We love stories about your Optimist Club. Please tell us one and we'll add it to the website.
Click here, email, or post to Facebook. Thank you!

Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year!



Happy New Year to all PNW District Optimist Club members and beyond. 
Promise yourself to forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. 

The Optimist International Foundation asks for your support


As 2012 came to a close, the Optimist International Foundation shared 10 Optimistic Reflections with10 consecutive emails that looked back at the work that was done in our communities thanks to the support of the Foundation. In its final message, it said:

“The Foundation is extremely thankful for all the high points the past year has brought! Some of the highlights to mention would include:
  • A fantastic 40th Anniversary celebration, in which the committee raised over $25,000 to support the Foundation.
  • Welcoming another great Board Member to the team.
  • A raise in unrestricted giving over this past year.
  • The Foundation being able to give $85,000 towards Youth Club Programs, $160,472 to Club Grant Program Grants, and $579,571 towards Charitable, Literary and Educational Programs
The Foundation would not have great moments like these to share without the generosity and support of our donors and volunteers. It is through the gifts that you all so selflessly give that makes a difference for Optimist International Foundation. In turn, this enables the Foundation to give support to Optimist International and allows us all to continue to make a difference in the lives of the children we serve.

'Helping Optimists Help Kids' not only describes our mission- it is a phrase that also describes our passion. If you would like to partner with the Optimist International Foundation this holiday season in working towards our mission, please click here.”

It’s the right and optimistic thing to do. As we say goodbye to 2012 and hello to 2013, please consider giving your support to the Optimist International Foundation. Thank you.

Donate now at: http://oifoundation.org/donate-now/

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Small and meaningful gestures

The Beaverton Optimist Club recently welcomed Mayor Denny Doyle as their guest speaker and in honor of his presentation, they gave a book to the Aloha Community Library Foundation.

What a great way to benefit the community! In one morning, the Beaverton Optimist Club members heard from "the source" about what was happening and with just a small, but meaningful gesture they were also able to help the library. That sounds like a win-win to me.


Thanks to Beaverton Optimist Club President Wally Johnston for the tip. See more pictures on Facebook.

Top: Bob Arneson, Mayor Denny Doyle and Wally Johnston

Bottom: Library President Doug Hoy, Mayor Denny Doyle and Wally Johnston

Friday, December 28, 2012

Gresham Optimists host Shop with a Cop

The Gresham Optimist Club had the honor of hosting two Shop with a Cop days this year. Shown here is Optigraph Bulletin editor Judith Hillend (center) with an entourage of shoppers at Target.


Shop with a Cop is always a fun event. It allows children and their families to meet with police officers and other first responders and build relationships based on trust instead of correction. The Optimist member volunteers go along to help the recipients make choices on what to buy. They say when they aren't there, the kids often choose to buy gifts for others and not for themselves.

Great project! Thank you Gresham Optimist Club.

Photo from the Gresham Optigraph. 

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Meridian Optimist Club members ready to enjoy Christmas

Today is the day. With so much competition in the Christmas tree market, the Meridian Optimist Club Christmas tree lot had to remain open longer than usual. You see, the plan is to sell the trees fast and then head home to enjoy the holidays with the family, all the while knowing that the community has helped the Optimist Club do more activities with their generous purchases.


With the sliding economy, many independents have set up their own tree lots and the extra competition has proved to be a challenge; but according to Christmas Tree Chairman Kirk Farnsworth, this year the club still was able to sell about 500 trees.


With only 40 or so left on the lot and only two days 'til the big event, the club began to give them away. After all, that's what Optimist Clubs do: give back to their community in hopes that children will benefit.


Thanks to the Meridian Optimist Club for your service and thanks to the customers who help the Optimist Club do more to benefit kids.

Thanks to Rocky Jackson for the photos. Remember, click to enlarge. 

Friday, December 21, 2012

Santa joins the Jerome Optimist Club for breakfast











 It's one of their favorite projects of the year, and one of the best attended. In fact, if the Jerome Optimist Club didn't bring Santa to town and serve him pancakes, I wonder if he would know how to find all of those children who look forward to sharing their wish list with him every year.






