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Tuesday, December 30, 2008

PNW Optimists think about the new year

It's only a couple days away! That's right, 2009 really will be here before you know it. In the Pacific Northwest, many people are still digging out from the big snowstorms that made Christmas wonderfully white, but our Optimist Clubs are thinking about the new projects and new opportunities that will come with the new year.

Opportunity #1. Optimist International Essay Contest - The official topic is "The Power of Youth" and all clubs should encourage students who are under the age of 19 as of December 31, 2008 to participate in this scholarship contest. Club contests should be completed by January 31. District contests must be completed by April 15.

Information for club chairpersons .
Information for contestants.

Contestants, please note that you must submit your essay to an Optimist Club. Click here to find a club near you.

Opportunity #2. Attend a Regional Meeting - With deference to weather and economy, the PNW District offers regional meetings in February so that more people can attend this motivational activity.

Find the meeting nearest you and participate!

Be sure to check back often as we update the opportunities for all Optimists to be involved!


Friday, December 26, 2008

Optimists double as Santa's elves

Optimists throughout the United States and Canada took turns helping with Christmas cheer. One of the most popular Christmas-related activities was Christmas tree sales. Many Optimist Clubs use the profits from Christmas tree lots as their budgets for the year. It's not unusual for a small club to raise as much as $25,000 in a little less than three weeks.

One hundred percent of all profits are then returned to their local communities in the form of scholarships, youth programs and community projects.

Some other Optimist elf activities
are helping Santa write Christmas letters, wrapping presents, collecting and delivering food baskets, sponsoring a local headquarters for Santa photos, hosting breakfast with Santa and by providing warm coats and shopping trips for kids.

Please share photos of your Club's Santa project by sending your pictures to the PNW Blog.








Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Optimist Club Christmas wish

'Twas two days before Christmas and all through the land
Optimists were shopping and wrapping and making great plans
For when the holidays are over and the good deeds are done
An Optimist knows their work has only just begun

There are essay and oratorical contests to bring out the best in youth
There are golf tournaments and easter egg hunts for those with a sweet tooth
Most important of all good cheer will reign
Throughout the year as new friendships are made

Every Optimist member knows when we come together as one
We serve our communities and still have great fun
Our Optimist Clubs will prosper and accomplish more tasks
When you join us in service, it is all that we ask

Best wishes to you and yours for a happy holiday and joyful new year.

Please click here to find an Optimist Club near you.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Spotted! Channel 7, Optimists and Trees


The Meridian Optimist Club was up at o'dark thirty this morning with meteorologist Larry Gebert of Idaho's Channel 7 NBC News. Fans of the news channel know that "Where's Larry?" is a common question as he travels about Southern Idaho to help promote good causes and recognize good people and deeds.

On tap this morning was the Meridian Optimist Christmas Tree Lot promotion. Optimists - and Larry, a Boise Noon Optimist member - were on hand at 250 Overland Road, Meridian, ID at 4:30 a.m. This picture was snapped just minutes after 5:00 a.m. as busy Optimist members moved trees to make a great display. Trees range in price from $35 to $85 and all patrons who bring two or more non-perishable items for the Meridian Food Bank receive a $5 discount off their purchase.

The Christmas Tree Sales are the main fund raiser for the Meridian Optimists. One hundred percent of all fund raising proceeds are returned to the Meridian community in the form of community service projects and programs that involve, benefit or recognize children.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Why do Optimist Clubs have Bulletins?

Some people prefer to call them newsletters, but many Optimist Clubs cling to the term bulletin for obvious reasons. A bulletin is a regular missive that tells you what is going to happen. A newsletter usually tells you what has happened. A bulletin arrives in a timely enough manner that you can participate. A newsletter arrives after the fact so that you find out what you missed.

So what's the best solution? How about a little of both.

Make your club bulletin a call to action. Invite people to participate in whatever is happening: club meetings, club fund raisers and club projects; and tell them how to do so. Include phone numbers and email addresses. Don't forget to give directions to the activity, tell them where to park and what day and time to be there.

Make your club bulletin a promotional tool. In newsletter fashion, be sure to tell your readers what happened, who participated, and what they missed by not being involved. Create excitement for the next time your club gathers for an activity.

Make your club bulletin available. Post it online, send it via email and offer to send it through regular mail. Don't be stingy with your mailing list. Include everyone that might benefit from knowing what your club is doing. That includes non-members too!


