Central Ontario District #47 is an administrative division of Optimist International within geographical boundaries established by Optimist International.

www.brooklinsigns.com

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Community Project Awards (CPA) Book wins Optimist International Award!

Lt. Governor Lynne Twocock says that their CPA book on "Our Christmas Gifts for Homeless Teens" won the Optimist Innovation Award and will be recognized at the Friday session of the International Convention in Milwaukee July 13^th, 2012. I thought I would pass on the great news about their CPA book. Congratulations to the Garden-City Optimist Club of St. Catharines and all who worked on this project.

Oratorical Finalists Speak Their Optimism at Annual Contest

Details to be posted soon.

District Annual Convention – Lord Elgin Hotel, Ottawa

Held at Lord Elgin Hotel, Ottawa – Aug 17-19, 2012

This meeting is open to all members of Optimist Clubs in Central Ontario. Included: educational seminars, Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation, Governor’s Banquet, Election of Officers, Old Timer’s Breakfast with Comedy show..

Tentative Agenda (Register ahead and save)

Optimist Insurance Now Under Canadian Administration

Good news, we now have insurance coverage customized to the needs of the Canadian Clubs. We have concluded a final agreement to provide Club Liability Coverage in Canada with Univesta as of May 1st, 2012. This is a Canadian program specifically for non-profit organizations.

In Canada, Clubs have additional coverage of Abuse & Molestation, and Directors and Officers liability "INCLUDED" in the general policy with UNIVESTA.

The Summary of insurance is effective May 1st. If you need a Certificate of Insurance, click here to download the form to fill and to send to Univesta at the address indicated at the bottom of the form.

Updates From Your District Membership Committee

gov-and-sunflower We started the year on October 1, 2011 with 1498 members, as of Dec 31, 2011, we have added 30 new members and deleted 72 for a net of -42 or 1456. From January 1, 2012 to March 31, 2012 we are at 1479 active members.
In January, February and March the following Clubs have added new members:

Pt. Colborne has added 3 members sponsored by Catherine Anderson (2) and Allan Young

Fort Erie has added 1 sponsored by Helen Gianfransescp

Hamilton East has added 3 sponsored by Sam Speakman and Brian Smith (2)

Stoney Creek has added 5 sponsored by Michelle Stokes, William Dowdell and Pamela Caron (3)

Dunnville has added 3 sponsored by Everett Beamsley, Christina Pinnance and Stephen Strong

Burlington has added 1 sponsored by Marijke Coffa

Oakville has added 3 sponsored by Carilyn McNaught (2) and Renee Edge

Puslinch has added 1 sponsored by Fred Law

Milton has added 4 sponsored by Airikka Passmore (2), Al Schouten and Dave Robbins

Carlisle has added 1 sponsored by Jeff Partridge

New Market has added 1 sponsored by Jeffery Miller

Richmond Hill has added 2 sponsored by Liz Bass and James Drover

Halton Hills has added 4 sponsored by Jim Dallimore, and Clayton Downes (3)

Ajax has added 1 sponsored by Godfrey D’Souza

Oshawa has added 6 sponsored by Alex Crosbie

Lindsay has added 2 sponsored by Pat Murphy and Bill Legere

South Dundas has added 23 as a new Club

We would like to finish the year with a plus 50 new members.

Governor Anne and the District has promised to try to add an additional 5 new Clubs to the District in 2011-2012. We have chartered 1 new Club and 1 JOOI Club. NOW, there is still time to host a NOW function to get more new members. All Clubs should be trying to recruit new members and think of areas where new Clubs can be established. If you need any assistance please contact Don

Thanks, Don McConnell, email: Don.McConnell@conservationhamilton.ca

District Bulletin for May 2012 now online

Please click here to open and print the District Newsletter (PDF file.)

New Optimist Club of South Dundas – Charter Party May 12 (Zone 10)

You are invited to join in on the celebration of our new Optimist Club located in around Dixon’s Corners Community Centre, 10951 Cook Rd., Brinston, ON K0E 1C0.

Guests will enjoy a sit-down dinner, fun, games and prizes. This is a great opportunity to share ideas about your club’s activities and help to get the new club active with Optimist style programs for kids.

For tickets and directions please call: Pieter Biemond 613-652-9363 or Monika Simon 613-652-2930. Reserved tickets are $20 each, (last minute stragglers $25.)

