Central Ontario District #47 Optimist Clubs
www.cenon.org > Past Events Archive
Your Team Governor 2009-2010 Tom McNaught Secretary Treasurer Ian Carter Resources Calendar of Events District Contacts Administration Past Events Archive Junior Golf Comm. Contest Deaf &HH Newsletter Aug 2009 Newsletter May 2009 Newsletter Feb 2009 Newsletter Nov 2008 Webmaster: bwick@brooklinsigns.com	26^thAnnual District Convention & Governor’s Celebration - Oakville Held at Holiday Inn, Oakville Centre – August 27-29, 2010 This meeting is open to all members of Optimist Clubs in Central Ontario. Included: educational seminars, Oldtimer’s Breakfast, Election of Officers, Governor’s Celebration Banquet. Pre-Registration Form (Register ahead and save) Weekend Agenda (Training, meetings, Oldtimer’s breakfast and banquet) Silent Auction (Convention Themed Baskets) Service Project (Halton Food for Thought) Car Boot Vending Event – St. Catharines Optimist Club Browse around Saturday August 21st from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. We will be there at 5:30 a.m. to make things perfect for you. We are located at 188 Linwell Road in North St. Catharines between Lake and Geneva Streets. We have lots of interesting food to serve you! Free admission as well. Even though you may not be interested in taking advantage of our "Car Boot Vending Event" to sell your household goods and memorabilia, why don't you visit us at our Optimist Youth Centre. See attached FLYER for more info. See you there! Vendor registration form. Childhood Cancer Campaign Donations in 2009-2010 My very sincere thanks for the generosity of the CENON members, and clubs, for your support of this worthy cause, in continuing to collect pennies, and getting them to me at various convenient times. Of course, larger cheques have been given, and are much appreciated as well. Heading into the summer, Convention, and final Quarter of this year, I present to you a list of credited donations received so far. In addition, several clubs, and one zone, have made anonymous contributions (see “Loose”, in the list.) At the end of the year, a special Banner Patch will be given, for club contributions of $100.00, or more. Individuals who donate a minimum of $25.00 will earn receipts for income tax purposes from Optimist International Foundation of Canada. Clubs - totals (includes individual donations) (Contributions have been “rounded up” to the nearest dollar, to make life easier for the accountants at OI. I have enough pennies on hand to be able to do this with no difficulties.) Brampton 25.00, Caledon 70.00, Erin 100.00, Georgetown 5.00, Hamilton 110.00, Milton 15.00, Niagara Falls 500.00, Orangeville 100.00, Richmond Hill 70.00, Oakville 105.00, Scarborough 25.00, St. Catharines 30.00, Loose 45.00 Total $1,200.00 An additional donation of $1,000.00 was made by one club to be credited to another. While thanking those who have made their generous donations, I challenge others to follow suit. C.C.C. Chair “Too Tall” Ted Simmonds Car Trunk Vending Event Saturday August 21st, 2010 • 8am – 3pm St.Catharines Grantham Optimist Club, For vendor space contact Don at 905-934-5937 or two_walks@hotmail.com Sell JUNK FROM YOUR TRUNK - Ideal for homeowners and apartment dwellers! Food & Refreshments • Family Fun Furniture • Records & books • Tools • China Glass • Collectables • Memorabilia www.granthamoptimist.org Annual District Policies Review Our District Policies stipulates that the Executive Committee in consultation with the Past Governors Committee shall review the Policies annually. This has been usually been rubber stamped, but this year there is a proposal put forth from Zone 1 Lieutenant Governor, Terry Twocock, providing additional wording for the election of a Zone LG. The recommendation from this body would be put forth as a motion at the Directors Meeting at the Convention in Oakville, for approval. You are invited to attend a meeting to consider the proposal for election of a Zone Lieutenant Governor on August 12th., at 7:00 pm. at the Children's Safety Village (Oakville Optimist's meeting room in the basement) 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville. Tom McNaught, Governor. Junior Golf – time to plan local competitions Optimist Dennis Kwasnicki has set the date for next summer’s Junior World Golf Competition at Caledon Country Club, June 21^st, 2010. (Registration deadline is June 14^th). Link