“Greetings fellow Optimists (AVENGERS)” · will be filled with the presentation of our...

We have successfully executed the first Conference for 2016-2017.

Kudos to the executive team for implementing first class sessions that

seemed to appeal to the palates of everyone. From the registration

process, to the Executive Committee meeting, and our Saturday

schedule, I thank you immensely. The visit of our OI Vice-President,

George Clark, and the presentation from the Mayor of Pontiac,

Deirdre Waterman, added a special touch to our conference.

Our 2nd Quarter Conference in “Fostering Growth” is quickly

approaching.. We will meet in Lansing, at the Crowne Plaza West

Hotel. There will not be an Executive Committee meeting on Friday

evening, but our hospitality suite will be open. Breakfast will be ready on

Saturday morning. I encourage each Optimist Club to be represented at

our 2nd Quarter Michigan District Conference, as Saturday afternoon

will be filled with the presentation of our 2015-2016 Optimist awards.

We must turn our attention to our common focus as Optimists—the

impact we strive to have on the children in our communities. Each

connection that we make with a child has the opportunity to impact

generations. Our legacy of Optimism changes lives!

Avengers, we are! We must increase our membership, in our efforts to

shape the positive futures of Michigan children, and families. We are

the MIGHTY MICHIGAN DISTRICT, the earth’s #1 team! As of

October 1, 2016, our Michigan District Optimist family included 3,222

members. At publication time of this OptiViews edition, our membership

is down, at approximately 3,195. Our district is holding strong at

currently 97 Optimist Clubs. We continue to build our future, by

reaching out to friends, relatives, neighbors, and co-workers, and sharing

our message of Optimism.. We must plant new seeds in communities,

and regions, yet to be inspired by the healthy programs, competitions,

and events Optimism offers.

OI President, Jim Kondrasuk, has announced a “Season of Giving”

membership incentive. All new Optimists that join clubs from

December 1, 2016, to January 31, 2017, will have their registration fee

of $15 waived. OI is doing their part. The Michigan District is working

hard toward Optimist International’s goal of 100,000 members by

2019. This 2016-2017 Michigan District Optimist year can be one of

the greatest years in the history of our organization!

Begin now to Renew, Refresh, and Revitalize your club! The best is yet

to come.

Please do not forget to vote for past Michigan District Governor, Jan

Oord, who is running for the OI Foundation Board of Directors for

the term beginning October 1, 2017. All Optimists who contributed

$36.50 or more this year can vote online from Feb. 1 and March 1, 2017.

(www.oifoundation.org).

Let’s continue to share our energy and enthusiasm as we continue to

spread optimism throughout our district.

TOGETHER, WE CAN!!

Michigan District Op�ViewsMichigan District Op�ViewsMichigan District Op�ViewsMichigan District Op�Views

Volume 38, Number 2

“By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in kids.”

Michigan District Optimist International Newsletter

Governor

Monetta Foster (248) 505-1584

District Secretary/

Treasurer

Don Munter

Immediate Past

Governor

Steve Sucher

District

Governor-Elect

Theresa Jarratt

Assistant Governor

Region 1

Jerry Stroik

Assistant Governor

Region 2

Louis Diechman

Assistant Governor

Region 3

Tom Longhway

Assistant Governor

Region 4

Linda Brooks

Michigan District Governor Monetta Foster

1

Michigan District Foundation/ Secretary/Treasurer 2

New Members Listing 3

New Members (continued)/ Michigan District Optimist Calendar

4

Leadership Development/ Michigan District Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

5

International Convention Governor Elect

6

Junior Golf / Governance Committee/ Essay Contest

7

Childhood Cancer Campaign/Internet Safety 8

Oratorical Contest/ Membership/NOW 9

Club Fitness Advisor’s Committee/ Immediate Past Governor

10

2nd Quarter District Conference Regis-tration

11

Optimist Creed / Newsletter Information 12

Inside this Michigan District Issue

“Greetings fellow Optimists (AVENGERS)”

