Michigan Opti Views - michdistoptimists.org · Opti Views Volume 33, Number 4 ... Welcome new...

July/August/September 2013

Opti Views Volume 33, Number 4

www.MichiganOptimist .org

District Active & Expanding

“The Bee Hive is Growing” …Governor Barry

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

Michigan District Optimist International Newsletter

Inside this Michigan District Issue

Michigan District Governor: Barry Burnham 1

Optimists in Action: Jeanna Clifford 2

Michigan District Governor Elect: David Fries 3

Welcome new Optimists / Thanks you Sponsors 4

Grand Rapids: History/ Memorial Service / Guest 5

JOOI Sean Mueller / Gov. Elect Thames Nominee 6

Junior Golf Program: Jim Kaza & Theresa Jarratt 7

District Secretary/Treasurer Stephen Saph/ Oratorical 8

New Club Building & Rewards/Meeting -Conventions 9

OI Foundation: Dorothy Tyler / Essay Contest 10

Conventions: Grand Rapids Convention Registration 11

Optimist Creed / Newsletter Information 12

Michigan District

Governor

Barry Burnham

586 703-4435

[email protected]

- - -

District Secretary-

Treasurer

Steve Saph Jr.

Immediate Past

Governor

Ray Finocchio

District Governor-

Elect Dave Fries

Assistant Governor

Region 1

Mary Lowery

Assistant Governor

Region 2

Terry Eisen

Assistant Governor

Region 3

Tom Longhway

Assistant Governor

Region 4

Jim Kaza

Fellow Optimists,

The bee hive is growing! I am so

charged up right now because of all of the

activity with new club building and bringing

in new members to our organization.

We have more Friends of Optimists than

any other district. There are several

incentives going on right now to bring in

more. Not to mention regular members, 30

under 30 members, and even JOOI Clubs.

I know we can do it! As we approach the

Optimist International Convention in July, I

would like nothing better than to be able to

bring the successes of the Michigan District

Barry’s Bee Hive Buzz: “So many to thank!”

2012-2013 Governor Barry Burnham [email protected] 586 703-4435

Gov. Barry & First Lady Nancy

with me, and again take our place as the

greatest District in OI. I thank all of you

that are doing your part to make us

successful, and with that success we benefit

the children and the communities we serve.

Thank you Lou Moss, Herb Strather,

Fatima Plater, Theresa Jarratt, Linda

Ingersoll, Cherryl Thames, Dan Moss,

Linda Brooks, Debbie Berry, and Ray

Finocchio for stepping up and being on my

“Blue Ribbon” committee to address the

issue of club growth and membership. I

know we will be successful.

(Barry Continued on Page 3)

What year was Michigan District Formed ? Answer on Page 5

OptiViews - Michigan District July / August / September 2013

Please submit any articles regarding your clubs participation in a program or special service project. (The next

Optiviews deadline is September 1st).

The Greater Northeast Optimist Club of Detroit: Assisting children, youth and adults with disabilities

On May 3, 2013, the Greater Northeast Optimist Club of Detroit volunteered at the 22nd Annual VSA Michigan

Southeast Regional Festival at the University Michigan in Dearborn, Michigan.

The purpose of this event was to bring together children, youth and adults with disabilities, their educators,

parents, family members and caregivers. It was an end of the school year celebration of the arts. Club members

assisted with festival set-up, they greeted participants as they arrived, and assisted with the group art projects.

The very busy day included cheering on the performers, helping educators, parent and caregivers and ending the

day with escorting the participants to their busses and bid them goodbye. Enjoyable day!

Central Macomb, Clinton Township Area, Friend of Patriots-Warren, Friends of Selfridge, Lake Shore of

Grosse Pointe, Mount Clemens, Roseville, Shelby Township Area, North Macomb and St. Clair Shores:

Working together on Junior Golf Event (See photo and story on page 7).