to: 2010 Junior Competition info. 3^rd Quarter District Conference & Workshops - Belleville Held at Ramada Inn, Belleville – May 14-15, 2010 This meeting is open to all members of Optimist Clubs in Central Ontario. Included: educational seminars, Luncheon, Optimist Supply Sales, Hospitality and Social interaction. Pre-Registration Form (Register ahead and save) Welcome to the Optimist Club at Ottawa University With the aid of Optimist members from Southwestern Ontario, we now have a new club in our family at the University of Ottawa. The club is the first to be chartered in the new administrative year. We look forward to meeting them at the February Conference and workshops in Markham. CCDHH – O’What a Night Oshawa: Apr 14^th, 2010: O’What a night it was at the 16th annual Optimist Club of Oshawa sponsored and hosted night for the Durham Region Communications Contest for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing ‘CCDHH’ held at the Legends Centre. It was success with a capital “S”. The 2010 event attracted probably the best balanced competitive group of students ever and was witnessed before a capacity crowd representing in Durham Region’s Zone 8 .The Optimists operate clubs in Ajax, Brooklin, Oshawa, Whitby and Uxbridge. The Optimist CCDHH contest provides an opportunity for youth who are deaf and hard of hearing. This permits them to communicate in a public forum while developing their individual skills and confidence. Each year Optimist International annually donates $2,500.00 in scholarship funds for each District’s contest. The winner will be named at the Provincial finals in Richmond Hill on Sun. April 25th. Four of the five Oshawa speakers are advancing including Laura Colley, Abby McCauley, Sarah Motiani and Jake Simpson.  Last night Colley was named the official victor for the Regional contest, however her rivals where invited by James Dallimore the CCDHH District Chairman to advance as they had fundamentally sound speeches and deserved the opportunity to compete again. Colley is enrolled in Grade 6 at Pickering’s Vaughan Willard Public school. She participated in this Speech Contest for the first time last year and won both the local and regional contest.  In 2009 she was the only participant at the regional contest to say her speech without any cue cards.  Laura is an avid reader and her aim is to become an author. In school she works closely with hearing resource teacher Judy Moreau. One of her favourite pastimes is horse riding lessons. The speech chosen by Optimist International for all contestants was ‘Is Cyber Communication Progress or a Problem?’ A wide variety  of strong opinions where offered up in the well prepared speeches. Optimist Club of Oshawa event-chair Greg Bamber and Lynn McDowell a Hearing Resource teacher with the Durham District School Board jointly headed the event, both where ‘talking proud’ of all the students. All the kids are winners remarked Bamber a former CCDHH judge now the club’s chairperson. The judges  Anila Punnoose , Cathy Kehoe and Sybil Dewhurst had  a difficult  decision in  choosing a victor. All performances proved to be outstanding. Optimist Bamber, saluted his volunteers, making the evening a complete success.  Bamber acknowledged all the contestants, timekeeper Wendy Rhead, his wife Jackie, his two daughters Chantelle and Stephine, Oshawa Optimist president Stephen Hambley, special guests Central Ontario (CENON) Governor Tom McNaught from Oakville, Zone 8 Lt. Governor Brian Wick past governor and member of the Brooklin Optimist Club ,Don MacDonald, District Essay Contest Chair, and Judy Moreau who has stepped down after decades of loyal and dedicated service. Dallimore from Milton ended the evening stating the ‘Oshawa Optimist Club Members’ have been a staple mainstay for the ‘CCDHH’ in the CENON District.  For years Oshawa hosted the Ontario finals. Jim Shaw, Special Events & Media Co-ordinator, Optimist Club of Oshawa Inc. Garden City Optimist Club presents Black Cap Players Inc. May 1, 2010, Doors Open 1:30pm, Show 2:00pm, First Grantham United Church Gym, 415 Linwell Rd. St. Catharines. Tickets: Adults $12, Children under 10 - $8, Call 905-938-2276 for more info or tickets. Raising funds for children in our community. Travelling Mallet Takes Flight to New Home The maiden voyage of the Travelling Mallet took place on February 24th when the gavel donor and "hosts" from the Optimist Club of Oakville, paid a visit to Stoney Creek. Making the trip were Brenda and Mac McDonald, Carilyn and Tom McNaught with leader Don MacDonald. Don presented the mallet to Optimist President Ian Carter making Stoney Creek the new host for the next four weeks or less. The Travelling Mallet is going to Garden City Club next Monday March 22, 2010 @ 7P.M.  