Optimist Meeting - Tuesday, January 3rd

Greetings!
 
McCall-Donnelly High School Wrestling Coach Scott Erekson will join our Optimist meeting next week to chat about this year's wrestling team and program.  The team has had some great successes, and we're sure to enjoy Scott's visit and his comments.  Assistant Wrestling Coach Anthony Waite and the four Seniors on the team will likely join our meeting, as well.  These student athletes have all been outstanding wrestlers, and one has also been recognized for his accomplishments in football.  I hope you'll attend and show your support and appreciation for these fine young folks - Tuesday, January 3rd, 7:00 am at the Pancake House.  Please mark your calendar and tie a string around your finger for the meeting.  It could be easy to forget as we enter the new year, Monday being a holiday, and with our routines a bit out of kilter.
 
We wish a very Happy New Year to you and yours!  
 
Thanks,
 
Jim
 
Promise Yourself....
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

Optimist Meeting - Tuesday, Dec 20 + Announcement

Greetings!
 
McCall-Donnelly High School Track Coach Bill Anderson will join our meeting this week to chat about the Winter Carnival Teen Dances.  (Can you believe Winter Carnival is only six weeks away!!!).  Last year we joined forces with the Track program to sponsor and chaperone the Teen Dances.  A portion of the proceeds went to the Track program for pole vault equipment.  Bill will reflect on last year's dances and what he envisions for this year's activities.  I hope you'll attend - Tuesday, December 20th, 7:00 am at the Pancake House.
 
Notice:  We will NOT meet on Tuesday, December 27th.  Meetings will resume on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012.  In the meantime, we wish you a very merry and joyous Christmas,  and a happy and safe New Year!!!
 
See you Tuesday morning!
 
Jim
 
Promise Yourself...

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

Optimist Meeting - Tuesday, December 13th

Greetings!

Our own Michael Yeakle will provide a very timely program this week - "Enjoying Christmas, Without The Stress".   Michael spoke to us several weeks ago, and you know he's both interesting and knowledgeable.  We'll undoubtedly enjoy Michael's presentation, and I'm confident we can all benefit from his words and thoughts.  Hope you'll plan to attend - Tuesday, December 13th, 7:00 am at the Pancake House.  Invite a friend, too.

See you Tuesday!

Jim

 

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

Optimist Meeting - Tuesday, December 6th

Greetings!

Wildlife Biologist Jim Holyan of the Nez Perce Tribe's Wolf Project will address our meeting this week, and he's sure to be very interesting and a wealth of information.  Mr. Holyan obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife and Wildland Recreation Management from Washington State University in 1986.  He has worked for various agencies focussing on a variety of species, including: 

• Northern Spotted Owls (U S Forest Service, Washington Dept. of Natural Resources, Humbolt State University)
• Elk (Mount Ranier National Park)
• Arctic Flora and Fauna (U S Fish & Wildlife Service, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge)
• Wolves (U S Fish & Wildlife Service, Kenai National Wildlife Refuge)
• Pine Martens (U S Forest Service, Olympia Forestry Sciences Laboratory)

Jim has been employed with the Nez Perce Tribe since 1997.  He has observed wolves and documented packs' reproductive statuses during his field seasons, while his non-field seasons involved the more tedious processes of analyzing and making sense of the data he's collected.

I hope you'll plan to attend this week's meeting - Tuesday, December 6th, 7:00 am at the Pancake House.

See you Tuesday!

Jim

 

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

Optimist Meeting - Tuesday, November 29th

Greetings -

Long-time McCall resident and community leader Ralph McKenzie (whom many of us know) will address our meeting this week.  Ralph has numerous slides of various places in Micronesia, with the feature being photos taken while scuba diving in Truk Lagoon, the site of an incredible number of Japanese ships sunk during World War II.  This promises to be a fascinating review of the critical role Truk Lagoon played in US history accompanied by Ralph's outstanding photography.  Please plan to attend - Tuesday, November 29th, 7:00 am at the Pancake House.