Battle Creek & Pennfield Optimists: Springtime jelly bean fundraiser

On March 23, Battle Creek and Pennfield Optimists we busy giving out packets of jelly beans. This is their annual

drive to raise funds for the year's youth projects. The community-wide effort was amazing how much money you can

bring in only 3-4 hours! Battle Creek brought is $900 and Pennfield brought in $400.

Jackson Optimist Club: Respect for Law Day

On May 2nd the Jackson Optimists involved over 125 people from the city police,

the sheriff department, prisons and others. Jackson County Prosecutor Jerard Jarzynk

was the speaker. Students from Jackson Community College attended, awards were

presented during a lovely luncheon.

Grand Blank, Kalamazoo (BOCK) and Central Flint Clubs: Other Clubs/ Projects

It’s unfortunate that we can’t get all the great projects that Michigan District Optimists into a single Optiview’s

Issue, but would also give a pat on the back to: Grand Bland Optimist Club (9th Annual Youth Appreciation event);

Kalamazoo Breakfast Club (After Holidays Food Drive); Central Flint Optimist Club (Big Brother / Big Sister

sponsoring needy children with gifts at Christmas). Great Job Michigan District Optimist Clubs!

Optimists in Action - In the Spotlight

Jeanna Clifford Michigan District Director of Activities

cliffordjec@aol / 810 287-2530

Motivate - Educate - Inspire

Member of The Greater Northeast Optimist Club of Detroit Battle Creek (George Smith) Pennfield Rita Wooten & Terry Eisen

Jackson Respect for Law


Dave

Fellow Michigan District Optimists! Our leadership team is 99% complete!

Thanks to all of you who attended Catch a Rising Star and decided to become part of the team.

I am honored that you want to learn about the opportunities available to help in the leadership of the Michigan

District Optimist organization. In order to continue the great success of the Michigan District, we need leaders willing

to donate their time to the benefit of the children in our communities.

We only need two Lt Governors: one for Zone 9 and one for Zone 13.

Thank you for taking advantage of the various opportunities available to keep this 'machine' running smoothly.

The various leadership roles you have chosen will make a direct impact to the children in our communities.

You don't have to have a great deal of knowledge about the role because there are many in our organization willing

to teach you the responsibility and mentor you through the learning process.

We ask for a little bit of everyone's time to ensure that our district can continue on the successful path that our past

leadership teams have taken us.

So let's look forward to the 2013-2014 Michigan District Optimist Year and Get 'er Done!

The First Lady and I have enjoyed so much the

opportunity to attend the many events and celebrations

we have been invited to.

Congratulations again to the West Flint Optimist

Club and President Steven Bentley on his clubs’ 50th

Anniversary, and the Scottville Optimist Club on 60

years of service.

See you all at the

Optimist International

Convention in July in

Cincinnati and the

Michigan District

Convention in August

in Grand Rapids.

Governor Barry

Governor Barry

Barry

Thank You Michigan District “Leadership Opportunities” 2013-2014

David T. Fries - Michigan District Governor Elect

[email protected] or 586 219-7021

(Barry - Continued from page 1)

Thank you Fatima Plater for arranging for our

guest speaker, Michael Duggan, at the 3rd quarter

meeting in Dearborn. I am still listening to the great

comments from our members as to how impressed they

were with his speech. It was so appropriate to have him

speak as it was the Oratorical Contest finals and Pat

Rabaut Miller and Doris Modrak did a wonderful job

putting the afternoon program together.

We were honored to have the scholarship sponsor

of the Essay Contest, Jan Oord present, and the

scholarship sponsor of the Girl Winner of the Oratorical

Contest, Karen and Dana Monville present too.

Jim Walker and Dr. Jerry Kelley have inspired us

all with another CCC Walk, and thank you all that

participated. Thank you all for including me on your

mailing lists for your club newsletters. It is great to

read about how you have

recognized the youth in your

communities, honored your local

police, fire, and public servants,

and how you are providing

programs to meet the needs of the

youth in our communities.