Looking for some ideas for your club bulletin? Visit http://www.pnwoptimist.org/Bulletins.php and become inspired.

Friday, November 28, 2008

Santa Claus is coming to Auburn, Washington

The Auburn Optimist Club has been busy preparing for Santa's arrival. The jolly old elf will return to his Auburn headquarters on December 6 where he will be available for pictures and to talk with all the hopeful youngsters who want to convince him that they have been nice (not naughty!) throughout the year.

The Santa House has been a tradition in Auburn for more than forty years. It will be open through December 24. See the complete schedule here.

Other fun holiday activities include the Santa Parade and Tree Lighting!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Meridian Optimists deliver holiday food baskets

This year the Meridian Optimist Club prepared and delivered thirty food baskets to families in
the Meridian area. Together with schools in the Meridian School District they also collected hundreds of pounds of canned goods for the Meridian Food Bank.

The Meridian Optimist Club has prepared food baskets for more than twenty years. About ten years ago they began working with students in the schools to collect non-perishable items. All that is needed and more is collected in a short two week period.

The next project for club is their annual Christmas Tree Sales. It's a busy season for the Meridian Optimists.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Boise Noon Optimists Rake-up Boise

More than 5,000 Boise State Bronco fans attended the Boise State - Nevada football game on November 22 in Reno. Boise won. On that same day, Boise won on yet another front when more than 5,000 volunteers came out to assist others in the Annual Rake-up Boise event. The Boise Noon Optimist Club was one group that made the day special for over 700 senior and disabled Boise residents.
Shown here is Don Gunner, Boise Noon Optimist member, chatting with Beth Sterling, recipient of the kindness.

Abbotsford Optimists host youth skating

The Abbotsford Optimist Club hosted 426 children at the Annual Youth Skate on November 11 at the new Abbotsford Recreation Center. Participants were asked to bring a canned food item for the food bank and two large barrels of food and more than $400 were collected.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Oregon City Optimists host Punt, Pass, Kick Contest

The Oregon City Optimist Club is proud to announce that two young ladies have advanced in the NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Contest. Catelyn Preston, 13, and Sierra Walker, 10, earned high enough scores in the PP&K Team Event and are once again qualified to compete at the Seattle Seahawks game on Nov. 23.

Catelyn and Sierra have a long history with the contest. Catelyn has advanced to the Seahawks Team Championship four times. She won the Seahawks Team Championship in 2006, and placed in the top three two other times.

Sierra won the Seahawks Team Championship last year and went on to finish third in the nation in the 8-9 girls division, competing at halftime of last winter’s Indianapolis Colts vs. San Diego Chargers playoff game.

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Boyd Yaden named PNW District Optimist of the Year

Immediate Past Governor Steve Andersen unveiled his choice for PNW District Optimist of the Year. Boyd Yaden, come on down!

Boyd is a member of the Portland NE Optimist Club and is the Lt. Governor for Zone 3.
Boyd was nominated by long-time friend and Optimist Macil Flye. According to Steve, Boyd was chosen for his work in developing the JOOI Club in Clackamas and ongoing efforts to build awareness for Optimist Clubs and projects in the schools.

Please join us wishing congratulations to Boyd for his accomplishments and dedication to the PNW District of Optimist International.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

PNW Optimists hold first quarter meeting

It is an unofficial opinion, but this writer believes the Flintstones and Rubbles should be named as honorary Optimists of the PNW District. We know that they already belong to the Royal Order of the Water Buffalo, but inclusion and partnerships can only take our clubs that much further by giving us more hands to serve our community.

Diversity, partnerships, unity and progress were the themes for the First Quarter PNW Optimist District Meeting in Gig Harbor, WA. Governor Peter Smith presided over his first meeting as District Governor. Vice President Tommy Vaughn smiled, cajoled and inspired the group to ask questions, but work together. Governor-elect Linda Jackson reminded everyone that we were on this journey together. And the Leadership Development Team of Ed Murphy, Jean Jensen, and Linda Jackson offered tips and tools for leaders, members, and members aspiring to be leaders. A great start to a great year!

Shown above are Dr. Tom Hammond, Trenna Garcia, Sue Thompson, and Bill Garcia of the Bedrock...err... the Meridian Optimist Club.

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Jerome kids honored by Optimist Club

What a fantastic event! Seventy-six kids ranging in age from 5 to 18 were honored by the Jerome Optimist Club at the 10th Annual Youth Appreciation Awards on Wednesday, November 5, 2008. In order to be recognized, the student had to be nominated by a teacher, parent or person in the community that witnessed the recipient doing an act of kindness or something above and beyond their daily routine to help another person or cause.