Jan/Feb/Mar 2017

www.michdistoptimists.org

OptiViews - Michigan District Jan/Feb/Mar 2017

2

These three “C” topics have been on my mind lately as ways to ensure the smooth operation of our Michigan District. Communication—In today’s electronic age, instant communication provides a way to send information and contact people quickly. It is imperative that all Optimist Club members notify their club secretar-ies of any change in their email address. Likewise, equally important is that club secretaries notify Op-timist International, and myself, of any changes to club officer and/or their contact information. We cannot communicate with our individual clubs when contact info is not current. Conferences— We love seeing all of you at our Michigan District Conferences, but registering a day

or two before, or arriving unannounced, creates confusion for the hotel. It is important for the venue to have an accurate count of attendees to prepare for meals. It can create a tremendous burden on the host hotel when the tally of Optimists fluctuates in the two days prior to our District Conference, as happened at the Marriott Centerpoint Hotel, in Pontiac, this past conference. Yes, we definitely encourage all Optimists to attend each Michigan District Conference, and request all members register be-fore the deadline date. Currency—Our annual club dues are the currency that keeps our district moving forward. District and International dues are invoiced quarterly. Please be mindful to pay your dues on time, which ensures the smooth flow of funds available to Optimist International and the Michigan District. It is encouraged to pay your dues quarterly, as membership levels can change, which impacts the invoice amount. Our annual club dues provide funding which benefits our Michigan youth. Looking forward to seeing you, in Lansing, in February!

What is the mission of the OI Foundation? Our goal is to seek, receive, and manage funds and real prop-erty for the benefit of Optimist International Foundation, our individual clubs, and our charitable, liter-ary, and educational activities. The OI Foundation funds all Optimist programs worldwide, including scholarship funds for the Oratorical and Essay Contests in every District. Optimist International support is critical to the overall success of our organization. Our goal for the Michigan District in this 2016-2017 Optimist year is to raise $35,000 in unrestricted funds. To ensure this fundraising success, it would be beneficial for each Optimist Club to appoint a Club Foundation Representative (CFR). This member will act as liaison between your individual Op-timist Club, and the OI Foundation. Club Presidents will be appointed a CFR in lieu of another mem-

ber to facilitate all OI Foundation business. Please log on to the CFR Welcome Packet website, at http://oifoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/CFR-Welcome-Packet-1.pdf, to define, appoint, and inform the duties of your Club Foundation Representative.. Our (ATTCH) Michigan District Roster includes contact information for the current local Optimist Club CFR’s. I am ready, willing, and available to speak to your club about what the Oi Foundation can do for you. All you have to do is to ask! In fact, we are hosting an upcoming roundtable discussion at our 2nd Quarter Michigan District Conference to clearly define all of the benefits the OI Foundation has to offer! More specifically, we will break down the facts of the OI Pass Through Funds, Club Campaign Funds, and OIF Club Grant program opportunities.. Our thanks to each and every Optimist for supporting this fundraising vision. Again, if each individual Optimist Club would provide a “basket of goodies,” and/or OI Foundation plates to be auctioned off at our quarterly district conferences, this would definitely result in a healthy boost in reaching our financial goal. Thank you for your support of the Optimist International Foundation!

“What the OI Foundation Can do for You” Dave Fries—Michigan District Foundation Chair [email protected]—or (586) 219-7021

Communication, Conferences, & Currency Don Munter—Michigan District Secretary/Treasurer

[email protected]—or (248) 497-3204


3

WelcomeWelcome New Members to our Optimist family!

Optimist members make this world a better place to live., and raise a family With more than 70,000 individual Optimists who belong to more than 2,400 autonomous Optimist Clubs, our volunteer members conduct 65,000 service projects each year. This positive interaction serves more than six million young people. Optimists also spend $78 million on their communitiescommunities annually.

Welcome to all of our new team members to the Michigan District that were added between 09/01/2016 and 11/30/2016. Member sponsors are listed in italics.

21ST CENTURY-DETROIT

Gordon Charles Catherine Tilles Rochelle Dixon Catherine Tilles Kim Gooch Catherine Tilles Walter Stevenson Jr Catherine Tilles Margaret Wilson Catherine Tilles ALPENA

Amy Dodge Jeffrey Shea Barri Macneill Ken Bock Sue Platt Dean Wirgau Sanford Mott AUBURN HILLS

Cathy Ardelean Fleetwood Fleming William Barr Michael Kazyak Brandon Kidder Joseph Hopper Pamela Knight-Stouffer Annette McAvoy Stephen Sucher BATTLE CREEK-HARPER CREEK

Eric Gymer Gary Gymer BAY CITY

Mike Bacigalupo Jessica Callaghan Becke Popour Troy Cunningham Brian Du Fresne Janet Greif Kathi Newsham Kimberly Offenbecker Erica Staudacher Jeffrey Staudacher BFT-MASON