New Members from 4/1/13 through 6/10/13 (for any errors or omissions check with your club secretary)

Welcome New Members... Thank You Sponsors !

As I welcome new members from this last quarter, I would also like to thank the sponsors

(listed in italics after the new member name)!

Michigan District Governor Barry & Linda

MT PLEASANT

Lindsey Fuller Andrew Martin

Tinamarie A Gaillard Andrew Martin

Lisa Sims Lucinda Clark MUSKEGON HEIGHTS

D J Hilson Terry Nash

Pamela Lynk Jillian Rucker

Jillian Rucker Malcom Stevens

Leslie Stewart Terry Nash

Mary Valentine Terry Nash PORT HURON

Cheryl Storey Ronald Kelly SHELBY TOWNSHIP

David Payne Paul Inglis SHELBY TOWNSHIP AREA

Charlotte Cook FOO

Hildred Fleming Lou Moss

Greg Gagnon Lou Moss

Cherry Jones Clarence Cook BLUEGILL - ST. HELEN

William Brethauer IV James Graham

Jennifer Jarosz Sharon Graham

Joe Wauldron Timothy Lavere

Robert Wood Jennifer Ferguson ST CLAIR SHORES

Gloria Peruski Madelynne Cudney TRAVERSE CITY

Karen Taylor Gail Chambers GO BLUE-UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Nicole Degrace Tyler Tinsey WATERFORD TOWNSHIP-BFT

Nikki Benning William Burr

Adam Apfelblat William Burr

Allan Buynak Teresa Fortino

Tim Nick Todd Gulich

Mike Rooney William Maxfield

Liz Sinishtag Todd Gulich

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Karen Fisher Margie Schwartz

Klint Kesto Margie Schwartz

Mary jane Riley Margie Schwartz

Robert Walker Lee Jaffke WEST BRANCH

Dan Boursaw Nancy Griffin

Tracey Wood Vicki Barnes

ALPENA

Richard George Charles Beal

AUBURN HILLS-NOON

Kit Ilenich Brian Marzolf AUBURN HILLS

Steven Berlow Gayle Ann Barr BATTLE CREEK-HARPER CREEK

Christina Eyre Jeromy Myers

Barbara Haluszka John Sims

Chad Kyger John Sims

Aaron Drake Richard Brown

David Linville David Jaques BATTLE CREEK-PENNFIELD

Derrick Vanatta Stephen Vernia BAY CITY

Mary Jo Secretan Jo Ellen Strieter

Dana Russell Polly Thomas BIRMINGHAM

Robert Roleston David Huseltine BRIGHTON

Christine Devlin FOO CENTRAL MACOMB

Sally Vaughn Sandy Haley CHARLOTTE

John Bogg Gene Conley

Richard George Charles Beal Sample CLINTON TOWNSHIP AREA

Dawn Bartolomeo Kimberly Burnette

Deborah Benedic Helen Mccormick

Judith Hafner Helen Mccormick

Burnette Rod Kimberly Burnette DEARBORN

Dan Addison Floyd Addison

Paul Fitz Barry Hawthorne

Norman Forge Barry Hawthorne

Kaye Lagreca Barry Hawthorne

Patricia Moroz Barry Hawthorne

Lorraine Neuman Julie Turia

Ed Weglarz Barry Hawthorne

John Wier Barry Hawthorne

Jim Baran Barry Hawthorne

Linda Baran Barry Hawthorne

John Gates Barry Hawthorne

DEARBORN (continued)

