Optimist Meeting - December 17

Hello Friends and Optimist,

Dean Cromwell is part owner of Axiom Energy Solutions, founder of the Payette River Bicycle Movement, and full-time resident of McCall. He is an avid cyclist whom gained inspiratiodn from the Boise Bike Project. He is leveraging his passion for cycling, inspiration from the Boise Bike Project, and desire to help youth in the community through the his organization, Payette River Bicycle Movement. Dean will teach us about his organization, it's mission, and how he is helping our community one bike and one child at a time. For a sneak preview of Dean's project please visit www.payetteriverbicyclemovement.org.

Also, we started a lottery program for a free breakfast. A name from our club roster will be drawn each week and the club will buy their breakfast at the next meeting. This week's winner is Kermit Pederson!


Tom Crawford, secretary
Promise Yourself....... To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Optimist Meeting - December 10

Hello McCall Optimist.

Tomorrow morning we will have a very distinguished guest at our breakfast meeting, Retired Army Colonel Gene Tyler. Colonel Tyler will describe his 40 year career in the Military and his work on National Security and speak about some of his experiences. Don’t miss a chance to hear to a unique perspective and ask questions on National Security issues.

NEWS: Kermit’s house and garage burned down last Thursday and he lost all of his possessions. It was a close call for Kermit but he wants everyone know that he is still alive and kicking. He going to try to be at the morning meeting. It is a tough time for him. We will be discussing ways we can help Kermit and give him our support.

The Installation/Christmas Dinner is tomorrow night, Dec 10th, at the McCall Golf Course, starting at 5:30pm. Cocktails will be at 5:30 and dinner at 6:00. The Golf Course has a new chief and will be serving either Beef Stroganoff or an Orange/Chicken entre with a Caesar salad for under $20. Please, RSVP asap to give the Club House an idea of how many to prepare for. Just let us know if you can attend and what entre you would like. Invite a friend. Thank you.

Tom Crawford, secretary

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

December 3 Optimist Meeting

Hello McCall Optimist.

I hope everyone had a happy Thanksgiving. Tomorrow morning 7am, Dec 2nd, we do not have a speaker but instead we will conduct a board meeting. Everyone is welcome. The more the merrier. We will be discussing the program for next week’s dinner and other winter activities. The Installation/Christmas Dinner is next Tuesday, Dec 10th, at the McCall Golf Course, starting at 5:30pm. Also, if there is time, I will present the some of the useful features of the Optimist International website and Pacific Northwest website.

Reminder: to RSVP for the dinner, please just reply to any of my emails. Cocktails will be at 5:30 and dinner at 6:00. The Golf Course has a new chief and will be serving either Beef Stroganoff or an Orange/Chicken entre with a Caesar salad for under $20. Please, RSVP by Dec 9th, to give the Club House an idea of how many to prepare for. Just let us know if you can attend and what entre you would like. Invite a friend. Thank you.

Tom Crawford, secretary

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

Installation Dinner to be held on December 10

Hello McCall Optimist,

On Tuesday, December 10th, we will hold our annual Installation Dinner for new officers at the McCall Golf Course Club House. Cocktails will be at 5:30 and dinner at 6:00. The Golf Course has a new chief and will be serving either Beef Stroganoff or an Orange/Chicken entre with a Caesar salad for under $20. Please, RSVP by Dec 9th, to give the Club House an idea of how many to prepare for. Just send a reply back to this email and let us know if you can attend and what entre you would like. Thank you.

Tom Crawford, secretary

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

Optimist Meeting November 25 - Bill Anderson

Hello Friends and Optimist,

Tomorrow morning, Tuesday, Nov 25th, 0700 at the Pancake House, Bill Anderson will be our guest. Bill teaches World History and Weight Training, and is the Head Coach for the Cross County and Track and Field teams. The Cross Country team just finished a terrific season with several young athletes showing outstanding promise. Bill can discuss the upcoming Track and Field season and any opportunities McCall Optimist can help out. Come have breakfast with one of McCall’s most successful and inspiring coaches.


Tom Crawford, secretary

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

Optimist Meeting November 19

Hello Friends and Optimist,

Tomorrow morning, Tuesday, Nov 19th, 0700 at the Pancake House, Andy Cochrane will be our guest. Andy is very dedicated to the education of the youth of our community. He teaches Developmental Math at MDHS, is head of the Talented and Gifted program, the Science and the Robotics Club, and also volunteers his time as a Scoutmaster and leading First Lego League. At our meeting tomorrow we will spend some time discussing all these programs with Andy. Come join us for breakfast and meet to one of McCall’s best “Friends of Youth”.