Jason Brown Betsy Collins

BIRMINGHAM

Rosemary Scheidt Lawrence Walsh William Edward Con-nors BLOOMFIELD HILLS

Margaret Baxter Robert Dempster John Mcinerney Robert Dempster Allen Wolf Ann Alden BRIGHTON

Sandra Tury Eunice Kallio CARDINAL-SKIDWAY LAKE

Helen Marentette Wanda Willis Dennis Parent Kathleen Rase CENTRAL MACOMB

Katie Calderone Elaine Lyon Lauren Dallas Richard Paul Laura Freestone Dan Kardasz Bobbie Gregory Suzanne Kardasz Marge Howard Pat Rabaut-Miller Leesa Paul Richard Paul Michelle Soresi Susan Morris

CENTRAL-DETROIT

Cheryl Carter Emery Burk

CHARLOTTE

Elizabeth Siarny Bill Siarny

CIVIC-DETROIT

Al Bogdan Kenneth Bridgewater Kevin Brinkley David Brooks III Jason Cole Kathleen Colin Jason Dean Willie Donwell Milton Duerod Marvin Eddings Arthur Edge Cathy Garrett Louise Guyton Thomas Hardiman Sr. John Hill Kevin Hill Esmond Holmes Evste Humphrey Ponce Hunter Darlene Jackson James Jemison Marc Johnson Marcus Jones Sonya Jordan Darlene Leaks Sonya Mays Connie Parham Leonard Phillips Jr Secialue Porter Elizabeth Rogers Christian Scott Pam Smith Herbert Strather David Whitaker Christopher Williams Gloria Williams Randal Jean-Baptiste CLARKSTON AREA

Lisa Austin Robin Brose Matthew Gifford James Evans Chelsea O'Brien James Evans Edward Stone Joette Kunse

CLINTON TOWNSHIP AREA

Allyssa Bartolomeo Dawn Bartolomeo Dominic Bartolomeo Dawn Bartolomeo Robin Brewer Doris Modrak Amanda Hana Dawn Bartolomeo Pam White Dawn Bartolomeo Jennifer Zens Theresa Jarratt

DEARBORN

Toni Battle Lori Divis David Esper Barry Hawthorne Felecia Forletta Barry Hawthorne DETROIT-GREATER NORTHEAST

Ramona Wright Carolyn White DETROIT-LOVING COMMUNITY

Gloria Hayes Dianne Martin Monica Wallace Shirley Williams DETROIT-METRO RIVERFRONT

Muriel Johnson-Vaughn Basil Nona Tracey Spencer Fatima Plater Sherall Wade Fatima Plater DETROIT-NORTHWEST

Glennie Johnson William Waterman Barbara Stovall John Stovall

DETROIT-WESTERN INT'L

Carolyn House Lawrence Colfee Clarence Jefferson Michael Lane Hondra' Slater Charlie King Jr. Wanda Slater Charlie King Jr. Redonda Williams Sonia King-Farmer FARMINGTON HILLS-BFT

Lauren Adams Meghan Rhinehart Leslie Rebtoy Richard Burrous James Stark Diane Elizabeth Bauman

FLINT-DOWNTOWN

William Pierce Carol Ann Jaworski

FLINT-WEST

Vichie Alaniz Jeffrey Dennings Kayla Bright Jeffrey Dennings Lynn Eastman Norman Myers Jane Wensko Jeffrey Dennings Roger Wyersberg GRAND RAPIDS

Charles Mckee Patrick Carlton (continued on page 4)

New members added between 09/01/2016 and 11/30/2016 (for any errors or omissions check with your club secretary).


4

Welcome New Members! (Continued from page 3)

GRATIOT COUNTY

John Baker Monte Reichard Marci Browne Jessica Wright Marleen Cromer Jessica Wright Elizabeth Hall Patrick Duffy Brenda Miller Marci Browne Katherine Roslund Jessica Wright Matthew Schooley Patrick Duffy Katina Struble Bobbi Brown D Amber Weburg Jessica Wright GROSSE POINTE-LAKESHORE

Jim Addison Joe Howard Chris Dasaro Joe Howard David Fries David Litchfield David Hohlfeldt Kevin Quasarano Chris Dasaro John Ruedger Jerome Vanslembrouck Erin Wilde David Hohlfeldt HARTFORD COMMUNITY

Jewell Johnson Cheryl Neason Benita Lasenby Cheryl Neason

HEALTHY KIDS-DETROIT

Douglas Edwards Fatima Plater Reandylyn Wilson Fatima Plater HOLLAND

Qurban Ali Ken Vos Amy Price Dorothy Darling Shannon Wolters Stephen Sucher HURON VALLEY

