Meet the District team for 2013-14

Governor Glen Kreller (St. Albert) is pleased to announce the following appointments to the District Team for  2013-14.

There are some changes that we have introduced into the team this year that includes the splitting North-East Montana clubs from Zone 8 to form a new Zone 10.  The Essay & Oratorical Competition Chair positions have been combined and the Lt Governor for Zone 5 will also chair the CCDHH competition.  I want to thank all those Optimists who stepped forward to volunteer with the District Team in addition to their club duties.

Introducing the District Executive Team

The District Executive Team is responsible for running an effective District that fosters growth in membership and clubs, delivers fantastic youth projects and programs, and delivers services that support the Zone Lieutenant-Governors, and Clubs.  We are pleased to introduce the District Executive for 2013-14:

Governor – Glen Kreller (St. Albert)
District Secretary-Treasurer – Wendy Skoretz (Border City-Lloydminster)
2014-15 Governor-Elect – Dan Pedersen (Great Falls-Uptown)
International Ambassador – Nick Markowsky (Prince Aldert)
Candidate Qualifications – Ted Huber (Bozeman Breakfast)

Lieutenant Governors

Zone 1 Lt Gov - James Rehm (Great Falls-Uptown)
Zone 2 Lt Gov - Roger Gravaard (Billings-Heights)
Zone 3 Lt Gov - Les Trevor (Red Deer)
Zone 4 Lt Gov - Roger Gravaard (Billings-Heights)
Zone 5 Lt Gov - Patti Welling (St. Albert)
Zone 6 Lt Gov - Time Bell (Airdrie)
Zone 7 Lt Gov - Allyson Wall (Prince Albert)
Zone 8 Lt Gov - Jim McWilliams (Regina-Downtowners)
Zone 9 Lt Gov - Dennis Hodgins (Duval)
Zone 10 Lt Gov - Ruth Boysun (Wolf Point)

Meet the District Growth Team

The District Growth Team is responsible for fostering a significant growth in District membership by assisting fellow Optimists to recruit new members and build new adult and JOOI clubs, and by enhancing the knowledge and skills of Optimist leaders and members.  We are pleased to introduce the District Growth Team for 2013-14: 

Leadership Development Chair – Edie McInnes (Blackfalds)
Membership Chair – Nathan Kondrat (Red Deer-Waskasoo)
New Club Building Chair – Gary Cross (Regina-Downtowners)
JOOI Chair – Sue Bridgeford (Great Falls-Uptown)
Personal Growth (PGI) Chair – Jeff Barnhart (Great Falls-Uptown) 

Meet the District Youth Programs Team

The District Youth Programs Team is responsible for running the District Scholarship Contests, and supporting clubs with running other OI sanctioned youth programs.  We are pleased to introduce the District Growth Team for 2013-14: 

Childhood Cancer Campaign – Dan Petersen (Great Falls-Uptown)
CCDHH Competition Chair – Patti Welling (St. Albert)
Essay/Oratorical Competition Chair – Dick Mastel (Medicine Hat)
Junior Golf Chair – Jay Strever (Billings-Heights Business)
Juvenile Curling Chair – Mike Di Nicola (Calgary) 

Meet the District Services Team

The District Services Team is responsible for providing services that support the District Team, Zone Lieutenant-Governors, and Clubs.  We are pleased to introduce the District Services Team for  2013-14: 

 

Achievement, Awards & Protocol – Lloyd Pethick (Friendly City-Moose Jaw)
District Convention Chair – Lyle Merriam (Regina-Downtowners)
District Foundation Rep – Doug Kirby (Billings-Breakfast)

Supplies (Canada) – Brian Wallace (Edmonton Dinner)
Supplies (US) – Loran Salsbury (Magic City-Billings)
District Web Services – Gord Welling (St. Albert Breakfast) 

Do You Recognize These Faces?

The top row of faces are past District Governors Debbie Ettleman, Lee Weiszhaar, Bert Hancock and Les Rogers.  The bottom row of faces are past District Secretary-Treasurers Lyle Merriam, Ron Eaket, Gary Cross and Mike DeMarco.

Here's another interesting question ... of those past District Secretary-Treasurers, how many have also served as past District Governors?  Have you guessed yet?  It's three ... Lyle, Gary and Mike also served as past Governors.