Meet Ontario's newest millionaire - Donald MacDonald - Oakville"- 10 million reasons to smile- he said that he is donating some monies to the Optimist Club as he is very optimistic York Region Children Benefit from 2^nd Quarter Service Project We teamed up with the York Region “Food for Learning” organization. Their need was for breakfast cereals and gift certificates to purchase milk for elementary school children. The challenge was put out to all District Clubs to bring at least 204 boxes of the specified cereals to build a pyramid. The final tally was 169 boxes of cereal plus a monetary donation of $365.00. Well done Central Ontario District! Sincere thanks goes to the following clubs who participated in this event. Cataraqui-Kingston, Oakville, Garden City, Niagara Falls, Scarborough, Erin, Caledon, Etobicoke, Dunnville, Hamilton, East Hamilton, Keswick, St. Catharines, Milton, Aurora, Barrie and Brampton. Governor Tom Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing $2500 Scholarship Prize C.C.D.H.H. contest provides an opportunity for young people who are deaf and hard of hearing to communicate in a public forum while developing valuable skills and building self confidence. The Optimist International Foundation annually funds a $2,500.00 scholarship for each Optimist International District. Many Districts donate other awards in order to provide the second scholarship. The Zone 8 (Durham Region) contest will be conducted Wednesday, April 14, 6:30 pm at Legends Centre (Leisure Room) located at 1661 Harmony Road North, Oshawa.  The Leisure Room will accommodate upwards to 150 people and sports a brilliant 10 foot fire place creating a relaxed atmosphere for the students, parents and their friends. Optimist Greg Bamber will be the Oshawa contest chair for 2010. He'll receive assistance from president elect Sybil Dewhurst and Cathy Kehoe.  Lynn McDowell a hearing resource teacher for the Durham District School board has been working closely with Optimist Special Events coordinator Jim Shaw in hosting this annual contest which the Optimist Club of Oshawa has sponsored for 16 years.  James Dallimore, Central Ontario District Contest Coordinator has secured the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 375 hall at 233 Centre Street East, Richmond Hill for the Ontario finals on Sunday, April 25. Childhood Cancer Campaign making ground At the Markham Quarter Board, just concluded, seven clubs made initial contributions to the Childhood Cancer Campaign. Under our slogan this year, "Common Cents Can Conquer Cancer", all CENON Optimists have been asked to deposit their pennies - and all other coins they wish to add - in "penny jars", and to remember to have their club or zone representatives take the proceeds to the Quarter Board Meetings.  So far, $240.00 came in from seven clubs: Brampton, $7.00; Orangeville, $10.75; Milton, $12.00; Scarborough, $13.25; Oakville, $37.00; Erin, $50.00; and Hamilton, $110.00. In addition, a cheque for $500 was very generously donated by the Optimist Club of Niagara Falls.  These eight clubs have made a great start to this campaign. All the other clubs in the District are asked to join in, and remember to carry their cents to our next Quarter Board. Two coolers were needed to carry away the money this time, and I plan to bring four or five next time, to meet the need. It would be really great if they could all be overflowing at the end of the next Quarter Board.  There is the challenge for you: Help fill my vehicle with coins to conquer cancer! Although Optimist International's December, 2009, deadline for earning banner patches for contributions to CCC has passed, I will make sure either that the deadline is extended, or that new patches are made for contributions for this Optimist Year.  