Dec 18th Optimist Meeting: Sea Turtles and Winter Carnival Activity Planning

Hello Friends and Optimist,

This Tuesday, December 18th, we will have a short presentation from Wyatt Marolf, 4th grade student at Donnelly Elementary. Wyatt will explain his science project and his work assisting with conservation efforts to help sea turtles in Mexico.

After Wyatt’s presentation, we will have open discussion about Winter Carnival activities and planning. We are considering selling chowder and/or chili, having a two floats in the parade, and supporting the Track Team with a teen dance. We have a lot to talk about. I hope everyone can make it. Drive safe.

Tom Crawford, secretary

Promise Yourself....... just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

Dec 10th Optimist Meeting: Jessicah Travis, MYST

Hello Friends and Optimist,

This Tuesday, December 10th, at the Pancake House, at 7:00 am, Jessicah Travis of MYST, Mentoring Youth, Supporting Teens, will come join us and discuss and share the latest news, events, and progress with their program. The opening first year for the Yellow Mug, Yellow Couch, and the Yellow Closet coming to an end and we can now talk about what to look forward to for the new year. We would like to brainstorm any potential projects that MYST and the Optimist Club could collaborate on. We can use everyone’s input, so come to the meeting. Invite a friend!

Here is the MYST website: http://www.theyellowcouchmccall.org/

Board Members: A short Board Meeting will be held after the breakfast meeting.

Tom Crawford, secretary

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

Dec. 4th Optimist Meeting: Rob Mason, Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation

Hello Friends and Optimist,

This Tuesday, December 4, at the Pancake House, at 7:00 a.m, Rob Mason, the Executive Director of the Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation will give us a slide presentation about the organization. The foundation's motto is: "No Politics, No Advocacy, Just Boots-On-The-Ground Work". When the Foundation was created in 2005, it covered the Selway Bitterroot only. In 2011, it expanded to also cover The Frank Church.

As many of you know, the USFS funding has been cut in many areas. The Foundation raises private money and employs crews and volunteers to provide maintenance for trails and bridges. It recently replaced the boat ramp at Indian Creek on the Middle Fork, which was rapidly becoming a hazard for boaters. The Foundation has contributed nearly a million dollars in improvements and maintenance; noxious weed abatement; plus keeping public sites open, such as the LochsaHistorical Ranger Station near Wilderness Gateway Campground, which was slated to close due to lack of funding. Information about the Foundation can be found at the Foundation website: http://www.selwaybitterroot.org/

Come to the meeting. Invite a friend!


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

Optimist Meeting November 27 - Play Live

Hello Optimist and Friends,
This week Craig Campbell will come talk to us about his new business, Play Live. For those who haven't heard, there is a new place for gamers in town, which means most of our youth. Play Live offers anyone to experience the latest technology and creativity in video gaming. There are many other services too such as repairs, gaming merchandise, parties, competitive leagues and tournaments. Craig has been very busy promoting the business, offering great incentives and rewards. One of his goals is for Play Live to provide a fun and safe environment our students after school. It is off to a great start. Come meet Craig and hear his innovative approach on supporting our youth.

November 27th, 7:00am at the Pancake House. Invite a friend!

Check out our blog: Here is a link: http://mccalloptimistclub.blogspot.com/

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

November 20 Optimist Meeting: Mountain Valley Transit

Hello Optimist and Friends,
Public transportation is a very important service for our community. This week, Jeanette Dames from Mountain Community Transit will speak to us about our bus system. McCall is very fortunate to have a free public transportation system that operates daily. Ever wonder how that works? McCall transit does an hourly loop through town, making stops at several different places including the court house, hospital, ice rink and library. There are no designated bus stops – just flag it down anywhere along the route. How cool is that? Come to breakfast, listen to Jeanette, ask some questions, and enjoy good company. November 20th, 7:00am at the Pancake House. Invite a friend!

Did you know we have a blog? Here is a link: http://mccalloptimistclub.blogspot.com/

Also Board Members: We will hold a brief Board Meeting 8am to 8:45, right after the regular morning meeting.