It's a big activity that takes every Optimist Club member and some of their friends and family to carry out. Breakfast with Santa took place on December 15.




Thanks to Traci Hine Brandebourg for sharing her photos with us.

Photos ©Traci Hine Brandebourg published here with permission.

Click on photos to enlarge and view.


Thursday, December 13, 2012

Optimist elves at work

Last weekend, Optimist Club member and GMPRD Director Tim O'Meara invited the Middleton Area Optimist Club to assist the Greater Middleton Parks and Recreation District at Santa's Workshop.

Santa's Workshop was an opportunity for children to build toys with the volunteers from the community. It took place right before the holiday parade and helped get everyone in the spirit of the season.

Shown here are some of the Optimist Club elves and their little helpers at work. 

Top: Tim O'Meara

Middle: Peter Cabrera

Bottom: Steve Thompson

Thanks to Becky O'Meara for the pictures. 

Like the Middleton Area Optimist Club on Facebook and see even more photos! 

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Trivia on the 12th

Today is 12-12-12. In case  you were wondering, there are some interesting things that happen by the dozen. In honor of the day, here are 12 trivial facts, just for you.

Make the Days Count
Just a small reminder. 
There are:
  • 12 months in a year
  • 12 hours on the clock face
  • 12 inches in a foot
  • 12 strikes to bowl a perfect game
  • 12 folks who have walked on the moon
  • 12 face cards in a deck of playing cards
  • 12 days of Christmas
  • 12 jurors in felony trials
  • 12 signs of the zodiac
  • 12 pair of ribs in most humans 
  • 12 cupcakes in a dozen
  • 12 sides and 12 angles in a dodecagon 

Friday, December 7, 2012

It's time to plan for the Optimist International Convention

I've heard it said that it’s never too early to starting planning your trip to the 2013 Optimist International Convention. That's when all the Optimist Club families come together to refresh their optimism. In 2013, the convention will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 4-6. Register for the convention or just find out more at www.optimist.org/convention.

Click here for a sneak peak of top attractions in Cincinnati from Midwest Living including the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the Cincinnati Zoo, Kings Island amusement & waterpark, Taft Museum of Art, and more!


Follow Optimist International Convention buzz on Facebook.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

The Optimistic history of Neil Patrick Harris

Before he was Barney on "How I met your Mother," he was "Doogie Howser, MD." And before that, Neil Patrick Harris was a contestant in an Optimist Club Oratorical Contest. In 1992, Harris was interviewed by Gary Bradley for the Optimist magazine. He shared his winning speech, and thoughts about participating in the New Mexico West Texas District event.

Please click on the photos to enlarge and read how a young Neil Patrick Harris believed that optimism was a way of life.

Photos courtesy of Optimist International.

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Are you an ambassador?

Optimist International has created a new opportunity for your Optimist Club to connect with the home office: Ambassador.



Every Optimist Club is invited to have one member designated as the Club’s Ambassador to Optimist International.  You would receive monthly email updates to share with the Club.

In return, you would provide news about the Club’s service projects to Optimist International for possible inclusion in the magazine and online.  It’s a new way of strengthening the communications between Clubs and Optimist International.

If you are interested in this position send your name, Club name and email address to: ambassador@optimist.org.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Christmastime with the Boise Noon Optimist Club


Dyan Graybeal shared the following story and photos from the Boise Noon Optimist Club annual Christmas party:


Boise Noon just had their annual family Christmas dinner/auction that includes a visit from Santa!!! We do a combined live dessert auction which is lively and lots of fun and a silent auction. We make it a full family event, with not only Santa – but crafts and cookie decorating for the kids. Santa is the hugest hit of the night – not only do all of the kids sit on his lap, but many of the “grownups” enjoy a photo with Santa!