Here is Andy’s Biography:

My science teaching career began in 1989 when I accepted a biology teaching job Fruitland. Since then I have also taught courses in physical science, physics, chemistry, calculus, math analysis, and algebra 2. While completing my bachelor of science at the University of Alaska, I became interested in teaching through a ski instructor’s clinic. Following three years of ski instructing and coaching, I returned to college at the University of Idaho to earn a teaching certificate. In 2001 I returned with my wife (an MDHS alumnus) and children to my native hometown of McCall and have been teaching physical science, chemistry, chemistry in the community, and physics since then. It has been a dream come true to move back to McCall and raise my own family here. I have served in extracurricular positions including science club advisor, interact club advisor, track coach and cross-country running coach.


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

Meeting tomorrow, October 29

Hello Everyone.

The Pancake House is back in business with a new paved parking lot! We will have our breakfast meeting this coming Tuesday and Jodie Lea will be our guest. Jodie is a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern and Life Coach at the Integrative Medical Clinic here in McCall. She just got back from a trip to Asia and will speak about her adventures.

Jodie's background includes instructing Yoga, directing children’s theatre and teaching creative dramatics and creative writing to elementary and middle school students, teaching and counseling youth-at-risk in the Alternative High School and the Juvenile Detention Center, counseling and educating victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, and working as a substance abuse counselor. Jodie has a BA in Psychology from the New School University in New York City and an MA in Counseling Psychology from the Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara, California.

I hope everyone can make it: 7:00am at the Pancake House, Tuesday, October 29th.

Tom Crawford,
Optimist Secretary


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

Next meeting will be October 29

Hello Optimist,
The Pancake House is scheduled to be closed on Tuesday. Our next
meeting will be Oct 29th, 0700 at the Pancake House. Jodie Lea will
speak about her travels in Asia. I hope everyone can enjoy the Fall
sunshine. Take care.

Tom

Optimist Meeting - October 15

Hello Optimist,

Just a reminder, we will have a regular breakfast meeting tomorrow, Oct 15th, at 7am at the Pancake House.  Fire Chief, Mark Billmire will be our guest speaker.  Afterwards at 8am, we will hold a short Board Meeting.   

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

No meeting this week, but we'll be back on October 15!

Hello Optimist,
We will not be meeting on Tuesday because the Pancake House will be closed. On Monday, Oct 14th, we will be putting the flags up and down for Columbus Day. Please call Randy Basabe, 315-4374, if you can help on the up and down crew.

We will have a regular breakfast meeting next week, Oct 15th, at 7am at the Pancake House. Fire Chief, Mark Billmire will be our guest speaker. Afterwards at 8am, we will hold a short Board Meeting.

See you next week.
Tom Crawford, Secretary
Promise yourself.....To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet

Learn to play pickleball at the next McCall Optimist Club meeting

Hello Friends and Optimist,

Oct 1st Optimist Meeting, Pancake House, 7am.

Pickleball, one of America’s fastest growing recreational sports, is exploding in popularity thanks to its fun-filed, easy-to-learn and safe play. Just hit a plastic whiffle-type ball over a net on a miniature sized tennis court (indoors and outdoors), and you’re on your way to a great lifetime sport perfect for both children, baby boomers, and seniors.

On October 1st, Robert Sweetgall, often called The Real Forrest Gump, and the only person to have walked through all 50 states, 11,208 miles in one straight year, will share how he became involved in Pickleball while giving all of us creative ways to promote physical activity, health & even Pickleball for ourselves, family & community. Robert Sweetgall is the author of 19 books and is considered one of America’s pioneering leaders in the area fitness, health & walking. It just so happens he decided to settle down to live in McCall, Idaho after walking through all 50 states!

Come join us for breakfast and enjoy good fellowship and learn about pickleball.

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

Optimist Meeting Sept 24

Hello to all.

Local life and health insurance and investment representative Shawn Miller will be our guest speaker next Tuesday morning.  His topic?  "Navigating the Affordable Care Act".