See you Tuesday morning!

Jim

 

Promise Yourself....

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

Optimist Meeting - Tuesday, November 22nd

Greetings!

Steve Case, the Area Manager for Idaho Power, will be our guest at this week's meeting.  Steve will provide an update/overview of the company's activities and direction.  His visit will also provide a nice opportunity for us to express our appreciation for the very generous donations and support our club has received in recent years from the Heartland Employee Community Fund, Idaho Power, and IDACORP, Inc. 

I hope you'll attend - Tuesday, November 22nd, 7:00 am at the Pancake House.

See you Tuesday!

Jim

 

Promise Yourself....

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

Optimist Meeting - Tuesday, November 15th

Greetings!

A representative of the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), the nuclear facility near Idaho Falls, will speak to our meeting this week.  Amy is highly knowledge in her subject areas, and her presentation promises to be interesting and unique.  I don't believe we've ever had a speaker from the INL or on related topics.  She will be making a considerable trek across the state to meet with us.  Hope you'll attend, and bring a friend if you can - Tuesday, November 15th, 7:00 am at the Pancake House.

Many thanks to those who put up and took down the flags for Veterans Day and the weekend!  Town looked outstanding!!

See you Tuesday!

Thanks,

Jim
 

 

Promise Yourself....

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

Optimist Meeting - Tuesday, November 8th + Announcements

Greetings!

Mr. Greg Stahl, Assistant Policy Director of Rivers United, will join our meeting this week.  Greg works on the organization's salmon program, as well as focussing on other conservation issues.  He arrived in November, 2008, following 10 years spent writing about Idaho's abundant rivers, public lands, and colorful personalities as a reporter and assistant editor with the Idaho Mountain Express newspaper in Ketchum.  He also worked previously as senior editor at Sun Valley Magazine.  A 2005-2006 recipient of a Ted Scripps Fellowship in Environmental Journalism at University of Colorado at Boulder, Greg is versed in water law, public land law and natural resources law.  Beyond his abundant hobbies, which range from playing the guitar to whitewater kayaking, he's an avid student of life.  Greg is excited to be working in the world of river advocacy. 

Greg's program is sure to be interesting, and I hope you'll plan to attend - Tuesday, November 8th, 7:00 am at the Pancake House.

Thank You Veterans!

Next Friday, November 11th, is Veterans Day.  We give a heartfelt "thank you" to all those Veterans in our club and throughout our community for their service and sacrifice.

Veterans Day Flag Service

We'll be putting the flags up and taking them down in observance of Veterans Day, and we'll need some volunteers.  Can you help?  (I don't yet know the schedule, but we'll get that out soon)

See you Tuesday morning!

Thanks,

Jim
  

Optimist Meeting - Tuesday, November 1st

Greetings!

We'll have two visitors to this week's meeting (and maybe more)!

Payette National Forest Archaeologist Larry Kingsbury will join our meeting with news of archaeological activities on the Forest.  Larry has visited us several times in the past, and his presentations are always educational and downright fascinating.  I know you'll enjoy Larry's presentation.  I believe he intends to retire quite soon, and this may be one of the last opportunities that he'll be available to share his passion and knowledge with us.

Our McCall-Donnelly High School Girls' Soccer team triumphed in a close game against Weiser last Saturday to take the State title.  We've invited Assistant Coach Forrest Stanley to join our meeting this week to share a few comments about the victory, and so we can concongratulate and recognize the team for their outstanding success.  Coach Stanley may also bring one (or several) players.

Hope you'll attend this week's meeting - Tuesday, November 1st, 7:00 am at the Pancake House.

See you then!

Jim

Optimist Meeting - Tuesday, October 18th + Important Announcements

Greetings!

