OptiNews for Zone 5 - Northern Alberta Optimists

SafeStart Optimist Club

2016-09-07T12:48:00.001-06:00

On 14 September 2016 an organizing meeting for our proposed Edmonton Optimist Club is being scheduled. It will be held at the Alberta Carpenters Training Center 12122- 154 St. in Edmonton. The time is 7.00 pm. We need 15 people to be available for sign up. I am also trying to arrange for
a polycom system so that people unavailable to attend in person can call in. As soon as I have all
the phone in info I will advise you. We will be signing up as members, set up the board and bylaws for the new club. All SafeStart employees, trainers and SafeStart for Youth trainers, 18 years or older are encouraged to attend or call in.

The purpose of this club is to access casino funds and gaming monies to run the youth programs under the SafeStart banner. Our club would be an online club and meetings be held via Skype.

Thank you all for helping us get this off the ground.
Till we meet take care. Marvin.

AMSNW Zone 5 meeting on September 17, 10 AM

2016-09-07T12:44:00.002-06:00

Lt. Governor Glen will be holding his final meeting on September 17, 10 AM at the Leduc Legion. Please note that the Legion has moved and are located at 5014 49 St, Leduc. Then meeting will start at 10AM in the meeting room, lunch will follow at noon, and this year’s 4th Quarter Challenge will be a dart and pool tournament. At this meeting LG Glen will be presenting the Zone banner to LG-Elect Clint. All Edmonton Dinner Members are urged to attend to support Optimist Clint as our incoming Zone 5 Lt. Governor. Contact Leduc President Trevor for additional details.

Leduc Hosting Fall Board Meeting

2016-07-28T12:42:00.001-06:00

The next Zone 5meeting will be at the Leduc Legion on September 17. Contact President Trevor or LG Glen for more details. Lunch and a game of pool or darts will follow.

Note the Legion in Leduc has moved.

Address: 5014 49 St, Leduc AB T9E 6V2

Phone: +1 780-986-1455

November Zone Meeting

2015-11-02T12:35:00.005-07:00

Lt. Governor Glen Kreller has called his first zone meeting to be held on November2l at lpm. The meeting will be held at held in the Continental Inn,16625 Stony Plain Road. This meeting will be hosted by the St. Albert Optimist Club. All Optimists are urged to attend this meeting as important information on Optimist activities in our zone are conveyed and District and International news is also presented. Many Optimist from our District will be attending Edmonton Dinner's 90th Anniversary and will also be attending the Zone meeting.

District Meetings for 2015 - 16

2015-08-11T12:38:00.001-06:00

Hi everyone!

A few of you have asked for the dates of my District Meetings for 2015 - 16 so you can plan accordingly. Here they are:

October 2 & 3, 2015 Red Deer, AB
February 5 & 6, 2016 Great Falls, MT
April 29 & 30, 2016 Saskatoon, SK
August 18 - 20, 2016 Medicine Hat, AB

Please block off these dates and plan to attend these events. And bring as many club members as possible!

Have a fabulous day!
Gov Elect Edie

Governor's Gala a Success

2015-07-13T12:46:00.002-06:00

About 200 Optimists attended a fantastic gala. Food was great and entertainment was dueling great! Many thanks to the many out of town, out of Province and even out of Country Guests. Governor - Elect Edie is thrilled of her upcoming year and just back from the International Convention in NEW ORLEANS!

September 19, 2015 Zone meeting

2015-06-23T12:20:00.001-06:00

The next Zone Meeting will be held on Sept 19, 2015 at 2pm. This will be held in Leduc at the Leduc Legion 5210-50 Ave. Following the meeting will be our Horse Shoe Tournament. This will be held in conjunction with the Leduc Black Gold's 20th Anniversary. Cocktails at 5pm Dinner to follow 6pm. If you are interested in attending the Dinner Contact Brian Wallace by email Briankwallace@shaw.ca Tickets are $30 each or $55 per couple.

Successful Zone meeting

2015-04-25T21:16:00.001-06:00

Today a most successful zone meeting was held with over 30 attending and all clubs represented.
The safety prersentation was well received.
All Clubs gave excellent reports.
Congratulations to Lt. Gov. Elect Glen
Tasty lunch was enjoyed by all

April 25th Zone Meeting

2015-04-09T09:39:00.001-06:00

Our 3rd quarter zone meeting will be held 25 April 2015 at 8:45 a.m. at he Jasper Place Sherwood Community Hall. 9620-152 St. Edmonton,AB

We will be holding L.G. elections that morning.

