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Thursday, March 24, 2011

Optimists gathered in McCall for anniversary celebration

Sixty-five Optimist Club members, friends and family visited the Optimist Club of McCall on Saturday, March 19 to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of optimism in their community.

A look back at the McCall Optimist Club
President Hank Boomer and other club members warmly welcomed the many visitors who came from Boise, Caldwell, Eagle, Jerome, and  Meridian Optimist Clubs in Idaho along with Evelyn and Governor-elect Bill French from Hillsboro, Oregon.

Traveling even farther than our governor-elect were past members now living in Dillon, Montana and a potential new member living in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bailey Hoover, a student at the Colorado School of Mines traveled from Golden, Colorado to be with the club for their celebration. Bailey was a student member in the club as a senior at McCall High School.

Ken Pahlas and Mike Vineyard
Charter member Kermit Peterson gave a brief history of how the McCall Optimist Club came to be. Over the years, he said, the membership has fluctuated, but we always return to the Optimist Club because we need to forget the mistakes of the past and wear a cheerful countenance at all times; a sentiment felt by all Optimist Club members.

During the presentation, newest member Michael Vineyard was welcomed into the club.

Amanda Domres
President Boomer introduced Amanda Domres and explained that the club has a history of reaching out to students, inviting them to be members and club liaisons to help coordinate efforts with the schools. Some of their most vital projects are done with the schools including Senior Lock-in and the student dances during Winter Carnival. The club also provides support to the Optimist Youth Football program in McCall and are currently working on an effort in conjunction with the schools to expand the sports complex.

Jim Thackeray, Bill French, Hank Boomer,
Mike Kahout, Kermit Peterson and Flat Danny
In conclusion, Rocky Jackson, Optimist International Vice President, presented the club with a proclamation from International President Danny Rodgers commending the McCall Optimist Club for the service they have given to the community over the years.

Flat Danny* even came out for a picture so that the club's anniversary party could be recorded on the Facebook Find Some Friends page and shared with other Optimist Clubs around the world.

Please click here to see more pictures from the evening. 

*Flat Danny is a cartoon depiction of Danny Rodgers, President, Optimist International, that is making a tour cross-country to visit the many communities served by Optimist Clubs.  

Friday, March 18, 2011

Bring out the leader in you

The West Region of Optimist International will host a Future Leaders Summit on April 2. New members, veteran members, and potential members are all invited to learn more about the opportunities for involvement that exist within our Optimist Clubs, Districts and Optimist International.


Click on the picture to enlarge and print or download the Future Optimist Leader flyer here.


Don't wait! Register online today.  http://futureoptimistleaders.eventbrite.com/. We hope to see you there.

Roseburg Optimists are proud of Troop 225

Boy Scout Troop 225 is chartered through the Roseburg Optimist Club. Beth Edwards, Leader and liaison with the troop and Optimist Club says, "These boys do a lot of service projects for the community and have a lot of fun doing it."

They recently added five new scouts to the troop, bringing the roster to 25. Shown here are Tristan Case, Nathan Lund, Braden Abbott, Isaac Beery, and Bailey Wentz.

Thanks to Becky Holm, Editor, Roseburg Optimist Club Newsletter, for the picture. 

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Building a new Optimist Club: It's about expecting only the best

Here is a word from Danny Rodgers, President, Optimist International, about new club building.




In the Pacific Northwest District there is a targeted new club building effort going on in the Seattle area - Kirkland, WA to be exact. The group has received some positive press with notices in the Kirkland Reporter.

As well as being involved on the ground, Mark Weinsoff is serving as the new club building team's communication liaison. Sample what the potential new Optimist Club members receive every week as the organization date gets closer. Kirkland Optimist Club Bulletin

Last week, Governor Ed Murphy sent a message requesting help with this new club in order to organize by April 4. Optimistic? Maybe. Doable? Yes. Ed has set the following schedule of informational meetings:
  • Thursday - March 24th - 7pm - 8pm
  • Thursday - March 31st - 7pm - 8pm
  • Monday - April 4th - Organizational Meeting
If you are available to help the Kirkland Optimist Club, please contact Governor Ed now to volunteer.

