News & Announcements for 2009-10
New Optimist Club in Wainwright - Apr 21st, 2010
3rd Quarter District Newsletter - Apr 20th, 2010
New Optimist Supplies Website - Apr 20th, 2010
Remembering Glenn Jewison - Apr 19th, 2010
New Optimist Club in Bali - Mar 26th, 2010
Remembering Myrna Seiben - Mar 23rd, 2010
Red Deer 50th Anniversary - Mar 17th, 2010
Revised District Directory Available - Mar 12th, 2010
OIF Club Grant Applications Due March 15th - Mar 12th, 2010
IMPORTANT OI Supplies Update - Mar 11th, 2010
Annual District Convention Invitation - Feb 6th, 2010
3rd Quarter District Conference and Oratorical Contest Invitation - Mar 3rd, 2010
Now it's Time for Growth - Feb 26th, 2010.
Club Connect Contest Winners - Feb 25th, 2010.
Ideas for a CCC Fundraiser - Feb 1st, 2010.
2nd Quarter District Newsletter - Jan 31st, 2010.
Club Connect Contest - Oct 24th, 2009.
2nd Quarter District Conference Invitation - Oct 21st, 2009.
Let's Soar - a letter from Mark Shriver - Oct 15th, 2009.
Have You Heard About Internet Safety -Oct 8th, 2009.
Scholarship Competition Topics Announced - Sep 12th, 2008.
15 Member Pilot Club Extended - Aug 16th, 2008.
1st Quarter District Conference Invitation - Aug 12th, 2009.
New Club in Wainwright
Great news, we officially have a new Optimist Club in our zone. The East Central Alberta Optimist Club was chartered on Thursday evening, April 19th, in Wainwright, AB, with 20 signed members and there are two more signed members that will be added to the roster shortly, I am certain we will be at 25 + very soon.
Thanks to the hard working members we have in the sponsor clubs and the great work that has already been done there.
Congratulations to our new charter president Marketta Fahnbulleh and her new executive, we wish you the very best.
LG Don Holmstrom 
Apr 21st, 2010
3rd Quarter District Newsletter
Our 3rd Quarter District Newsletter is now available for download. You'll find five pages of information including an update from Gov Darryl, information on the District Junior Golf program, and our farewell to Myrna Seiben.
There is information about the 3rd Quarter District Conference, a farewell to Optimist Glenn Jewison, and news of an early bird draw for Red Deer's 50th Anniversary Dinner.
District Web Services Chair Gord introduces our new District news blog and facebook page, and District Chair Brian announces the new Optimist Supplies website.
Ken Williamson of the Optimist club of Red Deer has agreed to become the Bulletin Editor for the District and carry on the great job Merna did. I need your help to welcome Ken and provide him with whatever information you can to make the transition easier. Email kenandterry@shaw.ca. I know Ken will do well and thank him again for stepping forward.
Governor Darryl Sim Apr 20th, 2010
New Optimist Supplies Website
Optimist supplier Promotions Corall has launched a new website. The website is at www.optimistsales.com and has a whole new look and a new inventory.
Promotions Corall became the sole supplier for Optimist Clubs throughout the United States, Canada and the Caribbean as of January 1, 2010. The website launch is an added effort to best serve the needs of Optimist Clubs, their Members and the children who benefit from their projects.
Go to www.optimistsales.com and start shopping!
If you would like to save shipping costs, your purchases can be sent to Saskatoon along with the District Supplies. Just let Corall know as soon as possible.
District Supplies Chair Brian Wallace April 20th, 2010
Remembering Glenn Jewison
It is also with great sadness that the Distriict has lost another great supporter. Past Governor, Glenn Jewison, passed away April 15, 2010.
Glenn was an active Optimist right up until his passing. He helped the Downtowners with the Band Festival (something he had done FOREVER) in late March and Glenn and Betty had just conducted the Sundown’s Oratorical Contest a few days before his surgery.
He was one of the organizers of the Taylor Field beer sales, no small undertaking. He loved working with kids. Glenn always had a big smile on his face and was one of those people who were just a joy to be around. We will miss him.
District Foundation Rep Lyle Merriam Apr 19th, 2010
New Club in Bali
So what do you do when you go on an international vacation? Build a new Optimist Club of course!
Norm and Liz Sagen who recently spent a well-deserved vacation reported that they assisted with the building of the first Optimist club in Bali, Indonesia.