The zone meeting is being sponsored by the Edmonton Dinner Optimist Club. I'd like to thank them for hosting this zone meeting. Lunch will immediately follow the meeting because there is another function following ours.

One other request. If anybody has any spare time on 3,4,5, April 2015 to help with the International

Juvenile Curling it would be greatly appreciated. Please contact Optimist Clint at (780) 434-7133 .

Thank you

YIO

L.G. Marvin

The Optimist International U-18 Curling

2015-03-31T21:22:00.001-06:00

Hello everyone. The Optimist International Curling U-18 Playdowns are here. The Event Schedule covers from Tuesday March 31st til Monday April 6th. Below is a capsule view of what is happening and the times. We do need our members, along with members from the other Optimist Clubs to be on hand at different times to do different things. Please look the schedule over and call Optimist Clint at 780-434-7133 and let him know where you can fit in. As this is Easter Weekend as well as Spring Break for the School kids, it could be tough for some of you to help out, but we ask that you try. This event is 'Optimists in Action'.

Visit facebook https://www.facebook.com/u18curling and twitter sites for the latest news.

2015 Optimist U18 International Curling Championships

Tuesday March 31st -- All Day -- Some team arrivals -- They are on their own

Wednesday April 1st -- Practicing, Meeting, Picture Taking at both Rinks,
Jasper & Saville

Thursday April 2nd -- The teams will be doing things all day
6:00PM Opening Ceremonies at Jasper
Place Curling Rink
7:00PM Draw #1 at Jasper Place
Curling Rink
7:30PM Draw #1 at Saville Curling
Rink

Friday April 4th -- 9:00AM Draw #2 at Jasper Place Curling Rink
9:00AM Draw #2 at Saville Curling
Rink

7:30PM Draw #3 at Jasper Place
Curling Rink
7:30PM Draw #3 At Saville Curling
Rink

Saturday April 4th -- 9:00AM Draw #4 at Jasper Place Curling Rink
9:00AM Draw #4 at Saville Curling
Rink

1:00PM Draw #5 at Jasper Place
Curling Rink
1:00PM Draw #5 at Saville
Curling Rink

6:00PM Banquet at the Hotel.
Talk to Clint if you wish to attend the banquet

Sunday April 5th -- 9:30AM Semi-finals (All Teams) at Jasper
Place Curling Rink
10:00AM Semi-finals (All Teams)
at Saville Curling Rink

2:00PM Finals (All Teams) at
Jasper Place Curling Rink
2:30PM Finals (All Teams) At
Saville Curling Rink

5:00PM Closing Ceremonies at
Saville Curling Rink

Monday April 6th -- Teams that did not leave on Sunday Night will
be departing all day.

Farewell to Wyn McAra

2015-03-30T20:51:00.002-06:00

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

Q3 Zone Meeting Invitation

2013-03-12T18:39:00.000-06:00

Hi fellow Optimists.

The 3rd Quarter Zone meeting is scheduled for April 21st, 2013:

Host Club: Edmonton Beverly Optimist Club
Location: Maple Leaf Athletic Club
Address: 12133 67th Street NW, Edmonton
Start Time: 10 am

The meeting will consist of:

club reports,
a workshop on Internet safety,
election for the next LG, and
lunch will follow the meeting.

All Optimists are urged to attend and partake in the workshop, vote in the LG election and enjoy a healthy lunch.

Yours in Optimism
Geoff Connor

Remembering Past LG Muriel Crowther

2013-01-30T13:41:00.001-07:00

It is with sadness that we inform you that Past Lieutenant Governor Muriel Crowther passed away peacefully at the age of 67 on Saturday, January 26, 2013. Muriel was a past member of the St. Albert Optimist Club and served as Lieutenant Governor of Zone 5. Muriel helped organize the Optimist Float for Klondike Days in they early 2000 era. She will be remembered for her infectious smile and hearty laugh in addition to her contribution to the youth in our communities.

She is survived by her children Warren, Karyn, Janice, Brenda and Warren; siblings, Esther, Gordon, Vernon, Gert and Sonny and nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service on Saturday, February 2 at 1:00 p.m. at Centre for Spiritual Living, 10580 - 113 Street, Edmonton. In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated. Please send to Norwood Palliative Care at 10410 - 111 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5G 3A2.

Submitted by past Governor Keivin Wallace

Update Q1/Q2 Zone Meeting Invitation

2013-01-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

Hi fellow Optimists.

The Zone meeting originally scheduled for November 25th has been rescheduled for Saturday, January 12th, 2013:

Host Club: Edmonton Dinner Optimist Club
Location: West Jasper/Sherwood Community Centre
Address: 9617 - 152nd Street NW, Edmonton
Start Time: 10 am

This will be a combined 1st and 2nd Quarter Zone meeting.

