Rowan House Emergency Women's Shelter Needs Our Help

Hello AMS & NW,

Can your club meet the Bozeman Breakfast Optimist Club challenge? High River Optimists can! The Regina Downtowners can!

The Bozeman Breakfast Club responded to the terrible news in June of flooding in High River by asking if they could help through the local Optimist Club. The High River Club has elected to direct its assistance to the Rowan House Emergency Women’s Shelter and suggests that other clubs do the same. Cheques can be made payable to “Rowan House” (a registered charity that can issue charitable donation receipts for Individuals).

Some background:

• The mission of Rowan House is to provide crisis intervention, long-term support and education for those affected by family violence in rural communities. in southern Alberta.
• The floods of June made their lower level unusable and forced evacuation of residents.
• Two months later, they have their security system operational and have reconfigured the main floor to permit limited acceptance of clients, but still do not have use of the basement which housed facilities for child care, counselling and staff work area.
• www.rowanhouse.ca has more details.
• Most of the businesses in the core of downtown stand vacant, awaiting the drying process to complete and for assessments of the viability of the building structures.

What have Optimists done so far?

• The Bozeman Breakfast Optimist Club sent a cheque for $1,000 and issued a challenge to other clubs to match them.
• The Optimist Club of High River gave a cheque for $1,000.
• The Regina Downtowners committed a minimum of $1,000.
• The District Convention in Great Falls raised $1,010 by contributing fine pot contents and passing the hat!
• Jim McWilliams wrote a personal cheque.

If you or your club are in a position to help, you can send cheques directly to Rowan House (Box 5121, High River, AB T1V 1M3) or you could send them to me and I will deliver them (Duane Kelly, Box 34 Site 1 RR1, Millarville, AB T0L 1K0). Either way, if you could drop me a note, I will keep track of totals.

Originally submitted by:  Duane Kelly - charter member of the Optimist Club of High River

2013 Annual District Convention Invitation

You are invited to the 2013 Annual District Convention scheduled for August 22-24, 2013 in Great Falls, Montana.

Enjoy the hospitality of the Great Falls Optimist Clubs and take the opportunity to meet with the District Team led by our Governor, Nick Markowsky.

Early Registration Deadline: August 9, 2013

Hotel:  Holiday Inn & Conference Center, 400 10th Ave S, Great Falls, MT. ~ Call (406) 727-7200 for reservations.

Themes & Activities:

* Fishing Derby / Duck Race (Thursday evening)
* 70's Garb for Best Dressed Contests (Friday evening)
* Golf (Saturday afternoon)
* Governor's banquet (Saturday evening)

Agenda: 2013 Annual District Convention Agenda (coming soon)

Training:  Workshop Schedule (coming soon)

How to Register: Both a "Kids & Companion Programs" are available so you can bring the entire family. Just complete a Registration Form and book your room before they are all reserved!

Submitted by Opt Dan Petersen, Great Falls Uptown Optimist Club

Early Registration is May 3, 2013 for the next AMS&NW District Conference

Invitation & Registration Details: Register before May 3, 2013 for early registration prices of $90/$70/$40 Member/Companion/Child, otherwise add $10 per member/companion at the door.

Just complete a Registration Form and book your room before they are all reserved!

Conference Agenda: 

Alberta – Montana – Saskatchewan – Northern Wyoming Optimist District 

Third Quarter Conference 

May 17 - 18, 2013

Friday, May 17, 2013
4:00 – 8:00 PM Registration
5:00 PM Executive Meeting
7:00 - Fun Night (What a night it will be????)

Saturday, May 8, 2013
8:00 AM: Meeting called to order by Zone 6 by Lt. Gov
- Presentation of Flags and National Anthems
- Civic Welcoming Address
- Introduction of Governor
- Appointment of Parliamentarian
- Appointment of Sergeant at Arms
- Introduction of Past Governors
- Introduction of TEAM OPTIMIST
– Lt. Governors and Committee Chairs
- Introduction of First Timers
8:30 AM:  Lt Governors Reports /First Timers Orientation –Roger Lesofski
9:15 AM:  Committee Presentations – Juvenile Curling, Junior Golf, Childhood Cancer Campaign, Youth Clubs, Membership, New Club Building
10:00 AM:  Break
10:15 AM: Oratorical Contest – Shirley Green
Noon Luncheon
- “Building for the Future”
- Optimist International Foundation Awards – DFR- Doug Kirby
- Announcement of Essay Winner with Video – Brian Wallace
- Announcement of Oratorical Winners – Shirley Green
1:15-2:05 PM:  Workshop Sessions – Locations to be announced
- PGI – Jeff Barnhart
- Childhood Cancer Campaign – Edie McInnis
-Youth Clubs – Glen Kreller
- Building a non-traditional optimist Club—Don Morrison
2:10-3:00 PM:  Workshop Sessions
-Membership (are you really recruiting) – Jeff Barnhart
- New Club Building ( Let the new clubs begin) - Glenn Kreller
- Internet Safety - Brian Wallace
3:15 PM:  Meeting Resumes
- District Secretary - Approve minutes of previous meeting and financial report
- LET’S GO to Cincinnati – International Ambassador & Past Gov Ted Huber
- LET’S GO to the AMS&NW Convention in Great Falls - Dan Peterson
- Closing Remarks Optimist Creed
4:00 PM: Club Presidents’ Meeting
6:00 PM:  LET’S GO SOCIALIZE
7:00 PM:  Governor’s Dinner - Governor Nick Markowsky