Shawn was born in Chicago, at a time when covered wagon was the primary means of transportation.  Nevertheless, he graduated in biology from Central College in Iowa, then went on to earn a Masters of Science in Aquatic Biology at Idaho State University.  Shawn then went to work for two years at Argonne National Laboratory writing environmental impact statements for Liquid Metal Fast Breeder reactors.

He then shifted gears and moved to McCall in 1973, and was a social worker for ten years for the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.  Shawn then went to work with his wife Joy in Weller Miller Insurance and Financial services where he specialized in Life and Health Insurance and Investment products, the line of work in which he continues to this day.

Shawn has been active in many local and statewide organizations--past president of McCall Rotary; the Idaho State Treasurers Investment Consortium, Grants Review Panel member of the Idaho Community Foundation, McCall Chapter president and State Council chair of Idaho Trout Unlimited, many years as Winter Carnival Variety show chairman, and is a charter Board Member of the Idaho Black History Museum.

Please join us for breakfast, 0700 at the Pancake House for an informative, entertaining presentation on a very timely topic.

Optimist Sept 17th - Julia Newman, Little Ski Hill

Hello Friends and Optimist,

Tomorrow morning, Tuesday, Sept 17th, 0700 at the Pancake House, Julia Newman will come talk to us about this year’s program with the Little Ski Hill and the upcoming fund raiser event this weekend. Here is their latest announcement:

Just a reminder that the Golf and Grill Fundraiser is a week from Saturday at Jug Mountain Ranch! You do not want to miss this event! 

We have received some incredible items for the silent auction including a three day raft trip from North Star River Expeditions, race skis from Sun Valley Ski Tools, a Nordic lesson for up to eight people from Lyle Nelson including all equipment, appetizers, and wine, great vacation packages from McCall Adventure Cabins, and tons more!

Restoration Pro and Mountain Town Homes have generously sponsored CASH prizes for the winners of the putt and longest drive challenges!

The food and drinks are going to be delicious, and the evening is guaranteed to be fun for all! Please join us on Saturday, September 21 at 5:30pm at Jug Mountain Ranch as we kick off another great season and support the Payette Lakes Ski Club!

You're Invited!

Payette Lakes Ski Club

Golf and Grill Fundraiser

Saturday, September 21 at Jug Mountain Ranch

Silent Auction | Golf Challenges | Raffle

Live Music by Tom Chapman

Doors open at 5:30pm

$50 per person

Includes BBQ dinner and dessert

Beer and wine

Tickets available at www.littleskihill.com

or

contact Julia at 739-8831 www.news@littleskihill.org

Hope to see you there!

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

Welcome back, Optimists

Hello Friends and Optimist,

I hope everyone had a great summer! We are starting up our regular weekly meetings this Tuesday, Sept 10th, 0700 at the Pancake House. Spread the word. It will be good to see everyone again. We would like to discuss how the Convention worked out and talk about some of the things we learned. It was a lot of fun!

Also, we need to figure out what to do with two donated tickets to this event:

Payette Lakes Ski Club

Golf and Grill Fundraiser

Saturday, September 21 at Jug Mountain Ranch

Silent Auction Golf Challenges Raffle

Live Music by Tom Chapman

Doors open at 5:30pm

$50 per person

Includes BBQ dinner and dessert

Beer and wine

Tickets available at www.littleskihill.info

or

contact Julia at 739-8831 www.news@littleskihill.org

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

PNW Optimist District Convention Next Week!

Hello McCall Optimist!

The PNW Optimist Convention starts in less than a week! Let's show our fellow Optimist our City of McCall. We have a lot to be proud of and we will be putting up the flags for the convention. The planning for the Convention is mostly complete. However, to make this convention a success, we need to have our members step forward and help if they can. Volunteers are still needed for a variety of jobs. We are organizing a scavenger hunt with the businesses that have a flag account. Contact Michael Yeakle or Tom Crawford for an assignment.

Opening ceremonies will start up Sunday at 7pm. We will be hosting the "Hospitality Room" at the Hunt Lodge Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday starting around 8:30pm. We need a few more people who would like to pour drinks and socialize in the evening. It will be a great way to get to know your fellow Optimist in the Region. This is also a fund raiser for scholarships.

