OPTIVIEWS. REGISTER for CONVENTION p22. Serving M O R E Youth In Our Communities VOL 39, 4 - JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER Governor Corner p1

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1 VOL 39, 4 - JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER 2018 OPTIVIEWS Serving M O R E Youth In Our Communities Governor Corner p1 Secretary-Treasurer p2 Governor-Elect p2 Hall of Fame p2 OI Foundation p3 Junior Optimist p3 Club Fitness p4 Membership p5 New Club Building p6 Michigan Growth Tour Highlights p9 REEL Optimism p8 Elections p10 Memorial Service p12 History p12 Proposed Policies p13-14 Walk 4 Kids p21 Junior Golf p21 REGISTER for CONVENTION p22

2 Our Journey to Finish S-T-R-O-N-G The Road Ahead is N O W! The MI District is looking at the finish line as we prepare for a fantastic Fourth Quarter and wrapping up our exciting Optimist Journey year. Clubs are encouraged to help us stay current with dues and any financial obligations that need attention. Many thanks to our Asst./Lt. Governors, Club Presidents, Secretary Treasurers who have been diligent in checking their rosters and Optimist Leaders stats. Your efforts have paid off and the District is in good financial standing with Optimist International. All of our Quarterly meetings have gone smoothly and have been fun and informative for attendees. Your assistance is greatly needed as we prepare for Fourth Quarter/MI Convention in August. Please take just a few moments to complete your registration form and to mail your payment. Not only will you get The Discount (yay!) but you have a guaranteed reservation to the best Optimist finale bash of the year. Can t beat that! All kidding aside, we look forward to helping you and your club Finish Strong and slide right into the next Optimist year in the healthiest way possible. Please let us know if we can help in any way and again, thanks for all of the consistent and reliable support that you have provided. The Road Ahead is Now! Debra Berry District Secretary-Treasurer (248) debinparis1@gmail.com (new ) Our journey began last year with a goal to strengthen the district making clubs stronger, healthier, and more robust to serve the communities in Michigan. We ve set ourselves high standards and leadership has met the challenge by meeting these milestone. It hasn t been easy though and we still have a ways to go before we can complete our mission. We are poised to SPRINT ahead this quarter with more growth and exceed all efforts with New Club Building and Membership. WE MUST FINISH STRONG! With the Fourth Quarter Convention is fast approaching and we need to keep the momentum going to ensure we remain on track! Today we have 30 clubs on track for Bringing Out the Best, 15 clubs on track for Honor and 3 clubs on track for Distinguished. Opportunities for achievement are still STRONG and I KNOW You can DO IT! My challenge to you is quarter is to give the gift of Optimism to a friend, colleague, family member or associate - Invite them to an upcoming Optimist Club event, GATHERING, or simply sit down and chat with them and share your Optimist Story. Optimist international offers the following incentives for new members: Educators - $30 for 1 year - this is for ANYONE who is involved in education 30 under 30 - $30 for 1 year College Club Member Adult Members of your club Friend of Optimist - $100 - remember that $40 of the membership goes to your club YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN YOUR CLUB and ONLY YOU CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF YOUTH IN YOUR COMMUNITY. LETS FINISH STRONG! I am looking forward to seeing you at the Fourth Quarter District Conferene August at Soaring Eagle Resort to hear about all your successes. Enjoy YOUR Optimist Journey! Governor Theresa Jarratt (586) tjarratt@vpgdesign.com 1

3 Governor - Elect Fellow Michigan District Optimist, the end of our current district year is drawing close but there is still time to assist Governor Theresa in achieving her goals. Share your Optimism! Sign up a new member or assist in building a new Optimist club. Your district and your governor will appreciate it. Summer training for Club Presidents and Secretary/Treasurers and Lt Governor Elects will be held in two locations: This training is free and provides useful information for both new officers and well as repeats. July 28th Wayne County Community College Northwest Campus 8200 W Outer Drive Detroit August 4th Peace Lutheran Church 830 N Cochran St Charlotte MI Ted Dotts Governor-Elect (517) teddotts@hotmail.com The sessions will run from 9:00 3:00 and include a light breakfast and lunch. I encourage all clubs to attend. Please contact Secretary/Treasurer Designate Cathy Pinkos at cdpinkos@ gmail.com or to register. As we look forward towards the coming Optimist year, I would also like to share an idea from the Battle Creek area clubs concerning installation of new officers. For many years the Pennfield, Battle Creek and Harper Creek clubs have joined together to install new officers. This has some advantages which include increased inter club activities and a decrease in the number of installations for District leadership. Please consider joining with a nearby club for this festive event. In closing there are still a few open positions in next year s leadership team. Please contact me at or teddotts@hotmail.com if you are interested. I hope to see many of you at the upcoming summer training sessions or in August for the 4th Quarter District Convention. Hall of Fame It is important to honor those Michigan Optimists who have served in various roles within our organization. Many of you have been instrumental in increasing your club s impact on the lives of many children in your various communities. If you know of any members of your club who fit this description, see if they fit the qualification for a Michigan District Optimist Hall of Fame nomination. Then, take the plunge and submit your nomination to me by August 1, Qualifications and forms are available on our website and in our District Directory. Monetta Foster, Ed.D. Immediate Past Governor 248/ mamapore888@comcast.net 100 th OI Convention DISTRICT CALENDAR Training 4 th Quarter Convention July 8-10, 2018 Ottawa, Ontario Information available at July 28, 2018 Location Needed August 4, 2018 Location Needed August 24-26, 2018 Soaring Eagle Resort Mount Pleasant