By partnering with the Jerome Rotary Club, the Optimists were able to present each student with a certificate, their nomination letter and a $10 gift card.

Optimist member Sheri Mitchell has organized the event on behalf of the Optimist and Rotary Clubs for ten years and the Honorable Thomas H. Borreson has presided over the ceremony since its inception. The youths were accompanied to the event by parents and family members. Judge Borreson made a special acknowledgement to the families for providing an atmosphere at home that encouraged the kids to give of themselves to others.

Twin Falls newschannel KMVT recorded the event. Watch the video here.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Gresham Optimists recycle campaign signs

It's finally over! The US 2008 election has come to an historic close by electing the first African-American president Barack Obama. Some close races in our states and counties are still waiting to find out who will go to Washington D.C. in January as Congressmen and women and Senators. What needs to happen next? According to the Gresham Optimist Club now is the time to clean up the signs from our yards and our roads and get back to the business of serving kids and community.

The Gresham Optimist Club and the City of Gresham, Oregon have launched a recycling program for campaign collateral. Campaign signs are dimantled and recycled for free and the wooden stakes are donated to the Gresham Optimists who then redistribute them to needy residents for firewood. Read more about the program here.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Jerome Optimists honor kids who make a difference

They might not be straight-A students. They might not be celebrated athletes. But they are kids who make a difference just by being members of the community. Perhaps she's the girl that helps out at the soup kitchen, or he's the boy that works extra hours to rake leaves or shovel snow; or they take time to help a classmate with schoolwork or at recess. The Jerome Optimist Club celebrates these special kids for their efforts every year with the Annual Youth Appreciation Awards.

This year the ceremony will be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. at Summit Elementary in Jerome, Idaho.

Nominations are received from the community; from teachers, parents, and friends. Nominations are due on Wednesday, October 29, 2008. You can nominate someone special in Jerome, Idaho or the surrounding area today by contacting Sheri Mitchell.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

Something Wicked is in store for the Meadow Ridge Optimist Club

According to Lt. Governor Bertha Washer, it is her favorite event of the year: the Ghost Ridge Haunted House. In addition to being a fund raiser for the Meadow Ridge Optimist Club, Ghost Ridge provides an opportunity for high school students to gain work experience by setting up the ghostly event, working on site during the event and tearing down afterwards.

The theme for this year's annual spooktacular is "Something Wicked." You are invited to enjoy the fun from October 24 through October 30 at the Maple Ridge Fairgrounds, 23448 -105th Ave. & Lougheed Hwy.

Cost for adults: $7.00 for the Ghost Ridge Haunted House. Cost for children: $2.00 for Ghost Ridge.

Groups that benefit from the proceeds are: Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Agricultural Association, Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squadron 583, Meadow Ridge Optimist Club, and the Ridge Canoe & Kayak Club. Boo!

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Who can bring about change in Washington?

It's an historic election year. Normally, I would refrain from posting a political message, but this one is important. Enter your name below to see why.

AARP 08 Video
Enter your name to see who can bring real change to Washington.
First Name:
Last Name:

Monday, October 20, 2008

Vancouver North Shore Optimist Club celebrates 50th Anniversary

The Optimist Club of Vancouver North Shore, BC celebrated their fiftieth anniversary on October 7. Newly installed President Mansuralli Lalani led the celebration with a dinner party at Cheer's Restaurant. Mr. Lalani (left) received a certificate to commemorate the club's service and history from MP Don Bell (right).

According to the North Shore News, the Vancouver North Shore Optimist Club encompasses programs and activities directed toward assistance to youth and the improvement of the community. They put forward Optimist International's mission of bringing out the best in kids.



Founding member Larry Krangle attended with his wife Lorna. Dawn Copping and Mel and Millie Johnson greet guests as they arrive. Singer Camille Johnson entertains those in attendance.

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Optimist Clubs install officers

'Tis the season for all Optimist Clubs to pass the gavel forward to a new leader. My friend Buzz Buswell from the Tennessee District shared a story with me about the transfer zone. In relay races, the transfer zone is the ten meters before and after the stationary runner who stands waiting to receive the baton from the moving runner. The hand-off is blind and without looking back, the departing runner receives a signal from the approaching teammate and begins running with his arm extended straight back to receive the baton. The approaching runner firmly places the baton in his teammate's hand, but continues to hold until the departing runner takes the baton from their grasp. All of this happens within the transfer zone. All of this has to happen in order for the team to win.