Melissa Newell and Fred Coriell, founders of the McCall Kayak Club, will join us this week to talk about the organization, what they do in teaching kids to kayak, and other aspects of the club.  Ms. Newell and Mr. Coriell both have interesting backgrounds, and their presentation promises to be enlightening.  Please plan to attend - Tuesday, October 18th, 7:00 am at the Pancake House.

Installation Banquet - Wednesday, October 26th, at the McCall Golf Course Clubhouse.  Social Hour - 5:00 pm, Dinner 6:30 pm.  Details will be forthcoming within the next day or two; please mark your calendar and plan to attend!

"Optimist of the Year" - We will have the honor and privilege of recognizing one of our own club members who has gone "above and beyond" in their service to our organization and community during the past year, a person who truly embraces the ideals of the Optimist Creed.  This week's meeting will include a vote (by private ballot) for Optimist of the Year.  Those who are not able to attend this week's meeting may vote by e-mail to me at riovista284@hotmail.com.  All votes will be confidential; the deadline to vote is Thursday, October 20th at 8:00 pm.  Our Optimist of the Year will be announced at the Installation Banquet.

See you Tuesday morning!

Jim

 

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

Optimist Meeting - Tuesday, October 11th. + Board Meeting

Greetings!

President-Elect Mike Kohout will chat with us this week about "The History of Optimism".  In addition, we'll include a brief Board meeting to address one or two matters.  Hope you'll plan to attend - Tuesday, October 11th at the Pancake House.

See you Tuesday!

Jim

Optimist Meeting - Tuesday, October 4th

Greetings!

McCall-Donnelly High School Girls' Soccer Coach Greg Pittenger will join us this week to chat about this year's team, direction of the program, expectations, etc.  The girls are are having a great season, and I hope you'll be on hand to hear what Greg has to share with us - Tuesday, 10/04/2011, 7:00 am at the Pancake House.

See you Tuesday!

Jim

Optimist Meeting - Tuesday, September 27th + Reminder

Greetings!

Tammy Kolsky of the Idaho Department of Parks & Recreation will join our meeting this week with information about their Statewide Reservation Program.  I think you'll be interested and surprised when you hear the extent of what Tammy and her crew are doing from right here in McCall.  And, you'll learn things to help with your own future ventures and vacations around Idaho and beyond.  Hope you'll plan to attend - Tuesday, September 27th, 7:00 am at the Pancake House.  We'll be in Santa's Sweet Shoppe just to the left as you enter the restaurant.

BBQ/Potluck & Work Party

Don't forget about our shindig on Wednesday at John and Diane Mansisidor's home west of Donnelly.  We'll get some work accomplished in short order, then we'll dig into the BBQ and fun stuff.  Friends and family members are invited, of course, and we'll have something fun for the kids to do.  Please RSVP by Tuesday to John  so he can plan accordingly.

Thanks!

Jim

Optimist BBQ & Work Party - Next Wednesday!

Greetings!

Time for an Optimist BBQ/Potluck & Work Party!  We've got it scheduled for next Wednesday, September 28th.  We'll begin at 4:00 for those who can make it, and anytime later for those who can't arrive that early.  You're invited, along with your family, friends and any guests you might wish to invite. 

Host John Mansisidor tells us there's not a lot of work to be done, and we'll make a quick attack on our game tables to glue the legs and joints, and screw everything together solid.  And there'll be food!  Lots of good food!  The Club will provide burgers and buns.  Please plan to bring:

• a dish to share
• beverage(s) of your choice
• table ware
• lawn chairs (John has some chairs already, so don't worry if you don't have chairs handy to bring)

Many thanks to John and Diane Mansisidor for hosting this event!  A map to their home west of Donnelly is attached.  From Highway 55, turn west on West Roseberry Road.  Proceed exactly 1/2 mile.  Turn right (north) on Kassandra.  Proceed north on Kassandra.  It curves to the left (west) and becomes Suzanna.  The Mansisidor resisidence is on the left at the end of the road.

Please RSVP by Tuesday, September 27th, to John at so he can prepare for the food preparation.