Pamela Bales Renata Erickson Jacob Barckholtz Pamela Barckholtz

JACKSON

Merrie Carlson David Carlson

KALAMAZOO-BFT

Greg Potter Kate Shane KENT-GRAND RAPIDS

Jill Brownlee Harry Margo KUPSYA AGENTS OF MILLENNIUM PROGRESS (KAMP), UG

Amos Apipawe Josam Kule MT. PLEASANT

Briana Korianowski Heather Graham Peggy Wheeler James Binder

NEW DETROIT UNITY- DETROIT

Eddie Cole Edwin Cole Thomas Powell Bessie Harris OCC AUBURN HILLS

Angela Kleine Brandon Cooley

PLYMOUTH-CANTON

Susan Birch Elizabeth Leadford Scott Burek Pamela Batcho Barry Burnham Charles Roebuck John Silagy Joyce Silagy Janet Zaborowski Elizabeth Leadford PONTIAC

Richard Bell Christopher Northcross Theodore Buckner Monetta Foster ROSEVILLE

Steve Bieda Michelle Kauffold Nancy Gitter Teresa Tomala Ann Scheff Gregory Scott Gary Scheff Michelle Kauffold Bill Shoemaker Robert Taylor SAGINAW

Heather Beckley Margaret Steele Barbara Heilbronn Andrea Fischer SCOTTVILLE

Tina Buffenbarger Nancy Sanford Gail Normoyle Diane Watts SHELBY TOWNSHIP AREA

Ken Cazabon Leslie Heisler Laura Christian Nancy Garr Denny Droelle Nancy Garr Shannon Hathcock Su-Z Shaw Dan Leming Teresa Leming Linda Palazzolo Teresa Leming Stacie Smith Teresa Leming Joe Taminski Helena Taminski Susan Welch

Corinne Wong Nancy Garr

SHELBY

Fred Inglis Paul Inglis SOUTHFIELD-LATHRUP

Angela Anderson Cherryl Thames Harry Bonner Humphery Ihejirkah Willie Simon II Preston Johnson Willie Simon II Serica Simon Willie Simon II

ST CLAIR SHORES

Michael Notoriano Robert Hison

ST. HELEN

Victoria Allemand Mary Mason Kacey Lacey Joseph Roush THE DEVELOPERS-DETROIT

Thomas Jackson Sr. Secialue Porter Randy Stevens Secialue Porter TRAVERSE CITY

Jay Feldman Robert Simpson Tim Fox Terry Rosinski Raymond Greening WATERFORD TOWNSHIP-BFT

Rita Holloway-Irwin Julie Brown

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Ben Carter Jack Freed Beth Carter Jack Freed Joe Carter Jack Freed Hersh Gross Cherie Van Vliet Steven Kaplan Louis Goutman Anil Komar MD Geebee Thimotheose Bryna Leib Jeffrey Leib Lilly Moore Thomas Sweda Michael Moore Thomas Sweda Michael Patton Jack Freed Stan Samuelsen Jack Freed Michael Sandler Jennifer Oram Melanie Torbert Jack Freed Gary Van Vliet Cherie Van Vliet Kimberly Wolenberg Jack Freed Walt Zajac Pamela Zajac WEST BRANCH

Pat Ecola Lola Mcallister Norman Spangler Jerry Stroik Ray Stover Robert Mcgrail David Walby Patsy Marchel

WSU WARRIORS-DETROIT

Karsten Alayna Britaney Jones Claire Hermes Eliisa Strand Maya Hicks Nakita Currie Vincent Hovey Claire Hermes Madalyn Mcdonald Eliisa Strand Aubri Strong Nakita Currie Ashley Williams Nakita Currie

Michigan District Optimist Calendar

OI President’s Mid-Year Planning Conference — Winston Salem, North Carolina, February 3-5, 2017 2nd Quarter Conference — Crowne Plaza Lansing West Hotel (517) 323-7100), February 11, 2017 JOI Spring Convention — Albion College, Albion, Michigan, Date TBD 3rd Quarter Conference — Crowne Plaza Lansing West Hotel (517) 323-7100, May 19-20, 2017 JOI Convention — Albuquerque, New Mexico, July 3-5, 2017 OI Convention — Albuquerque, New Mexico, July 6-8, 2017 4th Quarter Conference — Forward Conf. Center, West Branch (989) 345-3503 August 18-20, 2017