Knowing our history is an important hallmark of respect to those individuals and their families who donated a year of their lives and hundreds of hours of their time to serve all the members of this great District.  I invite you to take a tour of our Past Governors (www.amsnwoptimist.org/past-governors.html) and our Past DSTs (http://www.amsnwoptimist.org/past-district-secretary-treasurers.html).

We have a really good idea of who served in which positions, but we do have a few holes in our records, so we need your help to fill in the blanks.  We currently have photos for 22 serving and past Governors but only 16 serving and past DSTs. We are also looking for the names of who served as a past DST for the years 1991-92 and 1973-74. 

Our thanks go to Duane Kelly who helped to compile an almost complete list of past DSTs.  Thanks also go to Ron Eaket who provided his photo and helped to correct some mistakes with the past Governors list. Finally thanks go to Betty Jewison who provided a photo of he husband, past Governor Glenn Jewison; and to Mike Flaherty who supplied a photo of his father, past Governor Jim Flaherty.  

If you can provide a photo and/or supply the missing names, please contact Optimist Gord Welling (District Web Services Special Projects).

Meet the District Team for 2011-12

Incoming Governor Ted Huber (Bozeman Breakfast) is pleased to announce the following appointments to the District Team for 2011-12.

Introducing the District Executive Team

The District Executive Team is responsible for running an effective District that fosters growth in membership and clubs, delivers fantastic youth projects and programs, and delivers services that support the Zone Lieutenant-Governors, and Clubs.  We are pleased to introduce the District Executive for 2011-12:

• Governor – Ted Huber (Bozeman Breakfast)
  
• DST – Connie Plenke (Bozeman Breakfast)
  
• Governor-Elect – Nick Markowsky (Prince Albert High Noon)
  
• International Ambassador – Tim Bell (Airdrie)
  
• Candidate Qualifications – Darryl Sim (Red Deer)
  

 Learn more about the 2011-12 District Lieutenant Governors

Meet the District Growth Team

The District Growth Team is responsible for fostering a significant growth in District membership by assisting fellow Optimists to recruit new members and build new adult and JOOI clubs, and by enhancing the knowledge and skills of Optimist leaders and members.  We are pleased to introduce the District Growth Team for 2011-12:

• Leadership Development Chair – Don Morrison (Regina)
  
• Membership Chair – Roger Lesofski (Great Falls uptown)
  
• New Club Building Chair – Edie McInnes (Blackfalds)
  
• JOOI Chair – Lee Weiszhaar (St. Albert)
  
• Personal Growth (PGI) Chair – Jeff Barnhart (Great Falls Uptown)

Meet the District Youth Programs Team

The District Youth Programs Team is responsible for running the District Scholarship Contests, and supporting clubs with running other OI sanctioned youth programs.  We are pleased to introduce the District Growth Team for 2011-12:

• Childhood Cancer – Rod McKendrick (Regina Downtowners)
  
• CCDHH Competition Chair – Wyn McAra (Edmonton Dinner)
  
• Essay Competition Chair – Dick Mastel (Medicine Hat)
  
• Oratorical Competition Chair – Marilyn Bushell (Calgary Dinner)

• Junior Golf Chair – Brent Card (Saskatoon Hub City)
  
• Juvenile Curling Chair – Reg Lakness (Govan)
  
• Internet Safety Chair – Brian Wallace (Edmonton Dinner)
  
• Other Youth Programs – Bert Hancock (Edmonton Dinner)
  

Meet the District Services Team

The District Services Team is responsible for providing services that support the District Team, Zone Lieutenant-Governors, and Clubs.  We are pleased to introduce the District Services Team for 2011-12:

• Activities & CPA Chair – Bert Hancock (Edmonton Dinner)
  
• Bulletin & PR Chair – George Lewko (Prince Albert)
  
• District Convention Chair – Susan Hannet (Penhold)
  
• District Foundation Rep – Doug Kirby (Billings)

• Supplies (Canada) – Martin Bailey (Unknown)
  
• Supplies (US) – Loran Salsbury (Magic City)
  
• District Web Services – Gord Welling (St. Albert Breakfast)

21 Top Optimist Questions (Part 3)

Our first two articles on common Optimist member questions provided answers and links to online resources. Here are last 7 common Optimist questions that we thought of:

15. Do Optimist clubs offer education scholarships?
16. Someone has asked me if our club runs an Internet Safety Program. Where can I find information about that?
17. Our club secretary passed on and I have been asked to take over. I need some immediate help. Who should I contact? What needs to be done?
18. I am moving to another community. Where can I go to find a list of Optimist Clubs?
19. I am moving to another small community that does not have an Optimist Club. What can I do to remain involved?
20. I am interested in serving on the District Team. Who should I contact?
21. Our club wants to host a future District Conference or Convention. Who should we contact?
    