James Murray Barry Murray

Michael Sareini Barry Hawthorne DECATUR

William Christians Elizabeth A Godwin DETROIT—21st CENTURY

Ralph King Catherine Tilles DETROIT-CENTRAL

Dorothy Wilkerson Stacia Little

Victoria Griffin Lorenzer Frazier DETROIT-GREATER NORTHEAST

Geraldine Mitchell Flossie Shannon

Lisa Smith Ralph Bell DETROIT-LOVING COMMUNITY

Dianne Martin Robert Bryant DETROIT-METRO RIVERFRONT

Quiana Long-Mccrary Fatima Plater

David Cartwright Fatima Plater

Jennie Whitfield Fatima Plater

Kitty Whitfield Fatima Plater DETROIT-NORTHWEST

Paulette Johnson Gloria Williams

Kathryn Joyner Cheryl Pryor

Sharon Lane-Williams Gloria Williams

Jacqueline McNeal Gloria Williams

Leslie Parks-Flectcher Gloria Williams DETROIT-WESTERN INT'L

Dorothy Dean Charlie King Jr FARMINGTON HILLS-BFT

Laurence Crites Bruce Fowler FLINT-BFT

Roxanne Caine William Hentgen FLINT-CENTRAL

Barbara Hamilton-Welch Beverly Bronson

Warren Marks Delphine Holland FLINT-DOWNTOWN

Clyde Britt James Moore GROSSE POINTE-LAKESHORE

John Stoyka Richard Swanquist LUDINGTON

Peter Kobylecky Annette Quillan MT CLEMENS

Sandra Bernier Michael Bernier

95th Optimist International Convention

July 4-6, 2013

The International Convention events will take place at the: Duke Energy

Convention Center, 525 Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio 45202 (see page 10).


Ray Finocchio - Immediate past Governor


Did you know that the Michigan District was established in 1941? We

have a rich heritage of success, proud to have the most members in a dis-

trict in all of Optimist International!

At our convention in Grand Rapids, there will be a display of some of

the many artifacts of yesteryear. We need your help by bringing

"Optimist Collectables" and any "back story" associated with them.

Please bring your items to the Expo area on Saturday, August 24th.

Have all of your items marked clearly with your name. You must pick

them up after the closing session on Saturday.

We anticipate a great display of our Michigan District history!

History Comes Alive at the Michigan District Convention ! “With your help… we anticipate a great display”

By Lou Moss and Pam Saski, District Co-Historians

WANTED: “Your artifacts, collectables & stories of yesteryear”

Each year, sadly, we lose some of our dedicated Optimist members. The tradition practiced by the Michigan

District for many years is to hold a Memorial Service at our 4th Quarter District Convention to honor the lives of our

Members who have passed and to recognize their service to their Clubs and the District. As Immediate Past District

Governor, I will be leading the Memorial Service, which will be held at our District Convention on Sunday morning,

August 25, 2013 at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids.

This is a most solemn and beautiful event. I urge as many as possible to attend, especially if you have Club

members who have passed over the past year. I would also like to ask ALL Clubs who have members that have

passed since August 2012 to please send me the name of the Member, date of death and positions held in their Club.

Also, for those members that have passed, it would be appreciated if one of the Members of his/her Club would

attend the Memorial Service and say a few words in honor/recognition of that person. Please send me a list of

deceased Members no later than August 1, 2013. Their names and Club affiliation will be included in the program.

Thanks for your help.

Annual Memorial Service - Sunday August 25th

District Governor Burnham is honored to announce that our special guests for the 4th quarter

meeting and Convention will be none other that our own Lou Moss, Optimist International Vice

President, Region 1, 2012-2013, and her husband Dan.

Vice President Lou has been very busy this year visiting many of the districts in our region. I

am grateful that her official visit to our district is the 4th quarter meeting and convention. Since

retiring from the Clintondale School District over five years ago, Lou has turned her attention to

what she does best, volunteering to help Optimists and Optimist Clubs all over the district Bring Out the Best In Kids.

Lou belongs to the Clinton Township Optimist Club and the Shelby Township Area Optimist Club. Lou together

with her husband Dan are the “parents” of many of the clubs in Macomb County. Her vast experience comes from

(Continued Special Guest Lou Moss - Page 9)

Lou Moss

Special Guest announced - 4th Quarter Convention


Hello Optimists,

This year for JOOI Michigan! has been a great one!! It has been an honor and privilege being the JOOI Michigan!