4 Dear Fellow Michigan District Optimists, Cherryl Thames, Past Governor Michigan District Foundation Representative (248) Greetings!!! Thanks to everyone that attended our 3rd Quarter District Conference. We appreciate the leadership and energy of our supporters - What a Team! There truly is not enough that can be said regarding the amazing donations from individuals and clubs for the silent auction raffle, the silent auction, the 50/50 raffle and the MSU vs. UM fundraising challenge. The unrestricted fund donations received during the 3rd Quarter Conference s - Mega Fundraising Day totaled $3, $ for the Women s Philanthropy Council (WPC). As of May 31, 2018 our unrestricted fund donations total $24, We are well on our way to reaching our actual goal of $40, and I am confident that what s planned for the 4th Quarter - End Game will get us there and then some. Michigan Optimists, we are trendsetters and New Dime a Day supporters are wanted and welcomed. We are committed to our communities and more club $365 donations are where we can EXCEL in the 4th Quarter. Our district is looking great with 36 WPC members and 20 renewals + 4 new Presidents Club members. And, congratulations to Marc Katz, recently elected to the OIF Board Member for October 1, September 30, 2022, who will be our special guest at the Foundation Party for all current Presidents Club members. Michigan Optimists, we are trailblazers, ready to go where no one has gone before us. It is full steam ahead for our first Michigan District Online Auction. Just Ask for an In-Kind donation valued at $100 or more from a Shopping Mall, Hotel, Bed & Breakfast, Attorney, CPA, Spa, Theme Park, Airline, Golf Pro, Season Ticket Holder, etc... Let s present a great collection of unique and interesting items for the auction that will be open to the public. Please provide the donation details and provider contact information to me via by July 20th. Looking forward to seeing you at the 4th Quarter Convention if not before. Bringing out the Best, Junior Optimist - Tom Neal, JOI Chair JOI Convention Recap The Jr. Optimists from all over the state gathered at Harrison High School in Farmington Hills for their annual convention. The weather was stormy outside but inside there was much going on.. fun, education and elections. Mathew Naceav, JOI President spoke about great things with JOI. Guest speakers included Klint Kesto (R) and Christine Greig (D) State representatives. Group activities and awards! Elections: Governor-Elect Aliza Nadeem, Sec- Treas Elect Amy Coomer, Lt. Gov - Elects: David Moss, Lizzie Mahout, Kaitlyn Walters, Taina Sheely, Shiv Seshan, Madeleine (Maddie) Kmieciak. WINNER of REEL OPTIMISM - YOUTH AWARD! Congratulations to STEAM JOI Club of Farmington for Winning! Their video was done to Living the Creed topic. They amassed over 4,800 votes nationally to beat out the other 4 nation-wide clubs who had been selected for the final vote. They will receive Best Living the Creed-Youth award of $1,500 at the National Convention in Ottawa this July. Well done! 3

5 Club Fitness - Renew, Refresh, Revitalize You can do it Optimists!!! Club Presidents, as we head into the final quarter of the Optimist year take a final look at the goals you set back in October to see if you need to make any last minute adjustments to achieve those goals. You and your members worked so hard this year and deserve to be an Honor or Distinguished Club! Check the requirements in your Michigan District Optimist Directory (page 24) to ensure that you have met all of the criteria needed to be sure your club gets the honor and recognition that it deserves! The service projects and new members you ve added throughout the year have helped to keep your club healthy and have kept your club moving towards an even more successful year. Congratulations! Begin now to Renew, Refresh and Revitalize your Club to be the best that it can be! What is the 3 R program and what can it do for your Club? Experience the results of this program designed especially for your Club IF you: Renew: Embrace Teamwork by utilizing all of your resources at your disposal efficiently Refresh: Take steps to discover improvement opportunities and find new challenges Revitalize: Follow-up on the development of your Members Share information Adopt the program within your Club by following the steps below to complete the three R program to ensure a healthy and stable club for you and your Members. Your District Club Fitness Advisor stands ready and anxious to help you achieve your Club goals! Program Requirements 1. Club Leadership conducts personal communication with at least 75% of Club Members determining what the Club is doing well and what areas could be improved upon. During this process, you might also find new activities your Club should consider doing. 2. Develop an action plan to find ways to improve on what your Club is doing well and also define actions that will be taken to address challenges that your Club is currently facing. Communicate this action plan to all Members of the Club, Zone and District. Plan at least one activity with the help of either your District Leadership Development Chair or your District Membership Chair with the goal of adding at least 3 new Members. 3. Share the revised Activities, Goals and Objectives with all Club Members, along with ways they will be accomplished. In addition, participation in the PGI program should be started or continued by at least 60% of the Members advancing at least one level during a year. Upon completion of this three R program, your Club will receive a customized Press Release that can be submitted for use by the local media including pictures. Additionally, information about the Club could appear on social media sites and could appear in The Optimist magazine. Find out more about this program by contacting your District Club Fitness Advisor. Elaine Lyon, Co-Chair Cathy Tilles, Co-Chair elainelyon1@yahoo.com (586) futurecoach2014@gmail.com (810)

6 MEMBERSHIP Well, we are warming up to summer, a season of high energy and hope. It s that season in the Michigan District too! Since our exhilarating Growth Tour we have been adding members and building clubs. So, let me take this opportunity to remind you of the final parts of M E M B E R S H I P! S is for strong finish and great succession plans. Succession means that we have someone to fill in for every person who is no longer able to help or help as much. This applies to members who have died but also to members who are tired and need help with projects they have loved. Make sure you ADD a member every time you delete a member. Make sure you have someone being mentored to run activities so that members who are tired can get some relief. Share the work and the enjoyment, H is for happy. People want to flock to happy so make sure you show your optimism in all you do so that the contagion of positivity takes over. I is for initial impressions, interest finders, and insurance. As you are holding your NOW events this summer, keep in mind the importance of your initial impression. Let your positive vibes be felt and help others want to have that same vibe. Use your Interest Finders with new and old volunteers. Be sure to include space for them to add areas of interest and you might discover a new project for your club. Finally, but very importantly, emphasize our wonderful Insurance that covers every member during activities. You may never need it, but it sure is nice to know it Is there for you if you do. P is for the positive image your members portray in the community. Positivity is a magnet and makes recruitment a lot easier because they want to gravitate to you. Your club s image in the community serves not only your club, but serves more children and helps promote Optimist International. Pamela Barckholtz, Membership Chair (248) pbarckholtz@gmail.com District Oratorical Contest Recap 1st Place - Danielle McClain - sponsored by the Oak Park Optimist Club 2nd Place - Brooke Herber - sponsored by the Kalamazoo Breakfast Optimist Club 3rd Place - Kennedy Dunlap - sponsored by the Central Detroit Optimist Club Thank you to all the areas and clubs who held Oratorical Contest. Sheryl Pryor, Oratorical Chair Essay Contest Recap The 1st Place Winner is Jessie Pattison sponsored by the Decatur Optimist Club. 2nd Place - Mahana Gallmeyer 3rd Place Tara Myers Thank you to all the clubs for sponsoring Essay Contests in their area. Sherry Regiani, Essay Chair 5