15. Do Optimist clubs offer education scholarships?Optimist International offers three scolarship competitions, the Oratorical Competition, the Essay Competition, and the Communication for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Competition. Winners of those competitions are awarded scholarships that they can collect when they enter a post-secondary education institution.

16. Someone has asked me if our club runs an Internet Safety Program. Where can I find information about that?

In 2007, Optimist International partnered with ikeepsafe.org to develop an internet safety education program. You can direct interested people to our Youth Programs page on Internet Safety, and we also have a resources page for the program.

17. Our club secretary passed on and I have been asked to take over. I need some immediate help. Who should I contact? What needs to be done?

Suddenly losing a club secretary and/or treasurer due to illness, death or personal reasons can create a treamendous amount of concern. We suggest that you contact your Zone Lieutenant Governor and the District Secretary-Treasurer for assistance and guidance.

18. I am moving to another community. Where can I go to find a list of Optimist Clubs?

If you are moving to a community in Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan or Cody Wyoming, you can refer to our online Zone and Club List or consult our District Directory. If you are moving somewhere else in North America, we wish you well on your future endeavours and recommend that you consult the Optimist International website for a complete list of all clubs.

19. I am moving to another small community that does not have an Optimist Club. What can I do to remain involved?

You have several choices ... (1) Retain your membership with your current club (once an Optimist, always an Optimist). (2) You can transfer your membership to the nearest club. (3) Retain your current membership, and on October 1st become a Friend of Optimist (FOO). Of course we have information on signing up as a FOO.

20. I am interested in serving on the District Team. Who should I contact?

Thank you for your interest. We suggest that you contact Incoming Governor Ted.

21. Our club wants to host a future District Conference or Convention. Who should we contact?

Thank you for your interest. We suggest that you contact Incoming Governor Ted.

Other Questions:

• The First Set of Common Optimist Questions
• The Second Set of Common Optimist Questions

Comments or suggestions:

Do you have a common question that you need answered or additional suggestions for the questions we listed above? We invite you to share your contribution.

District Contact Cards Updated

The District Contact Cards have been revised effective November 10, 2010 to reflect changes in names, email addresses and phone numbers.  Tim's Governor Pin has also been used on all the cards.

District Team for 2010-11

Governor
Tim Bell
Res: (403) 660-4060

Secretary-Treasurer
Marilyn Bushell
Res: (403) 248-9181


Or click on "Tim's Team Contact Card"  (just revised November 10th, 2010) for a complete phone and email list of our District Team, or


Zone Contact Cards for 2010-11

Contact cards are now available for each Zone:

Zone 1 Contact Card   ~   Zone 2 Contact Card   ~   Zone 3 Contact Card

Zone 4 Contact Card   ~   Zone 5 Contact Card   ~   Zone 6 Contact Card

Zone 7 Contact Card   ~   Zone 8 Contact Card   ~   Zone 9 Contact Card

Introducing the District Services Team

The District Services Team is responsible for providing services that support the District Team, Lieutenant-Governors, and Clubs. We are pleased to introduce the District Services Team for 2010-11:

Activities & CPA Chair: Marilyn Bushell (Calgary Dinner)

Marilyn Bushell

Activities

& CPA Chair

Res: (403) 248-9181

Marilyn is the last remaining charter member of the Calgary Dinner Optimist Club, formed in 1994. She has served as Club President several times (attaining the levels of Honor and Distinguished) and as Club Secretary.

Marilyn is a past Lieutenant Governor for Zone 6 in 2001-02 (Honor) and 2008-09. She is a BOE helping to build the Traditional Optimist Club of Calgary.

Marilyn served as the first District Juvenile Curling Chair and was instrumental in getting Optimist Juvenile Curling started in Alberta. Marilyn served as the Essay Contest Chair last year and this year has volunteered to serve as the District Secretary-Treasurer and Activities & CPA Chair.