On Monday afternoon, more help is needed to setup the BBQ at Ponderosa Park. Jeff Luff will be using a convection oven to cook pulled pork with his own sauce creations. It will be excellent. We also need extra help gathering coolers and supplies. We have a very special guest who will be speaking during the BBQ. Eddie Murphy will tell us about his experience being Second in Command of the USS Pueblo during the crisis when North Korea took the ship and held him and his crew prisoners for 11 months. Lt Ed Murphy has a fascinating historical story. Don’t miss the chance to meet him.

The Convention will come to a close Tuesday with the Banquet. The President of Optimist International will be the keynote speaker. There will be several special presentations including our President Michael Yeakle. Michael will speak about our Senior Sober Party to be consider for national adoption.

Convention information and registration can be found here: http://www.pnwdistrictoptimist.com/p/district-convention.html

Tickets for the meals must be purchased Sunday evening. Call Tom if you can't be there Sunday but want a ticket. The BBQ cost is $12 per person, ($6 for helping members) and the Banquet cost is $30 per person.

I hope everyone can make the time to take advantage of a great opportunity to learn more about being a part of Optimist International.

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

Michael Yeakle, 469-9293, Club President
Tom Crawford, 315-2714, Club Secretary

PNW District Optimist Convention Planning

Hello Optimist,

We re-scheduled the planning meeting for the Regional Convention for Tuesday, Jul 23, 7am at the Pancake House.  We hope this is a better time for most members.  At the meeting we will go over the schedule for the convention and discuss the details and work to be done.  As the host club, we are responsible for the BBQ, the hospitality room, and some of the logistics.  This event will be a big benefit to our club and hometown. If you can help out in anyway, but can't make this meeting, just let me know. 

We will also hold a Board meeting shortly afterwards at 8am.  Everyone is welcome to attend. 

The Pacific Northwest Convention website and registration can be found here: http://www.pnwdistrictoptimist.com/p/district-convention.html

Looking forward to seeing everyone again!

Tom Crawford, secretary 

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

Last regular meeting, June 4 - but there's more!

Hello Friends and Optimist,
We will hold our last regular meeting this Tuesday, June 4th, 7:00am at the Pancake House. Our scholarship recipient Weston Appa and his parents are invited to breakfast. We hope they can make it.

We should discuss how the Senior Party went over and take notes for next year's event. Thanks to everyone's hard work to make it successful. Also, we will have several planning meetings leading up to the August convention. The next meeting is June 18th, 8:00am at the Pancake House.

It's going to be a great summer!

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

Optimist Meeting May 28

Hello Friends and Optimist,

This week we have Brett Armacost coming to talk about us about Payette Lake Cruises. As many of us know, there is a new big boat on the lake. Brett will give us the details about their business and discuss possible opportunities for our out of town guest during the convention this summer. The website is: http://www.mccalllakecruises.com/

Also, attached you will find digital copies of the letter to benefactors and the assignments we reviewed at the meeting on Tuesday.

Thank you and thanks to Mike Vineyard for his leadership on this.

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

Optimist Meeting - 5/14

Hello Optimist,
This coming weekend Mike Kohout will be speaking about club insurance at the regional convention in Richland, Wa. Mike will deliver his message at our morning meeting this Tuesday in preparation for the convention. There is some important insurance considerations we as a club should discuss. Come share your thoughts and company and let's give Mike a good send off.

Aslo, there will also be more discussion about the Senior Party.

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

Optimist Meeting on May 7 - Learn about Operation Outreach Afghanistan

Greetings Friends and Optimist,
We have another very interesting program this Tuesday that you will not want to miss. 

 Treone Cooley will present a slideshow on Operation Outreach Afghanistan. This organization is located in Afghanistan and made up of volunteers from the U.S. Military, NATO, and civilians contractors. They help the children and families of this improverished country. 

 Treone has worked as a volunteer on this project during her several assignments in Afganistan. The organization distrubutes donations from all over the world, providing supplies to Hospitals, Villages, Orphanages, and Schools in need. 

Some of the things that Outreach has distributed include: food, clothing, school supplies, basic medical items, and in some cases they have coordinated medical care with other organizations.
Here is the organization's website: http://www.opoutreach.org/

This Tuesday, May 7th, 0700 at the Pancake House. I hope you can make it.

Tom Crawford, secretary

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

Double your fun at the Optimist Club meeting - April 30

Hello Everyone,

Hank just got back from the Arctic and has an opportunity to present his photos of trip on Baffin Island. Baffin Island is up in the Canadian Arctic and is the 5th largest island in the world. Hank’s has some really interesting photos of the landscapes and life in the Arctic. Come check out the lifestyle in Nunavut, Canada.

