michigan district opti views - michdistoptimists.org. sept. 2016 opti views volume 36, number 4...

July/Aug. Sept. 2016

Opti Views Volume 36, Number 4

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

Michigan District Optimist International Newsletter

Michigan District

Governor

Steve Sucher

(248) 930-4910

[email protected]

District Secretary-

Treasurer

Maggie Rollinger

Immediate Past

Governor

Cherryl Thames

District

Governor-Elect

Monetta Foster

Assistant Governor

Region 1

Jerry Stroik

Assistant Governor

Region 2

Terry Eisen

Assistant Governor

Region 3

Tom Longhway

Assistant Governor

Region 4

Juanita Bell

Inside this Michigan District Issue

Michigan District Governor - Steve

Sucher 1

District Secretary-Treasurer Maggie

Rollinger 2

New Members Listing 3

OI Foundation//MI District Historian/

Convention & Conferences 4

New Optimist Wanted/

Nominee for Governor-Elect 5

Immediate Past Governor /

Membership 6

Scrapbook /

Leadership Development 7

Governor Elect/

New Club Building 8

MI District Calendar /

Governance 9

Spouse Activity/

Club Fitness Advisors Committee 10

4th Quarter District Conference

Registration 11

Optimist Creed / Newsletter Infor-

mation 12

www.MichiganOptimists.org

The Mighty Michigan District is Standing

Tall for Youth!

Our clubs have been busy with youth apprecia-

tion, New Optimists Welcome (NOW) events, Re-

spect for Law celebrations, and planning upcom-

ing activities. I’ve attended many of these outstand-

ing gatherings as I’ve travelled throughout our

Michigan District this year . Optimists are mak-

ing a positive difference on youth, their communi-

ties, and their clubs.

Can you believe we’re in our 4th Quarter al-

ready? We need to continue to Stand Tall

throughour our Optimist year. In this final Quarter

our primary focus is to increase Membership!

Optimists Clubs are like a three-legged stool. If

any one leg becomes too short, or too long, the stool

will fall over. Each of the three legs must be in bal-

ance. What are the three legs of the Optimist club

stool, you ask? They are the foundation of Opti-

mism—our programs, fundraising, and membership.

Each Optimist Club fills a purpose, unique to its

community. What are the needs of children in your

city, county, or school district? How can your Opti-

mist Club excel in meeting, and filling, those specif-

ic needs?

Fundraising is critical for each and every Opti-

mist Club to maintain its effectiveness in that geo-

graphic area. And, to continue positive change, at

peak performance..

Membership , sustained and increasing mem-

bership, is vital. When our members work together

in fundraising to support youth programs, growth

happens. Our members in leadership roles inspire

more Optimists to rise up, and use their talents and

skills to make a difference for kids.

New members can, and do, bring a fresh energy

and perspective to their club. New programs may be

born. Future Optimist leaders may take form. In this

2015-2016 Optimist year, more than 370 new Opti-

mists have come into our extended family!

As Michigan District Governor, my goal is that

every Optimist Club throughout Michigan earn Hon-

(Continued on page 2)

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Optimists

http://www.MichiganOptimists.org

OptiViews - Michigan District July/Aug/Sept. 2016

District Finance Updates

Maggie Rollinger - Michigan District Secretary-Treasurer

[email protected] or (586) 436-5613

Hello Fellow Michigan District Optimists,

As the 2015-2016 Michigan District Optimist year draws to a close, thank you for the opportuni-

ty to serve as your Secretary-Treasurer this year. Thank you, Governor Steve, for hearing my ideas

on effective record keeping, and making the time to assist in implementing those updates. Elaine

Lyon, you were part of that new direction also. Thank you!

I so enjoyed our Third Quarter Conference, listening to our local Optimist Oratorical Contest participants/winners recite their

original, personal thoughts on leadership.

As a reminder to all local clubs’ secretary-treasurers, please make sure club members’ dues are paid in full, as soon as possible.

The Michigan District needs to ensure a clean turn over to the incoming administration of your club. All Officer-Elect forms

must be received promptly, as I must have all names in place for our upcoming year. If you have completed 10, or more, of the

requirements to reach master Secretary-Treasurer status, please have your club President sign off on this, and email this info

to me at [email protected], no later than October 15, 2016. Please contact me with any questions.

All Lt. Governors, Asst. Governors, or committee chairs, please have your request forms for reimbursement to me no later than

September 1, 2016.