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

November 13 Optimist Meeting - Judo Club

Hello Friends and Optimist,

This Tuesday we have Kenny Pyle, head instructor of the McCall Judo Club. Kenny is a McCall native and has been training hundreds of young students since 1998. The history of the club goes back to 1970. 

Kenny Pyle is a Sandan USA Judo Certified Coach, a Junior National Champion, trained a short time at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado. Come listen to Kenny speak about the club and the impact the Judo has on many of our McCall youth. Here is a link to the Judo Club's website: http://mccalljudoclub.org/history.html

Tuesday, Nov 13 th at our 0700 Breakfast Meeting at the Pancake House. Invite a friend. We always welcome new guests!

Also: Board Meeting this Tuesday evening, Golf Coarse Club House, 5:30pm.

Tom Crawford
Promise Yourself....To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best

Optimist Meeting Nov 6th, Mcall/Africa Connection

Greetings Friends and Optimist,

This coming Tuesday, Gina Boniminio and Sara Wolf will present thier plans to connect McCall students with students in Africa. Gina is our newest Optimist Club member and is planning a 7 week adventure in Africa. Sara Wolf is a 3rd grade teacher at Barbara Morgan Elementary. Gina will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro as a personal goal and Sara’s class and others will be tracking her progress as she makes the climb. After that Gina will volunteering in Olesere, Kena with an organization called African Impact. Her project will consist of tracking and observing lion and elephant populations. She will also be teaching at the local Guide School and Primary School. Through writings, drawings and emails Sara and Gina will exchange ecosystem and wildlife information in hopes to broaden the perspective of the children from both cultures.

Come listen to this new, fresh, optimistic idea Tuesday, Nov 6th at our 0700 Breakfast Meeting at the Pancake House. Invite a friend. We always welcome new guests!

Tom Crawford
Promise Yourself....To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best

Invite your female friends to an Optimist Club breakfast

Hello Again Friends and Optimist,

This week will be an “out-of-this-world” presentation. Our guest, Amy Lientz, is a spokesperson for the Idaho National Laboratory. Amy will speak about Idaho’s contribution to the Mars Rover Mission and present some rare and unique photos from Mars. The NASA Rover now exploring Mars using INL’s radioisotope power system. Here is your chance to ask Amy all your questions about nuclear physics and get a first glance at some really cool pictures directly from Mars! Here is INL’s web link: http://www.inl.gov/marsrover/

Also, help increase the club’s gender diversity by inviting a female friend to breakfast! Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 23rd at our 0700 Breakfast Meeting at the Pancake House. We hope to see a lot of new guest this week!
Tom Crawford
Promise Yourself....To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

Four-time Olympian to speak to McCall Optimist Club

Hello Friends and Optimist,

I am very excited to announce this week’s speaker. We are fortunate to have four time Olympian Lyle Nelson as our guest. As many of you know, Lyle is a native of McCall and a national celebrity. Lyle is a very interesting, energetic and fun speaker and will share his message of “optimism” with us.

Here are a few of his biographies:

“Lyle Nelson competed in biathlon for the US at four Winter Olympics, and carried the US flag at the 1988 Opening Ceremony in Calgary. He won 13 US and North American championships during his career. Growing up in McCall, Idaho, Nelson captained the football, track, and ski teams at McCall High School. Nelson graduated from the US Military Academy with a degree in engineering in 1971. A US Army veteran, Nelson resigned in 1977 as a Captain, and then earned an MBA from Southern Cal and a PhD in human development from the Fielding Institute. He has since then become the Program Director for Integrative Medicine at the McCall Memorial Hospital. In his honor, the Nordic and snowshoe trail system at Tamarack Resort, near his home, was dedicated in his name.”

“The biathlon accomplishments of Lyle Nelson are founded in the sport’s demanding ingredients: discipline, dedication and determination. A native of McCall, Idaho, Lyle was a highly-acclaimed 1971 graduate of the United States Military Academy and later received a Master’s Degree in business from the University of Southern California. His biathlon skills and expertise helped advance the sport to the lofty position it enjoys worldwide. 

Nelson was a member of the U.S. Olympic Biathlon team in 1976, 1980, 1984 and 1988 and winner of 13 National and North American biathlon championships. He served as president of the United States Biathlon Association and was a national TV analyst for Nordic events during the 1994 and 1998 Olympic Winter Games. Nelson served as a sports and venue director during the Olympic Winter Games of 2002 and was founder and past president of the Soldier Hollow (Utah) Legacy Foundation.

