Notes from the Idaho Regional meeting

About 40 Optimist Club members representing various Optimist Clubs in Idaho were on hand for the final regional meeting of the second quarter for the PNW District. Governor Fred Wallace and Governor-elect Dick Disney made the trip from Oregon and Washington respectively to spend the day with the group as they discussed district level programs, important dates and deadlines.

Optimist Clubs from Boise, Caldwell, Elmore County, Jerome, McCall, Middleton, Nampa and Twin Falls discussed club-level programs and shared ideas for community service with their peers.

An exciting idea came from Sheri Mitchell, President, Jerome. She described the club's main programs: the Special Needs Fishing Derby, Breakfast with Santa, the Easter Egg Hunt and Coats for Kids; but her special idea was that the Jerome Optimist Club actively looks to involve older students in their programs for younger children. What a great idea for finding volunteer hands and instilling an attitude of community service in our youth!

Of course one of the highlights of the second quarter is the recognition of Optimist Clubs that have earned special honors in the previous administrative year. Immediate Past Governor Larry Blackburn presented two Optimist Clubs and their officers awards for earning the title Distinguished Optimist Club. Congratulations to the Twin Falls and Middleton Area Optimist Clubs.

Dave Hickok, Wayne Bohrn and Larry Blackburn
Twin Falls Optimist Club receives Distinguished Club award

Larry Blackburn and Russ Nelson
Middleton Area Optimist Club receives Distinguished Award

Idaho Optimist Club members also took some time out for fun. Instead of a speaker at lunch they bowled and played pool. Now how fun is that?