Ted Simmonds, CENON CCC Chair District Newsletter for February Thanks to Jim Lynge, you can now open and print your own copy of the Central Ontario District newsletter. Link to: Newsletter February 2010 Erin Optimists Celebrate 30 years, April 10th 2010 Well we are slowly pulling together a 30th anniversary celebration for the Erin Optimist Club. Please mark your calendars for Saturday April 10 from 6:00 - 10:00 at David's Restaurant. We are going to have a wonderful 3 course prime rib dinner and entertainment from Urban Legend. The tickets will be $30.00 per person.  Seating is limited so reserve your tickets as soon as possible. We will be inviting other clubs in our Zone to join in on the celebration. There will be further updates soon but we need you to confirm your attendance by emailing Val Stinson at destinson@sympatico.ca Looking forward to a great night to celebrate 30 years of OPTIMISM!!! Essay Contest entries due February 28^th, 2010 Club contest chairs are reminded to send club winning entries to: District Chair Don MacDonald. This year’s topic is: “The Internet: today’s evolution or tomorrow’s menace?” Winners of the District contest will be presented a plaque and a $2,500 college scholarship. The winning essay then goes onto an international competition. For more details click International Essay Contest. 2^nd Quarter District Conference & Awards Luncheon – Markham Held at Holiday Inn, Markham –February 19-20, 2010 This meeting is open to all members of Optimist Clubs in Central Ontario. Included: educational seminars, District Awards Luncheon for 2008-2009 Optimist year. Pre-Registration Form (Register ahead and save) Weekend Agenda (Luncheon, meetings and workshops) Service Project York Region Foods for Learning (Cereals) CENON 2^nd Quarter Learning Sessions announced 8:30–9:45am Running Effective Meetings – Denise Nacev Denise will present a workshop to show Optimists secrets to getting the most from your Meeting, and achieving your goal(s). Cancer Cruise Meeting - Ted Simmonds Ted speaks on an Initiative to have clubs participate in a Cruise Nite in June, perhaps, to Benefit Childhood Cancer. 10:00–11:30am Adult Internet Safety - Susan Montgomery Susan speaks on a new program that O.I. has initiated this year. Catch a Rising Star - Paula Reyling Paula is a C.I. Trainer from Indiana and will speak to those Optimists identified as New Leaders (by the next Administration.) Public Speaking - Gord Holly Gord once again presents a PGI module, that shows Optimists how to be an effective speaker at your Club meetings, etc. Catch a Rising Star . . . A Future Leaders' Workshop One of the functions of the great CENON District is to help develop people to take leadership roles in our clubs. Identifying and preparing these members is critical to maintain and grow this organization. We will be conducting a Catch a Rising Star workshop on Saturday morning February 20th. This workshop will be conducted by one of Optimist's Certified Trainers who will come in from St. Louis to do this. I am asking that you identify a couple (or more) members who you feel could be our leaders of the future. This is a chance for newer members to see how becoming more active in your club can become a personal benefit for them. It can also benefit some existing members who would like to become more active. I am hoping you all will take advantage of this program. I look forward to hearing from you .... or more importantly . . . seeing you and some new faces in Markham. Let me know if you need any further information. Will be glad to hear from you. Jim Lynge 905-886-0083, Governor Elect 2010-2011. Caledon Optimist Club celebrates 25^th Anniversary – Sat. Jan. 30th You are cordially invited to the 25^th Anniversary of the Optimist Club of Caledon, Caledon Village, 18313 Hurontario St., (Hwy. 10), Caledon Village, on Saturday January 30^th, 2010 Cocktails are at 6:00 pm, and, Dinner is at 7:00 pm, Country Casual Attire. Entertainment is provided by “R n G”, Cash Bar available. Ticket cost $40.00 per person Please purchase tickets before January 25^th, 2010 from: Ted Simmonds, 1043 The Grange Sideroad, Caledon, ON. L7C 0E5 905-838-2994 Stoney Creek Sno-Golf Tournament – Sun. Jan.31, 2010 The Annual Sno-Golf Tournament will be played this year at the Little League Park in Stoney Creek, on Sunday January 31st from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Play through 18 holes of golf on snow with a tennis ball, snacks and pizza, wings and salads, all for $15 / Optimist. Bar service will be available in the Hall. Anyone interested can contact Ian Carter, 905-664-8270 E: ijcrt@aol.com Volunteer Service Awards (VSA) – nomination deadline Jan 25, 2010 