Just a reminder to please register ASAP for our 4th Quarter Michigan District Conference, in Lansing from August 12-14.Also,

please submit your club’s President’s Pride Report , which gives Optimist International an inside view of your local Optimist

Club’s unique accomplishments. For your club to receive its well earned recognition, please submit the president’s Pride Report

to me, or online to Optimist International. Looking forward to seeing you in August!

or Club status. One requirement to reach this level is for club membership to be at net, plus one, at the end of our fiscal year. This

means your club will have increased by at least one new member in that year, without having released any existing members. At

present the Michigan District has 36 clubs which have met this requirement.

At this time, when 20 of our clubs add one member, they’ve met that milestone. More than do-able in this fourth quarter,

when 11 other of our clubs add two members, they’re on their way to Honor Club status.

Building new clubs increases the growth of our Mighty Michigan District exponentially. New clubs, in communities not yet

served by Optimism, creates a lifeline to new opportunity. A new Optimist Club can provide positive motivation, and positive

vision, which can change the future of children for generations.

These Michigan District chairpersons are eager, and available to present growth ideas to your Opti-

mist Club.

Doris Modrak—Membership

Sue Kardasz and Elaine Lyon—New Optimist’ Welcome

Michelle Kauffold—Personal Growth and Involvement

Charlie King and Pat Rabaut Miller—New Club Building

Bob Schiller—Club Fitness Advisors

Optimist International has numerous informational pamphlets and materials to assit your club

in growing membership, developing leaders, and more. Attending events offered by OIh, such as

the Northeast & Great Lakes Leadership Summit, can fuel new passion with members. At this past

Summit, held April 30, 2016 in Niagara Falls, our Michigan District had the largest attendance

from non-Canadian Optimist districts. Currently, our district has at least 44 Optimists registered to

attend the 98th Optimist International Convention, taking place this July, in Quebec.

Our quarterly district conferences are unmatched for training, and development. In August, our 4th Quarter Michigan District

Conference, in Lansing at the Radisson at the Capitol Hotel & Conference Center, will inspire new ideas and direction. Optimist

International President Elect, Jim Kondrasuk, will be our esteemed key note speaker . On Fr iday afternoon, J im will train

our incoming leaders for our 2016-2017 Optimist year. Saturday evening we will celebrate our 75th year as the Mighty Michigan

District, and install our new District Officers.

Thank you for your continued volunteer spirit as a Michigan District Optimist. See you soon at our 4th Quarter District Con-

ference.

(Continued from page 1)

mailto:[email protected]


Welcome New Members... Welcome to our Team !

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

03/01/2016 and 05/31/2016. Sponsors are listed in italics.