Soaring to Greater Heights for Children
 Governor AMS&NW District 13
Nick A Markowsky
462-23 Street East Prince Albert, SK S6V 1P8
Ph 306-764-6199 Fax 306-764-9149
nmarkowsky@sasktel.net

Clubs ... Sponsor a Local Youth to the District Oratorical Contest

Has your club started preparations for running a local Oratorical Contest?  Why not?

Please consider running a club competition and sponsoring a winner to compete in the Zone, Regional and District Speak-offs.

Topic:  "Why My Voice is Important"

Who: Students  under the age of 19 who have not yet graduated from high school or the equivalent and who are educated in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean.

When:  Speak-Off Contests Competitors will participate in a series of "Speak-off Contests" with the finalists moving forward to participate in the next highest level speak-off. These speak-off contests are scheduled so that the finalists will compete in a District Speak-Off:

• Club Speak-off: This is the entry level contest were one or several clubs will conduct a community-level speak-off contest to select one male and female finalist per club to compete at a Zone speak-off.
• Zone Speak-off: The club finalists will compete in a multi-community competition to select a male and female finalist to move forward to compete in a Regional speak-off.
• Regional Speak-off: The zone finalists will compete in a province or state level competition to select a male and female finalist to move forward to compete in the District speak-off.
• District Speak-off: The District Speak-off between the Regional finalists will be held in Calgary, Alberta during the 3rd Quarter District Conference in Billings, MT during the 17-18 May 2013 weekend.

How:  Contact Shirley Green (the District Oratorical Competition Chair) for more details.  Clubs can find all of the details, instructions, forms and planning guides on the Optimist International Oratorical Contest webpage.

2012-13 3rd Quarter District Conference Invitation

You are invited to the 3rd Quarter District Conference scheduled for May 17-18, 2013 in Billings, Montana. Enjoy the hospitality of the Billings Optimist Clubs and take the opportunity to meet with the District Team led by our Governor, Nick Markowsky.

Early Registration Deadline: May 3, 2013

Hotel: Billings Hotel & Convention Center, 1223 Mullowney Lane., Billings, Montana, U.S. Call (406) 248-7151 or 1-800-537-7286 for reservations.

Both a "Kids" and a "Companions" Program will be available so you can bring the entire family. The theme is "May Fest" Like Oktoberfest but the weather is so much nicer. Friday night games of skill and chance with a Bavarian twist. Prizes galore! Special prizes for Best Dressed Bavarian.

Early arrival bonuses:  Thursday golf outings available. Thursday night soirée hosted by Past Outstanding and Distinguished Governor Doug Kirby. Check the Registration Form for details.

Just complete a Registration Form and book your room before they are all reserved!

Originally submitted by Optimists Debbie & Jay Strever, Combined  Optimist Clubs of Billings

2nd Quarter District Notes from Glen (Gov-Elect)

To the Optimists of AMSNW District

I want to thank the members of the District that attended the 2nd Quarter meeting in High River, AB. Those that attended were treated to a great meeting hosted by Pat Shorrock and the members of the Optimist Club of High River. To them we owe a great big "Thank You". I was somewhat apprehensive about my short notice to chair this meeting due to the unfortunate illness of both Governor Nick and Immediate Past Governor Ted. Thank you to the members of the District that made the job easier. Hopefully both Governor Nick and Immediate Past Governor Ted are both feeling better.