Junior Optimist Club Inducted into the Central Ontario Family

Welcome. Junior Optimist and Octagon Clubs are widely accepted in communities throughout Southwestern Ontario. They are coming back to Central Ontario one by one. Ask Governor Anne for details

CAPTION: Optimist International VP Dwight Phillips and CENON Governor Anne Donkers made presentations today at the Charter Celebration for the Junior Optimist Octagon Club of Oakville. Marlene Phillips was the facilitator for the ceremonies. Pictured is Anne presenting the banner donated from CENON, to Charter President Eisha Ahmed; group picture of the Charter Members plus Club Mentor, Eric Roberts and Oakville Optimist Club President and JOOI Club Committee Chair Carilyn McNaught

Happy Spring, Governor Anne’s Message

Can you feel it? Can you hear it? Can you smell it? Spring is in the air! The sun is warmer, the birds are chirping and there is nothing sweeter than the smell of the outdoors after a spring rain! I can almost see the sunflowers growing! I hope everyone is looking for that ideal place to plant those sunflower seeds to brighten your community.
While you are “planting the seeds” I trust you are planning the growth of your club as well. Many clubs have held NOW programs with great success. Please try to hold a NOW meeting, it has proven results.
It’s hard to believe that the first half of this Optimist year is already over. It has been a real challenge trying to run a business and be the Governor for CENON. It has only been possible with your kind words and all your help. Everyone has made this experience very enjoyable. I have put on many kilometers and I thoroughly enjoy coming out to as many events as is possible to meet all of you. The clubs of CENON can be very proud with all the hard work they have been doing.
I just had the pleasure of speaking at the U18 opening ceremonies. It is wonderful seeing so many youth gathered together to share their passion. Past Governor Jim, Past Governor Tom and Carilyn did a great job along with many other volunteers. It was great to meet everyone.
On March 22, the Optimist Club of South Dundas was formed. With Pieter Biemond as President and 23 very eager members, we met at their community centre in Dixon’s Corners. Optimist Clubs of Lancaster and Spencerville were the sponsoring clubs. We look forward to the charter party. We’ll keep you posted.
Congratulations to Carilyn McNaught for her hard work building the Octagon Club of Oakville. There are 16 members ready to take on the challenges set before them. We look forward to their charter party on April 22.
Plans are under way for our August 17-19 convention in Ottawa. The committee has been working very hard and things are coming together. Prepare yourself for a great visit to our nation’s capital. We are going to have lots of fun, a little bit of business and some learning too! Plan now to attend, you won’t want to miss it! Keep watching as info will be posted soon.
May 4-5 will be our 3^rd quarter District Meetings in Peterborough at the Holiday Inn Waterfront. Once again Gus Amodeo has been working hard for the oratorical contest. So far we have 12 contestants competing for top spot. We have an interesting line up of successful fundraisers to present to you. Jim Dalimore has been working diligently for the Communications Contest for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) and we look forward to his presentation of the winners. Once again we have a full weekend and I look forward to seeing everyone there.

Keep up the great work!
Yours in Optimism
Governor Anne

Finals for Communications Contest for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Central Ontario District Final of the Speaking Communication Contest for deaf students will be held on

Saturday April 28, 2012 from noon until 4:00 PM at the Optimist Club of Oshawa Club House, 475 Salisbury St., Oshawa, Ontario. The Optimist Club of Oshawa is supplying a light lunch and refreshments.

To reach the club from the west, travel east on 401 to the Stevenson Road exit in Oshawa. Go north on Stevenson Road to Laval Road. Turn right onto Laval Road, go 2 blocks and turn right onto Salisbury St.

If you are not driving, take the GO train east to Oshawa. I can arrange a pick up at the station. Please call me at least 3 days in advance. My phone is 905-878-0500.

The Central Ontario District Final of the Signing Communication Contest for deaf students will be held on

Wednesday May 9, 2012 from 09:30 am to approx. 3:00 pm at the School For The Deaf, Belleville, Ontario.

You are all welcome to attend.

Central Ontario District Essay contest winner 2011-12

It gives me great pleasure to announce the top three candidates from the 2011-12 Essay – How My Positive Outlook Benefits my Community.

First Place - Mary Michalski from Ajax Ontario sponsored by the Optimist Club of

Whitby Ontario

Second Place - Holly Soave from Hamilton Ontario sponsored by the Optimist

Club of Greensville Ontario

Third Place - Christina Heos from Newmarket Ontario sponsored by the Optimist

Club of Aurora Ontario

Congratulations to all the contestants on a job well done.

Terry Twocock, Essay Chair

Junior Optimist/Octagon International Charters New Club in Oakville!
There are 16 charter members. The members are all Secondary age students ranging from 14 to 18 years old. The official name is Junior Octagon Optimist Club of Oakville. We will be calling ourselves locally the Oakville Junior Optimists.
Tentatively they are having the Charter Party on Sunday, April 22nd 2:00-4:00 with the official ceremony at 3:00. Let Carilyn McNaught camcnaught@hotmail.com know if you would like an invitation.

The NEW Optimist Club of Dixon`s Corners

Organization date is set for Thursday March 22^nd. If you know of anyone living in the area just north of Iroquois, Ontario, please pass the contact info on to Governor Anne and she will follow up! Growth is always welcome. Thanks.