An author and editor, Nelson was president of the Willamette Writers Association, one of the largest writers’ groups in the country.”

Come listen to Lyle speak this Tuesday, October 16th at our 0700 Breakfast Meeting at the Pancake House. Invite a friend. We hope to see you there!

Tom Crawford

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

Next meeting - October 2

Hello Friends and Optimist,

Tuesday, October 2nd at our 0700 Breakfast Meeting at the Pancake House, we have Ray Alford as our guest. Ray is the coordinator for the Senior Center here in McCall. The Senior Center is going through some changes and Ray would like to come talk to us about the status and the future of the facility.

Also, please come to the meeting to pick up your Harlem Ambassador tickets or call Mike Kohout at 630-5019.

 Mark your calendars to reserve the evening of October 10 for the Installation Dinner and welcome our new Officers for the McCall Optimist Club. We will start with a non-host cocktail hour at 5:30 PM and then dinner at 6:30 PM. We'll discuss the details this Tuesday.

We hope to see you there!

Tom Crawford
Promise Yourself....To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

Next Optimist Club Meeting Sept 25

Hello Friends and Optimist,
This week we have John Barth coming to talk to us about the events and programs coming up at the Manchester Ice and Event Center. John wants everyone to know about a discount on season tickets for the Jr Steelheads games. They will only be available for a short time.

Also, we have Harlem Ambassador tickets to distribute for sale now. Please come to the meeting to pick up tickets or call Mike Kohout at 630-5019.

We hope to see you there.

Tom Crawford
Promise Yourself....To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

Meeting on Sept 18 and Harlem Ambassadors

Hello Friends and Optimist,

Jim Crawford, Horticulturalist and owner of Buffalo Berry Farms of Lakefork, will come speak to us about native plants, the industry, and the opportunities here in McCall. Jim and his wife Margo Conitz, have successfully owned and operated Buffalo Berry Farms since 1994. BBF has conducted many educational field trips for our students and has provided several first time employment opportunities. Jim and Margo are very active in the community and are a great asset to natural resource management and native landscaping. Jim will show us a few slides and give out a few pointers about working with native vegetation. Here is their website: http://buffaloberryfarm.com/home.html

Important Info: We have Harlem Ambassadors tickets to distribute with instructions. Please try to attend the meeting to receive tickets to sale. If you can’t make the meeting contact Mike Kohout at 630-5019. We will need everyone’s participation to make this family fun filled event a success!

We hope to see you there.

Tuesday, Sept 18th, Meeting 7:00am at the Pancake house.


Tom Crawford
Promise Yourself....To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

Optimist Meeting, Sept 11 - Harlem Ambassador tickets available

Update: Tuesday, September 11, 2012. We will distribute the tickets and posters for the Harlem Ambassadors with instructions. We need everyones participation to make this family fun filled event a success!

Hello Friends and Optimist,

Meeting 7:00am at the Pancake house.

This week as guest speakers, we have Cathie Largent and Ned Crossley, Code Enforcement Officers of the McCall Police Department. They will introduce the Business Watch program. This program is similar to Neighborhood Watch with the focus on businesses. The Business Watch Program is new to McCall and a sign up process is underway. Attached is a brochure with additional information regarding the program benefits. Tell all your business owner friends about this new program and invite them to our breakfast meeting!

We hope to see you there.

Tom Crawford
Promise Yourself....To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

Optimist Meeting September 11

Hello Friends and Optimist,

This week as guest speakers, we have Cathie Largent and Ned Crossley, Code Enforcement Officers of the McCall Police Department. The will introduce the Business Watch program. This program is similar to Neighborhood Watch with the focus on businesses. The Business Watch Program is new to McCall and a sign up process is underway. Attached is a brochure with additional information regarding the program benefits. Tell all your business owner friends and invite them to our breakfast meeting!

We hope to see you there.

Tom Crawford

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

Meetings begin this week!

Hello Friends and Optimist,

I hope everyone has enjoyed the Summer. The kids are back in school and we are ready to kick off another great season of Optimist activities.