Hope you'll plan to attend!

Thanks!

Jim
  

Optimist Meeting - Tuesday, September 20th

Greetings!

McCall-Donnelly High School Football Coach Larry Henggeler will join us this week to chat about this year's football team, how the program is looking, etc.  Please plan to attend - Tuesday, September 20th, 7:00 am at the Pancake House.  As usual, we'll be in Santa's Sweet Shoppe, just to the left as you enter the restaurant.

See you Tuesday!

Jim

 

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

Optimist Meeting - Tuesday, September 13th + Announcements

Greetings!

Erik Boomer will join our next meeting with an account and photos of his latest adventure.  Erik is an accomplished outdoorsman, explorer, adventurer and photographer (not to mention that he's Hank's son!).  You might recall Erik's presentation about six months ago in which he talked about an inner-city project that he had just finished.  Erik recently completed the first human-powered circumnavigation of Ellesmere Island.  The trek involved 1,485 miles by foot, skis, and kayak, with 104 days on the ice.  You really don't want to miss this presentation as Erik recounts his experiences and challenges in one of the most remote and forbidding locations on our planet.  Hope you'll plan to attend - Tuesday, September 13th, 7:00 am at the Pancake House.  We'll be in Santa's Sweet Shoppe, just to the left as you enter the restaurant.


Flag Service - This Sunday - 9/11
 

Everything's a "go" for flags tomorrow as we recognize the 10th anniversary of 9/11.

The Up Crew will meet at the Pancake House at 7:00 am:

• Randy Basabe
• John Mansisidor
• Kermit Peterson
• Jim Thackeray

The Down Crew will meet at the storage unit (unit #54 in Airport Storage behind the Dept of Labor Office) at 6:00 pm:

• Hank Boomer
• Mike Kohout
• Eric Watson

We could use at least one more person on the Down Crew.

 

Club BBQ/Work Party - Wednesday, September 28th

Please mark your calendar for a BBQ and work party in the evening of Wednesday, September 28th.  Kermit Peterson and John Mansisidor are organizing the festivities, which will be held at John's home west of Donnelly.  In addition to a great BBQ meal, excellent conversation, and lots of laughs, we'll refurbish the game tables that we use annually for the Senior Party.  Friends and family members also invited and encouraged to join in our fun.

See you Tuesday morning!

Thanks,

Jim

(208) 315-1276

Promise Yourself....

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

Flag service for 9/11

Greetings -

Once in great while the opportunity arises for us to post the American flags in addition to our "contracted" holidays.  This Sunday will be the 10th anniversary of the September 11th attacks on our nation.  Those who attended this morning's meeting felt it would be very appropriate to fly the flags on Sunday in memory of those we lost in the attacks, for all that our nation endured, and in patriotism for our strength as we stand united. 

Will you help to put up or take down flags this Sunday, September 11th?

The Up Crew will meet at 7:00 am at the Pancake House.  The Down Crew will meet at 6:00 pm at the storage unit.

Please let me know if you can commit to one or the other.

Thanks,

Jim

Optimist Meeting - Tuesday, September 6th

Greetings!

Don't Forget!  We'll resume our weekly Optimist meetings next Tuesday morning.  Because of the Monday holiday, many of us will be on a little different schedule and out of our "routine".  So, mark it down, tie a string around your finger, whatever it takes to remember!

John Barth, the McCall Business Manager of the Idaho Junior Steelheads, will talk with us about the hockey program.  John is an energetic and dynamic speaker, and I know you'll enjoy his presentation.  And I think you'll also be impressed with all that's going on in our world of hockey.  This would be a great meeting to bring a guest. 

Hope you'll plan to attend - Tuesday, September 6th, 7:00 am at the Pancake House.  We'll be in Santa's Sweet Shoppe, just to the left as you enter the restaurant.

Have a great weekend!!!

Jim

Labor Day Flag Service

 Greetings!