According to Buzz, the end of one Optimist year and the beginning of the next is like that transfer zone. In order for your club to succeed, you have to support and encourage each runner - each leader - to grasp, run and hand-off that baton in sync. Buzz ends his story by saying, "We are in a continuous relay race for the children of our communities. Maintain your drive, look ahead, pass the gavel and keep going for all you are worth. A year from now, you can pass the gavel to your teammate with the knowledge that we are all in this together. It's not your year or my year. It's another fine year to be an Optimist."

Above: Retiring president Michelle Cox swears in Pamela Schmidt at the Auburn Optimist Club Installation Ceremony.
Pictures left to right: Tracy and Scott Brandenbourg accept their roles as Lt. Goveror and Club President at a Clue-themed installation banquet for Jerome. Cindi and Ken Wall of Boise Noon attend their first meeting as another Club President and Lt. Governor team. Sue Thompson presides over her first Meridian Optimist Club meeting as president. Please send us your photos so we can add them to our page!







Wednesday, October 1, 2008

PNW Optimists welcome the new year

October 1 marks the beginning of new year for Optimist International and the Pacific Northwest District. Clubs throughout North America, the Caribbean and abroad change presidents, districts change governors and the organization recognizes a new International President.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, duties were entrusted to 2008-2009 Governor Peter Smith. Governor Peter has chosen the theme "Dream Makers" to express the behind the scenes roles played by so many Optimists for the children they serve and for the special people in our lives that help us reach for our goals. Peter's personal dream maker is his VIP Annette Smith.

Our congratulations to all officers who proudly accepted their positions and a special thanks to those retiring from their posts, especially Steve Andersen, 2007-2008 Governor. We appreciate the hard work you've done and the great work yet to come. Thank you for your service to your community and your fellow Optimists.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Roseburg Optimists host Respect for Law Banquet

One of the purposes of an Optimist Club is to encourage respect for law. A popular activity is to honor local law enforcement officers. The Roseburg, Oregon Optimist Club recently held a Respect for Law Banquest where they honored four officers for the excellent service. Read all about it here.

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Make youth serving organizations a priority

Denzel Washington is a national board member and spokesperson for Boys and Girls Clubs of America. In this time of economic turmoil and the potential for change in the US political scene, he took time to remind us that we must pay attention to the children in crisis. In an editorial with CNN, he reminds voters that regardless of party affiliations, we must hold politicians accountable for helping young people. His key points:
  • Nearly 30 percent of this year's freshman class will drop out of high school, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. That number jumps to 40 percent in some urban areas.
  • The obesity rate for our kids has gone up by as much as 300 percent since 1980, according to the National Center for Health Statistics, triggering a host of health-related problems, from diabetes to heart disease.
  • Young people account for more than 20 percent of violent crimes in the United States, according to statistics cited by Duke University's Center for Child and Family Policy. Violent juvenile crime peaks between 3 and 4 p.m., at the end of the school day.
  • These facts are grim enough. Factor in persistent patterns of poverty, gang activity, drug abuse and teenage pregnancy, and you have a generation of Americans that will be unprepared -- indeed, unable -- to meet the challenges posed by a complex world.

How can we help? According to Mr. Washington, "In partnership with government, schools, community leaders and parents, we can create a network and culture in which everyone embraces the importance of a positive future for our youth. There are many ways to help:

  • Volunteering at a local youth organization.
  • Leading by example.
  • Donating to charities that make a difference."

Sounds like a great time to be a member of an Optimist Club. Make sure your club is following Denzel Washington's example. Read the complete post here.

Could you be a CCB?

The Certified Club Builder (CCB) Program is coming to the PNW District on October 29-31 in Gig Harbor, WA. Peter Smith, Governor 2008-2009 is looking for ten candidates to participate.

According to Optimist International: The Certified Club Builder will be an Optimist member who has a successful track record in New Club Building. They must possess an extensive knowledge of Optimist International’s history, policies, programs and culture. The Certified Club Builder must be available to travel and must be available to spend consecutive days working in the field. In addition to leading the building efforts within a community this individual must be able to train and instruct other key Builders in the “how-to’s” of successful New Club Building.