Our funds go to the teens at the Hays Shelter Home which is part of the Idaho Youth Ranch. This is a place for teens in transition of some sort to stay while their family lives are being sorted out. 

We usually get 9 – 12 kids, but have 15 this year. We are furnished with Christmas wish list for each that we shop for. Most are asking for basics like coats, shoes, warm clothes and we are excited to fill each item on the wish list. 

What fun we have doing it!
Pictures top to bottom: 
Some Boise Noon Optimist Football Sponsors
Santa's rousing entrance
Not just for kids anymore
A room full of Optimist Christmas cheer

Thanks to Dyan for starting off the 24 days of Christmas on the PNW District Optimist Clubs blog.

Please click here to share your Optimist Club Christmas story now. 

Sunday, December 2, 2012

A good promise to keep


Here's a little reminder from the Optimist Creed to help get you through the hectic and crazy holiday season ahead.

Did you know that when you smile, your shoulders relax, your face lifts and so do your spirits?

Go ahead and give it a try. And then keep on smiling because it makes you look and feel amazing.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Grant HS Octagon Club partners with senior center

For Thanksgiving, the Grant High School Octagon Club, Portland, Oregon, helped the Hollywood Senior Center put on an authentic feast for their patrons. According to Amber Kern Johnson, Executive Director, the celebration was a great success. She wrote:

"We had over 60 seniors attend the event which provides an authentic Thanksgiving meal and social opportunity for many older adults without family and the resources to celebrate the holiday.  The lunch was a rousing success.  The seniors felt really treated, and that is a rarity in many of their lives.  

Happy Thanksgiving indeed!


The Octagon Club played a major role in making the afternoon so special. The members helped to set up, serve food, and clean-up after the event.  I know it meant a lot to the seniors  in attendance to have younger individuals be at the event and spend time with them. 

 As we head into December, we would love to have some students come to help decorate the Senior Center for the holidays. Please let me know if this is a possibility. Most afternoons will work for us to have a group come.

We are very grateful for the ongoing support of the Grant High School Octagon Club!"


What a great opportunity for the students and adults. The Grant High School Octagon Club is sponsored by the Portland Northeast Optimist Club. 

Thanks to JOOI Chair Boyd Yaden for the story. Click on the pictures to enlarge. 

Monday, November 26, 2012

NOW Meetings really, really work

The Albany Optimist Club is planning a NOW meeting. For a month or so, they've placed a notice in their newsletter that says,
NOW means New Optimists Welcome 
We need  you to give us names of folks you think would be good Optimist members. We will write a letter to them and invite them to a special meeting. 
This week, the message was amended to read,
This promo must be working. We have 3 new members and haven't even had the meeting yet. 
It's true. Just talking about about adding members to our Optimist Clubs puts us in the mindset to share what we do with others and invite them to join in on the experience.

A NOW meeting is an organized way to look at the community, see what sector of business people are missing from the roster, and formally invite them to join.

I'm inclined to believe that the real reason NOW meetings work is because we feel less inhibited to ask people to join because everybody's doing it!

Find out how your Optimist Club can benefit from the everybody's doing it mentality:
Learn more about NOW meetings here.
See a sample NOW meeting presentation here.

Friday, November 23, 2012

An Optimistic Coffee Stop

Our Optimist Clubs raise money in different ways. Some are getting ready for their biggest fundraisers of the year with Christmas Tree sales. Others are plugging away with service and earning a little bit of money to boot. 

The Chehalis Centralia Optimist Club is one that is earning money by providing service. According to President Monique Connors,
"This week our Optimist group had a coffee stop fund raiser out at Toutle Rest Stop. Despite the really nasty weather we did pretty well and served many cups of coffee...tea and cocoa. The people who stopped were grateful and a delight to serve.

Looking forward to out next fund raiser in March when we have a Silent/Chinese Auction & Dinner. Lots of great items so come see, March 23-2013 starting at 5:00 P.M."
As families traveled to be with one another on the Thanksgiving holiday, I'm sure the coffee was well appreciated. Thank you for your service.