BATTLE CREEK-HARPER CREEK

Carson Gancer Howard King

Nate Smith Dustin King

BAY CITY

Sarita Bills Karen Monville

Tonya Rezmer Karen Monville

BFT-MASON

Karen Pinkos Cathy Pinkos

BIRMINGHAM

Ann Deboer

BLUEGILL-ST. HELEN

Carl Martray Timothy Lavere

Fred Mason Mary Mason

Ed Westlake Charles Snyder

CENTRAL MACOMB

Ginger Anderson Pat Rabaut-Miller

Lynn Artes Debbie Doran

Darlene Baird Suzanne Kardasz

Judy Dupont Teresa Edwards

Susan Ferus Pat Rabaut-Miller

David Kiger Ginger Anderson

Nancy Kiger Ginger Anderson

Lana Montgomery Pat Rabaut-Miller

Susan Morris Kathleen Vatalaro

Lynnette Sutman Leslie Schaefer

Heather Taylor-Willockx Dan Kardasz

Debbie Watson Suzanne Kardasz

Alfred Paul Willockx Dan Kardasz

CENTRAL-DETROIT

Emily Ellerbee-Thomas Douglas Monds

Reginald Hartsfield Stacia Little

Andrea Johnson Stacia Little

Alberta Trimble Lorenzer Frazier

CHARLOTTE

Frank Cicorelli Gene Conley

CLARKSTON AREA

Pamela Palmer Judy Parnes

Anita Van Wagoner Suzanne Tinka

DEARBORN

Cynthia Glass Steve Quinlan

Gene Hunt Lori Divis

DETROIT-GREATER NORTHEAST

Wanda Johnson Theresa Johnson

DETROIT-NORTHWEST

Jacqueline Larkins Denise Thornton

Sharon Pettway Janet Hartman

FARMINGTON HILLS-BFT

Abe Aon

Corey Bartsch

Jeff Clatterbaugh Roxanne Fitzpatrick

Joyce Hagen Anna Durham

Sara Kirsten Anna Durham

Randall Patterson Roxanne Fitzpatrick

Sheila Ricks Corey Bartsch

FENTON AREA

Samantha Baldwin Paul Dille

Jeff Canever Cherie Smith

Billi Jo Croteau Chad Robinson

Steve Jeffrey Kimberly Byers

Brittany Merryman Kimberly Byers

Stephanie Natzke Kimberly Byers

Jerry Rule Brittany Merryman

FLINT-WEST

Crystufer Reed Daniel Crannie

GRAND RAPIDS

Laduke Adam Patrick Carlton

Anderson David E Patrick Carlton

HEALTHY KIDS-DETROIT

Martha Alston Jane Duggan

Annivory Calvert Mary Feazell

Ronald Redmond Fatima Plater

Coleman Young Ii Fatima Plater

KALAMAZOO-BFT

Nicole Kalmbach Mindy Miller

Mike Shevchik Kristin Carambula

LUDINGTON

Gene Culbertson Melissa Y oung

MICHIGAN INT'L ENTREPRENEURS-

DETROIT

Tony Miles Lawrence Calfee

Leshonda Williams Carolyn House

MIDLAND

Sue Landis Karen Morrison

MOUNT CLEMENS

Sheehy Joyce Carolee Schmid

Danielle Tirpkoff Carolee Schmid

MUSKEGON HEIGHTS

Thenora Beard Edward Causey

Dana Bryant Terry Nash

Peter Dells Terry Sabo

Nathaniel Johnson Terry Nash

Phyllis Loudermill Terry Nash

James Russell Edward Causey

Wendee Scott-Dells Terry Sabo

MUSKEGON-GREATER

Lindsay Bowen James Donley

MUSKEGON-MONA SHORES

Jasmine Dean Timothy Regan

Billy Ryan John Ryan

NEW DETROIT UNITY- DETROIT

John Rowsey Pauline Onyango

OCC AUBURN HILLS

Sravan Kareti Spencer Stringer

ROGERS CITY-LUNCHEON

Ladonna Fagan Merlin Little

Melissa Goodrich Bridget Lalonde

ROSEVILLE

Lisa Blazevski John Chirkun

Zvonko Blazevski John Chirkun

Alyia Hakim Margaret Rollinger

ROYAL OAK

Adam Cousino Mike Ripinski

Tim Wayland Dawne Ripinski

SCOTTVILLE

Dale Larr Nancy Sanford

Jeff Mount Nancy Sanford

Donald Riley Nancy Sanford

Connie Robinson Nancy Sanford

Paul Shoup Nancy Sanford

Angela Taylor Nancy Sanford

SHELBY

Cathy Schouten Tricia Fessenden

Coralyn Thomas Mary Chandler

ST CLAIR SHORES

Mikhail Youdin Verlyn Rebelein

TRAVERSE CITY

Lisa Rossi Carol Vernam

VETTS-DETROIT

Charles Bell Debby Ector

New members added between 03/01/2016 and 05/31/2016 (for any errors or omissions check with your club secretary).

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OI Foundation Reminder

Barry Burnham - Michigan District Foundation Representative


Happy 75th Anniversary, Michigan District Optimists! Established in 1941, our district has

been serving Optimist Clubs statewide for 75 years. The Michigan District has a rich heritage

of success, with the highest membership in a district in all of Optimist International!

At our upcoming 4th Quarter Conference, in Lansing, there will be a display of some of the

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 13th. Have all of your items

marked clearly with your name. You must pick them up after the closing session, on Saturday.

Since this year is the “Diamond” Anniversary of our Michigan District, there will be a

celebration with a “Diamond and Dazzle” theme at Saturday night’s Installation Banquet.

Please join us at the 75th celebration, and enjoy the fellowship of your Optimist friends!

The Michigan District Celebrates 75 Years of Service to Optimist Clubs

Lou Moss—Michigan District Historian


Thank you all for supporting our Optimist International Foundation with your generous contributions at the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd

Quarter Conferences. Our work is not done! We are almost halfway to our goal! If you have not renewed your Dime-A-Day or

President’s Club annual contr ibution, please make your annual donation as soon as possible.