District Governor and I want to thank you all for your support of JOOI and “Rebuilding JOOI Michigan! BIG and

Strong”. At the end of the 3rd Quarter, 7 new clubs had been built!! Congratulations to all of the sponsoring clubs

for your ongoing support of JOOI. Our goal for 2012-2013 is 10 new Clubs and I know that this is

still possible. Be it 7 or 10 new JOOI Clubs, I still see it as a BIG accomplishment.

I am happy to announce our new Co-Governors for 2013-2014, they are Emily Lauer and Tori Lee,

I know they will do a great job. I can't wait for what JOOI Michigan! brings us next year. Again, it has been a great honor severing as JOOI Governor this year and I thank you.

As always Stay Optimistic, Sean

JOOI Michigan! ”Serving was Honor”

Michigan District JOOI Governor: Sean Mueller / [email protected]

248 628-1609 or 248 464-0503

Cherryl Thames nominated for Governor Elect

“I believe that I will be an asset to our Organization as Governor Elect… I hope that you will agree.”

Cherryl noted that she felt honored to have been nominated as a candidate for District Governor-Elect. She has

been a twelve year member of what she describes as the “best youth and community serving organization world-

wide”, and has an opportunity for her to give back and make a difference in extraordinary ways.

In her own words she feels blessed to have amazing mentors, leaders, and friends since day one. As Governor-

Elect and Governor she promises to do her very best to ensure our Districts ongoing success and leadership in

"Bringing Out the Best in Kids". She envisions even greater opportunities for Michigan District Optimists to

support and prepare our youth to succeed in a global economy and thereby enriching our communities. She

understands that Michigan Optimist Clubs are rich in commitment, leadership, skills, talents and resources that has

far reaching arms. “Who else can make such a positive difference but us!”

Some of Cherryl Thames accomplishments as an Optimist are:

- Member Southfield-Lathrup Optimist Club since 2000

- Distinguished Club President 2004

- Past Lt. Governor and Past Asst. Governor

- Michigan District Hall of Fame 2011

- JOOI Michigan! District Chair/Co-Chair 2009-present

- New Club Building Committee Chair 2005-2006; New Clubs Built = 9

- Leadership Development Committee Chair 2006-2007

- 3 BOE recognitions and sponsored 25+ new members

- Committee Chair and/or Advisor for 3 JOOI Clubs

- JOOI International Committee and JOOI Advisor of Excellence 2011-2012

- Presented with a Life Membership 2010

Cherryl is excited about the opportunity to serve as Michigan District Governor Elect

and would be honored with your support in the upcoming election.

Let’s Bee in Grand Rapids… a Michigan District Swarm !

It’s not too late… the 4th Quarter Michigan District convention information can be found on

page 11… so lets swarm into Grand Rapids on August 23rd - 25th !


The Optimist Junior Golf program is one of the few that allows for entry-level novices (at the Qualifier level) as

well as competitive players at the Tournament level and beyond. There are four age divisions, further divided by

gender: ages 10-11, ages 12-13, ages 14-15 and ages 16-18, giving all kids fair opportunity to play. (College stu-

dents are not eligible).

Local Pre-Tournament Qualifiers were held in May and early June. For many youngsters, it is their first true

USGA tournament experience. This year, Qualifiers took place in the following cities:

4/29 – Stoneycroft sponsored by Bloomfield Hills Optimist Club

5/11 – Fieldstone sponsored by North Oakland Optimist Clubs

5/18 – Lincoln Hills sponsored by Ludington Optimist Club

5/18 – Cracklewood sponsored by Macomb / Grosse Pointe Optimist Clubs

5/19 – Mt. Pleasant sponsored by the Mt. Pleasant Optimist Club

6/2 – Captains Club sponsored by the Grand Blanc Optimist Club

6/2 – Devils Ridge sponsored by the Lapeer Optimist Club

6/9 – Port Huron sponsored by the Port Huron Optimist Club

6/10 – Lincoln sponsored by the White Lake, Mona Shores, Muskegon Heights Optimist Clubs