Thanks to Monique for sharing the story.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Happy Thanksgiving to Optimists everywhere


Today, in the United States, families and friends will gather for the first feast of the holiday season. They know that they aren't gathering merely to eat. They are coming together to share stories, their spirit and culture with others so that it may continue far into the future.

Giving thanks is respectful. It is good to celebrate the human spirit with gratitude. Thank you, Optimist Club members, for all that you do every day to share your spirit of service and hope.

Click here to read about the first Thanksgiving (celebrated in September) at history.com. 

Friday, November 9, 2012

Vegas in March? Why not!

PNW District Membership Chair Dick Brodie sends the following message to you and your Optimist Club:

Greetings Everyone

Now is the time to recruit new members! With Veterans Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas on the horizon, our communities need us more than ever. It is easier to show people what your Clubs’ projects do at this time of year to help the youth and needy families. Get people involved in your projects and we’ll get those elusive new members we need.

SPECIAL OFFER 
If you can sponsor a new member by New Year’s Day , I will DOUBLE your chances to win that trip to "SUNNY LAS VEGAS" in March by putting your name in the drawing twice (that’s 2 times) for every member that you sponsor!
The Pacific Northwest District is proud of our members and what we do for others, especially the KIDS. Let’s get more people involved by bringing in more new members.

Friday, November 2, 2012

A new Optimist Club year gets underway

Two weeks ago, many Optimist Club and District leaders gathered in Hood River, Oregon for the first quarter district meeting. We launched the new year with Governor Larry Blackburn's commitment to fun. There was a talent show where DiAnne Wilson, Ms. Oregon Senior America sang her way into our hearts. We saw talent from others too including a rocking rendition of "Born to be Wild" from the sound-man extraordinaire Steve Andersen that brought many in the audience to their feet.

The Nightly News
Earlier in the day, Dustin and Kayleigh Godfrey shared some of the secrets to the success of the Twin Falls Optimist Club, now at 130 members and still growing. According to Dustin and Kayleigh, fun is what separates their club from all others. They demonstrated just how they keep people laughing with a version of "The Nightly News."

Of course there was business conducted at the meeting as well. Of great importance to the beginning of any administration, was the acceptance of the budget for the year. It was noted that the previous administration spent more than $13,000 of the cash that was transferred to them starting this year's treasury with only $16,000 and perhaps signalling a downward trend. Immediate past district secretary/treasurer Mary White pointed to loss in membership and increased expenses in the scholarship programs as reasons for the difference.

Obviously, the district hopes to regain members in the coming year, but there was great discussion about the scholarship program expenses which, budgeted at $7,300 in 2012-2013, is significantly higher (more than $5,000 higher) than the income that is collected to manage these programs. Until last year, the income and expenses have been close, and have not warranted additional expenses.

What's different? Last year, the administration, without consulting its clubs, arbitrarily decided to give a second scholarship to the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) contest.

Before we continue, a primer in Optimist International scholarships is in order. The Optimist International Foundation(s) raises money for and administers the scholarship programs for Optimist International. They are endowed programs that allow each district to give away to top contestants the following amounts

  • Essay: $2,500 to a single winner
  • CCDHH: $2,500 to a single winner
  • Oratorical: $2,500 to a single boy winner and $2,500 to a single girl winner. Districts may choose to combine the contests (co-ed) and give $2,500 to a first place winner, $1,500 to a second place winner, and $1,000 to a third place winner
As stated above, last year, the administration gave an additional $2,500 to a second CCDHH contestant. Furthermore, unlike the Optimist International Foundation, which distributes the award to the university when  a student enrolls, the PNW District gave $2,500 directly from the treasury to a student. In its budget for 2012-2013, the district has proposed to do the same thing. Additionally, an amendment to the district policies was proposed that this would be required of other administrations in the future. 

This proposal drew a great amount of interest and the district budget narrowly passed. However, the policy proposal was tabled so that a committee could be formed to look into the matter further. 