If you have not maintained your usual level of giving to OI, please do so at, or before our Michigan District 4th Quarter Confer-

ence. In the next few weeks I will be contacting you as a reminder of your level of giving to OI. The success of all of our

programs and events which support youth in our District is dependent upon the generous donations of Optimists like you! Please

submit your check today. Thank you!

Could be a “Photo Finish!”

Debbie Berry Conference/Convention Chair


No….we’re not talking the Kentucky Derby, but rather the 4th Quarter Michigan District Conference. There will be lots of ex-

cellent opportunities to visit with seasoned veteran Michigan District Optimists.

We’ll learn how we can finish this “Stand Tall for Youth” 2015-2016 year for our

mighty district, and our Governor, Steve Sucher!

Set your sights on the finish line, as we prepare to offer great breakout sessions at

our final 2016 Conference, August 12—14, at the Radisson Hotel at the Capitol, in

Lansing. Details are outlined on the back page of this OptiViews issue. We

encourage everyone to register early. Our very special guest, Optimist Internation-

al President-Elect, Jim Kondrasuk, will kick off the weekend leading Lt. Gov-

ernor/Asst. Governor ister early. Our very special guest, training on Friday, and

additional training on Saturday. Dinner on Saturday night will highlight a celebra-

tion of 75 years of Optimism in Michigan, and the installation of 2016—2017

Michigan District officers.

We wish to thank all of the Michigan Optimists who chose to attend our 1st, 2nd, and/or 3rd Quarter Michigan District Confer-

ences,. Our thanks also to those who assisted with hospitality, and facilitating each and every breakout session. The upcoming

4th Quarter, final conference of this fiscal year, promises to deliver an inspiring weekend of Optimism, celebrating 75

incredible years of Bringing Out the Best In Kids!



What’s Cookin’ with the NOW Committee

“Sharing the NOW Know-How”

Elaine Lyon—[email protected] or (586) 791-8006

Sue Kardasz—[email protected] or (586) 939-7273

As Optimist year 2015-2016 winds down, let’s “Finish Strong” and “Stand Tall” with Michigan District membership. Sum-

mer is NOT a time to take a VACATION , for NOW! Summer is a growing season, a harvest time! Throw a picnic, and invite

community members which support your club. Invite friends and community leaders whose Optimism would benefit children

and families where you live and work.

Keep these goals top of mind to ensure a successful NOW event…….

*Always have available OI membership applications, and FOO (Friend of Optimist) brochures

*Extend a personal invitation to every person you’d love to have join your club

*A warm welcome expressed to every guest in attendance may help them feel they are already part of the family!

*Have a prepared agenda for your NOW event. Start, and end your event, on time!

*Plan to install your new members during your NOW event. This may vary with individual club policies.

*FOLLOW UP, FOLLOW UP, FOLLOW UP! Contact prospective new Optimist Club members the following day. Per-

haps they will consider a FOO membership! Invite your prospective member to upcoming club activities. FOLLOW UP!

*Don’t forget to apply for your club’s NOW banner patch…..if your club grows to 3+ new members from your NOW event!

Summer is an exciting season to grow the foundation of your Optimist Club. Don’t miss out on potential New Optimists

NOW!

“A NEW Beginning” Theresa Jarratt—Nominee for Governor-Elect

[email protected]

“You Must Be the Change You Wish to See in the World” Mahatma Gandhi

I would like to thank the Candidate Nominations Committee for nominating me as a candidate for Governor-Elect, 2016-

2017, of the great Michigan Optimist District! I am deeply honored, and if elected, will serve our Michigan District to the

best of my abilities.

Since becoming a member of the Clinton Township Area Optimist Club nine years ago, I have held several posts in Opti-

mism. It is important to me to live as a positive role model for children, and educate youth that working hard toward life-

changing goals creates healthy outcomes for generations. With increasing leadership roles in Optimism my confidence grew,

and I became open to new opportunities in the leadership of our Michigan District.

Before joining as an Optimist, I served my country in the United States Navy, from 1981 to 1992, serving aboard two naval

ships. At that time I was among the first women to serve aboard any ship. While in the service I married my husband, Carl.

Our children are now grown, and, at the moment, we are the very proud grandparents of 6.5 beautiful grandbabies!

Following my service I held administrative positions. In 2004 I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, from

Baker College. In 2014 I proudly earned my Master’s Degree, in Information Resource Management, from Central

Michigan University. Currently I am employed as an Agile Project Manager, in Mobile Application Development, for

one of the big THREE!