Friday, March 11, 2011

Boise Noon Optimist Club - Is Busy

Guest post from Susan Oliver, Co-president, Boise Noon Optimist Club

How are the children in Boise, you ask?  If you could have listened in at St. Luke’s Hospital during our Mountain States Tumor Institute Kids with Cancer Breakfast with Santa … you would have heard a lot of giggles, seen bright smiles and enjoyed laughter.  The morning was spent serving a great breakfast from I-Hop on Federal Way, visiting with Santa and making ornaments and other crafts.  Approximately 300 children, parents and volunteers spend a blessed morning making memories. Presently, we are in the planning stage for their annual BBQ/Picnic in July.

How are the children in Boise?  Ask the teens at the Hays Shelter Home and Idaho Youth Ranch how their Christmas was. The Boise noon club served up a happy warm Christmas to 14 teens who are living in these special facilities away from home.  We were told that their Christmas was warm, merry and bright. 

How are the Children in Boise?  The Noon Club this year had a Holly Jolly Christmas Party for our own children and families as a thank you for all their volunteering this year.  We had a visit from our now famous Santa Claus; we have the guy with the best “Ho! Ho! Ho!” in the Northwest, crafts were created by all as well as a ham and  memorable three cheese killer Mac and Cheese dinner was served up warm.

How are the children in Boise?  Optimist Youth Football and Cheer is up and running.  We take one month off during the year and then we start planning, changing, up dating the program getting ready for the first sign-ups at the Bronco Experience, spring football game with the BSU Bronco’s,  in April. This venue is a tremendous hit. We believe that we will be running strong with more than 4,000 players, cheerleaders and coaches this year. A new program for kids related to Optimist Youth Football is being considered.  If it is a “go” more kids in and out of Idaho will be served in a very special way.

How are the Children in Boise?  Our Concessions Stand at the Optimist Youth Sports Complex donated over $12,731.00 to various youth groups that assisted us.  School bands, sports clubs, and Boy Scouts benefited and learned a skill at the same time.

How are the children in Boise?  Presidents Dyan Graybeal and Sue Oliver are getting ready to launch a new program for “Youth Appreciation”.  Stay tuned, we are so excited and think it will be a great success!

To be featured as a guest blogger, please send your story to the PNW District.  Thanks.

Monday, March 7, 2011

McCall to celebrate 30 Years of Optimism

The Optimist Club of McCall, Idaho will celebrate their 30th Anniversary on March 19 and you are invited! Fellowship will begin at 5:00 p.m. and dinner will follow at 6:30 p.m. at the McCall Golf Course Clubhouse, 925 Fairway Drive, McCall.

Dinner choices are Lasagna with Caesar Salad and Garlic Bread, $10.00; or Chicken Fajitas with Tortillas, Rice and Beans for $15.00. There will be a no-host bar and dessert may be ordered from the menu.

Secretary Jim Thackeray is asking for your RSVP by March 12. Send a message or call  208.315.1276 to let him know you will be there.




Noe who?

Perhaps you've heard the name, but have you ever met the man?

The Nampa Optimist Club has a history of earning the Honor Club recognition from Optimist International. However, few outside of the Optimist Football Program have had the opportunity to meet the president. When I heard he was scheduled to speak to the Middleton Area Optimist Club, I knew I had to be there.

Finally! I met Noe Rodriguez and was able to present the Honor Club patch to him in person. As the immediate past district governor, it was my pleasure to do so.

Noe is very passionate about football and especially about serving at-risk children in the Nampa School District.  Thank you Noe, for your dedication and leadership.

The Optimist Club affiliation makes it easier to serve the community through sports and the Middleton Area Optimist Club is looking forward to being involved in the regional football program this year.  If your club or community would like to get involved by starting an Optimist Club, please send us a message or call 208.861.2310.

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Danny Rodgers invites Optimist Club members to log in and link up

Have you ever wondered what happens in an Optimist International Board of Directors meeting? Well, this is your invitation to find out and it comes straight from the Optimist International President himself.



Don't forget to do your homework. Read the Board materials in advance so you are ready.

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