"I became an Optimist to help serve the youth in my area. I ontinue to be part of this organization because of the difference my club is making in the Calgary area by helping youth at all levels. What is I enjoy most about this organization is the people that I have met helping youth in the District and beyond."

As part of the District Services Team, my role is to promote the participation by member Clubs in all of the youth program and community-serving projects sponsored by Optimist International. I'm also responsible to organize the judging of the Club CPA and Scrapbooks at the 1st Quarter District Conference in 2011.

  Find out more about Activities & CPA

District Bulletin & PR Chair: George Lewko (Prince Albert)

George Lewko

District Bulletin

& PR Chair

Res: (306) 764-9444

George joined in 1986 and has served as Honor Club President (1994-95) and Club President (2009-10). He has also served as Bingo Chair, OptiMart Chair, Newsletter and Website Chair; and he served as Zone 7 Lieutenant Governor in 1996-97.

Why did you become an Optimist?  "Dad was a member before me, and loved working with the Optimists."

As a serving webmaster for his club, George runs a website and a facebook page. At the 3rd Quarter District Conference on May 15, 2010, George presented an informative workshop about using 'Vertical Response' as a mass email tool to regularly send out club bulletins to club members. George brings a wealth of experience to the position of District Bulletin Editor.

What is the primary reason you continue to serve as an Optimist?  "I enjoy helping kids, and the fellowship is fantastic."

Understanding and utilizing print and online media can greatly extend the reach to the general public that a club needs to ensure a successful project or fund raiser. Club bulletins provide that 'personal touch' and are an excellent tool for members to recruit new members. Besides publishing a regular District Bulletin, George is willing to help any club with publishing a club newsletter and produce press releases.

  Find out more about Bulletins & Public Relations

District Convention Chair: Ray Preston (Prince Albert)

Ray Preston

District

Convention Chair

Res: (306) 922-2100

Ray joined in 1982 and has served as Club President (Prince Albert High Noon). Ray is a Builder of Excellence helping to build the Border City Lloydminster club. Ray has served as Zone 7 Lieutenant Governor (2002-03) and District Secretary-Treasurer (1988-89).

Ray is busy planning the Annual District Convention scheduled in Prince Albert for 11-13 August 2011, and he is looking forward to welcoming everyone to Prince Albert next summer.

Why did you become an Optimist?  "To meet new people in Town and have a good time."

District meetings are not just about business ... they offer excellent training workshops and opportunities for members to network with fellow members at a wide variety of fellowship activities. Organized as 'bring the family' events, each District meeting offers a 'Companions Programs' for non-member spouses and a 'Kids Program' for the youngsters.

What do you enjoy most about being an Optimist?  "The variety of different people and the variety of different projects that serve the kids."

  Find out more about the District Convention

District Foundation Rep: Lyle Merriam (Regina Downtowners)

Lyle Merriam

District Foundation Rep

Res: (306) 771-4229

Lyle joined the Optimist club in White City as a charter member in 1987 and remained a member until its’ closure in 2006. He was President for 3 years during the club’s life, first one 89-90. As President, I became interested in
District involvement and became Lt. Governor in 1992-93. In 2005, he joined the Downtowner’s Optimist Club of Regina and was President in 2008-09.

Lyle served as our District Governor in 2002-03, and has served as District Secretary-Treasurer for Gary Cross in 1996-97, Membership Chair, International Ambassador, Candidate Qualifications Chair and is serving his second consecutive term as the District Foundation Rep. Lyle looks forward to promoting your participating in OI Foundation fund raising.

"I thoroughly enjoy being an Optimist member and Deb and I have attended every convention since 1988 except one due to illness. The friends we have made in every area of the District, as well as at International functions, are amazing."

Many of the OI programs offered by clubs are financially sponsored by the Optimist International Foundation (OIF) and the Canadian Children Optimist Foundation (CCOF). The role of the DFR is to coordinate fund raising efforts for the foundations and on behalf of the foundations recognize those Optimist members who have made significant contributions over the past year. Lyle invites members to participate in the Foundation Workshops at the quarterly District Conferences.