Norm and Liz Sagen are Builders of Excellence for chartering the Optimist Club of Denpasar in Bali, Indonesia to support a local orphanage. The Charter President is Ni Huh Putu Suartini and they signed 42 members. OI will recognize this as a club project of the Govan club. Congratulations!
Governor Darryl Sim Mar 26th, 2010
Remembering Myrna Seiben
It is with a heavy heart that I pass on the news that Myrna Sieben passed away last Thursday night due to a brain tumor.
Mryna was a true Optimist, always active at the club and district level, and serving this year as our District Bulletin Editor and Publicity Chair. Myrna greeted you with a smile and friendly word each time you saw her. She brightened your day, just the same as she did for every child she helped.
A prayer service was held at 7:00 pm Tuesday at the Catholic church in Unity. Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10:30 am in Unity, Sask.
Here is her Mom & Dad's contact information:
Art & Cheryl SeibenBox 1241
Unity, Saskatchewan
S0K 4L0
Phone# (306) 228-3402
Funeral Arrangements : Grondin Funeral Home
(306) 228-4480
No Web service
Funeral - Wednesday 24th, 10:30 A.M. at Saint Peter's Catholic Church
Governor Darryl Sim Mar 23rd, 2010
Red Deer Optimist Club 50th Anniversary
On behalf of the members of the Red Deer Optimist Club, we would like to extend an invitation to all of our fellow Optimists to attend our 50th Anniversary Dinner, on Saturday, May 29th, 2010:
Cocktails at 6pm
Dinner at 7pm
Black Knight Inn
2929, 50 Avenue, Red Deer, AB
(403) 343-6666 (for room reservations if needed)
Cost: $50.00 per person
Dinner Invitation
Dinner Tickets
Opt Norm Cooper Mar 17, 2010
Revised District Directory Available
I am pleased to announce that a revised District Directory and Darryl's Team Contact Card are now available for download.
Please review the contact information for yourself and your club and email me the revisions.
In addition, we are asking for submissions for changes to District Policies that are published in the District Directory. Please submit your recommended changes to Gov Darryl or DST Patti.
DST Patti Welling Mar 12th, 2010
IMPORTANT for US Clubs
OI Club Grant Applications Due March 15th
Webmaster Note - we apologize for the late notice of this information as we have only been able to post this online as of today.
I am Ray Able and I am a member of the Optimist International Foundation's Club Grant Committee. This communication is to request your assistance to promote the Club Grant Program in your respective regions.
As you may know the Club Grant Program was started last year and is continuing this year. The program is an excellent way for a small or new club, or any club, to try a new they may not have all the funding they need. This will hopefully lead to continueing viable for our youth and communities. The Grant Program is open to any US Club and is very easy for which to apply. All a club needs is an idea and a few minutes to fill out a simple two sided form and get it to OIF. The application can be found on the Foundation website and can be completed by hand or online. The forms are due in to OIF by 15 Mar 10 which is fast approaching, but there is still time.
I know that time is short, but if you have any contact with our governors in the next week or two maybe you could ask them to promote the program through their newsletters,websites, district conferences or zone meetings.
I would like to thank you in advance and apologize for the short lead time. I sort of goofed up and thought I had sent this to you about three weeks ago. However,. while going though my sent items looking for something else I could not find my e-mail to you. When I could not find it anywhere I worried that it had not gone out at all. So, thats why your getting it now.
If you should have any questions please feel free to contact me.
Yours in Optimism,
Ray Able
419-238-5086 (H)
419-238-2044 (W)
wrable @ roadrunner.com
Opt Ray Able Mar 12, 2010
IMPORTANT OI Supplies Update
As you know, Optimist International is transitioning to a new official supply vendor. Promotions Corall has been awarded the contract to supply Optimist Clubs with official licensed products. During this transition from the old supplier (Shumsky) to Corall, there have been some concerns over product availability and shipping issues. Corall is working hard to remedy all of these issues. They recently opened a new warehouse/shipping facility in Orlando, Florida, and they are working hard to meet all customer needs. Their new website should be operational by April 1.
On a related note, the Optimist International Board of Directors requests your help in protecting Optimist International's trademarks. The organization has an exclusive agreement with Promotions Corall to sell products and use the Optimist International trademarks. No other vendors are allowed to market or sell Optimist trademarked products at any meeting, event or activity.
We appreciate your help in protecting the integrity of the organization's trademarks. If you have any questions, please contact our District OI Supplies Chair - Brian Wallace or the OI Offices in Montreal or St. Louis.