It is likely that the budget would not have passed except for one thing. Many of the Optimist Club members in attendance did not have their club president's proxy and therefore were not eligible to vote. Even though they may have represented the club's wishes, these members voices were not officially recognized. Lesson 1: Club presidents, your participation is needed. Lesson 2: Club presidents, if you cannot attend, please provide a written proxy to those who attend from your club on your behalf. 

So what about next year and this budget that seems perhaps misaligned? Scott Keller, President, Portland Northeast Optimist Club, challenged other Optimist Clubs to contribute $100 over and above their annual dues to help defray the costs of the scholarship programs. If your club can and will contribute, please tell us now.  Additionally, a number of Optimist Club members on both sides of the issue volunteered to work together to provide more information and recommend a course of action for the future. Governor Larry will assemble this advisory committee soon. 

Accepting a budget is one of the main functions of the first quarter meeting for it prioritizes what district leaders will focus on in the coming year. Additionally, we shared stories and friendships, learned about the social web (friend us on Facebook or click here to sign up to receive district updates)  and OptimistLeaders.org, met the new committee chairs and lt. governors for 2012-2013 and made plans to spread Optimism in our communities.

Sharing Optimism should be job one and we know that we all have it in us to "Get more out of life by helping a child." 

Monday, October 22, 2012

Gary Oyler, you're going to Disneyland

Membership chairperson Dick Brodie sends greetings to one and all with the following message: 
We just got back from the Hood River Board meeting and a good time was had by everyone! 
Our winner for the “Trip for Two to Disneyland or $500 cash” for bringing in New Members is Gary Oyler from Elmore County, Idaho.
Way to go Gary! Please contact Past Governor Bill French at 503-936-8311
We now have a new contest for this year “ For a Trip for Two to Las Vegas in March” starting now and ending March 1st, 2013. More details to follow,  but get started early and sponsor that New Member you have always wanted to join your Club and maybe “You will be the lucky winner like Gary and be able to get into the warm sunshine in Vegas this March!

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Reasons to smile



Sometimes a picture says it all. So smile, okay?

Monday, October 15, 2012

Show your stuff in Hood River

Dyan Graybeal, Chair for the PNW District Childhood Cancer Campaign, had a brainstorm for FUNdraising at the first quarter meeting.

In case you didn't know, Governor Larry has planned a talent show for Saturday evening. Dyan thought it might be fun to show off all of our talents, not just those that involve getting up in front of an audience. Her idea:
If everyone who has a talent/hobby could bring something to auction it would just be great fun!  I have some wineglasses that I paint, so sky’s the limit – quilting, crocheting, metalwork, jewelry, woodcraft, baking, jam or salsa made from your garden.  Frame a wonderful photograph you took. I consider shopping a talent as well – maybe you found something wonderful that you can donate whether it be “vintage” or new.  A basket of books for those readers among us??? 
We’ll get to raise money and get to know each other at the same time.

Her last line is the clincher. We belong to Optimist Clubs because we want to build relationships with others. What better way to get to know someone that to talk about what we do when we are not performing Optimist Club projects? Bring your hobby or craft and tell your story. Bring something to sell and help raise money for the CCC.

And if you want to be on stage singing or dancing -- there's time for that too!

Can't wait to see it all  - and you - at the meeting.

Photo credit

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Golf with the Govs

This just in...


Tee times have been reserved in Hood River for PNW District Optimists. That's right! If you are headed to the first quarter meeting, this is your opportunity to GOLF WITH THE GOVs.

Governor Larry Blackburn and Immediate Past Governor Bill French are looking forward to adding more foursomes on Friday, October 19, 2012. Tee off at 10:00 a.m.

Click here to let Larry and Bill know you're coming. 

Larry says, "Let's have fun!"

Friday, October 12, 2012

Be an Optimist Club volunteer

A note in the Twin Falls Blab today said, "We're looking for committee chair persons. This is the best way to become involved and learn about the Twin Falls Optimist Club and what we do for the kids in our community."

Isn't that the truth?