5

“Michigan District Leadership Development” Juanita Bell, 2016 – 2017 Leadership Development Chair

[email protected], or (248) 968-1203

We have carefully reviewed your feedback from our 1st Quarter Michigan District Conference, and it seems our choices for roundtables and breakout sessions were a hit! The many exhibits and Optimist International Foundation auction stations were enjoyed, and the LA Fitness mini-workout and “Catch A Rising Star” corner had rave reviews! At our 2nd Quarter Michigan District Conference, in Lansing at the Crown Plaza Hotel, more high-quality Optimist train-ing is planned. The following training sessions will be offered as either roundtables, breakouts, or corner conversations. You can plan to learn more about:

• Optimism As A Philosophy of Life

• So, You’re Thinking About Relocating

• Childhood Cancer Campaign, & Junior Golf

• Promoting Membership/Recruitment Events

• Tech Stations , & Social Media IPhone

• Fundraising Ideas

• Developing Strong Leaders

• Catch A Rising Star, & Oratorical/Essay Contests

• Professional Development Program All sessions are geared toward growth, as this year’s theme for Governor Monetta is, of course, “Fostering Growth.” As our 2017 Optimist year moves forward, we will continue to provide excellent informational outlets for you! I challenge you to invite your fellow club members to join our “Mighty Michigan District” Optimists, in February, to benefit from these exciting learning and growth opportunities!

“Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing”

Daniel Mills—District Chair


During our 1st Quarter Michigan District Conference, an excellent roundtable discussion took place on the details of the Communication Contest for the Deaf and hard of Hear-ing. Currently, seven Optimist Clubs have expressed an interest in conducting local con-tests. This is a great start, and a tremendous opportunity for Michigan District Optimists to extend hope and positive vision to the deaf and hard of hearing community. I challenge our local Optimist Clubs to begin planning a contest in your area. Select a date to hold your local contest before April 17, 2017. Notify the Michigan District Communi-cation Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) committee chair of the date, time, and location. Michigan District contests will be held in May, 2017.

Please spread the word and encourage participation in this unique CCDHH competition, which is open to Michigan youth through grade 12. You can partner with local school districts and regional education centers. Please reach out to educators in your local area who work with students in the deaf and hard of hearing community. Resources are available at http://optimist.org/e/member/scholarships1.cfm.

The topic for our 2017 CCDHH event is “What the World gains from Optimism.” The Optimist International Foundation (OIF) will fund a $2,500 scholarship to any district that meets the minimum participation criteria. Conducting a local contest will promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs. To encourage the development of youth in service to oth-ers advances our message of Optimism.

For Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) materials, and to plan a local contest in your community this 2016-2017 Optimist year, please contact me promptly. All local contests must take place on or before April 17, 2017.


6

“Together We Can, by Plane, Train, Bus, or Car”

99th Optimist International Convention—Albuquerque, New Mexico Michigan International Convention Ambassador

[email protected] or (248) 506-5118,

Our Michigan District always has the best Hospitality Suite at the Op�mist Interna�onal Conven�on, and

2017 will be no different! Plan to purchase your Hospitality Pin at our 2nd Quarter Michigan District Confer-

ence, in Lansing!

This is the best �me ever to see your Op�mist friends, to relax, renew, and revitalize. You will hear from fan-

tas�c, dynamic speakers, and have the opportunity to a'end Op�mist business mee�ngs, workshops, and

leadership training classes. And, there are several amazing tours awai�ng you in the Land of Enchantment!

Albuquerque's Turquoise Museum: This guided tour of Albuquerque's Turquoise Museum showcases stunning examples of this brilliant blue stone from more than 80 locations across the globe. Albuquerque Scavenger Hunt Adventure: Chanel your inner detective for a scavenger hunt adventure through Old Town Albuquerque! Using any Smartphone as a virtual guide, solve riddles and challenges to find a trail of clues scattered through-out the city. Albuquerque Rio Grande Balloon Ride: Take an enchanting 1-hour hot air balloon ride at sunrise in Albuquerque, the city nicknamed 'The Balloon Capital of the World..” Please join us in Albuquerque this summer, 2017, to experience Optimist leadership at its best! Attending our Optimist Inter-national Convention provides an opportunity for growth and development lead by world class, positive visionaries!

