.

The Second Quarter Board meeting is coming up fast on February 3,4, 2006, I hope to see a number of you there. The Agenda and Registration for the meeting are on the District Web site at www.amsnwoptimist.org , there are a lot of things on the district web site.

We have just posted the 2nd District Bulletin 2005-06 on the web page together with the District Directory. So if you want to find a club President or somebody else in the District you can search the PDF pages. Although the emails show on the pages, they cannot be harvested to use on lists as they are in PDF format. There is also a page for announcements and events, so if you have something coming up that you want other Optimists to know about, please send them to the webmaster (Merle) and he will place them on the District site for others to see.

Each and everyone of you have "Gone the Extra Mile" this past 3 months and I thank you for that, the children in your community also thanks you. Don't let us stop now, we can have a terrific next 9 months and show Optimist International office that we are still the best District there is.

Hope to talk to each and everyone of you soon, have fun this year.

Gov. Rod



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December 23, 2005

SEASONS GREETINGS

Thank you for all the hard work you have done in the past three months of the Optimist year. Each and every one of you should give yourself a pat on the back for a job being well done. At this time of year, we think of family and what it means to us, but let us not forget the many friends and neighbors we have, who may not be that fortunate. Should you come across such a person this holiday season, wish them the best and spend a little time with them, it will be greatly appreciated.

To each and everyone in the Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan and Northern Wyoming Optimist District, may the Christmas season bring you good cheer and happiness in all that you do, and that the New Year will be full of joy to you and your family.

Best wishes from Governor Rod and Sheila


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December 3, 2005

Duane Kelly our district “OI Foundation Representative” has some foundation information everybody should take the time to review.

With this in mind, a new web page(OI Foundation) has been added. Duane has summarized the structure of the foundation also there is a link to the Candadian Foundation with all the details.

Cheers,

Gov Rod



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December 1, 2005

Our District Secretary-Treasurer, Lisa Wilson-Sturm asked me to make sure this report(Awards & Achievements) be made available and to remind the club secretaries that it’s due quarterly.

The first quarter is due by January 10, 2006.

Thank you,

Gov. Rod



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November 24, 2005

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome members of the “Traditional Optimist Club of Calgary” our newest Optimist Club to the Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan and Northern Wyoming District. They started the Club with 34 new members and have informed us that this will grow before the end of the month. The President of the Club is Edmee Comstock.

I would ask that if you get the chance, to say hello to the new club members.

To those who took the time to help build the Club and bring it to the point it is today, I would like to say a hearty “Thank You” from the District. But the pay back will be even greater when you see the faces of the kids the new Club will serve.

Thank You

Gov. Rod




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November 4, 2005

Just in from Edna Coulter... some clubs may not have this form on file. If you’re planning inter-club visits take a copy with you and have it signed.
Inter-Club Visitation Form



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October 17, 2005

WIN A CRUISE!

Take some time, put in a little bit of effort, get some luck and you will be sitting pretty on the deck of a cruise ship... Let’s go cruising



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October 2, 2005

The first issue of the Newsletter is “hot off the press” and available for download. Just click the “newsletter” button to your left and get it. It’s in Adobe PDF format so everyone with a computer can read it.

Further it could be a good idea to print copies for your fellow Optimists that might not have a computer.

If you don’t have “Adobe Reader”, a link is on the newsletter page. It’s free to download.



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