The Ontario Government recognizes volunteers from all sectors through the Volunteer Service Awards, June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award and Ontario Medal for Young Volunteers. Nomination forms and additional information on each program are available on the Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration website at: www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/honours. Last year, volunteers from many clubs were recognized including Niagara Falls, Brooklin, Collingwood and Oragnville. Nominate your fellow club members today. The nomination form is easy to complete. Deadline for Volunteer Service Awards is January 25, 2010. District Newsletter for November Thanks to Jim, you can now open and print your own copy of the Central Ontario District newsletter. Link to: Newsletter November 2009 Aurora Optimist Book Sale Nov 27, 28, 2009 For 28 years, the Aurora Optimist Club has raised funds through an annual book sale at the Aurora Library, 15145 Yonge Street North. Come buy some books, or find out how they do it. Link to: Book Sales Flyer 1^st Quarter District Conference – Barrie Held at Holiday Inn, Barrie – November 20-21, 2009 This meeting is open to all members of Optimist Clubs in Central Ontario. Included: educational seminars, District budget approval and visit from Optimist International Vice President Mark Katz. Pre-Registration Form Weekend Agenda Service Project Garden City Optimists proudly presents… A Blast from the Past... A Fantabulous Showcase of 50s, 60s & 70s, Rock ‘n’ Roll & Oldies from one of Canada’s Most Popular & Eclectic Performance Groups!! Saturday November 21^st, 2009 First Grantham United Church - Auditorium 415 Linwell Rd., St. Catharines, 7:00pm - 10:00pm (Doors open 6:30pm) Tickets: $12 advance OR $15 at the door  For info please call: Lynne 905-935-5724 OR Jackie 905-938-2276 – Link to Flyer Road to Honour Club in the year of “High Five (2008/2009)” revised All clubs are challenged to achieve Honour status by following the rule of five (5). • Membership: Members net +1 (as of Oct 1/08) • Finances: to Optimist International by September 30 • Complete three service projects • Submit at least one CPA entry • Submit Officer-Elect Report by May 20, 2009 • Submit President's Pride report by September 30, 2009 • Club President or Board Member attends 50% of District meetings Governor Paul’s August message Hi Y’all Sheril and I just returned from the Florida convention where once again we met with Optimists from several countries we serve. We were amazed by the enthusiasm present despite the economic meltdown we find ourselves in. We are currently the number 6 District in all of Optimist International and I believe we can reach number 1 with a commitment from all our clubs. We are still active in our effort to build a club in Shelburne and need your help. A second project is underway at Brock University with the help of Southwest District Governor Doug Kinchen and his team. I believe that in these troubled times the youth we serve need us more than ever and our purpose becomes more important. Please take advantage of the incentives provided by Optimist International and by our own District and increase our membership insuring our organization’s survival. Remember, for every member, 31 kids are served in our community. Convention delegates voted for a dues increase at the July convention. This may hurt many clubs but was necessary as was explained by the finance committee, and no doubt will be explained in detail in the O.I. magazine. Without this increase the parent organization’s future was in jeopardy because of rulings made in the U.S. regarding pension funding O.I. employees. The employees of Optimist International work for us too and there is no more cutting to be done without losing service projects including our Canadian Service Centre in Montreal. I am confident we will survive this crisis and our youth will continue to be served by enthusiastic clubs thought this great district. One of my goals as Governor was to leave this District in as good or better shape than I found it. I am confident that with your help and support this will be accomplished by Oct 1^st. I am pleased that we have Governors in waiting. This has not been the case in years gone by. After 28 years I still believe we are the best service organization this country has to offer and I encourage you to Just Ask your friends