I humbly request your support at our 4th Quarter Michigan District Conference, as a candidate for Governor-Elect. I promise

to give my best to ensure Michigan District Optimists continue to “Bring Out the Best in Kids,” our communities, and our-

selves. Thank you.


Memorial Service Cherryl Thames—

Michigan District Immediate Past Distinguished Governor

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

On Sunday morning, at 8:00 a.m., August 14th at our Michigan District 4th Quarter Conference, we will celebrate the

lives of our departed Optimists with a Memorial Service, to honor them.

This is a solemn, and beautiful service of remembrance. I would like to include every name of Michigan Optimists who have passed since our memorial service held one year ago. Your club’s assistance, with your Secretary sending to me that member’s name, photo, the offices this member held in your club, and a short biography, will en-sure this wonderful Optimist’s contributions to his/her club, community, and the youth they served, will be recognized, and celebrated.

Please, if possible, wear your club’s shirt, hat, or other items to bring awareness to your club, and its accomplishments. Please submit this sensitive information to me no later than July 22, 2016. It is healing and honorable to pay tribute to our departed Opti-

mist family members. Thank you for your support.

We are in the home stretch of our Optimist year! All around us we see the signs of renewed growth-green grass, flowers, trees in bloom. The same applies to our clubs. Now is the time to grow our membership, and re-energize the health of our individual clubs. What will put this into motion? The great programs and activities

our Michigan District Optimists have to offer.

Hopefully your club has been holding NOW (New Optimist’ Wanted) events. It is never too late in our Optimist year to start developing a NOW activity! Our Michi-gan District has a terrific team of Optimists ready to assist your club in build-

ing membership far and wide.

Also, keep our Optimist Community Impact Bundle,, which covers six new members’ dues for $300, in mind. One idea is that we can award these membership bundles to community leaders, as recognition of your individual Optimist Club, and aa an introduction to find out more about your club!. This opportunity to increase your clubs membership is available to

you through September 30th, the close of our Optimist fiscal year.

Who wouldn’t love at least six new Optimists on your team? The Optimist Community Impact Bundle is an excellent mode to build Optimism in your community!

Remember, if your club remains plus one new member as of September 30, 2016, you are on your way to Honor Club status! That is major! As an Honor

Club, your club is healthy and vital—”Standing Tall for Youth!”

At the heart of every one of our Michigan District Optimist club’s are good people, who wish to make life better for children and families in our own city, county, and space. It takes a village to raise a child! When that village is filled with Optimism and hope, only good will come. We are on a mission to make the world better for the children we serve. There is nothing more wor-thy!

Let’s Grow Together

Doris Modrak—Club Membership Chair [email protected]



Michigan District Scrapbook Committee Linda Simmons-Moseley—[email protected] or (313) 255-9905

Brenda Meeks—[email protected] or (313) 933-4795

Join us at our 4th Quarter Michigan District Conference for innovative ideas, and a fresh perspective on building this amazing

Optimist-ic district! Currently planned…….

Friday:

2016-2017 Leadership Training

Saturday

President & Lt. Governor—Juanita Bell, Tom Longhway, Terry Eisen,

Jerry Stroik

New Optimist’ Wanted (NOW) - Elaine Lyon & Sue Kardasz

Membership—Doris Modrak

New Club Building (NCB) - Pat Rabaut Miller & Charlie King

Personal Growth & Involvement (PGI) - Michelle Kauffold

Secretary/Treasurer—Maggie Rollinger

Fundraising—TBD

Get the latest updates, incentives, and promotions for your club.! Laptops, tablets, and smart phones are welcome to access train-

ing sites!

Stand Tall…….FINISH STRONG!

Linda Owczarzak - Leadership Development Chair


Thank you to every club that entered their scrapbook for competition at out 1st Quarter Michigan District Conference, in Troy.

We appreciate your time, and love, that was reflected in each unique scrapbook!

Our overall winner is West Branch Optimist Club!

The winning club, open category, is the Breakfast Club of Kalamazoo!

