OptiNews for AMS&NW District 13

Have some fun at the Birch Hills Optimist Mardi Gras Night

2015-10-12T13:59:00.000-06:00

The Dreamland Optimist Club of Birch Hills presents "Mardi Gras Blues Night" at the Birch Hills Civic Centre on November 14, 2015.

Cocktails at 6 pm,

Mardi Gras Buffet Supper starts at 7 pm

Dance starts at 9 pm.

Please help us raise money for the Kids of Birch Hills.

Only 115 tickets will be sold

(No minors allowed).

Download the invitation for details on who to get your tickets.

1st Quarter District Meeting & Training Workshop Invite

2015-09-26T12:42:00.000-06:00

You are invited to the 2015-16 1st Quarter District Conference and Training Workshop scheduled for Oct 1 & 2, 2015 in Red Deer, Alberta. Enjoy the hospitality of the Blackfalds, Red Deer & Penhold Optimist Clubs and take the opportunity to meet with the new District Team led by our Governor, Edie Harris.

Early Registration Deadline: ASAP

Hotel: Black Knight Inn, 2929 50th Avenue, Red Deer, AB. Book your rooms by calling 403-343-7669 or 1-800-661-8793.

Agenda: Conference Agenda and Workshop Schedule NEW
Theme: The Awesome 80's PROM. Better bring your PIZZAZZ to the 80's PROM.
Companion's and Children's Program: Contact the meeting organizers.

How to Register: Just complete a Registration Form and book your room before they are all reserved!

Submitted by Brenda Mahoney for the Zone 3 Optimist Clubs

2015 District Convention Invite

2015-07-02T19:43:00.000-06:00

You are invited to the 2014-15 Annual District Convention and Training Workshop scheduled for August 13 to 15, 2015 in Calgary, Alberta. Enjoy the hospitality of the Optimist Clubs in Calgary, Airdrie and High River and take the opportunity to meet with the District Team led by our Governor, Dan Petersen. You will also get to meet our Governor for 2015-16, Edie Harris from Blackfalds.

Early Registration Deadline: before July 12, 2015

Hotel: Royal Executive Inn, 2828 23 Street NE, Calgary. Book your rooms by calling 403-291-2003 or 1-877-769-2562 and the group name is "Optimist Club of Calgary". The room rate starts at $119 plus tax per night.

Agenda: To be provided
Theme: Unmask Your Optimism. Friday night a mask is mandatory.
Companion's and Children's Program: Being planned so bring the family.

How to Register: Just complete a Registration Form and book your room before they are all reserved!

Please make cheques for registration payable to
the Dinner Optimist Club of Calgary.

Submitted by Marilyn Bushell for the Optimist Clubs of Calgary, Airdrie and High River

Your Invite to the Governor's Gala

2015-05-27T18:40:00.003-06:00

Hello Fellow Optimists and Clubs of AMS&NW District 13

We, the Optimist Club of Blackfalds, are very excited and proud to say we have two members from our club that are looking forward with enthusiasm and pride, to be leaders of
AMS&NW District 13:

Edie Harris, Governor Elect, and
Edna Coulter, Secretary/Treasurer Elect!

I am inviting all clubs and members of District 13 to the 2015-16 Governor's Gala in Blackfalds, AB.

This event will take place on June 19, 2015 at 6:00 pm at the Blackfalds Community Hall.

The Gala will feature Dueling Pianos originated from Las Vegas along with a superb dinner catered by Bob Ronnie Catering.

Tickets are $75 each or a table of 8 for $600.
We only have 220 tickets and they are selling fast.

I would really love to see Optimist clubs far and wide show their support for these two amazing ladies that live and breathe Optimism!

It would be AWESOME if half the crowd were Optimists from our thriving and growing District!

Bring your club members and let's pack the house with OPTIMISTS! Give me a call or an e-mail with any question, hotel information or to buy tickets.

Yours in Optimism,
Kevin Harris
President, Optimist Club of Blackfalds
403-846-0111

Upcoming District Meeting

2015-04-20T14:13:00.002-06:00

Howdy Fellow Optimists.

The Agenda for the 3rd Quarter District Meeting and Workshops is now available for download. LGs, Club Presidents and District Team Members are asked to let me know if you will be attending. The Great Falls clubs are working hard to make sure we have a successful meeting.

Please note on the agenda that we’re going to repeat what we did in Medicine Hat and have a “session” in the morning where you’ll be available to answer questions and discuss your particular area of expertise. It would be wonderful if you have some “visual aids” that might give the attendees a sense of what you’re doing.