  Find out more about the District Foundation Rep

District Supplies (Canada): Brian Wallace (Edmonton Dinner)

Brian Wallace

Supplies Chair

(Canada)

Res: (780) 487-6241

Brian joined in 1981 and has server as a Distinguished Club President (St. Albert 1991-92) and Honor President (Edmonton Dinner 1996-97). and Zone Lieutenant Governor in 1998-99.

Brian has served two terms as District Supplies Chair (2005-09 and 2009-10) and is returning to co-chair Supplies with Loran Salsbury. Brian invites you to purchase Optimist Supplies that will be available at all the District meetings this year.

Why did you become an Optimist?  "We needed 25 members to Charter St. Albert and my Dad Keivin was an Optimist."

As part of the District Services Team, our role is to promote the sale of Optimist supplies to members and clubs. We work closely with the staff from the Corall Group, the official supplier of Optimist supplies to operate a supplies table at each of the quarterly District meetings.

What is the primary reason you continue to serve as an Optimist?  "Fellowship and find Optimists are a valubable resourse in serving youth. I am involved with Scouting and would not be able to do as much without the Optimist Club."

  Find out more about the District Supplies

District Supplies (US): Loran Salsbury (Magic City)

Loran Salsbury

Supplies Chair (US)

Res: (406) 652-6195

Lorne assisted Brian with running the Optimist Supplies tables during 2009-10 and looks forward to leading the Optimist Supplies at the District meetings in the US this year.

As part of the District Services Team, our role is to promote the sale of Optimist supplies to members and clubs. We work closely with the staff from the Corall Group, the official supplier of Optimist supplies to operate a supplies table at each of the quarterly District meetings.

  Find out more about the District Supplies

District Web Services: Gordon Welling (St. Albert Breakfast)

Gordon Welling

District Web Services

Res: (780) 966-1815

Gordon has been an Optimist since 1996 and has served as a Club President (Honor) and Club Secretary. Gord is returning this year as Web Services Chair to complete the work he started last year. He hopes to extend web services to better support Zones and Clubs, and invites fellow members to attend his workshops at the District quarterly meetings throughout the coming year.

Why did you become an Optimist?  "I was new in St. Albert so I joined to meet people and have fun. "

The mission of District Web Services is to provide a dynamic, accurate and complete online presence for AMS&NW District 13, and to extend web services to Zones and Clubs. I invite you to participate to the Web Services workshops that will be held at the quarterly District Conferences.

What is the primary reason you continue to serve as an Optimist?  "I believe that our kids are our future and we can shape our future by influencing how we raise and educate our kids. "

  Find out more about the District Web Services

Introducing the District Youth Programs Team

The District Youth Programs Team is responsible for running the District Scholarship Contests, and supporting clubs with running other OI sanctioned youth programs. We are pleased to introduce the District Youth Programs Team for 2010-11:

Childhood Cancer Campaign Chair: Rod McKendrick (Regina Downtowners)

Rod McKendrick

CCC Chair

Res: (306) 464-2229

Rod is returning to the District Team as the CCC Chair. In addition to serving a Club President and Zone Lieutenant Governor, he served as District Governor in 2005-06. Rod has served as Membership, International Ambassador and Candidate Qualifications Chairs in previous years. Rod has a strong passion for Childhood Cancer Campaign looks forward to engaging club leadership to become familiar with the communities’ programs already in existence for childhood cancer, and seek out ways to enhance those programs through Club involvement.

My primary role is to promote the Club/Zone participation in a childhood cancer program. I urge Club leadership to seek out opportunities to serve children with cancer and their families. We have a lot of valuable resources available to you to help with your active participation in the Optimist International Childhood Cancer Campaign.

  Find out more about the Childhood Cancer Campaign

CCDHH Contest Chair: Wyn McAra (Edmonton Dinner)

Wyn McAra

CCDHH Contest Chair

Res: (780) 479-0223

Wyn is returning to the District Team for a second consecutive year as the CCDHH Contest Chair. She has been very active with running the club and Zone Oratorical and CCDHH competitions in the Edmonton area for many years. Wyn is passionate about the power of public speaking and how it helps to give youth the courage to overcome personal obstacles. invites you to become active with engaging local Schools for the Deaf to run local CCDHH contests so that a sizeable field of competitors can participate in the District competition.