OI Executive Director Benny Ellerbe Mar 11th, 2010
Annual District Conference
The Breakfast Optimist Club of Bozeman, Montana, is excited about hosting the District #13, 2010 Convention at the Holiday Inn. Our pre-planning and reparation convention committee has developed a program that we are certain you will enjoy and remember for years to come.
You can plan on participating in:
- Meet & Greet with IO President Mark Shriver on Thursday evening.
- Famous Pitchfork Fondue will be held at the Optimist Bozeman Pond on Firday evening.
- Business Meetings and Workshops will be held on Friday and Saturday.
- Saturday Mountain Man Breakfast open to everyone including the kids.
- Saturday Evening Governor’s Banquet - Come celebrate the last official district meeting of Governor Darryl's year and the introduction of Governor-elect Tim and his team for 2010-2011.
- Kids and Companions Programs to keep our family members entertained.
- Annual Golf Tournament get your clubs ready!
Your travels to the Bozeman area will take you through some of the most historic and scenic territory to behold. A mix of prairies, mountains, wildlife, and wild rivers will tempt you to see the Conestoga wagons and buckboards of westward-bound frontiersmen and women.
We have a complete Registration Package with lots of details for you so you can start planning and booking your rooms.
After the convention, stay with us for a while. Visit "www.bozemanchamber.com" to get all the information you need to pre-plan your extra time with us.
Bring the kids, grandkids, the whole family for an experience you won’t forget.
YOU WILL
REMEMBER WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN IN 2010!!
Welcome to Bozeman, Optimists!
Sincerely,
Dennis Farnham, President
Opt Dennis Farnham Feb 6, 2010
3rd Quarter District Conference
and District Oratorical Contest
You are invited to the 3rd Quarter District Conference scheduled for May 14-15, 2010 at the "Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon" in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. The District Oratorical Contest will be held on Saturday, May 15th.
Accommodations are in limited supply, so you are urged to book your rooms as soon as possible. Room rate and availability is guaranteed until April 14th, but book soon just to be sure. Call the Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon reservation number at 1-800-325-3535.
Both a "Kids & Companion Programs" are available so you can bring the entire family. Just complete a Registration Form and book your room before they are all reserved!
The Annual Meeting & District Convention will be held in Bozeman, MT - Aug 19-21, 2009
Opt James Yachyshen Mar 3rd, 2010
Now it's Time to Grow
Club Presidents and Fellow Optimists
Thank you for your commitment this year to improve what we do, how we do it and when we do it, for the betterment of our clubs, both now and for the long term. You are doing a great job! See how well you have done when you look at our District Goals. You care about the kids we serve and you care about your fellow Optimists.
So now we are ready to take the next step---growth. Together we will add new clubs, new members, new FOOs, new JOOI clubs! The third attachment has our incentives to get all of us together to do this and have fun too. International President Mark's new plus 4 incentive plan is a great addition to our tools for success. Here is a brochure to send to members and an FAQ that explains the free membership dues opportunity.
Our District growth Incentives. Make sure you add a new member or FOO member for each quarter. Catch up if you are behind. Make that commitment now and especially when you consider the power of all of you doing that this year. I pledge to do the same.
We will be net plus 125 members, form 4 new clubs, and add 50 new FOOs by July 7, 2010!
Thank you,
Darryl Sim
Governor - AMS&NW District
Gov Darryl Sim Feb 26th, 2010
Club Connect Contest Winners
And the Winners are…
Congratulations to the Riverside Optimist Club of Billings and the All Nations Optimist Club of Medicine Hat, our first and second quarter winners in the Club Connect Contest! The Riverside Club submitted a club brochure front page and back page as their entry, while the All Nations Club entered a number of promotional tools: a brochure, photo frame, banner, and A-frame signage.
Other clubs’ entries include:
- Heights Business Club of Billings – Brochure
- Dinner Optimist Club of Calgary – Brochure and Bookmark
- Optimist Club of Medicine Hat – Pamphlet
- Optimist Club of Prince Albert – Club Website, Facebook Page, and Placemat
- Red Deer Optimist Club - Club Brochure
How does your Club Connect…with potential members, partner groups, the community? Do you have a brochure, a poster, a bookmark, a website etc.? If so, enter it in our contest and you could win. If not, why not create one? If you need help getting started, visit the Optimist International website for a brochure template and other ideas. We’ll make a prize draw each quarter. Send all entries to Activities Chair Lisa Wilson-Sturm:
- By mail: 2747 Helmsing Street, Regina, SK S4V 0X1
- By e-mail
Lisa-Wilson Sturmg Feb 25th, 2010
Ideas for a CCC Fundraiser
Hello Fellow Optimists:
Here we are already in the year 2010, can you believe it? We hope that the Christmas season has been good to all.