Please send an email to the governor to be considered for a slot in this upcoming class.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

PNW Optimists to visit Gig Harbor

Register today to attend the 1st Quarter District Meeting in Gig Harbor, Washington. The meeting will be held on October 31-November 1 at the Inn at Gig Harbor. Hotel cut-off date is September 19. Rooms will be subject to availability after that time.
Located southwest of Seattle, Gig Harbor is about 35 miles from the Seatac Airport or 15 miles from Tacoma. This maritime village is the first stop on the Kitsap Peninsula after crossing the Narrows Bridge. Find out more about Gig Harbor attractions by visiting the official visitor website http://www.gigharborguide.com/home.aspx.

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Is this a trick question?

When is the best time to add new members to your Optimist Club roster? Answer: Today. Every day.

Some longtime club secretary/treasurers are convinced that they know the ins and outs of membership maintenance. Some will hold onto new member applications, waiting until after dues billing dates so as not to be charged more from Optimist International. Others will hold on to to a new application so that they can maintain an even roster when they receive a resignation.

Is this fair to the new member? When a new member joins, they receive a new member package and pin from Optimist International. If the application is not submitted, that mailing is never generated and the new Optimist is never fully welcomed into the club.

Don't let this happen in your club! Members are never more impressionable than they are at the time they make the decision to join. Make sure your club is sending the right impression to the new member from the start:

  • Induct new members into the club so they understand the club has goals and purposes.
  • Present their new member packet.
  • Pin their member pin on their lapel and encourage them to wear it.
  • Engage them in a project immediately. Use the member interest finder to help your new (and veteran) members get involved.
Click here for a copy of the new member induction pledge.

Monday, September 1, 2008

Time to promote Optimist Scholarship Programs

September! Now is the best time to begin promoting Optimist International Scholarship Programs. Get on your teachers' lesson plans today with the following opportunities:

Optimist Essay Contest: Topic - "The Power of Youth"

Optimist Oratorical Contest: Topic - "For me, optimism is..."

Optimist Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH): Topic - "For me, optimism is..."


Click on the links to find out more. All Optimist scholarship programs begin at the club level. Clubs are encouraged to attend the First Quarter District Meeting on October 31-November 1 to learn all about district deadlines, rules for submission and advancing in competition, and to discuss new ideas to promote contests in your community.

Students should contact a local Optimist Club to participate. Click here to find a club near you.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

More from the PNW District Optimist Convention

We learned how to be better club leaders. We installed our district officers for the coming year. We celebrated our retiring officers from 2007-2008. But most of all we had fun. Please enjoy this slideshow with pictures from Ken and Cindi Wall and make sure you don't miss out on any of the fun at the District Convention next year.



Special thanks to 2008-2009 Optimist International President Don Seivers and his his terrific VIP Anita Seivers for sharing this time with the PNW District. ^5

Monday, August 18, 2008

Linda Jackson chosen Governor-elect for Optimist International - PNW District

The PNW District Convention came to a close on August 16 in Chilliwack, British Columbia. International President Designate Don Sievers and his wife Anita were the honored guests at this most important segue into a new year of Optimism.

With only six weeks left in the 2007-2008 administrative year, Governor Steve Andersen encouraged those in attendance to help the District complete a special membership goal. By adding only 52 members - or one member per club - Governor Steve explained the district will close the year with positive membership numbers.

Club presidents-elect and secretary/treasurer designates received an orientation into their positions with a big focus on the new recognition program, using Optimist websites and email, and motivating and leading volunteers. Governor-designate Peter Smith is looking forward to assuming the position of Governor on October 1.

Finally, a last order of convention business was completed when Linda Jackson of the Jerome Optimist Club was unanimously elected to the position of Governor-elect.

It was a great weekend and the Chilliwack and Mission Optimist Clubs were superb hosts. Watch for more posts on convention activities this week.

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Where in the world is Governor Steve?

Joe Jenkins sent me a message from the Auburn Optimist Club that Governor Steve Andersen would be visiting their club this week as a stop along the way to the PNWD District Convention in Chilliwack. That got me thinking. Just where has Governor Steve traveled this year? Maybe he visited your club? Send me a picture and we'll add it to the collage. Enjoy!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Boise Noon Optimist Football Program

More than 4,000 youths participate in the Boise Noon Optimist Football program each year. To be sure the kids are safe when they hit the fields, they have to first train the coaches. Here's a look at the coach's clinic held August 2. Thanks to Walt Callahan for forwarding the pictures.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

It's an Honor to be Honor

As we head into the final months of Governor Steve Andersen's administration and toward the beginning of Governor-elect Peter Smith's term of office, one thing remains the same - it's an honor to be Honor. What does that mean? Please read on to learn what being an Honor Club President means to me.