Thanks for all you’re doing to help the District be successful and I look forward to seeing you in Great Falls.

Sincerely yours,
Dan Petersen ~ 2014-15 Governor

LET’S GO! ! ! BE THE BEST! ! ! !

Farewell to Wyn McAra

2015-03-30T20:56:00.000-06:00

Remember Wyn McAra

Fellow Optimists,

It is with a lot of sadness that I must advise you that Wyn McAra passed away on March 27th at the age of 94.

Wyn has served as guiding light in Optimists International for decades, giving of her time and talent to many projects including helping with blind and hard of sight members in the Brailtone Club, and spearheading many public speaking competitions including serving several years as the District Chair for the Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH). Just think of how many kids have been helped by her efforts over the years.

Wyn always had a smile and a kind word for her friends, always generous with her time and her talent. She will be remembered as a lady of warmth and grace and a sense of purpose to help make the world a better place for youth.

I have been advised by Wyn's family that the funeral services will take place at 11AM, on Saturday Morning April 4th/15 in Highlands United Church 11305 - 64 Street, there will be a light lunch and refreshments downstairs following the service.

Please forward this to all who might have known Wyn.

Sincerely,

Keivin Wallace

Past Governor

3rd Quarter District Meeting and Workshop Invite

2015-03-19T14:00:00.000-06:00

You are invited to the 2014-15 3rd Quarter District Conference and Training Workshop scheduled for May 15 & 16, 2015 in Great Falls, Montana. Enjoy the hospitality of the Optimist Club of Great Falls and take the opportunity to meet with the District Team led by our Governor, Dan Petersen.

Early Registration Deadline: before May 1, 2015

Hotel: Holiday Inn, 1100 5th Street South Great Falls. Book your rooms by calling 406-727-7200 or 1-800-465-4329 and book for the "Optimist Meeting". The room rate is $89 per night.

Agenda: Conference Agenda and Workshop Schedule NEW
Theme: Wear your best western attire for the Friday night Western social. Games and pictures with prizes for the best western costume.
Companion's and Children's Program: Being planned so bring the family.

How to Register: Just complete a Registration Form and book your room before they are all reserved!

Submitted by Gov Dan Petersen for the Optimist Club of Great Falls

Timely Christmas Story

2014-12-23T22:48:00.000-07:00

Fellow Optimists.

This is a wonderful (and timely) story about how collaboration works.

The Great Falls Uptown Optimist club helped form a JOOI Club. The JOOI Club then helped the Girl Scouts who in turn helped kids learn about scouting in one of our elementary schools here in Great Falls.

Just look at the smiles on these young girl's faces. And I bet our JOOI club members received a great deal of satisfaction from their efforts.

Merry Christmas and thanks for all you do.

Governor Dan Petersen
Let's Go !!! Be the Best !!!

Loss of an Optimist

2014-12-04T20:31:00.000-07:00

Fellow Optimists,

It is with great sadness that I pass along the obituary of Keith Preddy. Keith has served as President of the Optimist Club of Lethbridge for many years. Just think of how many kids have been helped by his efforts over the years.

I knew Keith from Optimists and also from his Big Kahuna Karaoke business here in Great Falls. Our city will have less music as a result of his passing.

Please forward this to all who might have known Keith.

Sincerely,

Dan Petersen

Governor

AMS&NW District 13

New Recruitment Incentive

2014-10-15T19:00:00.000-06:00

Optimist International is excited to announce a new Sponsor Pin incentive. Starting October 1, Members will receive pins when they sponsor their 1st, 5th, 15th, 20th, and 35th Members.

This incentive was established by the 2013-2014 International Membership Committee to reward those Members who are helping the organization grow and reach more children in our communities. Each Member should be proud of how many people they have brought into our organization and encourage everyone else to continue to promote Member recruitment.

Please note this incentive is cumulative and permanent. It will not be retroactive before this year. Please contact the Membership Department at (800) 500-8130 ext. 227 or email membership@optimist.org with any questions.

Originally published in "Hotline" the "Optimist International Leadership Publication, October 2014

2nd Quarter District Conference & Workshop Invitation

2014-10-15T16:49:00.002-06:00

You are invited to the 2014-15 2nd Quarter District Conference and Training Workshop scheduled for February 20-21, 2015 in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Enjoy the hospitality of the All Nations Medicine Hat Optimist Club and take the opportunity to meet with the District Team led by our Governor, Dan Petersen.