Here is a suggestion on how we raise money for Childhood Cancer at our meeting; we do a 50/50 draw every meeting. We sell 10 double sided tickets for $5.00. Half of the monies will be given to Childhood Cancer, and the other half to the potential winner. The draw is a two part, first from the tickets sold, and then from a deck of cards you pick out 12 cards, starting with 2-3’s, up to 2-8’s divide into two piles of six. One of the members will pick a card from the first six, and the winning ticket will pick a card from the second set of six. If the cards match, the winner gets the 50/50 monies. If not the pot just keeps building until someone wins.
I also do at least 2-3 draws from the tickets for door prizes, we all have little items at home to donate, and the members quite like this idea. In reality I have found that more members are coming out to our meetings. This gives the membership the opportunity to get to know each other better, so please ask your membership if they like these ideas, it’s certainly a good way to generate monies for Childhood Cancer.
On March 5, 6 and 7, our club (the All Nations Optimist Club of Medicine Hat) are also doing the 50/50 tickets at the Spring Tradeshow for Childhood Cancer; we also have about 12 members that are willing to shave their heads at the Tradeshow to raise more money for this “Fundraiser”
Again as mentioned these are just suggestions, maybe your Club can direct ideas to us, let’s spread the word, after all we are noted for being friends of youth. “SEE YOU ALL IN FEBRUARY”
Yours in optimism:
Addy Charette (Childhood Cancer Chair)
District CCC Chair Addy Charette Feb 1st, 2010
2nd Quarter District Newsletter
Our 2nd Quarter District Newsletter is now available for download. You'll find seven pages of information including an update from Gov Darryl, a copy of District Goals, and info about the upcoming Essay & Oratorical contests.
Membership Chair Tim Bell recognizes those clubs with increases to their membership. Mike DiNicola passes along info about Junior Golf and Fred Verzani passes along some thoughts about building JOOI clubs.
DST Patti has a few words on the upcoming 2nd Quarter Conference, Dennis Farnham has a few words about the Annual Convention and Lyle Merriam extends thanks for contributions to the OI Foundations. Brian Wallace provides some advertising for Optimist Supplies and Lisa Wilson-Sturm highlights the Club Connect Contest.
District Bulletin Editor Myrna Sieben Jan 31st, 2010
Club Connect Contest
How does your Club Connect…with potential members, partner groups, your community? How do you promote your club, from your history and past achievements to your current projects and contributions? Perhaps you have a brochure to hand out or a poster to display. If not, wouldn’t it be great if you did?
We are running a contest with a drawing each quarter. Our first winner will be announced at the 2nd Quarter Conference and we will post some of the best entries on our District website.
Lisa-Wilson Sturm & Gord Welling Oct 24th, 2009
2nd Quarter District Conference Invitation
Go For The Gold !!
You are invited to the 2nd Quarter District Conference scheduled for February 5-6, 2010 in Calgary, Alberta. Since this is shortly before the start of the Winter Olympics, Friday night we will have games and award medals to the participating clubs with the most points won during the evening!!!
Mention “Optimist Meeting” to get a reduced hotel room rate of $135 Canadian plus taxes. The hotel is holding a block of rooms for us at this rate until January 15, 2010. For Toll Free Reservations call 1-888-324-5117.
Both a "Kids & Companion Programs" are available so you can bring the entire family. Just complete a Registration Form and book your room before they are all reserved!
The rest of the District meetings for the 2009-10 Optimist year will be held:
- 3rd Quarter District Conference - Saskatoon, SK - May 14-15, 2010
- Annual Meeting & District Convention - Bozeman, MT - Aug 19-21, 2009
Opts Duane Kelly Oct 21st, 2009
Let's Soar - a letter from Mark Shriver
Welcome to the 2009-2010 Optimist year! This year we look to the Optimist Creed, proven inspiration for each of us, as we strive to new heights as Optimists. I'm asking each of you to "Promise Yourself ... for the Kids."