District Bulletin for February 2012 now online

Please click here to open and print the District Newsletter (PDF file.)

Update Your Website from www.ClubName.OptimistCanada.ca

For those who attended the workshop on Saturday at the District Conference in Markham, here is the slide show about how to update your clubs website. Tutorial

2011 Awards Presented at February District Conference
Congratulations to all the clubs for their great work helping the youth of our communities.

TOP CLUB IN ZONE:

zone 1-St. Catharines

zone 2-Stoney Creek

zone 3- Oakville

zone 4-Scarborough

zone 5 - Aurora

zone 6-Caledon

zone 7-Barrie

zone 8- Brooklin

zone 9- Lindsay

zone 10 - Cornwall

TOP CLUBS IN DISTRICT

10th place - Caledon

9th place - East Hamilton

8th place - Newmarket

7th place - Niagara Falls

6th place - Garden City

5th place - St. Catharines

4th place - Brooklin

3rd place - Stoney Creek

2nd place - Oakville

1st place - Aurora

CPA winner - Optimist Club of Garden city

OptiPromo is New Vendor for Everything Optimist

We are pleased to announce the appointment of OptiPromo for the official Optimist Supply company for Canadian Clubs. You can order on-line at www.OptiPromo.ca or contact them at 1-855-704-1080 info@optipromo.ca

Promotions Corell will discontinue their line of Optimist Merchandise as of Dec 31^st, 2011.

Achievement and Awards Chart for 2011-1012 now available

The awards chart is now available on the Administration page of the website or you may click here to send in your points accumulated via participation and delivery of program in your communities. Contact Laura-Lee if you have any questions.

2012 Optimist International Under 18 Curling Championship
Central Ontario District has pledged $5,000 again this year toward sponsorship of the tournament to take place in Etobicoke and Mississauga on the weekend of April 4-8, 2012.

Volunteers are needed to help with logistics at the airport, assisting visitors at the two curling rinks during the weekend and helping to raise additional funds with an on-going 50/50 draw with the audience.

Official website for the Optimist Under 18 World Curling Championships outlines the teams, rules and other interesting facts about the games to take place at Dixie Curling Club in Toronto. Our District is the title sponsor again this year. This event is great exposure for the Optimist Organization across Canada and USA.

Next year’s championship competition will move on to somewhere in the province of Quebec.

Organizers have asked Optimist International to consider this event to be on the same scale as Junior World of Golf, endorsed by the international office, thereby further building clout for youth curling. Small “dry-land” games have been created to teach children about the sport.

Get on Board the Growth Train

Learn how YOU can Bring Optimism to a NEW Community or Group. On Sunday February 19, 2012 the Northeast Great Lakes Region is holding a SPECIAL New Community Workshop. It is open to all members regardless of whether you are a member of your club or district executive. It will take place from 12 noon until 4 p.m. at the Optimist Club of St Catharines hall, 8 Napier St , St. Catharines, ON L2R 6B4

Certified International Trainer Paula Reyling will be leading this workshop for us. This workshop is designed for those of us who have never done it before or who have been out of the arena of New Community Growth for a while. It will be a great opportunity to learn the nuts and bolts of the how and for you to gain the confidence to Bring Out The Best In Kids in a New Community.

R.S.V.P.

Optimist International Vice-President Dwight Phillips, d-mphillips@cogeco.ca or 1.519.944.4970

Scarborough’s Jim Lynge Presents $8,000 – the picture says it all.

Updates From Your District Membership Committee

We started the year with 1498 members, as of Jan 1, we have added 30 new members and deleted 72 for a net of -42:
St. Catharines has added 2 sponsored by James Davidson

Ancaster has added 1 new member sponsored by Robert Bulmer

Hamilton-East has added 1 new member sponsored by Sam Speakman

Battlefield Stoney Creek has added 1 sponsored by ?

Milton has added 5, sponsored by Steve Gardonyi and John Barrett

Puslinch has added 2 sponsored by ?, and Micheal Marinovic

Aurora has added 5 sponsored by Diane Buchanan (2), William Hack, Ken Banks, Terry Sherin

Halton Hills has added 2 sponsored by Paul Goudet de Lestard (2)

Collingwood-Evening has added 2 , sponsore4d by Chuck Magann and Sean Rennie

Brooklin has added 1 sponsored by Maureen Jackson

Ennismore has added 4 sponsored by Debbie Timperio, Randy Horton, Jack Armour, Teena Flood (2)

Cornwall has added 1 sponsored by Norman St. Pierre

Gananogue Youth Services has added 2 sponsored by Karl Harries (2)

We would like to finish the year with a plus 50 new members.

Governor Anne and the District has promised to try to add an additional 5 new Clubs to the District in 2011-2012. There is work being done to establish 2 new Clubs now.

Now that we have had a Christmas break, all Clubs should be trying to recruit new members and think of areas where new Clubs can be established.