It is important for club leadership to conduct a local CCDHH contest, or otherwise sponsor a youth from one of the schools supporting deaf and hard of hearing students into a District Contest if the number of participants are limited at the local level.

My primary role is to promote Club participation in the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and to conduct a District Competition. I invite you to become active with engaging local Schools for the Deaf to run local CCDHH contests so that a sizeable field of competitors can participate in the District competition.

We have a lot of valuable resources available to you to help with your active participation in the Optimist International Club and District CCDHH Competition.

  Find out more about the Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Essay Contest Chair: Wendy Skoretz (Lloydminster Border City)

Wendy Skoretz

Essay Contest Chair

Res: (780) 875-3860

Wendy has been a member of the Lloydminster Border City Optimist Club since it chartered April 29, 1995. She has served on many committees and as Club President in 2005-2006. In 2004-2005 she served on the District Team as the
Oratorical / CCDHH Contest Chair. Wendy has been married to David since 1991. Her and David have a blended household that consists of 5 children and 3 grandchildren. Wendy volunteers on a variety of activities that the younger children participate in. She has been a Administrative Secretary for 25 years.

My primary role is to promote Club participation in the Essay Writing Contest and to conduct a District Competition. I invite you to become active with engaging local Schools for the Essay contests so that a sizeable field of competitors can participate in the District competition.

We have a lot of valuable resources available to you to help with your active participation in the Optimist International Club and District Essay Competition.

  Find out more about the District Essay Contest

Oratorical Contest Chair: Peggy Salsbury (Magic City)

Peggy Salsbury

Oratorical

Contest Chair

Res: (406) 652-6195

Peggy is returning to the District Team after serving as Zone Lieutenant Governor last year. Peggy is looking forward to hosting a very active Oratorical contest at the 3rd Quarter District Conference in Billings in May 2011. Please contact Peggy for information on how to setup and run local Oratorical contests to locate competitive young speakers for the District contest.

My primary role is to plan, promote and conduct the annual District Oratorical Contest Finals at the Third Quarter Conference. I invite you to become active with engaging local Schools for the Oratorical contests so that a sizeable field of competitors can participate in the District competition.

We have a lot of valuable resources available to you to help with your active participation in the Optimist International Club and District Essay Competition.

  Find out more about the District Oratorical Contest

Junior Golf Chair: Mike DeNicola (Calgary)

Mike DeNicola

Jr. Golf Chair

Res: (403) 208-7039

Mike is returning for a second year as the District Junior Golf Chair and plans on an even more successful District competition in early August, 2011. Mike is a long serving member of the Calgary Optimist Club since 2000 and was recently awarded a 'Life Membership' from his club. Mike has served as an Honor President (2001-02 and 2002-03) and he helped build the Calgary Traditional Optimist Club in 2005. Mike is passionate about Junior Golf and is active with promoting Juvenile Curling throughout Alberta.

What is the primary reason you continue to serve as an Optimist?  "I continue serving as an Optimist because there are several Optimist projects that I feel very strongly about and I want to help them succeed."

Mike served as a Distinguished LG for Zone 6 in 2005-2006. He served as District Essay Chair and District Oratorical Chair 2007-2008.

What do you enjoy most about being an Optimist?  "I really enjoy the positive feedback I get from the community when I'm assisting on a project."

My primary role is to plan, promote and conduct the District Junior Golf Tournament, and to increase participation in local and International OIJGC. "As Chair of the Junior Golf Program this year, I want to increase the number of local qualifying Junior Golf tournaments in the District and increase the number of participants". Mike invites you to attend the Junior Golf workshops at a Quarterly District Conference nearest to you.

  Find out more about the District Junior Golf Contest

Juvenile Curling Chair: Reg Lakness (Govan)

Reg Lakness

Juvenile

Curling Chair

Res: (306) 484-4352

Reg is returning for a second year as the District Juvenile Curling Chair and plans on an supporting the Under-18 OI Juvenile Curling Competition this year. Please contact Reg for information on how to support Juvenile Curling in your local community and the Province or State Competitions.

The Optimist International Juvenile Curling Competition started as a partnership between Alberta Optimists clubs and the Alberta Curling Association to form a curling competition for under-18 youth curlers. The first competition was held in Calgary in 2001, and it has grown into an international competition that features boys and girls teams from Canada, the United States and Japan. The Optimist International Youth Programs Committee officially sanctioned Juvenile Curling as an Optimist International Program in late 2009.