7 New Club Building Peak Season Off Season and Harvest During the spring time (Peak Season) I encouraged you to spread seeds of optimism in your community or a neighboring community with the intention of building a new Optimist Club! Many of you reported that you did indeed spread seeds of optimism and had a good feeling that you could expand Optimism by building a new club. You gave feedback of possible areas like Livonia, Warren, Redford, Novi and other surrounding communities that you thought could benefit from a new Optimist Club! You might have even made the necessary contacts in the community and proudly boasted about the programs and activities that would be beneficial to the children by building a new club. The people were excited and wanted to learn more about being an Optimist, but you said you just needed a little more time before you were ready to actually build a new club. And now here we are in long days of summer heat, vacations, and family fun - the off season - and the thought of revisiting the planted seeds of optimism has been pushed aside in your mind. In the meantime, the people who you reached out to, are probably wondering what happened to the exciting possibility you shared about building an Optimist Club in their community. I am not an avid gardener or farmer, but I do know that there are seasons of planting that require your attention in order to produce beautiful flowers or a great harvest. It is during the off season leading up to harvest that planted seeds need the most attention. Let s focus on a successful harvest season by building as many new clubs as possible during this off season of the Optimist Year. The New Club Building Team is willing and able to help you execute your off season plan to build a new club. Let s make the most of this off season so that at the end of September (Harvest Time), the Mighty Michigan District can boast a bountiful harvest of new clubs with expanded opportunities for children and communities! Linda Brooks, New Club Building Chair (313) lybb_1999@yahoo.com New Clubs during 3rd Quarter: North Macomb Area Optimist Club Chartered on May 24, 2018 Sponsored by: Clinton Township Area Shelby Township Area Downriver Family Optimist Club Chartered on June 4, 2018 Sponsored by: Detroit-Metro Riverfront Detroit-Loving Community Empowering Educators Online Chartered on June 26, 2018 Sponsored by: Civic - Detroit Hartford - Detroit Our Mission By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves. 3,018 Members As of June 24, 2018 Our Vision Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential. 96 Clubs Our Purpose To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed; to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; to inspire respect for the law; to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; to aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world. 6

8 Scottville Optimists Club donates to Circle Rocking S Children s Farm paving project Scottville Optimist Club Board Secretary Diane Watts, left, and Optimist Board President Joe Knowles, right, present a check for $350 to Circle Rocking S Children s Farm President Nancy Supran to help pay to pave the recreation area between the barns. The farm was offered a grant to help with the paving that was contingent on raising $650. Several people have contributed to the effort. The new asphalt will make moving from one barn to another easier and safer for people using wheelchairs, walkers, canes and carts, and also make snow plowing easier by not tearing up the lawn and creating puddles. The farm will host its Special Needs barn dance from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, June 28. The event is free for people with special needs. The dance will include games, prizes, music, a chance to sit in the fire truck, a bubble machine and free stuffed animals. Hot dogs, lemonade and ice water will be available. Lemonade Stands for Ludington Optimist Childhood Cancer Campaign The Ludington Optimist Club s Lemonade Stand to benefit the Childhood Cancer Campaign are Saturday, June 2, 2018 with nearly 20 people setting up stands where lemonade and, in some cases other goods, are offered for donations as a way to raise funds for the campaign that provides support for children battling cancer. From left, are Annika Taranko, Genevieve Lux, Delaney Jeruzal, Brayden Taranko and Elianna Jeruzal behind Delaney s and Elianna s stand on Tinkham Avenue Friday afternoon. Delaney said they are doing it to help. Genieve Lux is one of the children being helped by the campaign. This is awesome. I really appreciate it, she said. The Mount Clemens Optimist Club At a joint service dinner in Mt Clemens at the Rec Bowl - All of the Service clubs in the Mount Clemens area got together for a Joint Dinner and fellowship. 7

9 Annual Bike Fair Sponsored by the Mount Pleasant Optimist Club was a Huge Success! The club wrapped up their Annual Optimist Bike event in downtown Mount Pleasant. Thanks goes out to everyone who supported and helped with this event. This year was the biggest turnout since beginning the event and the club partnering with downtown was also a major factor in the success for this event. Entrants for the drawing increased 42% over last years event with 175 entries and approximatly 100 helmets given out. There were so many kids at this years event that the space was pretty tight but we made it work so that everyone had FUN! Next year the club plans to expand the event due to this years popularity! Can t wait until NEXT YEAR!!! 2018 Reel Optimism Video Contest Topic: Living the Creed Adult award - $1,500 Club grant Youth award - $1,500 Club grant Congratulations to the JuniorOptimist Club of Farmington Steam Academy, winner of the 2018 #ReelOptimism Youth Category! Congratulations to the Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo, winner of the 2018 #ReelOptimism Adult Category! 8

10 MICHIGAN GROWTH TOUR 2018 It s Official, the Michigan Growth Tour was a HUGE SUCCESS! Optimist International Director of New Club Building Jim Boyd had a lot to share with over 100 club leaders at six separate locations throughout Michigan. Thanks goes out to the following leaders who helped put this together - Asst. Gov Doris Modrak, Lt. Gov s Roxanne Fitzpatrick, Robin Brose, and Jeff Dennings as well as Club President Pam Batcho, Karen Monville and Don Brose. You all helped make this a success. We have so many opportunities for growth and the numbers are starting to move into the right direction! As of today the district is closer to positive numbers in membership at -68 AND we ve got credit for 8 NEW clubs! AMAZING!. If your club is looking for assistance reach out to Growth committee: - Membership - Pam Barckholtz - New Club Building - Linda Brooks - Club Fitness - Elaine Lyon or Cathy Tilles Be the change in your community - take the challenge and grow optimism today! 1. There are already enough service clubs in our community. OVERCOMING OBJECTIONS Possible response... There are 720 hours in a month. Can you spare 3? Possible response... Is anyone who could be giving back to your community engaged with a group providing service to young people? In a community of this size I am almost certain we could find 15 or more people who are not. 2. I don t have time 3. Why should I have to pay to volunteer or People don t want to pay to volunteer. Possible response... You are not paying to volunteer. Your dues allows for access to leadership development and personal growth opportunities, insurance for projects, and marketing materials just to name a few. 9

11 CANDIDATE for GOVERNOR - Pamela Barckholtz It is an honor to be nominated for Michigan District Governor. I am looking for your support for the vote at the Fourth Quarter District Conference and know that I will continue the tradition of leadership to move the district into the future. I am retired from formal service to children, but have continued to serve the community, my club and the district in positive ways by serving youth in the community. Leading by example has helped me to encourage others to become involved as well. Achievements: Served as President of the Huron Valley Optimist Club Served as Lt. Governor for Zone 11 Serving as Michigan Long Range Planning Committee member Serving as District Membership Chair Builder of Excellence for Club within a Club Huron Valley Sponsored an average of 2 members per year for past 7 years Completed requirements for Level 10 PGI (submitted 2018) If elected I would work toward making the district a magnet for involvement with the help of strong leadership teams that will support the purposes of our great organization and will build on the heritage and accomplishments of the past to move forward into the future. I am will bring my high energy and high ideals to ensure our future. Pamela Barckholtz pbarckholtz@gmail.com Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo at the annual Do-Dah Parade! 10