Specific Category Winners

Youth—West Branch Optimist Club

Fundraising—West Branch Optimist Club

Community Service—West Branch Optimist Club

Internal Affairs—Breakfast Optimist Club of Farmington Hills

Division 1(25 or less members) Breakfast Club of Ann Arbor

Division 2 (26-49 members) - Breakfast Club of Farmington Hills

Division 4 (60+ members) - West Branch Optimist Club

Don’t wait! Why not start now to document this year’s activities in a personalized scrapbook. Please contact us for contest

guidelines. When all clubs keep in mind that these creative scrapbooks provide an excellent opportunity to follow their yearly

activities and accomplishments, we definitely will be looking forward to more club entries for the 2016-2017 contest year!



New Club Building News Pat Rabaut Miller—New Club Building Chair


Our Michigan District Optimist highway is moving along. Our inspired efforts to build new

clubs in Gaylord, Romulus, with the Lakeshore YMCA in St. Clair Shores, Macomb

YMCA in Mt. Clemens, and at Karmanos Cancer Institute, in Detroit, are coming

together. If you may have friends, friends, or co-workers in any of those communities,

please share with them the excitement of the soon-to-be Optimist Club in their area!

Special thanks to past Michigan District Governor, Ray Finocchio! Ray is currently a

member of the Metropolitan Detroit Board of Directors of theYMCA (Young Men’s

Christian Association), and has br illiantly communicated the value of par tner ing with local Optimist Clubs to YMCA

leaders. Also, our deep thanks to past Michigan District Governor, Fatima Plater, for stewarding the partnership of Optimists

and the Detroit YMCA, together forming the Healthy Kids Optimist Club!

Our road to success depends upon new club building, and increasing Optimist membership statewide. There remain throughout

Michigan communities untouched by the positivity of Optimism. This is alarming, as we as a group are aware of the difference

positive influence can make in the life of a child. With every new Optimist in a local club, at least 33 children’s lives can be

touched with positive change. To build a new Optimist Club, with at least 25 new Optimists, an entire community can receive

the uplifting message of Optimism!

Please join us the weekend of August 14-16, in Lansing, at the 4th Quarter Michigan District Conference. We need to

hear your thoughts and ideas on how you want to make a difference for the children in Michigan communities. We will share

our insights on new club building, and encourage the growth of our Number One Michigan Optimist District!

It has now been almost nine months since I was elected to this office! The past months have been

enveloped with learning, thinking, planning, and envisioning the upcoming Optimist year. More

than ever we, the “MIGHTY” Michigan District, must be committed to “Fostering Growth: in our

Michigan clubs. We must continue our commitment as the guardians of the souls of the children

we serve.

Each Michigan District Optimist Club is strong in developing new events and programs, and

uncovering new avenues to serving our youth. Achieving our district goal of building new

pathways to this will involve change. We continue to celebrate the success of our individual,

forward thinking clubs. Stay tuned, because we’re on a roll!

We are living in a time of change. As we adapt, and grow, innovation and effort must increase as

the challenge of raising healthy children in our society increases. Anything is possible! As

Optimists, we believe in what is yet to be! We believe in the spirit of positive! It fuels our vision.

Who are the winners? The imaginative and diverse children we serve!

Challenges will arise as we navigate through our Optimist year. Every challenge has a solution.

Together, we’ll figure it out! The choices we, as Optimists, make and the obstacles we overcome

will ultimately become our legacy!

So, welcome to our upcoming fresh start! As we move forward we may update some existing mainstays. We are building on the foundations

of great Optimists who have come before us! With focus, and dedicated optimism, success is guaranteed! No child will be left behind!

Please note that the previously scheduled summer training of incoming Optimist officers has been cancelled. This was to take place on

Saturday, July 16, 2016. Officer training for the 2016-2017 Optimist year will now be held Friday, August 14, at our 4th Quarter Michigan

District Conference, in Lansing. See you then!.

Monetta Foster, Ed. Governor-Elect [email protected] or (248) 505-1584

Michigan District 2016-2017



Michigan District

Optimist Calendar

Governance Committee Report

Marc D. Katz—Governance CommitteeChair

[email protected]

The Michigan District Optimist Governance Committee will present five proposals to our Michigan delegates at our 4th Quarter

Michigan Conference. For your review:

Proposal #1—To create a new policy to allow individual Optimist Club’s to promote club activities in the exhibition area at

Michigan District quar ter ly conventions.

Proposal #2—To include current Optimist International Bylaws as Michigan District policies. Additionally, Proposal 2 will

define the incoming Michigan District Governor-Elect as Michigan District Optimist Governor, as of October 1st in that

same year.