Those that qualified by stroke-play score will be advancing to the Michigan District Tournament held June 17-18

at the beautiful Metamora Country Club. The first day, June 17th is a high profile day with over 100 golfers on the

course along with parents and spectators. Ages 10-13 play an 18-hole Tournament. Upper division ages 14-18 play

a two day, 36-hole ranked Tournament, with scores reported to www.JuniorGolfScoreboard.com. Full details and all

information available http://sites.google.com/site/mioptimist.org

2013 Optimist Junior Golf Jim Kaza - Junior Golf Chairperson [email protected] or 586 838-8714

Theresa Jarratt - Junior Golf Administrator


Sixty-two Junior Golfers, ages 10-18 years old, signed up to compete in the annual Macomb County Grosse Pointes Junior

Golf Qualifying Tournament on May 18. Ten Optimist Clubs serving this area sponsored this event (including Central

Macomb, Clinton Township Area, Friend of Patriots-Warren, Friends of Selfridge, Lake Shore of Grosse Pointe, Mount

Clemens, Roseville, Shelby Township Area, North Macomb and St. Clair Shores) . Qualifying for Michigan District

Tournament were: Scott Sparks (Boys 14-15 years old) from Shelby Township; Justin McCown (Boys 12-13 years old) from

Sterling Heights: Wesley Day (Boys 16-18 years old) from Ajax, Ontario: and Justin Sui (Boys 10-11) from Lake Orion.

(Pat Rabaut Miller and Jim Kaza in center of photo)

http://sites.google.com/site/mioptimist.org


What’s in your wallet ?

Stephen Saph Jr. - Michigan District Secretary-Treasurer [email protected] or 586 747-9315

What’s in your wallet???? No, dear fellow Optimists, I’m not trying to sell you a credit card nor is this a quiz about pop

culture advertising tag lines. As I open my wallet, one of the first things I come across is a business size card that has our

inspiring “Optimist Creed” on one side and the “Purposes of Optimist International” on the flip side. During the course of the

day, mired in the routine or challenged by the pessimism (Oops! Sorry I used the “p” word!) of those who have not yet been

introduced to our great mantra, I draw a certain strength and comfort from the inspiring words that have been given to us by

Christian D. Larson. Please keep a copy of our Creed and Purposes on your person or in a conspicuous place that you can’t

miss. I can’t think of a more appropriate and perfect tonic to help keep all of us moving forward in an effort to “advance the

well-being of humankind, community life, and the world!”

With the inspirational comments addressed, on to business ….. With our Optimist Year wrapping up (our year ends on

September 30, 2013), I ask, no challenge, each of you to please take the time to think how your experience with Optimism could

and will help and benefit others. With the empowerment of Optimism in mind, please take the time before the end of our year to

either introduce a friend or acquaintance to one of your Club’s activities (not a membership meeting, a true activity) or please

take the time to reach out to a member that you haven’t seen or heard from in a while. Attempt to help your Club’s impact in

your community by introducing a potential new member, or strengthen your Club by helping an existing member reignite his or

her Optimist flame!

Next, please make an effort to attend at least one District Quarterly Meeting next year. Governor-Elect Dave Fries has some

great and innovative plans. I personally feel that each of us needs to partake in the “District Experience” at least once to develop

a greater understanding and appreciation for how the District functions and the myriad of benefits that District training and

fellowship can offer.

Finally, please consider volunteering for one of the various District committees in existence for the administration, operation,

and oversight of our District’s various functions and activities. I’m confident that Governor Elect Dave would welcome any

offers to serve. I can’t think of a better way for a member to learn more about the operations and impact of our great District!

It has been a wonderful and fulfilling year working with Governor Barry and his team. I look forward to sharing all that I’ve

learned with others and I’m excited about the prospect of serving in other capacities to continue to learn more about our District!

Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to serve!