It is a fact: our Optimist Clubs run on volunteers. Our volunteers are not only the lifeblood of our clubs, they are the positive, upbeat faces of our communities who are most connected to their goals and the dreams, desires, and needs of others.

If you have a project that you want to see started, changed, enhanced, or managed, step up and be a chair person in your local Optimist Club. Something tells me with nearly 150 members, the Twin Falls Optimist Club will have all of their committee seats filled soon and be looking for more projects that make a difference in their community.

Get active. Volunteer to lead a project in your Optimist Club.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

A message from the Optimist International President

Dear Optimist Leaders,

Good morning to each of you. Today, "WE" are responsible for the LEADERSHIP and DIRECTION of our districts, clubs and members! You have the skills, knowledge and ability to be a GREAT Optimist leader and together we will forge a great team and achieve wonderful results for our clubs and kids!

I believe very strongly that new clubs are the answer to achieving success and meeting the needs of kids and our communities! Building new clubs is the answer!

New clubs will bring us excitement, enthusiasm, excellence, energy and electricity to power our year to success.

So, in that spirit and to highlight and focus on this important element of our success...

For the first 25-member adult new Optimist club chartered in 2012-2013:

The new club's president and his or her partner will receive a President's Cruise in November 2013 (includes airfare and cruise).
The sponsor club's president and his or her partner will also receive a President's Cruise in November 2013 (includes airfare and cruise).The sponsor club must finish 2012-13 as a Distinguished Club and the new club must finish the year as an Honor Club.

New clubs are our future. I urge you to make this your highest priority and top goal this year! The first team that charters a new 25-member adult club in 2012-13, then calls me, wins (charter paperwork must be filed within the same day). I am looking forward to the first call!

Sincerely,

OI President
"JC" St-Onge

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Please participate in an internal communications survey

We are conducting an internal communications survey in order to determine the level of engagement that Optimist International and/or District have with its club members and district leaders. Your replies will be anonymous. We encourage you to complete this ten questions survey. Thank you.
Click here to take survey

Friday, October 5, 2012

Find out how to get more out of life at the First Quarter Meeting

"To get more out of life, put more into it," is Governor Larry Blackburn's motto. He's sharing his beliefs with the Pacific Northwest District Optimists this year with the addition of "To get more out of life -help a child!" a saying that will meet with the acceptance of all Optimist Club members.

Come to the first quarter meeting and find out more about Governor Larry's hopes and dreams for your Optimist Club.

Click on the photo to enlarge and print the weekend program for October 19-20, 2012.

Register online now. 

We hope to see you there.


Monday, October 1, 2012

It's a new Optimist Club year!

Greetings from Governor Larry in the start of our new year and best wishes to all.

Thanks to Governor Bill and all his team members for a superb job in leading our district this past year. As we all know, it was a challenge, but we have come through in fine fashion and Bill, you are commended for a splendid job, well done. I have been so proud to have served as your governor-elect this past year.

I ask you, Optimist Club members and officers, to join us in the coming year as we look beyond the past and the present and embrace our international charge “For the future.”

Next up for the PNW District is our 1st Quarter gathering in Hood River, Oregon October 19-20. Are you registered yet? If not, check out the website or give me a call; I’d love to see each and every one of you at this important meeting. You will definitely enjoy and learn more about Planned Giving; how each of us can plan ahead and support our wonderful organization or other group of your choice. In addition to our Executive Board meeting, training and district meeting, there will be fun time!

There are some plans for sturgeon fishing, talent show featuring our own members and you will hear from some people answering this burning question, “Can you find love, at an Optimist meeting?” Furthermore, this weekend is the annual “Harvest Festival” in Hood River and is on the waterfront, near the Best Western. You will want to spend some time at this great activity.

What fun; learn, share, grow in Optimism and renew friendships with our fellow Optimists. So plan now to attend; I look forward to seeing you. Encourage your fellow club members to attend as it’s always, “More Fun with Everyone!”