 
Randy Basabe has provided the following...
 

Here is our Labor Day Flag holiday schedule..

Up crew meets Friday, September 2nd at the Pancake House at 7AM..

So far up crew helpers are John Mansisidor and Randy Basabe

The Down crew meets Monday, September 5th at the Optimist storage shed at 7PM.  Eric Watson has committed to take flags down.

We need and appreciate those that can help with our flag program.....

Looks like we'll need a few more volunteers.  It would be fantastic (and the project will go faster!) if we can get 6 folks to put up and 6 to take down.  Please let Randy know if you can help on either the "up" or "down" crew.  I'll be out town much of the week and may not have e-mail access, so please confirm with Randy directy at 634-2464 or 634-8166, or by e-mail.   Please lend a hand if you can.

Thanks!

Jim

  

Mark your calendar for upcoming Optimist activities!!!

Greetings! I hope your summer has been excellent. It's amazing how fast this summer has gone!

Please mark your calendar for the following dates:

• Labor Day Weekend - We'll be flying flags, and we'll need volunteers to put them up and take them down. I don't yet know the put-up and take-down schedules, but we'll let you know soon. Please help out if you can. 
• Tuesday, September 6th - We'll resume our weekly membership meetings at the Pancake House, 7:00 am in Santa's Sweet Shoppe. John Barth, McCall Business Manager of the Idaho Junior Steelheads, will chat with us about the hockey program. I know you'll enjoy his presentation. 
• Wednesday, September 28 - Club BBQ and work party, probably beginning around 5:00 (or whenever you and your guests can get there!). In addition to enjoying a BBQ together, we'll work on rebuilding our game tables. We'll let you know as the plans are "firmed up". 

 Enjoy your weekend!
 Thanks, Jim

Jazz on the Green - Saturday, August 13th

Greetings!

I hope you're enjoying a wonderful summer!

Jazz on the Green will be here before we know it, and it promises to be an outstanding experience!  Four top-notch jazz bands/artists will entertain at the McCall Golf Club from 4:00 pm until dark on Saturday, August 13th, featuring:
 

• Paul Tillotson and the Love Trio
• Van Paepeghem Quartet
• Steve Eaton
• Brianne Gray

 
Five hours of exceptional jazz in one of the most beautiful mountain settings on Earth!  Proceeds from the concert will be donated to the Snowdon Wildlife Sanctuary and the McCall Optimist Club, two very worthy causes that everyone can support! 

We're encouraging all Optimists to commit to selling at least a few tickets.  Only $25.00 per ticket for a spot on the lawn.  Tickets can be purchased from Optimist Club members, at the McCall Golf Club Clubhouse, or by calling the Pro Shop at (208) 634-7200.  Folks who call to purchase tickets can use their credit cards, which will be convenient for our out-of-town guests.  Those who make their purchases with checks should make them out to "McCall Golf Club".  Limited seating will be available on the Clubhouse deck at $35.00 per person and can be arranged by calling the Pro Shop at (208) 634-7200.

Please check out the attached Jazz on the Green poster; hopefully you've seen a few of these in your travels around town.  Feel free to print out posters to hang in your office or shop, give to friends, post around town, etc. 


Ticket Sales
 

• Will you take some tickets to sell?  Please call me at (208) 315-1276 to arrange tickets.
• Can you help at a table at Paul's for a two- or three-hour shift during the next three weekends?  Working in pairs, we'll set up a card table for ticket sales near the Paul's courtesy counter between Noon and 6:00 pm on the next few Saturdays and Sundays.  Paul's is a high-traffic location, and we're optimistic for strong sales there.  Please call me at (208) 315-1276 to schedule a shift.

Traffic Control
 

We'll need a small crew of volunteers to help in Traffic Control at the event on August 13th.  Please let me know if you can lend a hand with Traffic Control.