12 FAQ of Social, Services and Young Professionals Groups AKA Club within a Club Q. What is a Club within a Club? A. A Club within a Club is a group of at least 15 new Optimist Members who are added to your Club in order to expand service to your community. They are still Members of your Optimist Club, but they function somewhere outside the scope of your Club s traditional membership base and activities. Q. What are some examples? A. Examples include: - A morning or afternoon Club who adds 15 new Members by adding an evening meeting to accommodate community Members unable to meet during the day. A Club with an older membership base who brings in a group of young professionals or college students to bolster membership, help with existing projects, and bring new ideas and excitement. A Club who recruits a group of teachers or other school personnel to work directly with the school. A traditional Club who partners with a group of coaches to add sports program to their Club s activities. A group of Members who focuses solely on one project all year like a major town fair or childhood cancer. Think of them like an expanded committee. The whole point of a Club within a Club is to get Optimist Club s to think outside-the-box in their membership recruitment and activities. There are unlimited possibilities. Q. How do I form one? A. Look for any opportunities within your community. Think of a special project that needs to be accomplished. Are there other volunteer groups working in your area whom might benefit from a partnership with your Optimist Club? Consider your Club s current membership. Are there any groups in your community that you are failing to attract? Younger people? Teachers? Men? Women? The most successful Optimist Clubs have diverse memberships reflecting a cross-section of all ages, genders, professions, and backgrounds existing in their communities. Why are these groups not joining your Club? What could you do to change that? A common example is an Optimist Club who fails to attract younger Members or working people because they meet in the morning or afternoon. Q. What is the cost? A. There is no Charter fee. Clubs will be billed for the Members of the Club within a Club in the same manner in which they are billed for other Members. A regular, adult Member still pays the $15.00 processing fee and full International and District dues. If they are Friends of Optimist, college Members, $30 under 30, etc., they will be billed accordingly. Any class of Optimist Member may be included in a Club within a Club. They will be included in your dues billing along with your other Members. Q. Does the Club within a Club have its own officers? A. They may have informal officers to help conduct their meetings and business. The main Club s officers and Board of Directors are still the legally responsible party. Q. Can they open their own bank account? A. Maybe. The Club within a Club does not have their own unique governmental filing information, which is required for nonprofits to open a bank account in most countries. You would need to ask your bank about the process of opening another account using the same governmental filing information. Groups that wish to have their own officers and/or bank account may be better off as a new, independent Optimist Club. See below for more information. Q. How does this differ from new Club building? A. A Club within a Club is not fully autonomous to operate how it chooses. The main Club s Board of Directors is still legally responsible for the new group s activities and finances. This is great for groups who do not wish to worry about Club administration, officer elections, governmental filings, etc. Many groups wish to be autonomous. If a group wants to have their own legally responsible officers, bank accounts, etc., they should probably be formed as a new Club. If you are unsure if a group should be a new Club or a Club within a Club, please call the Membership Department at ext Q. When did this start? A. This is something your Optimist Club has always been able to do. You are autonomous to decide whom you recruit, when you meet, and what projects you do. The only difference is that now there is a New Club Building award credit and Builder of Excellence award tied to expanding your Club as of the Optimist year. The new group may also receive a roll-up Creed banner, if desired. Q. When does it end? A. This is not an incentive with a set end date. We plan to continue to award New Club Building credits as long as Clubs are participating in this incentive. Expanding and diversifying our Clubs is critical for long-term viability. Q. My Club just had a successful membership recruitment drive and added 15 Members? Do we get credit for a Club within a Club? A. While this is a great accomplishment, it is not a Club within a Club unless these 15 Members are doing something differently than your Club s traditional activities. Q. If the Club within a Club eventually decides it should become its own Optimist Club, will they be able to? A. Yes. Q. If they do break off to form their own Club, will the original Club be hurt for awards purposes? A. No. Q. Once we have identified and recruited our 15 Members, how do we notify Optimist International? A. All 15 Members must be added on the same day. You may add the Members yourself online at After that, notify Optimist International that you have done so at the contact information at the bottom of this page. You may also send the full list of names and contact information to Optimist International will add them to your Club s roster for you. Please danny.schuette@optimist.org or call ext. 226 if you have any questions. 11

13 Memorial Service Now is the time to begin to finalize plans for our District s annual Memorial Service. It will be held on Sunday, August 26th as part of our annual convention at the Soaring Eagle in Mt. Pleasant. This special service is our collective means of paying special homage to members who have passed away during the year. There will be an opportunity during the Memorial Service for a member of your club to share brief words about the deceased member. Your assistance is needed in the following ways; (mamapore888@comcast.net) or call me (248/ ) with the member name(s), the club name and the number of years of service and words describing the member s involvement at the club, district or international level, if appropriate. Please send this information by August 1st. Monetta Foster, Ed.D. Immediate Past Governor 248/ mamapore888@comcast.net History Comes ALIVE at Convention! The Michigan District was established in We have a rich heritage of success, proud to have the most members in a district in all of Optimist International! There will be a historical display at our Michigan District Convention Expo, so please take a walk down memory lane and learn more about our district history. Lou Moss, District Co-Historians loumoss1@hotmail.com Pam Sasaki, District Co-Historians psasaki@2020comm.net Night Out with a Purpose Dan Mills Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo Do you like to laugh? Are you generally an optimistic person? Do you enjoy volunteering in your community? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should come meet the Optimists of Kalamazoo at a fun drop-in gathering called Night Out with a Purpose. Members will share the Optimist Creed and upcoming events, greet visitors and complete a service project for a local organization. The Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo (BOCK) holds a gathering of Optimists and friends at night on the last Thursday of each month which combines fellowship, community service and membership. The idea sprung from a desire to be more inclusive for members who could not attend the weekly morning breakfasts. All members are invited to attend the monthly night meeting along with any guests. The gatherings began a year ago as a social event or a NOW (New Optimists Welcome) meeting where fellowship between members and guests developed enthusiasm regarding club activities. Today, it has grown into something much more. Attendance has increased significantly because members now gather with guests and potential members to conduct service projects. The group event begins with a brief socializing moment, followed be a semi-formal presentation which includes the reciting of the Optimist Creed, club announcements, and sign-ups for upcoming service projects. After announcements, the main activity is then conducted which has included the making of fleece blankets for the Bronson s Children s Hospital, cutting out manufacturer coupons for the Coups for Troops program, learning sign language, and making posters, signs, and cards of encouragement for Girls on the Run. The event ends with a few raffle gifts and it is all done in one hour! After the activity has concluded, members and guests are excused, however, most stay and share a meal, talk about life, and promote optimism. Since its inception, four new members have joined BOCK as a result of attending Night Out with a Purpose. Please consider adopting this concept in your area with your Optimist club. It has proven to be an excellent formula for engagement, completing meaningful community service projects and is an excellent membership recruitment tool. And besides, it s FUN. 12