and family to share our enthusiasm for youth. They are our future and the hope for the survival of our organization. Many of our clubs are celebrating milestone anniversaries this year and we wish them all our best for the future and thank them for their service in the past. My own club of Keswick reaches 60 years, Hamilton Inc. 85 years, Oakville 60 years and Windsor in Southwest District 75 years. This proves Optimism, is alive and well throughout Ontario and in many countries around the world as was evidenced at the convention in Orlando. Next year we will meet in Denver, Colorado. I look forward to it as this is one State my travels have not taken me into and there are many friends there I have yet to meet. Thanks for your support this year and let’s give a huge push to the finish line and be number 1 by Oct 1^st. This District deserves it and it will give Tom a HUGE burst for next year. Gov Paul The Barrie Soccer Club and the Barrie Optimist Club are proud to present our... 4th Annual "Give to Our Youth" Golf Tournament, Sat., Sept 12/09 ~ 1:00pm Shotgun Start, Scramble Format, Dinner and Awards to follow ~ Orr Lake Golf Club Website ~ Cost: $100/golfer includes green fees, cart, dinner, welcome gift bag We are also looking for sponsors... welcome bag items; hole sponsors; silent auction items; passport prizes, etc. Sponsorship Letter attached. Limited space is available, so don't delay!!!! Remember this tournament is used as a fundraiser for the Barrie Optimist Club to cover the cost of programs that we provide for the youth of our community. Optimist Junior Golf 2009 Click on the link to Junior Golf to read more. Full details are now posted on how to prepare for the 2009 tournament to be held in Inglewood, Ontario on June 22^nd. The Optimist Club of Erin Inc. Bar-Be-Que The Optimist Club of Erin Inc. invites your clubs to join us on Tuesday June 9th, 6:30/7pm at the Masonic Hall in Erin for a Barbeque. Cost per person is $15.00 Please reply with numbers of people attending by May 30^th to email: lwb@rogers.com or by phone to Wilson Belford, President 519 833 9505. Thank you Help start a new Optimist Club in Shelburne The initial meetings of the New Optimist Club in Shelburne are schedule for Thursdays 7- 8 p.m.  and Saturdays 9:30-11 a.m. Place: Shelburne Library, 201 Owen Sound Street Main Entrance, room on the left. The agenda is simple: · Welcome & Opening comments · Discussion why an Optimist Club in Shelburne-  ALL · Prepare a list of prospective members / contacts - ALL · sample letter to be disturb to the businesses on the main street · overview by the New Clubs Building chair · The Creed We ask everyone from last meeting to bring a prospect; it’s my hope that we develop a game plan / strategy for the next meetings. Remember we plan to organize the club before May 22, so don’t wait!  The next meetings have been set for: Thursday evening - May 7, 2009 between 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saturday morning - May 9, 2009 between 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Link here for minutes from the first meeting. Link here for minutes from the second meeting. For further details contact Adrian Maes 519-941-7707. Other new Optimist Club projects are happening at Sheridan College Oakville, Brock University St Catharines and Durham College/UOIT Oshawa. Please pass on information about potential members to your Governor. Welcome to our newest club in Erin, Ontario! Spring has sprung, the grass has riz . . . Well spring has sprung the grass has riz, wonder where the birdies is, or in our case, where our next leaders is.  With spring comes the job of recruiting new talent to lead us into the future. Now that the economy is in turmoil and the future uncertain is the time when our youth need us more than ever for some sense of direction and focus.  Please encourage the members in your club to step forward and challenge themselves to the future of our organization either as club executive or to our district team.  We welcome and encourage new people to join the district executive as this is where new ideas come from. Some zones in our district have been without a Lt Governor for many years, this can not continue, we must offer leadership to those clubs affected.  