P.S. You too can carry a business size card copy of our Creed and Purposes with you. Simply contact Linda Brooks

([email protected]), District Supply Representative, and I’m sure Linda can offer the pricing, availability, etc. of the

cards. Or simply seek Linda out at our next District meeting; she’ll have a table set up in our exhibitor area selling the cards and

a wide variety of other Optimist supplies. The cards make great envelop stuffers or hand-outs. I’m confident that our Creed is

one of our best selling points when introducing others to Optimism!

Stephen

The Michigan District Oratorical Contest was a great success. Seven participants

spoke on the topic, “Why my voice is important” during the third quarter Conference

in Dearborn on May 4 at the Doubletree Inn in Dearborn, MI.

Congratulations to our winners, Elizabeth Devlin, representing the Brighton

Optimist Club and Lyndon DeFoe, representing the Royal Oak Optimist Club. Each

winner received $2,500 scholarship money from the Optimist International

Foundation’s. The Foundation’s motto is “Helping Optimists Help Kids”. They do

this by providing significant funding for Optimist International programs, like the

Oratorical and Essay Contests, which serve the youth in our communities.

The Foundation is supported by all Optimists, their clubs and the community at large. A very special thanks to Karen and Dana

Monville for their endowment to the Optimist International Foundation’s Girls Oratorical Scholarship.

2013 Oratorical Contest - Seven Receive $2,500 Scholarships

District Committee Co-Chairs: Pat Rabaut Miller / [email protected] or 586 731-1831

Doris Modrak / [email protected] or 586 334-8227

mailto:[email protected]


New Club Building & Prizes !

CALLING ALL BUILDERS it’s time to

SPRING into ACTION in the Michigan

District!

As a BUILDER you can be entered in to

the District drawing for a FLAT SCREEN

TV!

So far we have the Blue Gill Optimist Club

of St. Helen already completed and they are

well on their way to make a difference in their

community. The New Baltimore Optimist

Club well into the organizational phase and

ready to charter by the end of June. We will

have these two new Optimist Clubs

contributing to “Bringing Out the Best in

KIDS!”

It takes a commitment from YOU and your

club to make a difference. Anyone building a

new club or considering building a new club,

please contact me at [email protected].

It’s never too late to get started.

Theresa Jarratt - New Club Building Chair


Meeting and Conventions “District Meeting was Outstanding”

Karen Tucker & Judy Sinclair - Co-Chairs Conventions and Meetings (313) 402-7156 [email protected] Judy Sinclair (586) 243-6426 [email protected]

With record attendance from across the state, the third quarter district meeting will certainly be remembered in

Optimist history. Attendees gained valuable information, shared fellowship and had fun.

One highlights included a Saturday luncheon which featured Detroit Mayoral Candidate, Mike Duggan. The event

was attended by over 200 members. The Oratorical Contest winners were announced and presentations were given

during the afternoon. Members who attended were also treated to fun and festive CINCO DE MAYO hospitality.

Fue un evento fantástico, una buena asistencia, y todos pasaron un buen tiempo. Gracias por haber venido, gracias

por estar con nosotros y gracias a los todos colegas optimistas que asistieron.”

Need we say more? Watch your mail for more exciting details as the busy bees are hard at work preparing for the

OI Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 4-6, 2013. You’ll be proud to say you’re from Michigan.

Special Guest in Grand Rapids: Lou Moss- (Continued from page 5)

chairing many of our districts most important committees, such as Membership, New Club Building, Leadership

Development, and Meetings and Conventions. She has earned the honor of being a Distinguished President,

Lieutenant Governor, Assistant Governor, Distinguished Governor, and now comes to us as vice president of our

region.

Please welcome with me, Optimist International Vice President Lou Moss, and her husband and Michigan District

member Dan to the 4th Quarter Meeting and Convention, August 23, 24, and 25, 2013, in Grand Rapids.