A purple and gold rectangle bears my name on my Optimist Club's banner. I wouldn't want it any other way. Representing a year of dedication and commitment, that symbol set in motion a career in Optimism.

I chose to be president of my Optimist Club even though others had turned down the opportunity. I smiled and said yes when asked to serve because I knew our Optimist Club made a difference in our community. We served kids, we were civic leaders, and we offered hope to those who were less fortunate. We gave of ourselves and in doing so, developed a sense of pride and teamwork. How could anyone decline the opportunity to lead such an admirable cause?

My Optimist Club flourished. We sponsored service projects and fund raisers, we paid our bills and made reports to the district and Optimist International. We recruited new members and never failed to honor the Optimist of the Year with a Life Membership. I began attending district meetings and discovered that what we were doing was not a secret. We were successful because we were following the steps to Honor Club status. We were not alone in our service, but we were among the elite.

It's an honor to be Honor. It truly is. Achieving Honor Club recognition proves an Optimist Club is serving the youth and community to its fullest capacity. It means the club has conducted no less than three service projects, achieved growth in membership and completed their financial and administrative requirements. The reward for doing everything right is the silent pride in knowing the Optimist Honor Club ranks among the top twenty-five percent of all service clubs in the world.

From Honor Club president, I rose to District and International service; but it is always most rewarding to return home, to where it all began. My name, emblazoned on that banner, declares I am first and foremost an Optimist volunteer. I roll up my sleeves and go to work, for it is only at the club level that I can personally touch the life of a child.

This essay was written by Linda Jackson and was first published in the April/May 1998 edition of the Optimist. Please click on the administrative year to discover the current requirements for Honor Club.
2007-2008 or 2008-2009 .

Thursday, July 17, 2008

Optimist Family Fun Days in Abbotsford, BC

The Abbotsford Optimist Club invites you to share the fun of Family Fun Days with a slide show.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Results from the Optimist International Convention

Earlier this month, approximately 1,200 Optimist Club members gathered in Grapevine, Texas for the 2008 International Convention. Nineteen proposals were considered and voted on by delegates from the representative clubs. Read a summary of the actions taken here.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Make plans now for the PNW Optimist Convention

Newly elected Optimist Club presidents and secretary-treasurers are encouraged to attend the PNW District Optimist Convention on August 14-16 in Chilliwack, British Columbia. According to Governor-elect Peter Smith, this is the best time to get prepared for the year ahead! Register online now.

Training this year will include basics of club operations, delegation and goal setting. New to the agenda will be a module recently introduced at the Optimist International Convention on Public Relations.

We will also be honored to welcome the incoming Optimist International President Don Sievers. Don hails from the Optimist Club of Jackson, Missouri and will be promoting a successful conclusion to the current administrative year and inspiring a great start to the incoming year. He will introduce the theme for 2008-2009, Give me Five for the Kids, as well as the new honor club requirements.

This is also the time of year that we elect our governor-elect for 2009-2010. Linda Jackson has declared her candidacy. Find out more about Linda Jackson and Ron Petersen. Ron will be the district secretary-treasurer if Linda is elected.

Sunday, June 22, 2008

Boise Noon and Meridian Optimists join for Wheel event

The popular game show Wheel of Fortune rolled into the Boise Factory Outlet Mall on Saturday, June 21 and the Boise Noon and Meridian Optimist Clubs joined forces to serve refreshments to thousands of hopeful contestants. Approximately 160 people made it to the stage for auditions and free prizes. They may be called up for a screen test when the Wheel auditions return to Boise in the fall.

Cindy Wall, President-elect, Boise Noon Optimist Club spearheaded the event along with Gary Arbaugh, Boise Noon Optimist and CBS employee at KBCI Boise. Meridian Optimist Club members provided extra hands for the event.

Picture 1. Hopeful contestants-to-be wait for the Wheel to be set up. Picture 2. Bob Nelson, Tom Hammond and Bill Garcia prepare for the noon rush on hot dogs. Picture 3. Linda Jackson prepares a cooler for vending soda and water in the crowd. Picture 4. Rocky Jackson empties water from the coolers gaining the appreciation of kids looking for some cool fun.

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