One of the major items that was proposed and passed by a vote of the Board of
Directors was the splitting of Zone 8 creating a new Zone 10. Zone 10 will comprise the Clubs of Northeastern Montana. This was also the meeting to recognize Clubs that had achieved Honor or Distinguished status. The Honor status Clubs were the Dinner Optimist club of Edmonton, the Beverly Optimist Club of Edmonton, and the Leduc Black Gold Optimist Club. There was one Distinguished Club and it was with great pride that Past Distinguished President James Reahm and his Distinguished Secretary Jana Reahm accepted their Distinguished President's watches. The Optimist Club of Great Falls-Uptown had a large contingent of members present to celebrate their success with James and Jana.

These meetings are a great way to meet old friends, make new friends and enjoy the hospitality of the Optimist members from the Host Club or community. Plan to attend the 3rd Quarter meeting in Billings Montana and listen to the Oratorical finalists and the speeches that they will be presenting. The District can grow through the "positive" energy that we receive from our attendance at these meetings.

See everyone in Billings.

YIO
Glen Kreller, Governor-Elect
AMSNW District

2nd Quarter District Conference Feb. 1-2, 2013

The second quarter conference is fast approaching and we are wrapping up our preparations. Things we want you to know:

• Registration: If you haven’t registered, but plan to attend, Pat (rshorroc@telus.net) would like to hear from you so that we can plan meals. We would particularly like to hear from the LGs and Committee Chairs who are not yet on the list! 
• Registration Form
• Hotel: The hotel has some rooms left, but will be releasing the unclaimed rooms next week. Please book ASAP. Details are on the attached registration form.
• Friday Theme: Show your Hearts for the Kids while enjoying some great hot and cold hors d’oeuvres.
• Companions Program: Not yet finalized, but the options being considered will be fun.
• Kids Program: We are disappointed to report that no one has expressed interest. There will be no kids program.

Duane Kelly on behalf of Conference Chair Pat Shorrock

2nd Quarter District Meeting Feb. 1-2, 2013

You are invited to the 2nd Quarter District Board Meeting scheduled for Feb. 1-2, 2013 in High River, Alberta (just 37 km south of Calgary). Enjoy the hospitality of the Optimist Club of High River, at the Hertiage Inn Hotel and Cenvention Centre.

Registration Details: Register before Jan. 4, 2013 for early registration prices of $100/$90 Member/Companion, otherwise add $20 for late registration.
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Location
Heritage Inn Hotel and Convention Centre 1104 11th Ave SE, High River, AB 403-652-3834 or 888-888-4374 Heritage Inn Indoor Pool and Fitness Centre, but no elevator to second floor Rates: $110 plus taxes per night – Mention High River Optimist Conference
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Registration Form
Just complete a Registration Form and book your room before they are all reserved!
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More Conference Info Optimist Club of High River
Opt Duane Kelly duanekelly@xplornet.com or
Opt Pat Shorrock rshorroc@telus.net 403-646-5490

Spooktacular Update 1st Quarter District Meeting

Saskatoon, SK - A Halloween Costume Party will kick the event off at 7:00 PM. on Friday evening Oct. 26, 2012. You are encouraged to enter the competition for “best costume”. You may find a lot of treats and maybe the odd trick. We hope to see you there.

No more Hotel Rooms after today

1^st Quarter District Board Meeting

Park Town Hotel, Saskatoon Saskatchewan

October 26 and 27, 2012

We recently advised that we were successful in obtaining an extension to our blocked hotel rooms until October 2, 2012. There will be no other rooms available at the hotel after that date.

Please call the toll free hotel number on our reservation form, so you can quote our Optimist hotel reservation number to obtain our reduced rate.

For any information or concern please contact

Brent Dunlop at 306-717-1275 or bdunlop@shaw.ca or

Elmer Hilgers at 306-3737-7321 or ehilgers@shaw.ca

We hope to see you soon

Important 1st Quarter Meeting Update

1^st Quarter District Board Meeting

Park Town Hotel, Saskatoon Saskatchewan

October 26 and 27, 2012

Saskatoon is Canada’s fastest growing city and it is very busy. If you could find another place to stay, our hotel and others would be considerably more expensive. Tents are on sale at this time of the year but our nights are getting very chilly.

We have arraigned with the Park Town Hotel to extend our reservations for our blocked rooms until October 2, 2012.

We will also extend our early registration deadline to October 2, as well.

We encourage you to phone the hotel toll free so you can quote the reservation number on our registration form.

Some of the Hotel’s features are: Fitness Centre and Swimming Pool, Complimentary Surface Parking, Pet Friendly, Business Centre, and the Laugh Shop Comedy Club.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact

Brent Dunlop at 306-717-1275 or bdunlop@shaw.ca or

Elmer Hilgers at 306-373-7321 or ehilgers@shaw.ca .