The meeting will consist of:

club reports,
a guest speaker,
50/50 draw and door prizes, and
lunch will follow the meeting.

Guest Speaker: Brett Gore from the Edmonton office of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Program will provide a short presentation on the Awards program and how it benefits the youth in our local community.

I ask that as many club members as possible attend this meeting and participate in meeting activities.

Yours in Optimist
Geoff Connor - LG Zone 5

Publish Club News on our Zone OptiNews

2012-11-24T16:06:00.000-07:00

Calling all aspiring writers .... help combat "the best kept secret" syndrome.

For years we have been told that Optimists are the best kept secret in our community. Collectively, we annually donate more than $250,000 in funds and community service projects in Edmonton, St. Albert and Leduc and yet so few people know about us.

You can help combat "the best kept secret" syndrome in one of three ways:

you can write an article and post it to "ZoneNews", or, you can email LG Geoff or myself with the details for an announcement and we can make sure it gets posted to "OptiNews.
you can volunteer to build and maintain a club website
you can give everyone you meet a brochure abut your club ... just make sure that your club website link and the zone website link (zone5.amsnwoptimist.org) are included on your brochure.

If you would be interested in volunteering to be a regular contributing writer for "OptiNews" or you would like help to build and maintain a club website, then please contact me. We need your help. You will be amazed how little effort it really is to post a few articles about your club or how much fun it is to manage your club's website.

YIO - Optimist Gord

Q1 Zone Meeting Invitation RESCHEDULED

2012-11-05T19:16:00.005-07:00

Hello All.

The Zone meeting originally scheduled for November 18th has run into a scheduling conflict with the Beverly Club's Crib Tournament. Since November 25th is Grey Cup weekend and everyone is busy for December, we will reschedule acombined 1st/2nd Quarter Zone meeting for an available weekend in January 2013. This post will be updated with the meeting dates and locations once confirmed.

Lt Gov Geoff Connor

2012-13 Scholarship Contest Topics Announced

2012-11-05T18:54:00.000-07:00

The topics for the 2012-13 Optimist International Scholarship competitions have been announced:

Essay

"How Can I Help My Friends Realize Their Value"

Oratorical & CCDHH

"Why My Voice Is Important "

Clubs are free to run a club-level competition to select winners to move on to the applicable Zone, Regional and District level competitions. Clubs can award monetary awards of up to $500 per winner for some of those competitions.

Additional information is available at the following online information pages:

Essay Competition ~ Oratorical (Public Speaking) Competition
Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Garnering interest in Oratorical competitions has been difficult in recent years so clubs may want to consider approaching elementary schools (grades 5 & 6) to start a "Kids Speak Out" program or club.

Clubs should visit our Programs Resources web page and click on the logo for the competition that they want to host to access the latest OI information for that competition.

St. Albert Breakfast Club Launches New Website

2012-10-22T19:02:00.000-06:00

The St. Albert Breakfast Optimist Club is pleased to announce the launch of their new website. They invite you to visit and leave them a comment.

This website was designed and is hosted using the Weebly.com website hosting service. Those clubs interested in the details can contact Optimist Gord for more information.

2012-13 District Meeting Schedule

2012-10-02T18:40:00.000-06:00

District meets on a quarterly basis to conduct business and run training workshops. Meetings for 2012-13 are confirmed as:

Saskatoon, SK, 26-27 October 2012
High River, AB, 1-2 February 2013
Billings, MT, 17-18 may 2013 (not confirmed)
Great Falls, MT, 22-23 August 2013

Why Attend District Meetings

Three solid reasons to attend District meetings:

Meet the District Team - this is your chance to meet the District Chair of the Optimist activity that you are responsible for in your club.
Participate in Quality Training Workshops - the District Chairs host a series of training workshops that your club members will find valuable. Meet with Optimists from other clubs and share ideas and suggestions.
Meet the OI Representative - most District meetings include a visit from an Optimist International representative. This is your chance to receive valuable briefings and presentations, get the scoop on new incentives, and ask those burning questions that you always wanted to ask!

2012-13 District Team Appointments

2012-10-01T18:33:00.000-06:00

Our Governor, Nick Markowsky is pleased to announce the following appointments of Zone 5 Optimists to the 2012-13 District Team:

Zone 5 Lieutenant Governor - Opt Geoff Connor (Edmonton Diner & Edmonton Brailtone Gollege)
Governor Elect & New Club Building - Opt Glen Kreller (St. Albert)
Internet Safety & Essay Contest - Opt Brian Wallace (Edmonton Dinner)
CCDHH Contest Chair - Opt Peggy Dick (Edmonton Dinner)

Our congratulations are extended to Geoff, Glen, Brian, and Peggy and best wishes on your contributions to a very successful year.