Early Registration Deadline: February 6, 2015

Hotel: Medicine Hat Lodge Hotel, Casino & Convention Centre, Trans-Canada Highway at Dunmore Road. Book your rooms by calling 1-800-661-8095 and ask for the "OPTI" rate.

Agenda: Conference Agenda and Workshop Schedule - TBA
Theme: Come bop at our sockhop.
Children's Program: To be confirmed.

How to Register: Just complete a Registration Form and book your room before they are all reserved!

Submitted by Gov Dan Petersen for the All Nation's Medicine Hat Optimist Club

Message from the First Lady

2014-10-14T22:00:00.000-06:00

Both Ken and I feel blessed and honored to have this opportunity to serve with you in Bringing out the BEST in our Kids, ourselves and our communities. Our personal goal for this year is to become healthier physically, mentally and spiritually than we are today - to be the BEST we can be in every aspect of our lives.

We encourage you to join us on this journey so that we can grow as individuals, Clubs and as an organization. Improving our health and the health of our Clubs will help us serve more children and ensure a lasting legacy of Optimism.

The start of a new year is a great time to give yourself and your Club a health check-up. Take time to consider the following questions:

Are there areas in your life that need a boost?
Does your physical well-being need a lift?
Are the projects conducted by your Optimist Club helping kids in your community get up and get moving?

Stay tuned to future issues of The Optimist magazine and The Hotline newsletter for more details. Follow us on Twitter and like our Facebook page for updates and tips.

Yours in Optimism,

Patsy Garner

Originally published in "Hotline" the Optimist International Leadership Publication, October 2014

Optimist International Website Receives New Look

2014-10-14T07:28:00.000-06:00

If you visited the Optimist International website recently, you may have noticed a fresh, updated look to make both Members and visitors feel welcome.

A showcase of images associated with important Optimist topics such as membership, programs and youth Clubs has been added to the main pages. The images can be clicked on for more information. Social media icons and links are now included in the header of every page, to make following the organization and communicating with other Members easy.

Optimists can go to a special Members section. The website still features an incredible amount of information and resources, but users have more options upfront so they can find what they are looking for quickly.

Another great new feature is automatic display adjusting, allowing visitors to easily view and utilize the website from any desktop, laptop, tablet or smartphone device.

If you are unable to locate a piece of information, use the "Search" function, or contact (800) 500-8130 for assistance.

OI President Ken Garner Declares War ... Learn More

2014-10-11T10:35:00.001-06:00

Optimist International President Ken Garner Declares War ... Learn more!

Welcome to the 2014-15 Optimist Year ... Lets Go!!! Be the Best!!!

2014-10-11T10:25:00.003-06:00

My friends and fellow Optimists.

I am so honored to be your Governor for 2014-15. I think about all the great Governors that have preceded me and it inspires me to
BE THE BEST ! ! ! !

I have been an Optimist for many years, but only recently have I spent any time thinking about the benefits of being one.

Obviously helping the kids in our community is a wonderful thing to experience. We all take great pride when we watch them perform in our local variety shows. Or see them playing baseball at the parks we've developed. Or listening to their speeches at the Oratorical contests. We truly believe that offering these kids positive alternatives will help all of our futures.

Another benefit is the fellowship involved. Some of my best friends are fellow Optimists and I believe most of us can say that. Meeting with the same people, working on projects, sharing sense of family.

Developing leadership skills is another benefit. You can see a member's confidence increase significantly after becoming a club committee chair. And members have the ability to hone these leadership skills even further by becoming a President of their Club, getting involved at the District and even at the International level.

And finally, last - but certainly not least - living a life of optimism and focusing on the positive aspects of life is way more rewarding than the alternative.

My theme this year is LET'S GO ! ! ! ! So that's what I want us to do.

LET'S GO
LET'S GO
LET'S GO
LET'S GO
LET'S GO

start a new project
get more members to help more kids
build new clubs in new communities to help more kids
have some fun at District Meetings
BE THE BEST

Message from Governor Glen

2014-09-07T14:56:00.001-06:00

Fellow Optimists

We are now in the final weeks of our Optimist year. The Optimists of this District have worked hard to maintain the programs that they have for our youth and introduced new programs in their communities. I thank them for that.

Now is the time when a lot of us return to regular meetings after a break for the summer. This is the time to add new members for our busy fall season.