I encourage anyone who knows of an Optimist member in there area who would be a potential leader to step up to the plate and help, our district team grow. The last few weeks have been exciting, as I have inducted several new members in various clubs, this is very encouraging and we are proud to welcome these new members.  I have also been working with Adrian’s Army, as we start the new club initiative in Shelburne.  I hope to have more to report shortly on the outcome of this effort. I am extremely proud of this executive and the results we are achieving this year and thank everyone involved for making this  a successful year to date. Our Great Lakes Region is number 2 in all of Optimist International, and Central Ontario is well up in the top districts and of this we should all feel proud.  Our district will be pleased at the 3rd quarter in Kingston to host International President Don and Anita Sievers and encourage all to come and honour his visit.  It does not happen every year and we are honoured to have them present as we honour our champions in Essay, Oratorical, and Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.  I am looking forward to seeing you all in Kingston. Governor Paul Fabulous Festival of Fun, Food & Fantasies, Orangeville May 8th The Optimist Club of Orangeville 1st Annual (Fund Raiser) FANTASY AUCTION on Friday, May 8, 2009 at the HORIZONS’ EVENT CENTRE at the Mono Mall on Highway 10, Orangeville 7:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. Tickets  $50 per person. Click here for an event flyer. Contact Adrian Maes 519-941-7707 or for additional information visit the www.orangevilleoptimists.ca Happy New Year January 2009 Hi all I hope everyone had a happy and safe new year. Sheril and I were off to the governor's conference in Myrtle Beach in January, where we spent time meeting and networking with fellow governors. During the conference I was proud to report that the Central Ontario District was plus in membership.  Hats off to the following Optimist clubs who were the leaders in membership during the first quarter: Grantham St. Catharines, Ancaster, Stoney Creek, Milton, Puslinch, Scarborough, Aurora, Keswick, Georgetown, Douro and District, Kemptville and Nepean.  Due to your outstanding commitment to growth the district finished the first quarter with a plus in growth and a plus 6 by January 31st. It has been a long cold winter, but spring is just around the corner, so don't let the winter blahs get you down. I look forward to meeting as many Optimists as possible at our upcoming District Conference February 20-21 at the Holiday Inn, Markham, where Past Governor Brian Wick will be presenting his awards and recognition for last year.  If you have not already done so please pre-register. It is important for our ongoing updates with the hotel for meals, etc. Governor Paul New administration page added A new administration page has been added with a copy of the District policies and expense claim forms. These are provided for the members of Central Ontario District as a convenience and shouldn’t be used by any others or for any other purpose. Forest Park Optimists Trivia Night Feb 7^th The Forest Park Optimist Club will be hosting Trivia Night on Saturday February 7th, at 7pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Embrun. It will be the 3rd annual Trivia night with snacks and cash bar. Proceeds will go to the Optimist International Foundation. Cost is $10 per person, or $60 per team of 6, The challenge has been posted from last years winners "the village idiots". Teams answer a series of questions from topics such as History, Geography, Canadiana, Television, Music and more. From past years it has proved to be a fun social night for all. (see attached flyer) Looking for numbers by Feb 1st. Tony Edge 613-443-2232 Oshawa Optimists make a difference 25 times over! Taking time from your schedule to help others in December is never an easy task, however, the Optimist Club of Oshawa are right on track. Read More… Richmond Hill Optimist Annual Dinner You are invited to the St David's Boys Basketball Annual Dinner January 31^st. The Optimist Club of Richmond Hill is a major supporter of this North American top ranked team. As well as many of the parents are members of our club. Oakville Optimist Youth Appreciation Click on the link Youth Appreciation to read more. Share your club’s stories and photos. Just send them to the webmaster Brian Wick at bwick@brooklinsigns.com November 2008 District Newsletter released Click on the link November Newsletter to see your copy!