My primary role is to promote the Juvenile Curling Competitions and encourage Optimist Clubs throughout the District to participate and assist with local U18 youth curling competitions.

  Find out more about the OI Juvenile Curling Program

Internet Safety Chair: Ted Huber (Bozeman Breakfast)

Ted Huber

Internet Safety

Chair

Res: (406) 587-3482

Ted is a long serving Optimist with the Bozeman Breakfast Optimist Club. Ted has served as Club President and Zone Lieutenant Governor in 2008-09. He is returning to the District Executive to serve as District Governor-Elect and Internet Safety Program Chair. Ted invites you to explore and deliver internet safety training programs in your local community.

Internet Safety is a relatively new initiative from Optimist International who partnered with ikeepsafe.org to develop an Internet Safety education program which includes training for youth, adults and adult educators. Suitable for introduction in local schools and youth organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs, Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, and youth sports teams.

We have a lot of valuable resources available to you to help with your club's active participation in the Optimist International Internet Safety Program. Ted invites you to attend the Internet Safety Program workshop at a Quarterly District Conference nearest to you.

  Find out more about the Internet Safety Program

Introducing the District Growth Team

The District Growth Team is responsible for fostering a significant growth in District membership by assisting fellow Optimists to recruit new members and build new adult and JOOI clubs, and by enhancing the knowedge and skills of Optimist leaders and members. We are pleased to introduce the District Growth Team for 2010-11:

Leadership Development Chair: Roger Lesofski (Great Falls Uptown)

Roger Lesofski

Leadership Development

Res: (406) 771-7061

Roger is a long serving Optimist since 1984 who is strongly committed to leadership development as part of building a strong District. In addition to serving a the District Governor in 2003-04, Roger has served as Leadership Development, Membership, Retention and New Club Building Chairs in previous years. Roger served as Club President (Distinguished) in 1997-98 and as Zone 1 Lieutenant Governor for 1998-2000.

Why did I become an Optimist?  "Initially to get on a softball team the optimist club had."

Roger just completed a year on the OI Convention Committee that planned and ran the Annual Convention in Denver. Roger enjoys helping the kids and all the great friends he has made because of Optimism.

What is the primary reason I continue to serve as an Optimist?  "I believe in all the aspects of Optimism and the great things we stand for."

As part of the Growth Team, his role is to plan, promote and conduct the training of Club and District leaders making them more effective leaders. Roger believes in all the aspects of Optimism and the great things we stand for and he invites everyone to attend the quarterly District Conferences to participate in the many informative workshops.

What do I enjoy most about being an Optimist?  "Not only helping the kids, but all the great friends I have made because of Optimism, throughout this District and in my own club."

  Find out more about Leadership Development

Membership Chair: Jay Strever (Billings Breakfast)

Jay Strever

Membership Chair

Res: (406) 254-8590

Jay joined the Billings Breakfast Club in 2002 and he is strongly committed to increasing membership in each club throughout the District. He has served as Distinguished Club President (2005-06) and Distinguished and Outstanding Zone 4 Lieutenant Governor (2006-07).

Why did you become an Optimist?  I became an Optimist because I was asked. I had belonged to a service club (Kiwanis) since 1982. When a job change forced me to resign in 2001 because I could not attend the 2 hour luncheon meetings, I felt something missing from my life. I enjoyed giving back to my community and I enjoyed associating with people of true character. When my best friend in the whole wide world, Greg Piper, asked me to become a Breakfast Optimist, I jumped at the opportunity.

Jay last served as the District Junior Golf Chair for 2007-2009 running two very successful District Junior Golf Competitions. Jay enjoys being an Optimist and invites everyone to spread the gift of membership to a friend.

What do you hope to accomplish in your District position this year?  I want to teach my fellow Optimists how to great ambassadors for Optimism. When their enthusiasm and character shine through they cannot help but succeed when they ask a friend to become an Optimist.

Membership is the lifeblood of any Optimist club. Clubs that run one community service project a month, one fund raiser per quarter, ensure that all members are assigned to a club committee, enjoy a strong and active membership. Running a successful new member recruitment drive is vital to the future success of your club. I invite you to attend the quarterly District Conference workshops on membership.