~Governor Larry

Larry Blackburn, Governor 2012-2013

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Keep smiling, keep serving


As another Optimist International administrative year comes to a close, we thank our Optimist Club leaders, members, and volunteers for helping us bring out the best in children.

We especially thank you for sharing your positive attitude. In the words of Helen Keller, optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.

May you continue to serve in the coming year and beyond. Thank you.

Photo credit: Care.com.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Recognition program benefits the kids

It's that time of year when Optimist Clubs scramble to add and delete members. The goal set by President Jack Creswell and Optimist International was for every club to strive to end the administrative year, September 30, with a net gain of at least one new member.

Every club that completes that requirement is eligible to receive $100 credit towards the next dues billing from Optimist International. To complete the requirements, the club must also be current on dues, complete 3 projects and report them on the President's Pride report, and recognize an individual for their optimistic service.

Sounds like a pretty easy way to earn a quick $100 to me!

I often hear people say that they don't do what they do for awards. But it's not about the awards; completing those minimum requirements help ensure your Optimist Club's longevity and Optimist International is so committed to this process that they are putting up hard cash to recognize its importance.

If you want to raise that amount to a $250 credit all it will take is 15 net new members.

Don't worry; if you can't make it to 15 this year, the same program is in place for 2012-2013. End strong and begin strong. It's all for the kids.

Friday, September 21, 2012

There is always time to achieve your goals


There are nine days left in the 2011-2012 administrative year for our Optimist Clubs. That's nine days for club presidents to inspire their peers and achieve their goals. Was there something that you wanted to achieve? Now is the time to make it happen. You can do it!

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Yes, it's time to register for the First Quarter Meeting

Optimist Club and District leadership run a race every year. It's a relay race and it's almost time to hand over the baton to the next runner. In a matter of two weeks, club presidents, district lieutenant governors, and our district governor will all change. That's why it's time to make plans now to attend the PNW District First Quarter Meeting

I can't think of a better way to kick the new year into fast forward than to join your Optimist friends in Hood River on October 19-20, 2012. Larry Blackburn, Governor 2012-2013 is promising to make the event both informational and fun. Some activities will include:

  • Find out how PNW District Optimists have made a love connection through optimism
  • Review and accept the district policies and budget
  • Learn about membership recruitment ideas and district growth strategies that impact your club
  • Discover what your club needs to know to hold outstanding Optimist Club scholarship programs - Essay, Oratorical and Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Contests
  • Find out how your club can host a junior golf tournament
  • Receive continuing education from the leadership development team
  • Greet your new district officers 
  • Network with other Optimist Club members who share your interests
  • Practice public relations with new media platforms
  • Participate in a talent show or enjoy those who do

We'll also discover how to put the new district theme to work in your life. Larry says, "You get more out of life when you put more into it." And with that, he has chosen the theme, "Get more out of life...help a child," to inspire us to do more in our communities in the coming year. 

Will we see you in Hood River? I hope so. Hood River a favorite location and the district meeting is an event you will enjoy. Register now for the PNW District First Quarter Meeting.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Portland Peninsula Optimist Club cooks chicken dinner

PDX Peninsula Optimist Boy Scout
AJ - Boy Scout and volunteer
Sharon Speer of the Portland Peninsula Optimist Club shared a story and pictures from a recent activity at their club. Find out, in Sharon's own words, what happened.

Dick Merck is flanked by the chefs
                                                         










A satisfied customer!

"On September 9th, the Peninsula Optimists held a Chicken BBQ fundraiser for the first time. We learned a lot and have ideas on how to make it even more successful next time. 
Dick Merck did an excellent job organizing the event. The day prior, a group went out to a farm on Sauvie's Island and picked corn and Dick's son did a bang-up job cooking the chicken and shucking all 300 ears of corn! 
Boy Scout Troop 52 volunteered to help serve meals and help with clean-up after. All I can say is YUM!"
Thanks for sharing your story, Sharon! If your Optimist Club wants to tell the world (and other clubs in the PNW) what's happening, please send it now.  

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