Important Meeting August 28, 2012 at the Pancake House at 7 AM
We have many things to discuss and assignments for Jazz on the Green. Alan Morrison from the McCall Golf Course will be our speaker. He will give us the last minute instructions on where he wants us to help with the Jazz on the Green. We will need to collect on the tickets the members have sold. Also at this meeting we have the Harlem Ambassadors Announcement ready to show to everyone.

Labor Day Weekend Flags!
We are be accepting "volunteers on a first come first serve basis" for this Labor Day weekend. We will put up Friday morning 8/31/12 at 7:00am and take down Monday evening 09/03/12 at 7:00pm. Volunteers should contact John Mansisidor, johnmansisidor@gmail.com at 634-6970 or 325-4458 to secure their position on the crew.

We hope to see you there.

Tom Crawford
Promise Yourself....To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

McCall Optimist Club social

Hello Friends and Optimist,

I hope everyone is enjoying this great Summer. 

On Sunday, July 29th starting at 2:00, Kermit Peterson will be hosting our Annual Optimist Family BBQ and meeting. This will be a great opportunity for all the Optimist Families to meet and socialize. The Club will furnish the hamburgers and hot dogs and drinks. Bring side dish or your favorite dessert. We will be holding a contest and will award a prize for the most popular dish! You may want to bring your own chairs. At that party we will update the members and families on the Jazz on the Green Sept 1st, and Harlem Ambassadors Oct. 27th. We have tickets and flyers to hand out.

Kermit’s house is just south of Donnelly and can be a little tricky to get to.

Please RSVP Kermit at 630-3371 or Mike Kohout at 630-5019.

We hope to see you there.

Tom Crawford

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

Summer update

Hello Friends and Optimist,

I hope everyone is enjoying their Summer.

Flags for Fourth of July, Flags Up Crew, Meet at Pancake House at 6:30 AM on Saturday, June 30th, The flags will left up for most of the week. Down Crew, contact Randy Basabe if you would like to help. 634-2464

We are looking for help with a booth for the McCall Centennial Celebration Street Fair on Wednesday, July 18th at the parking lot of Toll Station Pizza. The times are from 5:30 PM to 7;30 PM. We will be handing out free ice water and information about the Optimist. Contact me if you would like to help. 315-2714

On Sunday, July 29th starting at 2:00, Kermit Peterson will be hosting our Annual Optimist Family BBQ and meeting. This will be a great opportunity for all the Optimist Families to meet and socialize. The Club will furnish the hamburgers and hot dogs and drinks. Bring your favorite dessert because will be holding a contest and will award a prize! You may want to bring your own chairs.  At that party we will update the members and families on the Jazz on the Green Sept 1st, and Harlem Ambassadors Oct. 27th.

Kermit’s house is just south of Donnelly and can be a little tricky to get to. For directions, his telephone number is 208-325-8612.

We hope to see you there.

Tom Crawford

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

Last Optimist Presentation this Tue/ Senior Party Assignments

Hello Friends and Optimist,

This Tuesday will be our last program for the season, but it’s one you won’t want to miss. Isaac and Bjornen Babcock will speak about their experience spending a year in the Frank Church Wilderness filming wolves and other wildlife. PBS produced their work into the Nature film, River of No Return that premiered on April 18, 2012. Here is a chance to listen and talk to them about their incredible story. We will show a short clip, but you can see the preview or watch the full episode here:

http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/episodes/river-of-no-return/introduction/7618/ 

We hope to see you there.  

7:00am at the Pancake House

Tom Crawford

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

Optimist Meeting / May 29

Hello Again Optimist and Friends,

This Tuesday morning we have Larry Newton from Boise National Public Radio that will give a presentation on NPR's local community projects, activities, and support. It should be very interesting. Hope to see you there! 7:00am at the Pancake House

Tom Crawford

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

Optimist Meeting May 22

Hello Again Optimist and Friends,

This Tuesday morning we do not have a speaker but we will be having breakfast among friends and open discussion. There are still details to discuss about the Senior Party. Next week we have a representative from National Public Radio that will give a presentation.