We will still have a brief discussion on the Senior Party coming up.

Tomorrow morning, Tuesday, April 30th, 7:00am, Pancake House.


Tom Crawford, secretary

Promise yourself...to make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

Optimist Meeting April 30

Hello Friends and Optimist,

Spring is finally here and it is that time of year again to plan for the Senior Party. We will be discussing the annual event and looking for help to collect donations from our supporters.

Also, I will be giving a short presentation on Wood Badge, a Boy Scout Adult Leadership training that is held twice a year here at Camp Morrison.

I hope to see you there. Tuesday, April 30th, 7:00am, Pancake House

Tom Crawford, secretary

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

Midas Gold at Optimist Club Meeting, April 23

Hello Friends and Optimist,

This week, we are fortunate have Jane Suggs coming to speak to us about the Gold Meadows Project, (Stibnite).  Jane is the Community Relations Manager for Midas Gold Inc.  You can check out their website here: http://midasgoldidaho.com  Don’t miss out, it will be an interesting program.  

Tuesday, April 23, 7:00am, Pancake House

Tom Crawford, secretary
Promise Yourself....... To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

Next Meeting - April 16

Hello Friends and Optimist,

Dr Brian Williams from McCall College will come update us on the latest news about the new college. You can check out the website here: http://mccallcollege.org/index.php


Come join us this Tuesday at Pancake House,7:00 am.

Tom Crawford, secretary


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

April 2 Optimist Meeting - Gina Bonaminio Africa Adventures

Hello Friends and Optimist,

This week we have Gina Bonaminio coming to talk about her adventures in Africa. Gina will show some of her photos of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and monitoring African wildlife. She was successful in connecting students in Africa with Sarah Wolf’s 3rd grade students from Barbra Morgan Elementary. Don’t miss out, please join us for breakfast!

Tuesday at Pancake House,7:00 am.

Tom Crawford, secretary

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

Mar 5th Optimist Meeting, Ron Howell - Fly Fish McCall

Hello Friends and Optimist,

I am excited to announce Ron Howell, from Fly Fish McCall, is coming to speak at our breakfast meeting this week. Ron have lived here 13 years guiding and teaching fly fishing. He also assists in coaching the HS girls basketball and does custom furniture construction. He has a great website you can see here: http://flyfishmccall.net/


Here is an excerpt from the website:

”Ron Howell – OwnerI have been blessed to be a licensed guide and outfitter in Idaho for over 30 years. My guiding career has taken me to Alaska, Montana, Idaho, Florida, Belize and Crooked Island Bahamas. I very much enjoy teaching the art of casting. I like to emphasize proper casting and often begin a day of guiding by stopping at a local grassy field and brush up your cast. The last 12 years I have dedicated myself to learning the McCall area lakes and reservoirs. My attraction to this area is the beauty of the country and the absence of fishing pressure. I have heard it said that God does not subtract from our lives time spent fishing…If that is true I shall live to be very, very, very old… “

Join us for breakfast and let’s share a few fishing stories. Tomorrow at Pancake House,7:00 am.

Tom Crawford, secretary

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

February 26 - Optimist Meeting

Hello Friends and Optimist,

Richard Taplin, Ponderosa Park Manager, is coming to speak at our breakfast meeting this Tuesday, March 26th. As most of you know we are the hosting club for the Regional Optimist International Convention this August. We are still in planning process but we are considering having a barbecue event at Ponderosa Park. Richard can fill us in on the facilities and capabilities of the Park and will be available to answer questions. Also, we want to make sure our guest are aware about all the opportunities to enjoy the best state park in Idaho.

Please join us for breakfast this Tuesday at Pancake House,7:00 am.

Tom Crawford, secretary
Promise Yourself....... To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

Feb 12, Optimist Meeting and Regional Convention Planning

Hello Optimist,

We are holding an important board meeting this Tuesday at our normal morning breakfast meeting. All members are encourage to attend. The main discussion is the preparation for the Regional Convention. This will be a fun event and a great opportunity for recognition of our club and hometown.

I have information to share that I received at the zone meeting last Saturday. We have a few immediate action items that we need to take care of. The main responsibilities for the hosting club are handling local logistics, securing the venue, finding a caterer for 2 meals, and hosting the bar-bq. There will be plenty of opportunities for recreational activities in which we, as a club, will help facilitate.