“Leadership Opportunities” Governor Elect, Theresa Jarratt


Governor-Elect Theresa, and the Mighty Michigan District, is looking for the “Best of the Best”! Men and women who are willing to accept the challenge of being part of a team where success, work, fun and excitement are synonymous. Do you have the right stuff? Are you will-ing to step out of your comfort zone, and be all you can be? The Michigan District is a great place to develop and improve your leadership skills. Whether you would like to serve as a member of the Executive Committee, serve as a Lt. Governor, or as the chairperson of a District committee, our Michigan District has a place for you. As part of the

leadership team, you will have the opportunity to receive these benefits:

• Develop leadership and public speaking skills.

• Learn your own personal style of delivery.

• Develop interpersonal skills, and learn to prioritize.

• Build your leadership character.

• Develop patience skills, and enjoy the fun and fellowship of belonging in an organization

• Build relationships, and work with some of the best people on earth! Come and be part of something BIG! Become a leader in the Mighty Michigan District! Please join me at the 2nd Quarter Michigan District Conference “Catch A Rising Star” breakout session to learn more.


7

So, are you getting ready to enjoy the snow? Have you put away your shorts for the winter? How about getting ready for the 2017 Optimist Junior Golf Tournament? What: Michigan District Junior Golf Tournament Where: Metamora Golf and Country Club (www.metamoragolf.com) When: June 19-20, 2017, which is the Monday and Tuesday following Father’s Day Who: Boys and Girls, ages 10-18

Please remember that your individual Optimist Club MUST register for this tournament in order to hold an official, pre-qualifying competition. All Optimist Clubs need to plan NOW to set a weekend date your pre-qualifying Junior Golf event between the dates of May 1 and June 11, 2017. Many of our clubs have already registered online.. Please check our Michigan District website (www.michiganoptimists.org) to make sure that your club is listed properly. Junior Golf is listed under “Programs” at the top of the Home Page. Or, you can forward your club’s tournament information to either myself, or Fred, at our respective emails. Please plan to attend the Junior Golf Workshop at our 2nd Quarter Michigan District Conference, in Lansing, on February 11 for assistance and details on registration, promotion of this tournament, and more. And remember, there should be free golf on Saturday afternoon, following the 2nd Quarter Conference!

“Optimist Junior Golf Season Starts Now” Tom Longhway - CoChairperson - [email protected], or (248) 568-5608

Fred Lyon - CoChairperson [email protected], or (586) 246-7407

“Governance Committee” Marc D. Katz, Chair


The Michigan District Governance Committee will be reviewing our District Policies and, if necessary, will bring any recom-mended changes to our delegates at the 4th Quarter Conference, in August. The Governance Committee will meet prior to the 3rd Quarter Michigan District Conference, in May. At that time, any recommended changes to District Policies will be added to the agenda of our 3rd Quarter Conference, as any proposed chang-es must first be brought before the Michigan District Executive Committee as an informational item. If there may be District Policy updates necessary, all pertinent information will be posted on our Michigan District website (www.michiganoptimists.org) no later than July 1, 2017. Proposed revisions to Michigan District Policy can be submitted to the Governance Committee for consideration, and need to be received no later than April 1, 2017. Please submit any recommendations for consideration to [email protected].

“Essay Scholarship” Sherry Regiani, Essay Contest Chair


By this time all interested Optimist Clubs should have completed their 2016-2017 Michigan District Essay Contest. The dead-line to submit your club’s winning Essay entries is quickly approaching. Please make sure your club’s Essay Chair has filled out the Michigan District Essay Contest Entry Form thoroughly, including the student’s signature. Please mail all winning Essay Contest entries, with attachments, to be received on or before February 28, 2017, to 6393 Park Trail Dr., Clarkston, MI 48348. As mandated by Optimist International rules for the Essay Contest, entries received after February 28, 2017, cannot be ac-cepted.


8

“Childhood Cancer Campaign Committee Report” Jim Walker, Chair—[email protected]

Jerry Kelley, Co-Chair—[email protected]

First of all, we would like to give a Big “Thank You” to all of the Optimist Clubs in our Great Dis-trict of Michigan who are supporting the many CCC Programs in their local communities. Thank You, everyone! Just recently we held our first committee meeting for the 2016-2017 Childhood Cancer Campaign year. We are enthused as ever for the upcoming Walk 4 Kid’s season. Plans are in the works for the Ann Arbor, Muskegon Heights, and possibly a third CCC Walk area. At our 2nd Quarter, and 3rd Quarter Michigan District Conferences please look for our Expo Table, and presentations at round tables or breakout sessions. In the meantime, we are in process of updating our Michigan District web-site with CCC upcoming Walk 4 Kid’s details. In February, at our 2nd Quarter Conference, we will be awarding grants, and recognizing the incredible Optimists that have given so much to the success of our 2015-2016 CCC Walk 4 Kid’s fundraising events. If your Optimist Club has an interest in hosting a Childhood Cancer Campaign or Walk 4 Kid’s event, please contact either Jerry, or myself.