7:00am at the Pancake House

Tom Crawford

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

Optimist Club Meeting Notice/May 15

Hello Optimist and Friends,

This Tuesday morning we will not have a speaker but will conduct an open Board meeting during breakfast at the Pancake House. All are invited. The details for the Senior Party and updates for the Harlem Ambassadors will be the main agenda. Also, we can discuss some of the work that was done on the scholarship evaluations.

Special Note of Thanks to the following members who worked hard on May 8, 2012 to judge this year's winner of the Essay Contest. Chairman Michael Yeakle, Randy Basabe, Dave Byars and Eric Watson. This is a hard job and they worked a long time on it. 

7:00am at the Pancake House

Tom Crawford

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

Optimist Meeting/Tue, May 8th, Wild Science Explorers

Hello Friends and Optimist ,

This week, we have Leslie Freeman, director of Wild Science Explorers.  Wild Science Explorers is a non-profit organization that takes teenagers on 3-6 day science education trips down the Lower Salmon River.  You can view their website here:  http://www.wildscienceexplorers.org/index.html  Leslie will talk about what is in store for this year and where the program is going.

Leslie is a Senior Water Quality Analyst and Watershed Protection Coordinator with the Idaho Dept of Environmental Quality.  She manages the State DEQ satellite office here in McCall.  Leslie has a passion for outdoor education for youth and spends many volunteer hours supporting community projects.  She has successfully written and coordinated several community grants such as Kids in the Woods, Valley County Pathways, and Boulder Creek Project with Donnelly Elementary School.

Come join us for breakfast and hear Leslie speak about a wonderful program for under-privilege youth.  (7:00 at the Pancake House)

Senior Party Message:

Attached you will find the Benefactor Letter for delivery to our supporters. It is double sided, but if you can’t print in color or double sided there is a stack of the letters at Mike Vineyards office for anyone to come pick up.  The spreadsheet has the list of responsibilities for all of our volunteers as well as a reference list for what was contributed last year by each benefactor. We will pick up prizes at the end of May and store them at Mike Gurney's office.  Please lend a hand if you can.

Tom Crawford

Promise Yourself....

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

Optimist Meeting/Tue, May 1st

Hello Optimist and Friends,

This week, we have a couple of guest from the Department of Labor to discuss the economy from the labor perspective.

Mr. Andrew Townsend is the Southwest Idaho Regional Labor Economist for the Idaho Department of Labor, and he will join our meeting next Tuesday, May 1st, to discuss the economy. Andrew will visit with us about the past and present economic conditions at the national, state and local levels, as well as projections for the future. Andrew has a degree in Economics from Boise State University. He has worked for the Department of Labor on several research projects, and has been in his current position for about a year. He previously worked as a television newscast director for the local ABC affiliate.

Ms. Pat Rowland is a Workforce Consultant at our Idaho Department of Labor Office here in McCall, and she has worked in about all aspects of "Job Service" operations in the last 20 years. She currently specializes re-training programs. Pat will join our meeting, as well, and will provide a few pertinent comments related to the economy and the programs with which she works.

Senior Party Message:
Attached you will find the Benefactor Letter for delivery to our supporters. It is double sided, but if you can’t print in color or double sided there is a stack of the letters at Mike Vineyards office for anyone to come pick up.

The spreadsheet has the list of responsibilities for all of our volunteers as well as a reference list for what was contributed last year by each benefactor. We will pick up prizes at the end of May and store them at Mike Gurney's office.

Planning committee should plan for a breakfast meeting next week at 7:30, likely on Thursday at the Fogglifter. 

Please lend a hand if you can.

Tom Crawford

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

Optimist Meeting/Tuesday April 24

Hello Optimist and Friends,

The Senior Party is right around the corner. This week at our breakfast meeting we need to plan for the big event coming up on June 2nd. Throwing a alcohol free party for the graduating Seniors is a long tradition with our club. The support and generosity from the community for this event is impressive. However, this year we are a little bit behind schedule. To get back on track, we need some extra help with contacting local merchants and later collecting their donations. Please lend a hand if you can. If you can’t make the meeting and would like to help, please call Mike Vineyard at 315-1136 or Tom Crawford at 315-2714.