Jazz on the Green will undoubtedly be a wonderful and memorable experience for all who attend.  In addition, the proceeds will be instrumental in helping the Snowdon Wildlife Sanctuary and our club to more effectively carry out the objectives of both organizations.  I hope you'll commit some of your time and effort to this very worthy and fun project.

Please let me know if you have questions.

Thanks,

Jim

Cell phone:  (208) 315-1276
 

Optimist Announcements

Greetings!

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers among us, and to all the fathers who have touched our lives.  Thank you for making a difference!

Many thanks to those who put up and took down flags last Tuesday for Flag Day!   We'll soon be looking for more flag volunteers for the Fourth of July.  Please let Randy Basabe know if you can help on the "up" crew or the "down" crew.

Reminder - no weekly Optimist meetings through the summer months.  However, please keep in mind that we'll have several important activities during the summer that will require a strong club involvement and support.  We'll keep you posted.

Last Tuesday was our final weekly meeting before our summer break, and we made it a combined Board Meeting and fellowship meeting.  Please take a few minutes to review the following minutes of the meeting, and check with any Board member should you have questions:
 

Optimist Club of McCall

Minutes of the Board Meeting

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

The Board of Directors met with general membership at a breakfast meeting at The Pancake House in McCall at 7:00 a.m.

No votes were taken, but many business items were discussed.

1.              Treasurer’s Report.  Michael Gurney and Mike Kohout will check with Treasurer Dave Kistner and e-mail a report to the President and Secretary.

2.              Announcements – President Hank Boomer.  President Hank discussed numerous funding “wants” for the club, including new jerseys for Optimist Football, additional scholarship money, the pole vault pit, and the POTS Program, none of which we can contribute to without a new source of funding.

Mike Kohout recently sent out the dues billings.

Lengthy discussion on “Jazz on the Green”, set for Saturday, August 13th.  President Hank emphasized the need to eliminate confusion and coordinate our efforts.  All communications with Golf Pro Allan Morrison need to go through either Hank or Jim Thackeray, who will send notices to all so that we all stay on the same page.  Rich Wildman strongly agreed, and pointed out that the same rule needs to be followed with non-member volunteers, such as parents of Optimist Footballers.

It was emphasized that there are only 2,000 tickets being offered for sale, and, as far as we know, the tickets are not yet printed.  This could impact internet sales of tickets, as we would have to know how many tickets others have sold if we don’t have tickets in our hands or to deliver to buyers.  It is unknown how much deck seating is available, and we don’t want to “oversell”.  Guy questioned whether the Golf Course Clubhouse needs to rent additional chairs.  Do we need hand-stamps for spectators to ensure that we don’t have “free-riders” walking in?  Numerous promotional ideas were discussed, including a ticket sale “thermometer” to be displayed at the Clubhouse and in each week’s newspaper.  Newspaper advertising, getting on the Chamber calendar, radio (including BSU Radio), Channel 7 TV, the Roseberry Music Festival (which is scheduled for July 16^th).

After the meeting, Tom offered to help with promotions.  His good friend, formerly of Common Ground, now lives in Boise, and is very accustomed to promoting musical events.  Also, Joey Petri volunteered to coordinate efforts/liaison with Optimist Football players, coaches, and parents.

President Hank appointed John Mansisidor and Kermit Peterson to organize a potluck work party for mid-July; the blackjack tables are in need of repair, and a mid-July gathering would help us to also focus on ticket sales for Jazz on the Green.
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Randy is busy with flag activities, and is organizing for the 4^th of July already.

President Hank announced that the next general membership meeting will be the day after Labor Day, September 6.

The membership “passed the hat” for our waitress, Norma Montes, and gave Norma and Bonnie Bertram a well-deserved round of applause.

3.              Meeting Adjourned – Hank Boomer.  There being no further business, members recited the Optimist Creed, Noah Jeppe rang the bell, and the meeting was adjourned.

 

Have a great summer!

Thanks,

Jim

Promise Yourself....

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