Proposal #3—States the Governor-Elect shall be formally elected at the Michigan District Quarterly Convention, or at s

Special Convention meeting.

Proposal #4—States that District Secretary Treasurer’s will be appointed to a one-year post, and will take office on October 1st

of the year they were appointed.

Proposal #5—Will put into policy procedure for filling vacancies in Michigan District Optimist offices.

The official document citing these proposed policies will be available on our Michigan District Optimist website

(www.michigandistrictoptimists.org) after July 1st, 2016.


A Visit to the Michigan Historical Museum

Barb Sucher—Spouse/Youth Activity Chair

[email protected]

Meet Barb Sucher on Saturday, August 13th, at 9:45 a.m.in the lobby of the Radisson

Hotel, Lansing. We will carpool to the Michigan Historical Museum (www.mi.gov/

museum), which is a quick 10-minutes from the hotel. Our group will tour the historical

museum at our own leisure. The flagship of the Michigan Historical Museum System,

this popular tourist site offers a rich look to days past in the fabric of Michigan’s lore.

From the dawning of our statehood, the Michigan Historical Museum brings to life the

story of our great lake state! Following our tour we will gather at a nearby restaurant

and enjoy lunch with Optimist friends.

Admission ticket price is $5/adult,(65 and better), and $2/youth (ages 6-17). Tickets

will be purchased at the museum. Lunch is at your own expense.

I’m looking forward to our exploring Michigan’s unique history together!

Preventive Medicine

“Dr. Bob” Schiller—Club Fitness Advisors Committee Chair

[email protected]

As we come into the 4th Quarter of our Optimist year , it’s time to assess what we’ve

accomplished, and where is our club from a “health” perspective. As a club, we evaluate

our “President’s Pride” report, and see how our club pulse is ticking. Oh, by the way, all

Optimist Club President’s should have submitted their club’s pride report back in

May. With that information the Club Fitness Advisor’s Committee’s role is to

look at how your club membership can pump up its pulse, and build momentum to

“Stand Tall for Youth.”

To know where your club stands from a “health perspective,” look at how well your club members work together. Are you, as a

group, committed to Optimist values? Are you committed to growing your club? Are you working toward building new clubs?

Are you a positive influence in your community? Are you building a positive relationship with children and families in your

community? Do you have a focused plan on how to improve upon any of these goals mentioned?

These growth goals not only address “health maintenance,” but also “preventative medicine.” Often times our club’s become so

focused on our projects, that we lose sight of our team, club members, accomplishing our club’s vision together. Throughout our

Michigan District’s 4th quarter, current Optimist administration is phasing out, and the incoming Optimist administration is

looking to the future, 2017 fiscal year. Now is the time to brainstorm together. Come August/September incoming Lt. Governors

will be working alongside your current Lt. Governors, to schedule the Annual Club Planning Conference (ACPC) with each

Optimist Club in their zone. How do you plan to develop new leaders in your club? Do you have goals to accomplish each

quarter? What is the temperature in your club? Cool, warm, or hot???

Adding patches to our club’s banner reveals to our Michigan District the health assessment of our individual clubs. Our club

earns a patch for success in Optimist programs such as the Oratorical, and Essay contests. Longstanding Optimists take pride in

the patches displayed on their club’s banner. We’ve worked well together to earn this recognition for our club. Newer Optimists

feel the churn to earn this pride. It’s a cycle of Optimism that, when all is said and done, the winners are the children we serve!

Your Club Fitness Advisors Committee (CFAC) is here for YOUR club. We encourage every Michigan District Optimist club to

call and make an appointment for your annual physical.

Refill your “Preventive Medicine Prescription” this Michigan District 4th Quarter for optimal health in:

Working together toward the collective club goals

Enjoy each-other’s company, and communicate clearly and effectively

Plan your club’s future together. Take your club’s pulse, and make sure everyone is on the same page!

Best of all, don’t forget the “Doctor’s” are always on call. We make house calls!


OptiViews is published quarterly for $5.00 per member, per year, by the

Michigan District of Optimist International, 19812 Rosedale, St Clair Shores, MI 48080

Michigan District Optimist International

19812 Rosedale

St Clair Shores, MI 48080

The Optimist Creed Promise Yourself …

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

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

To make all your 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.”

http://www.michiganoptimists.org

http://www.optimist.org

michigan district opti views - michdistoptimists.org. sept. 2016 opti views volume 36, number 4...

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