7:00am at the Pancake House

Tom Crawford

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

Optimist Meeting/Tue, April 17

Hello Optimist and Friends,

This week, Susan Buescher, Payette Lakes Middle School Principal, has a presentation on “positive reinforcement” vs discipline and how it is applied at our school. Susan has much experience to share on using a positive spin with discipline while working with adolescence youth.

We’ll also need to talk briefly about the Senior Party. We’ll need some help to get the momentum moving.

I hope to you can make it. (7:00am at the Pancake House)

Also, there will be a Board Meeting tomorrow, April 17th, 5:30pm at the Golf Course Club House.

Tom Crawford

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

Optimist Meeting - Tuesday, April 10

Hello Fellow Optimist and Friends,

This week we have Jessica Travis from MYST, Mentoring Youth Supporting Teens, come to tell us about the new youth center, “The Yellow Couch”.   The doors are open for business and there is a lot going on with MYST program.  Come share Jessica’s enthusiasm about a great, new facility and program for our Teens.

We’ll also talk briefly about the Harlem Ambassadors and Board Elections.

I hope to you can make it. (7:00am at the Pancake House)

Also, there will be a Board Meeting on April 17th, 6pm at the Golf Course Club House.

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

Optimist Meeting Tuesday, 3/20

Hello Optimist, 

This week we have Bill Willey coming to have breakfast with us. Bill was born and raise here in Valley County. He has been a history teacher, rancher, and football coach. This year, Bill is running for Valley County Commissioner. Come and enjoy Bill’s good company and good humor. I hope to you can make it. 

Tom Crawford 

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

Optimist Meeting - March 6

Hello Optimist,

This week we have Gina Bonaminio, Fish Biologist for the Payette National Forest, coming to breakfast with us and presenting her program. Gina works with several youth groups, including the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) and the McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS). She manages a long term program of fish habitat and sediment monitoring which provides education and opportunities for young students. Come listen to Gina’s fresh perspective on Resource Management and Education.

I hope to you can make it.

Tom Crawford


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

Optimist Meeting Feb 28 - Stibnite!

Hello McCall Optimist.

So, what is happening at Stibnite Mine east of Yellowpine? Come Tuesday morning, 0700 February 28, and find out. Our guest speaker is Jim Egnew the Minerals Program Manager for the Payette National Forest. Jim has been real busy lately with the price of gold being up. There is a lot going on and big plans being made for Stibnite by Midas Gold INC. They call it the Golden Meadow Project. You can check out their website here: http://www.midasgoldcorp.com/s/sitetour.asp Stibnite has a long history in our region and a new chapter is in the works. Jim’s has some interesting slides to show. So bring a friend for breakfast and hear what is going on.

I hope to you can make it.

Tom Crawford

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

Optimist Meeting Tuesday, Feb 21 - Wolverines!

Hello Fellow Optimist.

Our guest speaker this Tuesday, February 21, 2012, is Rob Ryan a Wildlife Biologist for the Payette National Forest. Rob is assisting in the multi-partnership study of the relationships between Winter Recreation and Wolverines. This is the third year of the study here in McCall and it has expanded to other places in Central Idaho. The Biologist are discovering some interesting patterns. Come check out the cool slide show and bring a friend.

I hope to you can make it.

Tom Crawford

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

Hank Boomer given honors for Optimist Club leadership

Hank Boomer served as President of the McCall Optimist Club for two terms, 2009-10 and 2010-11, and he lead the group through a period of growth and regeneration. President Mike Kohout recognized Hank at this week's meeting as "Distinguished President" for the 2010-11 year, which had been announced at the PNW District Meeting in Twin Falls last Saturday. Mike presented Hank with a patch to be sewn on our banner in recognition of Hank's accomplishments. Congratulations and thank you, Hank! Job very well done!

Meeting Feb 6

Hello Fellow Optimist.

On Tuesday, February 6, 2012, Jan Partin from Boy Scouts of America, will talk to us about the Scouting Organization. Jan is the District Executive for the Seven Rivers District which covers McCall all the way west to Burns, Oregon. She will be discussing how the Boy Scouts of America is organized and the relationship between BSA and organizations like ours. She also like to discuss the "Friends of Scouting" program and the future establishment of the McCall's Boy Scout Troop 246.