You know what we need to do - we need to serve more kids with more Members and more Clubs. In short, the word for the year is GROW. I challenge each of you to GROW your Club, your Zone, your District. Yes, grow the number of Members. Yes, grow the number of Clubs. But also grow your revenue, your activities, your Foundation contributions and your visibility in the community.
There is one promise you can definitely make that will benefit children and the organization. Promise to look into the new Internet Safety Program this year. I'm excited about this program because it answers a need that parents and teachers all over have - how to keep kids safe online. Just as importantly, this program offers the opportunity for extensive visibility for Optimists to hundreds, perhaps thousands, of parents and grandparents in every community. The educators and parents we help will make perfect volunteers to help other teachers, parents and students down the road. Inform them, and then recruit them!
The time to act is now. Each Club can request one free Internet Safety kit from Optimist International. If you already have your kit, thank you! If your Club has not yet made the request, what are you waiting for? Just send an e-mail to programs@optimist.org along with your Club number and a mailing address. It's an easy first step to a very exciting new program!
Thanks for your dedication to Optimist International. I'm excited for what the year has in store for us - let's make it a year of good promises for Optimism and for the kids!
Let's Soar!
Mark Shriver
2009-2010 Optimist International President
OI President Mark Shriver Oct 15th, 2009
Have You Heard About Internet Safety
Statistics show that 99% of all teens have access to the internet and 94% of students admitted to being cyber bullied and did not tell an adult. The importance of protecting the children in your community is a major undertaking and Optimists Clubs can play a vital role.
Optimist International has partnered with the Internet Keep Safe Coalition to address issues of youth safety as children use the Internet and to educate parents on the online dangers to youth. See our Internet Safety page for more details.
LG Don Holmstrom Oct 8th, 2009
Scholarship Competition Topics Announced
The topics for the Optimist International Scholarship competitions have been announced:
Essay
"The Internet: Today's Evolution or Tomorrow's Menace"
Oratorical & CCDHH
"The Internet: Cyber Communication - Progress or Problem?"
Clubs are free to run a club-level competition to select winners to move on to the applicable Zone, Regional and District level competions. Clubs can award monetary awards of up to $500 per winner for each competition.
There are club level planning guides available for each competition:
- Club Program Planning Guide - 2009-10 Essay Competition
- Club Program Planning Guide - 2009-10 Oratorical Competition
- Club Program Planning Guide - 2009-10 CCDHH Competition
Garnering interest in Oratorical competitions has been difficult in recent years so clubs may want to consider approaching elementary schools (grades 5 & 6) to start a "Kids Speak Out" program or club.
All materials for club competitions can be purchased from Corall Group by visiting www.canadianoptimist.com, or by calling toll-free 1-866-739-9555 or by faxing an order to 514-739-7558.
Opt Wyn McAra Sep 12th, 2009
15 Member Club Pilot Program Extended
This year a new "Pilot Club" type was introduced in the "New Club Building" program. For the first time sponsor clubs can build a new club with a minimum of 15 new members. To qualify for Distinguished Club recognition, a sponsor club would have to build two Pilot clubs in the same Optimist year. This gave us the flexibility to extend the reach of Optimism to smaller communities who could not support building a 25 member club.
The "Pilot Club" program was approved for a one year period to end September 30, 2009. This program was so successful, that a motion was adopted at the 2009 Optimist International Convention to extend the "Pilot Club" program to September 30, 2012."
The Optimist International office reported that of all the "Pilot Clubs" that were approved, most chartered with 25 members. Approval is required to sponsor the building of a "Pilot Club" in a community. Check out the details about how to sponsor and build a "Pilot Club".
Opt Gord Welling Aug 16th, 2009
1st Quarter District Conference Invitation
You are invited to the 1st Quarter District Conference scheduled for October 22-23, 2009 in St. Albert, Alberta. Enjoy the hospitality of the St. Albert Optimist Clubs and take the opportunity to meet with the District Team led by our Governor, Darryl Sim.
Both a "Kids & Companion Programs" are available so you can bring the entire family. Just complete a Registration Form and book your room before they are all reserved!
The rest of the District meetings for the 2009-10 Optimist year will be held:
- 2nd Quarter District Conference - Calgary, AB - Feb 5-6, 2010
- 3rd Quarter District Conference - Saskatoon, SK - May 14-15, 2010
- Annual Meeting & District Convention - Bozeman, MT - Aug 19-21, 2009
Opts Don & Karen Holmstrom Aug 12th, 2009