14 Proposed CHANGES to the District Oratorical Contest Submitted by Governor Theresa Jarratt PROPOSED POLICY CHANGES District Policies are presented for consideration at the Fourth Quarter District Convference CHANGES to Policies in RED The purpose of these changes are to incorporate the Optimist International changes passed at the Convention to hold a non-gender specific oratorical contest. This proposal also updates the regional areas to account for the decline in hosting contests in the Central, West and Southwest areas of the state. EXISTING POLICY D5. DISTRICT ORATORICAL CONTESTS The district shall conduct both boys and girl s oratorical contests each year. The district finals will be held at the time of the third quarter meeting. The preliminary Area contests will be held by April 30. Pursuant to the policies of Optimist International, all phases of the District and Area contests shall be conducted in strict compliance with International oratorical rules. The District is divided into five areas composed of the following zones. AREA I - North/Northeast AREA II - Central/West AREA III - Southwest AREA IV - East AREA V - Southeast including the City of Detroit The specific counties contained in each area may be specified by the Governor-Designate at the District Convention, if changes are proposed for the upcoming year. Counties are used to make it easier to determine which Area Contest an entrant should be attending, regardless of the Zone Number of the sponsoring club. It shall be based on the sponsoring club s location. Below are specified counties allocated to each area: Area I consists of the following 25 counties: Alcona; Alpena; Antrim; Arenac; Bay; Benzie; Charlevoix; Cheboygan; Clare; Crawford; Emmet; Gladwin; Grand Traverse; Iosco; Kalkaska; Leelanau; Midland; Missaukee; Montmorency; Ogemaw; Oscoda; Otsego; Presque Isle; Roscommon; Saginaw Area II consists of the following 16 counties: Clinton; Gratiot; Ionia; Isabella; Kent; Lake; Manistee; Mason; Mecosta; Montcalm; Muskegon; Newaygo; Oceana; Osceola; Ottawa; Wexford Area III consists of the following 13 counties: Allegan; Barry; Berrien; Branch; Calhoun; Cass; Eaton; Hillsdale; Ingham; Jackson; Kalamazoo; St. Joseph; Van Buren Area IV consists of the following 10 counties: Genesee; Huron; Lapeer; Lenawee; Livingston; Oakland; Sanilac; Shiawassee; Tuscola; Washtenaw Area V consists of the following 4 counties: Macomb, Monroe, St. Clair, Wayne Entry fees for the regional and district contest may be charged only to cover the costs involved in operating the contest as long as checks are made payable to the Michigan District Optimists. Other costs including transportation, food and lodging while at or enroute to the said contests shall be the responsibility of the sponsoring club. The costs of all district and regional plaques shall be budgeted and reviewed under accounts 140 and 370. Such items shall be supervised by the district Oratorical chairperson and accountable to the District Secretary/Treasurer who shall make all purchases and expenditures and record all revenue and expenses. It shall be the responsibility of the chairperson to submit the required materials and information on contest winners to the International office no later than 30 days following the contest. PROPOSED POLICY D5. DISTRICT ORATORICAL CONTESTS The district shall conduct non-gender specific oratorical contests each year. The district finals will be held at the time of the third quarter meeting. The preliminary Area contests will be held by April 30. Pursuant to the policies of Optimist International, all phases of the District and Area contests shall be conducted in strict compliance with International oratorical rules. The District is divided into five areas composed of the following zones. AREA I - North/Northeast AREA II - Central/West/Southwest AREA III - East AREA IV - Southeast including the City of Detroit Should an area not have enough club participating (minimum 3 clubs) the club will send the participants to the closest area hosting a regional contest. The specific counties contained in each area may be specified by the Governor-Designate at the District Convention, if changes are proposed for the upcoming year. Counties are used to make it easier to determine which Area Contest an entrant should be attending, regardless of the Zone Number of the sponsoring club. It shall be based on the sponsoring club s location. Below are specified counties allocated to each area: Area I consists of the following 25 counties: Alcona; Alpena; Antrim; Arenac; Bay; Benzie; Charlevoix; Cheboygan; Clare; Crawford; Emmet; Gladwin; Grand Traverse; Iosco; Kalkaska; Leelanau; Midland; Missaukee; Montmorency; Ogemaw; Oscoda; Otsego; Presque Isle; Roscommon; Saginaw Area II consists of the following 29 counties: Clinton; Gratiot; Ionia; Isabella; Kent; Lake; Manistee; Mason; Mecosta; Montcalm; Muskegon; Newaygo; Oceana; Osceola; Ottawa; Wexford; Allegan; Barry; Berrien; Branch; Calhoun; Cass; Eaton; Hillsdale; Ingham; Jackson; Kalamazoo; St. Joseph; Van Buren Area III consists of the following 10 counties: Genesee; Huron; Lapeer; Lenawee; Livingston; Oakland; Sanilac; Shiawassee; Tuscola; Washtenaw Area IV consists of the following 4 counties: Macomb, Monroe, St. Clair, Wayne Entry fees for the regional and district contest may be charged only to cover the costs involved in operating the contest as long as checks are made payable to the Michigan District Optimists. Other costs including transportation, food and lodging while at or enroute to the said contests shall be the responsibility of the sponsoring club. The costs of all district and regional plaques shall be budgeted and reviewed under accounts 140 and 370. Such items shall be supervised by the district Oratorical chairperson and accountable to the District Secretary/Treasurer who shall make all purchases and expenditures and record all revenue and expenses. It shall be the responsibility of the chairperson to submit the required materials and information on contest winners to the International office no later than 30 days following the contest. 13