We hope to see you soon.

News Update 1st Quarter District Board Meeting Park Town Hotel, Saskatoon Saskatchewan October 26 and 27, 2012

A special evening is being planned for October 26. The registration desk will open at 5:00 pm. From 7:00 to 9:00 pm you will be treated to a reception featuring some surprise entertainment, munchies, and bargain priced refreshments. It will be an ideal opportunity to renew old acquaintances and make new friends.

The deadline for our special rate hotel rooms and early registration savings is fast approaching. We have plenty of rooms on hold but only until September 26. You are encouraged to phone the toll free number so you can quote the Optimist number that is on our registration form. The Park Town Hotel will pamper you with “Simple Elegance”.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Brent Dunlop at 306-717-2275 or bdunlop@shaw.ca or Elmer Hilgers at 306-373-7321 or ehilgers@shaw.ca .

News Update 1st Quarter District Board Meeting October 26 & 27 Saskatoon Saskatchewan

Saturday Luncheon Guest Speaker – We are excited to announce that it will be Dr. Alan M Rosenberg, MD., Professor Royal University Hospital, Department of Pediatrics.

 

We would also like to remind you that we are approaching the early savings deadline for registration and hotel accommodation. Please refer to the information on the registration form for our event and your hotel accommodation.

For any other information or concern please contact Brent Dunlop at 306-717-2275 or bdunlop@shaw.ca or Elmer Hilgers at 306-373-7321 or ehilgers@shaw.ca .

Oct. 26 & 27, 2012 - 1st Quarter District Board Meeting

It’s time to start thinking about attending the exiting 1^st Quarter Board Meeting in Saskatoon on October 26 and 27, 2012. It will be hosted by the Riverside Optimist Club. Concerns should be about the savings offered for early registration, and your hotel bookings at the Park Town Hotel.

·         The early registration savings deadline is September 26^th paid and received.

·         Hotel accommodations are being held until September 26th as well. You should make your reservation by telephone. In order to obtain the special rate, it is very important to quote the Optimist Registration # that appears on your registration form.

The Park Town Hotel is located on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. You can expect to be pampered with “Simple Elegance”.  Some of the many features are: Complimentary Parking, the Laugh Shop Comedy Club, and the hotel is Pet Friendly.

Saskatoon is Canada’s fastest growing city and you will be well looked after.  We hope to see many of you at the meeting.

For more information or any concern, please contact Brent Dunlop at 306-717-2275 or bdunlop@shaw.ca or Elmer Hilgers at 306-373-7321 or ehilgers@shaw.ca.  Please download and send in your Registration Form.  

2012-13 1st Quarter District Conference Invitation

You are invited to the 1st Quarter District Conference for 2012-13 scheduled for October 26-27, 2012 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Enjoy the hospitality of the Riverside Optimist Club and take the opportunity to meet with the District Team led by our Incoming Governor, Nick Markowsky.

Early Registration Deadline: September 26, 2012
Hotel:  The Parktown Hotel, 924 Spadina Crescent East, Saskatoon, SK. ~ Call (306) 244-5564 or 1-800-667-3999 for reservations.
Theme: To be announced.

How to Register: Both a "Kids & Companion Programs" are available so you can bring the entire family. Just complete a Registration Form and book your room before they are all reserved!

Submitted by Opt Elmer Hilgers, Riverside Optimist Club

Early Registration Jan. 20 for 2nd Quarter Board Meeting February 24th and 25th, 2012

Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan & Northern Wyoming Optimist International District

2^nd Quarter Board Meeting

February 24^th and 25^th, 2012

Great Northern Inn

Hi-Way 2

Havre, MT  59501

406-265-4200

Room Rates:

One Queen Bed - $81   Two Queen Beds - $92

Friday Night featuring Hors d’Ouevres, and no-host bar.

Saturday lunch and banquet.

For additional information contact:

Byron or Lisa Ophus

406-265-2198

byronophus@hotmail.com

Early Registration	General Registration
Received and paid by  01/20/2012	Received after 01/20/2012
Optimist member      $80.00	Optimist member $90.00
Companion     $80.00	Companion   $90.00

Optimist __________________________  Companion ___________________________

Address _______________________________________________________________

City___________________________________________________________________

Prov/State ________________________Postal Code/Zip ________________________

Club _______________________________ Office Held _________________________

Please mail registration and make checks payable to:

Optimist Club of Havre

PO Box 1291

Havre, MT  59501

Hosted by the Optimist Club of Havre

(A printable Registration Form will be available shortly on the District Website or Blog)