What is the primary reason you continue to serve as an Optimist?  That’s easy. I’m selfish. I get more out of being an Optimist than I put into it. In return for a few hours of my time I get to associate with the finest people in the world. I get the satisfaction of seeing kids realize opportunities that they would never have had if it had not been for our organization. Who wouldn’t want to do this?

  Find out more about Membership

New Club Building Chair: Edie McInnes (Blackfalds)

Edie McInnes

New Club Building

Res: (403) 318-5782

Edie is a Charter President (Distinguished) in Blackfalds in 2002-03 and Zone 3 Lieutenant-Governor in 2003-04. Edie previously served on the Growth Teams for Past Governor Don Morrison (as New Club Building Chair), Norm Sagen (as Membership Chair) and Doug Kirby (as Membership Chair) where she was successful in helping the District achieve Distinguished growth goals.

How did I become an Optimist?  "I saw an ad in our local utility bill that asked 'Would you like to help the kids in your community?'. I went to the information meeting hosted by the Red Deer Optimist Club and I liked what I heard. We are a small community and we did not have a lot for the kids in our town to do. Since the Optimist Club's organization there is a ton of stuff for our kids as well as a JOOI Club and an Octagon Club. I love the friendships I have made! My closest friends are Optimist members!"

Building a new Optimist club in a community without a club is one of the most satisfying projects that you can participate in, and is one of the greatest gifts that you can give to a local community. I really believe that every community needs an Optimist Club! I would like to help start a new club in all the small communities, like my own, because it has helped our little town so much. I invite you to attend our New Club Building workshops at the quarterly District Conferences this year.

  Find out more about New Club Building

JOOI Chair: Lee Weiszhaar (St. Albert)

Lee Wesizhaar

JOOI Chair

Res: (780) 458-3829

Lee has server as an Optimist in St. Albert since the early 90's. She has served as a Distinguished Club President and Secretary-Treasurer. In addition to serving as Distinguished & Outstanding Governor in 2000-01, Lee has served on previous District teams as Club Services, Faculty, Essay and Candidate Qualifications Chairs. Lee is looking forward to meeting fellow Optimists who want to build new JOOI clubs throughout the District.

JOOI clubs are often more active delivering projects in their community. Building a JOOI club goes a long way to helping to train the leaders of tomorrow. I invite you to attend the JOOI club building workshops at the quarterly District Conferences this year.

  Find out more about District JOOI Clubs

Personal Growth & PGI: Jeff Barnhart (Great Falls Uptown)

Jeff Barnhart

Personal Growth

& PGI

Res: (406) 453-5375

Jeff joined the Great Falls Uptown Club in 2001 and has served as Honor Club President in 2003-04 and as Distinguished Lt. Governor in 2006-07. Jeff has been bestowed a life time membership by his club for his work as an Optimist.

"Throughout my military career I believed that only with the help of many can we make a difference. I was introduced to the Club and found that here were many who wished to help a very needy and deserving population of our community. I appreciated the intense meaning of the creed which supports our organization's goals and philosophy and I appreciated the opportunity to give back to my community."

As the PGI Chair Jeff plans to encourage all the incoming Lt. Governors and incoming Presidents to get every member who already has achieved one level of PGI to aspire to move up at least one more level. In addition he hopes that all the new members recruited this year will be enrolled into PGI and as a minimum will complete their first level as quickly as possible.

"Each year that I have enjoyed working with the club, makes me less cynical about where our younger generation will lead us. I enjoy seeing the effort that we do materialize into some greater good that one person alone could not accomplish. Some of our working members I know have their own problems and concerns, but regardless, will take some time off without first thinking of themselves and whats in it for them. It is a pleasure to work with a strong team who see the rewards of their labor without first thinking of themselves."

Running an active PGI program at the club level helps to strengthen an active membership by enabling them to take ownership of their participation. We will continue to run PGI training modules at the quarterly District Conferences. This is an excellent opportunity to train your next club PGI Chair.

"I have found that the best part of being an Optimist is what it has forced me to become ... I realized that the sincerity of those that are in the organization with me is habit forming, and not only brings out the best in kids, it also brings out the best in the adults. I believe I have been better prepared to perform my duties at work and at home with a better feeling of satisfaction and a far better appreciation for our fellow man."

  Find out more about the PGI Program