“The Basics of Internet Safety” Dorothy L. Tyler—Internet Safety Chair [email protected]—or (313) 477-2465

The Internet has drastically changed the way children and adults interact with the world. We have access to in-depth knowledge, tools to express our creativity, and people from all over the world. Yet, along with offering a fascinating new way to connect with the world, the Internet also offers new risks:

• Cyberbullying

• Exposure to inappropriate material

• Online predators

• Ability to reveal too much personal information

We all use a variety of online services, and each of these services can have different safety concerns. This is true for everyone, however; there are some basic tips which we can employ with our family and children, no matter how they use the Internet.

• Keep your computer in a high-traffic area of your home

• Establish limits for which online sites children may visit, and for how long

• Remember that Internet technology can be mobile, so be sure to monitor cell phones, gaming devices, and laptops

• Surf the Internet with your children. Let them show you what they like to do online.

• Know who is connec"ng with your children online, and set rules for social networking, instant messaging, e-mailing, and

using web-cams.

• Con"nually dialogue with your children about online safety

Start a discussion about online safety with your family!

Ask them “What are your favorite things to do online?” Find out what they believe is personal informa"on, and why should

you keep this informa"on private? Learn what they feel they could do to be more safe online.

Also, it is of utmost importance to know what your family member would do if anyone online asked to meet them face to face.

Recent news reports have proven this could be life-threatening. And, you must discuss with your family who they feel they

can talk to if they find themselves in a frightening situa"on online.

See you at our 2nd Quarter Michigan District Conference, in Lansing, with more informa�on about Internet banking, iCloud,

social media, and more. Surf online safely!


9

“What’s Cookin’ With the Membership Committee/NOW” SHARING Membership/NOW KNOW HOW

Elaine Lyon—[email protected], or (586) 791-8006 Sue Kardasz—[email protected], or (586) 939-7273

Sean Mueller—[email protected]

Please keep in mind the following 5 thoughts that will “FOSTER GROWTH” in your Optimist Club! 1. Make sure you have Optimist International membership and Friends of Optimist (FOO) brochures available at all of

your Optimist Club events.

2. Hold regular New Optimist Wanted (NOW) meetings. Once your individual club has held a NOW meeting/event, immediately schedule a date for your next NOW event! Always know when your next NOW gathering will take place!

3. Invite friends and prospective new members to your club’s events.. This is not only to your club’s fundraising opportunities, but to every gathering that involves youth and youth activities. This will allow potential new club members to witness, and become involved in the connection your club has to your community. Prospective new Optimist Club members need to see, and feel, the excitement and lifeline your club has made with youth in your city, and area. Actual connection/involvement provides a great “appetizer” for new members to join your Optimist Club!

4. Encourage your new Optimist Club members to continue to feel WELCOME immediately after they’ve joined your club. Entice them to regularly attend club meetings. Extend a warm “I’m glad you’re here” greeting, and re-introduce yourself when you see your new member engage in your club. Involve them in club activities. Invite them to join one of your club’s committees! Mentor them, and make them feel important and valued!

5. New club members are the lifeline to every Optimist Club. Only YOU can make it happen! By promoting your individual Optimist Club, potential new members become interested in learning more. Open your mouth, and JUST ASK!!

“Michigan District Oratorical Contest”

Joette Kunse, Oratorical Contest Chair

jkhorses, or (248) 620-2984

The Michigan District Oratorical Contest will be held in Lansing at our 3rd Quarter Confer-

ence, on Saturday, May 20, 2017. This year’s chosen topic is “What the World Gains from Opti-mism.”

All Optimist Clubs should already have their local contest dates and locations in place at this time.

Please Google the OI Oratorical Contest for your Club Planning Guide. Scroll down the page,

and the Club Planning Guide you will find in orange letters, on the right hand side.

One key component as your individual club’s Oratorical Contest Chair is the registration process.