We also have a couple of quick business items to cover and looking forward to a new guest.

I hope to you can make it.

Tom Crawford

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

College proposed in McCall, Idaho

Dr. L. Bryan Williams, PhD, the Organizing Director of the proposed McCall College, spoke to the McCall Optimist Club yesterday (01/31/2012) morning. 


Approximately 14 Optimists listened intently to Dr. Williams' vision of a two-year college that holds the potential to educate local students, to attract students from outside of our immediate area, and to enhance our local economy in several ways.  Dr. Williams and his group of organizers have identified a number of local individuals who possess PhD- and Masters-level credentials and who would be amply qualified to teach at the college.  Classes would initially be conducted in the Park Place Business Center.  


The McCall College is in its formative stages, and the future appears very bright for its development.  Additional information is available about the institution and its direction at www.McCallCollege.org.
 

Photo and story from Jim Thackeray.

Optimist Meeting January 30

On Tuesday, January 30, 2012, Dr. Brian Williams will talk to us about the McCall College located at the Park Place Building.  Higher education in McCall could soon become reality.  Dr. Williams will discuss the progress for this huge endeavor.  This could be a big boost to the community.  Let's welcome Dr. Williams and show him some support.

Hope to see you there.

Tom Crawford

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

Governor-elect visits the McCall Optimist Club

Larry Blackburn speaks to the
McCall Optimist Club 

Larry Blackburn, Governor-elect of the Pacific Northwest District traveled to the McCall Optimist Club on Tuesday, January 24.

Jim Thackeray shared the following photos and information about Larry and Flo's visit.

Larry Blackburn, Florence Blackburn,
and Mike Kohout, President McCall
Optimist Club

 

We had a great meeting this morning as about 15 folks enjoyed an inspirational visit by Pacific Northwest District Governor-Elect Larry Blackburn and his wife, Florence.  

Larry and Mike 

The Blackburns have been active for years in Optimist activities with the Caldwell Club, and Larry will serve as our next District Governor.  He shared his vision for the future of Optimism in the PNW District and throughout Idaho.  Among other things, he is looking very forward to fun and productive meetings here in McCall and in Twin Falls.   

He will rely on the support and participation of Optimists from McCall, and throughout the District, for the meetings to succeed.

Meeting on January 24 and Winter Carnival Planning

Hello fellow McCall Optimist.

Larry Blackburn and his wife Florentz will be with us on  Tuesday, January 24,2012  to talk about the PNW Optimist District as he is the Governor Elect of the PNW Optimist District.  He has some very interesting news for our Club and our members. 

We will also be discussing and planning Winter Carnival activities such as the Teen Dance, Parade Floats, and the Polar Plunge.  We will need everyone's support for success.

See you in the morning.

Tom Crawford

Optimist Meeting on Jan 17

Hello McCall Optimist,

This Tuesday, Jan 17, we have Jim Foudy as a guest speaker who makes a big positive difference for our youngest students.  Jim is the Barbara Morgan Elementary School Principal and will share with us his background, upcoming activities, and programs with the elementary grades.  Come join us for breakfast and meet Jim.

Also, there will be a Board meeting Tuesday evening at the McCall Golf Course, 6:00pm

Hope to see everyone there.

Tom Crawford

Optimist Secretaru

Jan 10 - Optimist Meeting announcement

Hello Everyone.

Winter Carnival is coming fast with or without snow! This Tuesday we have several guest joining us to discuss activities for Winter Carnival. Kimmi Onthank will give us an update on the Optimist Football Program and be discussing ideas for the Optimist Floats with the football players and cheerleaders. Last year we had two floats in the Parade and may do something similar this year. 

Also Sylvia Ryan and Jessicah Travis will join us. They would like to talk to us about the fund raisers they have planned during the Winter Carnival for the POTS and MYST programs. It should be a good meeting for discussions and planning.

Hope to see you there,

Tom Crawford

Optimist Announcement

Greetings!

I am pleased to announce that you will soon start receiving McCall Optimist Club announcements, reminders and news from Tom Crawford, our new Club Secretary. Tom is working very closely with President Mike and the Board of Directors, and we've got another great year of Optimism underway.

Thanks,
Jim