At the end of June when I introduced my "Banner Patch" for Service to Youth, there were 48 out of 55 Clubs that could achieve this patch and be an Honor Club in this District by adding 1 to 4 members to their roster and serving more youth in their communities.

I want all Club Presidents to achieve this goal and be recognized for the work their clubs accomplish within their communities.

The Lt. Governors in each Zone should be doing their last visit to their Clubs to promote this and the final reports required to reach this goal (Officer-Elect forms and Pride reports). The Presidents also needs to recognize an Optimist member within their Club that has gone above and beyond this year.

A number of Clubs are working on building a New Club to achieve Distinguished Club and Distinguished President status. Let me encourage them by saying that it can be done in the next month. Both Gary Cross, as NCB Chairman, and myself are more than willing to give or find you the help you need to achieve this goal.

Let's show Optimist International that the Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan and Northern Wyoming District is simply the BEST!

My Year of "I Promise"

Glen Kreller, Governor
Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan and Northern Wyoming District

2014-15 1st Quarter District Conference Invitation

2014-08-09T08:06:00.000-06:00

You are invited to the 2014-15 1st Quarter District Conference and Training Workshop scheduled for October 10-11, 2014 in Havre, Montana. Enjoy the hospitality of the Havre Optimist Club and take the opportunity to meet with the District Team led by our incoming Governor, Dan Petersen.

Early Registration Deadline: September 15, 2014

Hotel: Great Northern Inn, Highway 2, Havre, MT 59501. Book your rooms by calling 406-265-4200:

Agenda:  Conference Agenda and Workshop Schedule - TBA
Theme: TBA
Children's Program:  To be confirmed.

How to Register: Just complete a Registration Form and book your room before they are all reserved!

Submitted by Opt Lyle Merriam, Regina Downtowner's Optimist Club

2013-14 Annual District Convention Invite

2014-05-24T13:09:00.000-06:00

You are invited to the 2013-14 Annual District Convention and Training Workshop scheduled for August 7-9, 2014 in Regina, Saskatchewan. Enjoy the hospitality of the Regina Optimist Clubs and take the opportunity to meet with the District Team led by our Governor, Glen Kreller.

Early Registration Deadline: July 6, 2014

Hotel: Travelodge Hotel and Conference Center, 4177 Albert Street S., Regina, SK S7K 3H5. Quote Block ID 1251028 and Block Code CGAMSN. Book your rooms before July 7th. Call 1-800-578-7878 or 306-586-3443:

Agenda:  Conference Agenda and Workshop Schedule - TBA
Theme: "Football Boot Camp".
Golf:  Annual "Optimist Golf Game" is being organized for Saturday afternoon, Aug 9th. $60 includes cart and green fees.
Children's Program: $40 per child and must be registered by July 6th.
Hutterite Colony Tour (includes lunch/transport): $35 (kids free with parent)

How to Register: Just complete a Registration Form and book your room before they are all reserved!

Submitted by Opt Lyle Merriam, Regina Downtowner's Optimist Club

2013-14 3rd Quarter District Conference & Oratorical Contest Invite

2014-03-22T07:57:00.002-06:00

You are invited to the 3rd Quarter District Conference for 2013-14 scheduled for May 16-17 2014 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Enjoy the hospitality of the Saskatoon Optimist Clubs and take the opportunity to meet with the District Team led by our Governor, Glen Kreller.

Early Registration Deadline: April 16, 2014

Hotel: Park Town Motor Hotel, 924 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3H5. Use Block Code 139916. Book your rooms before April 16th. Call 1-800-667-3999:

Agenda: Conference Agenda and Workshop Schedule - TBA
Theme: To be announced.
Golf: An "Optimist Golf Game" is being organized for Sunday, May 18th at the Legends Golf Course in Warman, SK.

How to Register: Just complete a Registration Form and book your room before they are all reserved!
Programs: Kids and Companions programs to be announced

Submitted by Opt Brent Card, Hub City Optimist Club of Saskatoon

Farewell to Ted Huber

2014-01-30T12:40:00.001-07:00

It is with a great deal of sadness that the members of the Breakfast Optimist Club of Bozeman announce the passing of Past AMS&NW Governor and fellow Optimist Ted Huber last night. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ellen and her family at this time.

The arrangements for his services have not been finalized but services are planned for next week. We will update this notice with details when they become available.