15 RETENTION IDEAS Membership growth not only involves recruitment but also efforts on retention created through the process of building NEW and POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS! Immediate Engagement - don t wait to get members involved by bringing them into the fold Member Interest Finder - use the member interest finder and let the new member help your club find out more about what they are interested. Committee Structure - give members information, the more they know the more they are willing to do Interesting and Fun Meetings - the keyword here is FUN - if your regular club meetings are stale or boring - new members will not be interested. Take a look at brining in fun ideas to change up your club meetings. If you are having trouble getting interest in change, start small by adding a new element to the meeting or something surprising to make them more interesting. Mentoring - create a mentoring program to help new members acclimate Create a focus group - focus groups can help clubs with ideas for events and more Check in with people you haven t seen in awhile - haven t heard from someone in a long time? Get in touch with members on a regular basis. If we as leaders and members in our district are willing to recurit and have others do so as well; if we work the next several months to retain those new people and the existing base; if we encourage and step out in the area of new club development; and if we develop better personal relationships with these new Optimists, than we will attain the goals we have set and we will be SUCCESSFUL! PROPOSED POLICY CHANGES - Continued Proposed ADDITION to Policies of the Long-Range Planning Committee Submitted by Past Governor Cherryl Thames The proposed policy addition that was previously included in the policies t A20. Long-Range Planning Committee The district long-range planning committee shall formulate three-year and five-year goals and objectives for the district. The focus of this committee should be on improving communications to the clubs and to the public using modern technology; better use of leadership skills; more efficient meetings and operations of the district. The committee may consider any other topic that is deemed appropriate. The committee will annually prepare a report to the governor and the board of directors to be presented at the district convention and used by the executive committee of the following administration at their first meeting as a planning tool. The long-range planning committee shall be made up of five members each with a three-year appointment. The governor shall appoint persons of leadership and ability to serve as vacancies occur. The committee shall consist of a past governor, a past district secretary/ treasurer, a present or past member of the finance committee, and two members at large who are members in good standing and possess the appropriate leadership skills. The governor and governor-elect shall act as advisory members to this committee. The chairperson shall be appointed by the governor from the members of the committee. Proposed ADDITION of the Candidate Qualifications Committee Submitted by Past Governor Cherryl Thames The proposed policy addition that was previously included in the policies A21. Candidate Qualifications Committee The district candidate qualifications committee shall be composed of the governor-elect, the two most immediate past governors, and two members appointed for one year by the governor. The committee shall function as provided for in Optimist International ByLaws. District Policies are presented for consideration at the Fourth Quarter District Convention District Governance Commitee Paul Gudmundsen, Chair pgudmundsen@msn.com 14

16 Optimist Club of St. Clair Shores hosts 7th Annual SCS Police Department s Call To Courage Awards & Appreciation Breakfast For the 7th year in a row, the Optimist Club of St. Clair Shores and the SCS Police Department have teamed up together to recognize its officers for Unit Citations, Meritorious Service and Life Saving Awards at the SCSPD Call to Courage Police Appreciation & Awards Breakfast which was held on Tuesday, May 22, 2018, at the Assumption Cultural Center in St. Clair Shores. The event is hosted by the Optimist Club and co-chaired by Debbie DePape & David Martin. This year s guest speaker was WDIV Reporter Nick Monacelli. The club is very proud of the men and women of our police department and feel this is one small way to show them respect, honor and goodwill from the community they serve. This is our annual Law Day Project. 13 SCS Police Officers were recognized for outstanding performance in the line of duty. The club also recognized Lakeview Public Schools Liaison Detective Burton Hulett and Lake Shore Public Schools Liaison Detective Cheryl Mascarello who have each served five (5) years as the districts liaison officers. Respect For Law and Promotion of Non-Violence Inspire respect for the law among your local young people! This motivational program can be a community rally against local violence, a get-acquainted event between youth and local law enforcement officials, or a what peace means to me poster contest for young kids. The Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club hosts Respect for Law - First Responders 2018 Personnel of the Year Recognition Program. Awardees: Officer Charles Becker - Lathrup Village Police Department, Officer Gregory Roeske - Southfield Police Department, Lieutenant Paramedic James Baker - Southfield Fire Department, and Firefighter Paramedic Sean Weingarten- Southfield Fire Department With Youth Speaker - Ashani Jewell and Guest Speaker the Honorable Debra Nance, Judge 46th District Court Optimists - William King, Cherryl Thames, Janice Cardwell, Doris Haskins, Molly Eklund- Easley, Stephen Cooper, Diana Peagler and Sheryl Mitchell (Friend) 15

17 Birmingham-area students presented with Youth in Service awards Birmingham Youth Assistance and the Birmingham Optimist Club co-hosted the annual Youth in Service awards ceremony April 18 at The Community House. The awards seek to honor the community s youth who have made an outstanding contribution. Nominations are received by counselors, teachers, administrators, community school organizers and religious leaders. A total of 20 students from Birmingham and the Bloomfield area were honored for their outstanding service. Of the 20, two students were recognized by Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard as particularly outstanding for their efforts and were presented with The Jane Parker Ward Award and Scholarship. They were Jackson Bergstrom, 15, a sophomore at Seaholm High School, and Hadley Moak, 17, a senior at Groves High School, respectively. Youth Appreciation Optimist Club Honors Students How do we thank thee? Let us count the ways! Optimist Clubs recognize local youth for their efforts in the arts, athletics, academics and community service work. Youth Appreciation is the perfect opportunity for Optimists to make a difference in their community and demonstrate the Optimists commitment to young people. As part of a Youth Appreciation project, the Optimist Club of Roseville honors elementary students in their city. Students are selected by their teachers as those who have an optimistic outlook, who care for their fellow students, who reach out to help others, and who demonstrate a can-do positive attitude. Students are recognized by adults when they follow The Optimist Creed, written by Christian D. Larson. It says, in part, Promise yourself to talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet; to make all your friends feel that there is something in them; to think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best. It encourages people to be enthusiastic about the success of others, put mistakes behind them, and to spend time improving oneself and not criticize others. The creed discourages worry, anger, and fear and says to let good deeds speak for themselves. The students are from the following Roseville elementary schools: Huron Park, Dort, Kment, Mark Twain, Patton, Steenland, Conner Creek Academy East, Fountain and Kaiser. They receive award certificates, gift bags, photos and a punch-and-cookie reception on March 6 and March 13 at Roseville Middle School. 16