As we prepare to leave the pristine shores of Lake Michigan, Lake Huron,

Lake St. Claire, Lake Erie, and possibly Lake Ontario headed to the Optimist

International Convention in Cincinnati, each district has been charged to

decorate a sailboat to enter the Regatta Race at our convention kiosk. Each

boat will advance according to “bets” (contributions) placed on the boat. The

sail boat with the most contributions will win the “Foundation’s Cup”. So, let’s

set our sails against the wind one last time before we depart and prepare to

bring lots of money to bet on our sailboat to win the Regatta. Let’s go,

Michigan!

“Helping Optimists Help Kids“ is Optimist International Foundation’s

thrust as it continues its ‘Sailing Regatta’. Michigan, our Michigan, is in

fourth place in total giving and per member giving. Those strong winds

pushing the other boats in the water still appear to be holding us back;

however, it’s not too late for us. We still have 90+ days to increase our speed

and gain on the boats in the lead--maybe even pass one or two of them. How?

Donations may be made via Dime-a-Day $36.50; Club Donation of $365;

Century Club $100; President’s Club - $250; etc., or by renewing last year’s

giving or trying a new level of giving this year. Just Ask!

The good news is Michigan is in the top ten in total donations! As your

District Foundation Representation I thank you for all you have done for the

youth through the foundation. We are not where we would like to be, as a

district, but we have come a long way! Thank you in advance for the donations

from individual members and / or clubs that I feel will be forthcoming at our

MI District Convention in Grand Rapids! See you soon!

Please make checks payable to:

Optimist International Foundation

Write your club number and/ or member

number on your check and send to:

Optimist International Foundation P.O. Box 952126

St. Louis, MO 63195-2126

EXCITING HAPPENINGS to benefit the Foundation !

SILENT AUCTION Please bring items to donate.

CHINESE AUCTION

THANK YOU RECEPTION

August 23rd For individuals who have

donated to the ‘Sailing Regatta’

IN CINCINNATI The Women’s Philanthropy

Council Need items for their grab bags

to be sold at the convention kiosk. They can be a lot of the

same item or just one of a kind.

Privateer Dorothy L. Tyler - Michigan District Optimist Foundation Representative


OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION All hands on deck for the kids! Journey to make a difference.

Registration Information at www.optimist.org/e/member/convention1.cfm for the International Convention in Cincinnati

I am very proud to announce that the winner of the Michigan District Essay Contest was

Ashley Parker. She was sponsored by the Optimist Club of Southfield Lathrup. The topic for

this year’s contest was “ How I Can Help My Friends Realize Their Value?”

Ashley was able to read her essay at the district conference in Dearborn, Michigan on May

4, 2013. The response from the fellow optimists was truly rewarding. All I can say is thank

God that there are still young people who have real aspirations for the future. Despite the

media’s often negative hype I am trusting that our future will be in good hands following this years essay contest.

2012-2013 Essay Contest District Winner

Brenda Meeks - Contest Chairperson [email protected]

Ashley Parker



Fourth Quarter (July - September)

Optimist International Convention July 4-6, 2013 - Cincinnati, Ohio

Michigan District Convention August 23-25, 2013 - Crowne Plaza Hotel, Grand Rapids, Michigan

Michigan District Optimist Calendar

COPY THE FORM ABOVE OR GO TO www.mioptimist.org/PDF/Reg201213Q3.pdf AND PRINT A FORM


OptiViews is published quarterly for $3.00 per member, per year, by the Michigan District of Optimist International, 14058 Silent Woods

Drive, Shelby Township, MI 48315. Please send all address corrections to your club Secretary-Treasurer.

Michigan District Optimist International

14058 Silent Woods Drive

Shelby Township, MI 48315

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 you 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 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.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: Michigan District www.michiganoptimists.org

or the Optimist International Website at www.optimist.org

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

OptiViews welcomes your local club photos and narrative for ‘Optimists in Action’. Please email to

Newsletter Editor Steve Sucher at [email protected] - Deadline for next issue is September 1st.

Michigan Opti Views - michdistoptimists.org · Opti Views Volume 33, Number 4 ... Welcome new...

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