CCDHH Competition This Friday

2012-05-02T17:45:00.000-06:00

The Edmonton Dinner Optimist Club will be hosting this year's District CCDHH Competition. Everyone is invited to attend and cheer the participants on. Here are the details from District Chair, Wyn McAra.

Hi and Good Morning to Everyone

Our Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing will be held at the Alberta School for the Deaf, 6240-113 Street, Edmonton, Alberta on Friday, May 4th, 2012 at 1 pm (noon hour). The presenters (speakers) will assemble at 12:30 pm to chose their speaking positions.

Please let us know if you have any presenters and their names and who might be in attendance at this contest.

Thank you so much.

YIO - Wyn McAra
District CCDHH Chair
email: keivin @ shaw . ca

Leduc Optimists to Host Spelling Bee

2012-04-07T16:37:00.001-06:00

The Leduc Optimist Club is planning to hold a local, oral only, Spelling Bee on Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm. The location will be the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 108 at 5210 - 50 Avenue, Leduc, AB, in the auditorium / hall section.

This is a new project for the club and four Leduc elementary schools expressed interest to participate with the anticipation of two Grade 5 students from each school. Varying cash prizes will be awarded to each student in the contest and Staples Business Depot of Leduc has donated Dictionary / Thesaurus gifts for each contestant. This is meant to be an enjoyable event for the contestants and any other persons are welcome to attend. Knowing the importance of education, the club is hoping this will give students another chance to
practice their spelling skills and incentive for further goals. THANKS to the schools, teachers,
students, parents, Leduc Legion ( for donation of the room ) and Staples.

See Leduc Optimist Programs for more information on Optimist community service projects and programs in Leduc.

Edmonton Dinner Club Hosts NOW Dinner

2012-04-07T16:32:00.001-06:00

The Edmonton Dinner Optimist Club hosted a NOW (New Optimists Wanted) Dinner on Mondaym March 26th at the Royal Fork Restaurant. About 36 members and guests attended. Guests included potential new members, Leduc and St. Albert Optimist members. President Wyn opened the meeting and Optimist Reva sang grace which was well received. We all enjoyed the buffet provided by the Royal Fork.

Pres-Elec Peggy was our MC and she gave an overview of Optimists. VP Warren and Past Pres Brian gave a power point presentation on our club. The presentation outlined both Optimist International programs and our clubs past activities and fund raising.

Lacy Hoyland was our guest speaker and she outlined the Child Seat Loaner Program and the benefits received from the Optimists. Past Pres Clint spoke on the Lunch program at St Catherine's School. Opt Peggy summarized a few other Optimist programs including the Juvenile Curling, she invited everyone look at some of the past year scrapbooks and then returned control of the meeting to Pres Wyn.

Prescient Wyn thanked everyone and invited our guests to join the club. We had our 50/50 draw, door prizes and recited The Optimist Creed, concluding the meeting.

Invitiation to 3rd Quarter Zone Meeting

2012-04-02T17:24:00.000-06:00

Hello Everyone -- The 3rd Quarter Zone Meeting will be held on April 14th, 2012 starting at 11 AM (new starting time), hosted by the Edmonton Beverly Optimist Club. The meeting will be held at the Maple Leaf Club located on 12133 67 Street NW in Edmonton. A light snack will be provided. This is an important meeting as we will be electing the incoming Lieutenant Governor for 2012-13. The Zone Oratorical Speak-off will follow the meeting.

Presidents, please bring other members from your club and if you can't make it yourself, please send a representative and a report from your club will be asked for on the agenda

Please RSVP your number of attendees to Keivin using the comments below, or by email; or landline 780-483-9482 a.s.a.p.

Yours in Optimism,

Peggy Dick, LG Zone 5

An Optimist Evening

2012-01-15T13:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Fellow Optimists!

The Optimist Club of Blackfalds has the pleasure of a visit from OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT, DANNY RODGERS!

We are throwing a party in his favor and we would love for you and your club members to attend! He is giving a speech to inspire and rejuvenate our members. Please see the attached invite and let me know ASAP if you would like tickets. Our venue, in Red Deer, only holds 100 people so act fast so you don’t miss out. Also, please forward this on to all of your club members.

Let’s show Danny what a wonderful District we are!

Edie McInnes
Optimist Club of Blackfalds