18 Roseville Respect for Law Respect for Law Chairperson Judy Hartwell over saw the festivities as we honored seven Safety Patrol of the Year students of Roseville Elementary Schools who were present to accept the award. A short history of the awards was presented by Judy while Chief Berlin emceed the event and passed out the awards. He also commented that he too was a patrol boy when he was in grade school. Also present were parents and siblings of the recipients as well as some of our principles. All total we had 42 people for breakfast. The following is the list of those who attended and the schools that they represented: Gavin Granlund, Dort; Alexis Wolgast, Fountain; Joshua Suessine, Huron Park; Aiden German, Kaiser; Robert Duncan, Kment; Samuel Guinn, Patton; Seth Baird, Steenland. Holland American Legion Band Performance Thank you to those who helped with our Handing out FREE ice cream bars event at this summer event. They were given to over 300 people. Those helping were Dot Darling, Jeff Maatman, Amy Price, Doug Bowman and Steve Sucher. As you can see from the pictures, we were allowed to display our Holland Club Banner and hand out information about our club. A fun and good way to meet our community. Ken Vos (member of our club) is a member of the Holland American Legion Band. As a community band, the mission of the Holland American Legion Band is to offer an opportunity for life-long musical expression and enjoyment by providing quality and challenging musical experiences for its musicians and audiences. It is their goal to educate and entertain their audiences, and to excel at what they do. Following the goal of the American Legion Post that founded the band, they also continue to provide musical support for local community and veterans organizations events and activities. Shelby Township Area Optimist Club Welcomes five (5) NEW Members - Helen (sponsor) and Michael Murphy (brother), Mary (sponsor) and Kim Killian (daughter-in-law) and Valerie Allen (daughter) 17 Saginaw Optimist Club - Past Presidents Party Evie Anderson Bill Urbanski Jerry Desloover JoLaine Desloover

19 Harper Creek Optimist Club - Youth Appreciation Those in attendance for our club s weekly meeting on April 19th at The Moonraker West were privileged to hear from nine Harper Creek High School students who participated in the club s Youth Appreciation Program. This program involves Harper Creek Senior students that are selected by the High School Staff relative to their excellence in demonstrating academic success leadership skills job shadowing a Harper Creek school administer for a day. The meeting was brought to order by Club President Dustin King and after the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation; Harper Creek High School Principal Dennis Anthony presented the students that participated in the program. Each student introduced their family members accompanying them to the event and gave a brief talk about their experience and what knowledge they obtained from participating in the program. Meals were provided to the students and their family members by the Optimist Club. The meeting was adjourned by all in attendance reciting the Optimist International Pledge. Central Macomb Optimist Club SCOOPS for Youth at Juvenile Justice Center Central Macomb Optimist Club members had a great time this afternoon scooping ice cream sundaes up for the youth at the Juvenile Justice Center. 3 flavors of ice cream, 4 flavors of toppings, many sprinkles and a few cans of whipping cream later our members had filled the stomachs of the youth. Yum. Young fishers line the banks of Irons Park Sponsored by the West Branch Optimist Club More than 160 kids stormed Irons Park for the West Branch Optimist Club s annual Small Fry Trout Derby June 9. Within moments of the lines first hitting the water, kids were reeling in rainbow and brook trout. By 10 a.m. more than 80 fish were measured by organizers with the event scheduled to last two more hours. The largest caught at that point was 18 inches. 18

20 Welcome New Members Optimist volunteers continually make this world a better place to live. There are over 70,000 individual Members who belong to more than 2,400 autonomous Clubs. Optimists conduct 65,000 service projects each year, serving six million young people. Optimists also spend $78 million on their communities annually. Welcome to all our new team members to the Michigan District that were added between 05/01/2018 and 06/30/2018. Sponsors are listed in italics. An asterisk * denotes charter member. ALPENA Tammy Kish Pat Pfeifer ROGERS CITY - LUNCHEON Alex Gajewski Larry Darga Pearl Tulgetske Myron E Peltz Richard Tulgetske Myron E Peltz BAY CITY - NOON Kelly Larive GRAND RAPIDS Don R Gilbert Bruce Hutchinson Bob O Callaghan MT PLEASANT Sarah Nowak GRATIOT COUNTY Karen Gulick Allison Lamey BATTLE CREEK Kevin L Gee Dena Olmstead Paul Parker Kay Parker KALAMAZOO - BFT Sandra K White Bryan N Ergang RIVERFRONT - NILES Kim Bowker FLINT-DOWNTOWN Kimberly A Banat FLINT - WEST Kevin Wainwright CHARLOTTE Donna Walker DAVISON Cindy Zdenek CLARKSTON AREA Brian S Hanigan Anita Van Wagoner HURON VALLEY Phyllis Hardy Amporn W Loveless Marvin W Loveless Jennifer Gasko NEW DETROIT UNITY Gilbert Skinner WEST BLOOMFIELD Brittany Trout Roberta Spencer Diana Mahacek Harry J Margo Harry J Margo Lauren Adams Barbara Mckenzie Keith J Virgo Gary A Gensch Robert Zuhl Robert Zuhl Robert Zuhl Carmen Jonaitis Daniel J Mills Thomas E Majerek Phillip J Holmblade Gayl Dotts Ken Duetsch Myrna Hirn Suzanne L Tinka Pamela Barckholtz Rick Squires Rick Squires Richard Russell Chesalon Vickers Meagan Kurnat FARMINGTON HILLS - BFT Joanne Wiegand Ken Wasmer William Wiegand Ken Wasmer DOWNRIVER FAMILY * Douglas Edwards Jeff Mcintryre Sandra Wolff-Aller Dustin Aller Zenola Brandon Leroy Harris Brittney Tucker Alexandria Mayrund MOUNT CLEMENS Teresa Davis Terri Mckay WEST BLOOMFIELD Brittany Trout AUBURN HILLS-NOON William J Johnson NORTHWEST DETROIT Joe Norman Mercedes Matthews Kathryn Gross Breanna Green Katrina Jozwiak Charline Coats Maria Diaz Katie Boczar Stephanie Patrico Michelle Mcintyre Ron Pogats Janet Tucker Michael Schichtel Michael Schichtel Meagan Kurnat Brian W Marzolf Clarence Bradfield Kathryn Joyner Kathryn Joyner Kathryn Joyner HARTFORD COMMUNITY Ashley Ramirez Ramirez Patricia A Dewberry Duana Bowens Patricia A Dewberry Reginald Jewell D.d.s Patricia A Dewberry NEW DETROIT UNITY Gilbert Skinner Chesalon Vickers NORTH MACOMB AREA * Dawn Bartolomeo Susan Brockmann Silvana Previti Marilyn Bachacan Frank Poma Rita Gambino Jonathon M Matthews Terra Matthews Anthony Degeorge Zachary Hall Michael J Matthews Teresa Matthews Aldo Bartolomeo Jr. Gloria Lie Sebastian Previti Pam White James Routheaux Peter Lucido Paula Artman Rebecca Nagey Kimberley Wiegand EMPOWERING EDUCATORS ONLINE * Monique Tyler Verna Brocks Secialue Porter Carman Strather Lorraine Jeter Royce A Gueringer Girlie Gideon Mary Boyd Wayne Rose Theo Broughton Gail Young Robert Brown III Charlaya Tyler Arlene Tyler Queen Kyles Anna Henning Walter Jones Miasha Lindsey Rhonda Jordan Rita Jordan Alana Jordan Dorothy Lindsey Herbert J Strather WINNERS of the MEMERSHIP DRAWINGS on JUNE 30th +1 New Member - $25 - Albert Wood - Barry Hawthorne + 2 New Members - $50 - April Mason - Ladonna Schultz + 3 New Members - $100 - Robert Zuhl + 5 New Members - Choice of $350 OR Registration ($55) + 2 Nights stay at Soaring Eagle Resort (Convention) - Mary Hydorn ATTENDING the Fourth Quarter District Convention? TRAINING will be held on FRIDAY 1-4pm by OI President-Elect Rebecca Butler-Mona. Please notify Ted Dotts if you will be joining. Don t forget about donations for the OI Foundation, contact Cherryl Thames for more information. ST CLAIR SHORES Gail Zobl Toni Dansbury Jennifer Chernisky ROSEVILLE Pamela Weeks Jennifer Zelmanski Debbie M DePape Maureen Wark David R Martin Michael I Batke Cathy Haugh MUSKEGON HEIGHTS Vanessa Marble Chantoria Mcdaniel Nicole Cooper Jacob Eckholm 19 Connie Nash Connie Nash Connie Nash Connie Nash * NEW CLUB Total Members on October 1, ,096 Total Members as of June 30, ,045