Rest in Peace Ted

Glen Kreller, Governor
AMS&NW District 13

and

Ann Gilbert, Secretary
Breakfast Optimist Club of Bozeman

Season Greetings from Governor Glen

2013-12-20T19:24:00.001-07:00

Governor Glen extends wishes for the holidays to fellow Optimists, family and friends.

Download Governor Glen's Holiday Message

2013-14 2nd Quarter District Conference Invitation

2013-11-27T20:27:00.001-07:00

You are invited to the 2nd Quarter District Conference for 2013-14 scheduled for February 21-22, 2014 in Wolf Point, Montana. Enjoy the hospitality of the Wolf Point Optimist Club and take the opportunity to meet with the District Team led by our Governor, Glen Kreller.

Early Registration Deadline: February 1, 2014
Hotels:

Homestead Inn - 101 Highway 2 E, Wolf Point, MT. ~ Call (406) 653-1300 or 1-800-231-0986 for reservations.
Sherman Motor Inn - 200 E. main, Wolf Point, MT. ~ Call (406) 653-1300 or 1-800-952-1100 for reservations.

Agenda: Conference Agenda and Workshop Schedule - TBA
Theme: Come prepared to pay tribute to the monkeys (Monkees) on Friday night!!

How to Register: Just complete a Registration Form and book your room before they are all reserved!
Programs: Kids and Companions programs to be announced

Submitted by Opt Ruth Boysun, Wolf Point Optimist Club

First Quarter Board Update from Gov Glen

2013-10-21T07:41:00.001-06:00

A great big Thank You to the Optimists of the great AMSNW District that attended the First Quarter Board meeting in Edmonton this past weekend. About 104 Optimists and companions registered for the meeting to make it a resounding SUCCESS.

The fellowship and enthusiasm shown at this meeting gives me confidence that we will soon be serving more youth in our communities and in some new communities in the next couple of months.

Regional Vice-President Jim Boyd was with us from Des Moines, Iowa and was very impressed with our District Pride. He arrived one day early to help us with any New Club Building we had going on. As there was a request from High Prairie, AB through Optimist International, I took him to High Prairie to meet a future Optimist and formulate the plan to charter a Club. He now has an idea the distances we drive in our District for meetings and New Club building.

Plan on joining us at the Second Quarter Board meeting in Wolf Point, MT on February 21st and 22nd, 2014. Registration forms and Hotel rates will be posted on our website shortly. I look forward to meeting both new Optimists and Optimist friends at this next meeting.

Lets Promise to reach out to more youth and make tomorrows leaders better than todays.

"I Promise"
Governor Glen

Optimist International Leadership Summits

2013-10-09T18:30:00.000-06:00

Beginning in January of 2014, Optimist International will be hosting a series of one-day training events at 16 locations across the United States, Canada and the Caribbean. These Leadership Summits will provide quality training while remaining both geographically and financially accessible to a vast majority of Optimist Members. The registration fee for each of the summits is only $25.

Topics:

What Makes a Good Club Meeting?
Secrets to a Dynamic Club
Mentoring a Member and Retention
Social Media
Community Needs Assessment
Club Marketing and Publicity
Developing Future Leaders
And many more!

Dates and Locations:

Check the schedule below to find the Leadership Summit near you!

May 3, 2014 - Denver, Colorado
June 7, 2014 - Regina, Saskatchewan
June 14, 2014 - Portland, Oregon

Registration:

Download the 2013 Leadership Summit Registration form to register by mail or fax. Online registration will be available soon.

Source: Optimist Leaders Hotline for October 2013

Message from the President

2013-10-08T18:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the 2013-14 Optimist year! October means a new year and a new start for Optimists, but the children we serve didn't notice any stop or start. This is the time to evaluate and fine-tune what we do best. Are you concerned that your Club needs some help to carry out projects and fundraisers to benefit the youth in your community? Would you like to possibly win some money to help fund those youth activities? Well, now you have that chance. The 2013-14 incentives can put your Club's name into eight quarterly draws, one per Region for a $250 Youth Activities Grant.

New Members mean extra hands to lighten the workload. Make a stronger resource of working Members by putting together a prospect list. Get those prospective names from your current Members and charge your Club's Membership Chair to do the talking. Remember success breeds success. If you want to be successful, it is your responsibility to make it happen, so start now.

Watch for news about the new Leadership Summits coming to a location near you in the second or third quarter of 2013-14. Be proactive, not reactive. There is no time like the present to take the first step towards being the best leader you can be.

What's your MO?

President Ron

Source: Optimist Leaders Hotline for October 2013