Talk with a counselor at the junior high or high school in your community. Inquire if there may be a

teacher willing to conduct the Oratorical Contest as extra credit, or as an evaluation of oral presentation in the Michigan Core

Curriculum. Be sure to have the contest rules with you. The National Association of Secondary School Principals has

placed our Oratorical Contest on their scholarship list.. You may talk with the school principal, and remind them the NASSP

has included this esteemed Oratorical Contest on this scholarship list. Please remember to order your local club’s winner

medals from the Shumsky Catalog for official OI products.

We are still in process of coordinating our individual Area contests. Area 5, which is Macomb County, will hold their Area

contest in Mt. Clemens. Detroit will also hold their competition in Mt. Clemens. Oratorical Contests in each Area will take

place in April, or early May.

Please contact me with any questions. I have a pdf file of the Oratorical Contest which has been sent to all local Optimist

Club president’s. I’m happy to share this with anyone interested. Best of luck as you go forth to serve the kids!


10

“You Are the Heartbeat” Club Fitness Advisors Committee

[email protected]—”Dr. Bob” Schiller, Chair

Can you believe the 1st Quarter of our fiscal year is already over? In this time the Club Fitness Advisors Committee (CFAC) “doctors” have performed more than two dozen (24+) “Club Physicals,” and are ready for “follow-up” visits when called upon. “Dr. Dick Russell,” and “Dr. Dave Martin” were able to experience Optimism from a new perspective, as they applied our CFAC philosophy of “Be the Doctor.” The Michigan District 2nd Quarter is that time of year when our communities and clubs

truly get into the “heartbeats” and pulse of our Optimist members. It is a busy time as we get various fundraising efforts underway, conduct our Essay and Oratorical Contests, and celebrate togetherness through holiday events that “Bring Out the Best” in everyone. Yes, this 2nd Quarter of our Optimist year provides a good measure for evaluating how “healthy” our individual clubs truly are, and what areas we may need to become “healthier’ in. It is indeed a time when “healthy” leadership garners long-term success for our clubs.

In our world, the strength we project through Optimism, the hope we provide in our communities, and the positive vision we practice each day culminates in our united “heartbeats” in overcoming the challenges we face in our lives.

What is the “CFAC” Prescription for Health? Promise Yourself—To talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself, that you have no time to criticize others. May your Optimism in your communities echo the “heartbeat of hope.” Remember, we make “House Calls.”

“Seeking A Future District Leader” Steve Sucher, Immediate Past Governor


The Michigan District has tremendous talent, and a wealth of great leaders. It is because of this commit-ment to Optimism that we remain the largest district in all of Optimist International. As we look for-ward to the 100th Anniversary of Optimist International, and the celebration of all that Optimists do, now is the time to envision our Michigan District’s future, and who will lead the way. As the Immediate Past Governor of our District, I have two special committees to chair. The first is the Candidate Qualifications Committee, and the second is the Hall of Fame Committee. The Candidate Qualifications Committee is responsible for interviewing all potential candidates for the position of Governor Elect for the 2017-2018 Optimist year. The only mandatory qualification for the Governor Elect position is to have served as Lieutenant Governor. The impact of this position on the performance and achievement of our Michigan District mandates that we carefully choose those who are the best qualified to lead our region. Therefore, the need for, and importance of this committee is to ensure that anyone aspiring to the position as Michigan District Governor is well qualified for this position. Please send to me a letter of your interest and candidacy, along with your resume of accomplishments no later than April 1, 2017. The Hall of Fame Committee is charged with selecting inductees to the Michigan District Hall of Fame. The requirements of this honor are detailed in the Michigan District Directory. The application is available on the Michigan District website, at http://midist.portalbuzz.com. Any Michigan District Optimist member in good standing, and who meets specific criteria, can be nominated. Self nomina-tions are not only acceptable, they are also encouraged. Simply complete the nomination form, have your club President en-dorse, and send it to me. Inductees will be announced at our 4th Quarter Michigan District Quarterly Conference, in August. As noted in the Directory, all nominations must be postmarked no later than April 1, 2017. As always, please contact me if you may have any questions.


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International

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The Optimist Creed

Promise Yourself … To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

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VISIT OUR WEBSITEVISIT OUR WEBSITEVISIT OUR WEBSITEVISIT OUR WEBSITE: Michigan District : Michigan District : Michigan District : Michigan District www.michiganoptimists.orgwww.michiganoptimists.orgwww.michiganoptimists.orgwww.michiganoptimists.org or the Optimist International Website at or the Optimist International Website at or the Optimist International Website at or the Optimist International Website at www.optimist.orgwww.optimist.orgwww.optimist.orgwww.optimist.org

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