21 North Macomb Area Optimist Club with 21 NEW members sponsored by Shelby Township and Clinton Township- Thank you Builders of Excellence Dawn Bartolomeo, Lou and Dan Moss, and Theresa Jarratt. Downriver Family Optimist Club with 16 NEW members sponsored by Detroit Riverfront and Detroit Loving Community - Thank you Builders of Excellence Fatima Plater, Mary Feazell, and Don Munter Empowering Educators Online Optimist Club with 23 NEW members sponsored by Civic-Detroit and Hartford-Detroit - Thank you Builders of Excellence Herb Strather, Secialue Porter, and Gloria Williams 20

22 Michigan District Junior Golf 2018 There were a total of fifty (50) junior golfers this year from three (3) local qualifiers and twenty-two (22) golfers qualified to comete in the District Touranment held at the Metamora Country Club & Division Player Score Days Boys Damo Watson 88 1 Boys Mason Griffin 87 1 Michael Beattie 89 1 Boys Murphy Kehoe Mason Cooper Boys Erik Fahlen Malik Jawad Cole Smaka Girls Ariel Chang Mariella Simoncini Nicole Whatley Golf Course. Twelve (12) golfers qualified and eight (8) have agreed to represent the Michigan District at the Optimist International Tournament at the PGA National in Palm Gardens, Florida. The Junior Golf Committee consisted of Tom Longhway, Ray Finocchio, and Fred Lyon. This will be Tom s final year on the committee and has enjoyed supporting Junior Golf for the youth in our community. The Muskegon Walk was held on June 15 but rained out they still had 2 teams, 19 donations and raised $990 Donations still being accepted at WALK KIDS The Ann Arbor Walk was held on June 30 with 13 teams, 160 donations and raised $8,446 Donations still being accepted at The Michigan District Childhood Cancer Walk- 4-Kids fundraising supporting children s cancer camps and bravery bead programs. Don t forget about the CCC Grant Programs too! Jim Walker & Jerry Kelly, Co-Chairs overidejw@aol.com (248) jkelley2136@sbcglobal.net (734)

23 Register Today For The Michigan District Optimist Fourth Quarter District Convention August 24 26, 2018 Soaring Eagle Resort 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd, Mt. Pleasant MI, ***GENERAL SESSION STARTS PROMPTLY AT 8:45 A.M.*** Please Use ONE Form Per Optimist Member! Today s Date: Name for Badge: Address: Phone: ( ) Club Name: Position: First Timer? Yes No Friday, August 24, :00 PM 4:00 PM Leadership Training with OI President-Elect Rebecca Butler Mona 1:00 PM 4:00 PM Secretary-Treasurer Training 5:00 PM 7:00 PM Governor s Appreciation Dinner (By Invitation Only) 7:30 PM 9:00 PM Executive Committee Meeting 8:30 PM 11:00 PM Hospitality Room (CASH BAR) Saturday, August 25, :45 AM 4:00 PM General Session 6:00 PM Cash Bar Reception for OI President- Elect Rebecca Butler Mona 6:30 PM Installation Dinner Sunday, August 26, :30 AM 9:30 AM Optimist Memorial Service 9:30 AM Breakfast with the Governor Make Your Hotel Reservation Today! (Please mention that you are with the Michigan District Optimist) Soaring Eagle Resort 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd, Mt. Pleasant MI, (877) or (989) Reservation DEADLINE: AUGUST 3, 2018 *Limited rooms available so don t delay and call today!* Room Rate: $ taxes and resort fees Please Check Which Activities You Will Attend: 7:00 AM 8:15 AM Asst/Lt. Governors $ :00 AM 8:15 AM Past Governors Association $15.00 General Session (8:45 AM 4:00 PM): (Includes meeting room charges, supplies, coffee, water, lunch) Early Registration $55.00 (Payment & Registration must be RECEIVED by AUGUST 10, 2018 to receive reduced cost No Exceptions) Late Registration $70.00 (Payment received after AUGUST 11, 2018 LUNCH IS NOT GUARANTEED!) Lunch Meal Choice (please select one): Salmon Vegetarian Pork Loin Gluten Free *The hotel staff will do its best to accommodate meal needs, but it is not guaranteed* Saturday Installation Dinner and Celebration (6:00 PM): (Business attire is recommended) Pick ONE Meal Choice Chicken Whitefish $35.00 Vegetarian Sunday Breakfast with the Governor: 9:30 AM $20.00 Spouse/Guest Activity: Tour of Native American Museum. Lunch will be on your own. Meet in the hotel lobby at 9:15 AM. Please RSVP by August 20 th! Spouse/Guest Name: TOTAL: Please Make Checks Payable To: Michigan District Optimist Mail Payment and Form To: Debra Berry, Secretary-Treasurer 1332 Mill Creek Dr Waterford Township, MI Phone: (248) debinparis1@gmail.com For District Secretary-Treasurer Only: Payment Received Check # or Cash 22

24 OPTI VIEWS Michigan District 1332 Mill Creek Drive Waterford Twp., MI Phone: (248) Website: midist.portalbuzz.com All images are from one of the following sources - printed news articles, facebook or given directly from the clubs with permission to use in print. The COVER courtosy of the Mount Pleaseant Optimist Club. Thank you to all the clubs who contributed material for the Optiviews. 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 on 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 countance at all times and give every living creature 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 to be to happy to permit the presence of trouble.