Please join us for breakfast this Tuesday at Pancake House,7:00 am.

Tom Crawford, secretary
Promise Yourself....... To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

Chowder sales this Saturday and meeting on Feb 5

Hello Friends and Optimist,

The Little Ski Hill just had their 75th anniversary! This Tuesday, Feb. 5th, Colby Nielsen, Mountain Manager of the Little Ski Hill, will come talk to us about all the programs and race events that is happening this season.

Built in 1937 as a winter diversion for local forest workers, the Little Ski Hill has served the region’s youth and skiing community for over 65 years. Located two miles north of McCall, Idaho on highway 55, this small but action-packed facility has an alpine hill served by a T-bar providing 405 vertical feet of terrain which is the only lit ski and snowboard hill in the area. Plus 30 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails located at their new facility Little Bear Basin.

Check out their website here: http://littleskihill.info/

We will be selling Chili and Chowder again this Saturday from 10-4 on the corner at the Chevron Station. Drop by to lend a hand or just have a bowl of soup. Any questions call Micheal @ 469-9293 or Tom @ 315-2714.

Come join us for breakfast this Tuesday at Pancake House,7:00 am.

Tom Crawford, secretary
Promise Yourself....... To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

Jan 15th Optimist Meeting, George Pool, Winter Carnival & Board Meeting

Hello Friends and Optimist,

Tomorrow morning, George Pool will come to our breakfast meeting to discuss the Meals on Wheels and the After-School programs. George is a retired Civil Engineer but spends a very generous amount of his time working on these programs among others. George would like to share some information on the status of these important programs.

After George's presentation, we will discuss winter carnival activities, logistics, plans. There is a great need for volunteers especially the first weekend of Winter Carnival. We plan on operating a "Chowder and Chili" tent, assisting in chaperoning the teen dance held by the Track Team, and having two floats in the Parade. Contact Michel Yeakle or Tom Crawford if you have any time to help. Mechel @ 469-9293, Tom @ 315-2714.

January's Board Meeting will be held at 8:00, right after the regular morning meeting.
Come join us for breakfast tomorrow at Pancake House,7:00 am.

Tom Crawford, secretary
Promise Yourself....... To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

McCall Optimists announce Optimist Youth Wrestling Program

Please spread the word that Optimist Youth Wrestling begins next Tuesday, January 15, at 5:45 p.m. at the high school wrestling room. Coaches are Scott Erekson (Sr.), Scott Erekson (Jr.) who is the 2012 Idaho high school wrestling coach of the year, Graham Pinard, Tommy Lowen, Kenny Pyle, and yours truly. We have a quality, experienced coaching staff, and we'll have a lot of fun.

All kids in grades 3-6 are welcome and invited. We'll practice at the same time every Tuesday and Thursday until February 14.

We will have two public events--mini-tournaments right before the finals of the varsity's Mile High Invitational January 19th, and just before the finals of the District Tournament, also hosted by MDHS February 16th.

Jan 7 - Optimist Meeting - Keith Lannom, Payette National Forest Supervisor

Happy New Year Friends and Optimist,

I hope everyone had a great holiday. Tomorrow morning at the Pancake House, at 7:00 am, we are starting the new year with guest speaker Keith Lannom, Payette National Forest Supervisor. Keith will come to discuss the current issues and activities on the Forest and address any questions you may have.

As Forest Supervisor, Keith is responsible for the management of the Payette National Forest which is over 2.3 million acres of National Forest land and comprised of five Ranger Districts. Keith has been Forest Supervisor here in McCall since July, 2011. Before coming to McCall, Keith was the Deputy Forest Supervisor at the White Mountain National Forest in Campton, New Hampshire. He has previous experience in the Intermountain Region working for the Remote Sensing Applications Center in Salt Lake City. He received both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Forestry from Mississippi State University. Lannom enjoys flat and white water kayaking, cross-country skiing, and running. He participates in road races and half marathons. He also enjoys spending time outdoors with his family.

Come for breakfast tomorrow morning and take the opportunity to get to know Keith and ask questions about the management of our surrounding National Forest Lands. We will also hold a brief discussion on Winter Carnival activities and schedule an additional planning session. I hope everyone can make it. Drive safe.

Tom Crawford, secretary
Promise Yourself....... To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.