Thanks, Don McConnell, email: Don.McConnell@conservationhamilton.ca

Promotions Corall Liquidation Sale – Optimist Supplies
Oratorical Medals $15.00 per set or $5.50 per medal.

Essay Medals $15.00 per set or $5.50 per medal.

Please contact us (Luc) at 1-866-739-9555 for more information. **All orders must be paid for prior to shipping**

As per our contract, we will continue selling until the end of June. We have many products still in stock and are offering them to members at very good discounts. Please take a look at the attachment for an example. All our products are on sale until stock runs out. Please contact us for additional products. Thanks Luc Corbeil Email: luc@corallgroup.com

CENON Toy Drive – 232 lbs and $350 raised at 1^st Quarter District conference

CENON Clubs of Optimist International held a District Conference and Toy Drive for the NRPS in St. Catharines recently. Over 250 pounds of toys and $350 was donated to Community Care. Lori Taraba reports.
View the Cogeco Cable video.
Here is the breakdown from yesterday’s Quarter board. Some toys were “unclaimed” – despite Gov. Anne’s reminders, no club claimed recognition. So, these number will not seem to add up.

I have highlighted the highest #s in red

The total – 194 toys, 232 pounds of toys, $350 in cheques

ZONE 1 Garden City 8 toys, 8 pounds

Niagara Falls 16 toys, 11 pounds

St. Catharines 13 toys, 28 pounds ZONE 1 totals – 37 toys, 47 pounds

ZONE 2 Hamilton 17 toys, 24 pounds

East Hamilton 6 toys, 13 pounds ZONE 2 totals – 23 toys, 37 pounds

ZONE 3 Milton 7 toys, 5 pounds

Oakville 36 toys, 26 pounds ZONE 3 totals – 43 toys, 31 pounds

ZONE 4 Scarborough 21 toys, 17 pounds

Etobicoke $200 ZONE 4 totals – 21 toys, 17 pounds, $200

ZONE 5 Keswick 14 toys, 18 pounds ZONE 5 totals – 14 toys, 18 pounds

ZONE 6 Caledon $50

Orangeville 2 toys, 3 pounds ZONE 6 totals – 2 toys, 3 pounds, $50

ZONE 8 Brooklin 4 toys, 8 pounds ZONE 8 totals – 4 toys, 8 pounds

ZONE 10 Lancaster $100 ZONE 10 totals - $100

Thank you for your help. The Niagara Regional Police and Community Care of St. Catharines were thrilled and amazed by the pile of toys amassed. On behalf of them, and the children you have helped, thank you!

Yours in Optimism, President Robbie

Directors Liability Explaned

Please see the two documents discussed at the District Board Conference in St. Catharines to learn more about Director’s liability. The two documents pertaining to liability and risk assessment were used as reference to speak about Directors and Officers Liability. Directors Liability (PDF), Primer for Directors of Not-for-Profit Corporations (PDF)

Fall 2011 District Newsletter now posted

Thanks to Jim & Susan Lynge, you can now open and print your own copy of the Central Ontario District fall bulletin. Link to: Newsletter 2011 Fall Edition

Optimist International Essay Contest Central Ontario District

Here is an opportunity for students 18 years of age and younger to win a $2500.00 scholarship. Essays are to be on the topic “How My Positive Outlook Benefits my Community.”

Students must enter through an Optimist Club in their area who is hosting an essay contest. Club winners should receive medals. Clubs must have their winning entry to the District Chair Terry Twocock by Feb. 28, 2012 with all appropriate papers for District judging. Application forms, club and district rules can be found on the Optimist International website at http://www.optimist.org/e/member/scholarships3.cfm.

Anne Donkers newly elected Governor 2011-2012

A new Optimist year starts on October 1^st with Anne Donkers of Lancaster Optimist Club at the helm. Most of her team for the year are selected and identified on the “Future Leaders” page on the left column. Governor Elect will be Gordon Holly (2012-2013) member of Etobicoke Optimist Club who has served as District Secretary Treasurer this year. The new Secretary Treasurer from October 1^st, 2011 will be Susan Lynge of Scarborough, wife of Past Governor Jim Lynge.

2011-12 District Meeting & Workshop Dates Announced

Mark your calendars:

· Quarterly District Meeting & Training, November 18-19, 2011, Holiday Inn (previously Quality Inn), 327 Ontario St., St. Catharines.

· Quarterly District Meeting & Training & 2011 Award Luncheon, February 17-18, 2012, Holiday Inn, 7095 Woodbine Ave., Markham.

· Quarterly District Meeting & Training & Oratorical Finals, May 4-5, 2012, Holiday Inn Waterfront, 150 George Street, Peterborough.

· International Convention, July 12-14, 2012, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

· District Convention and Board Meeting, August 17-19, 2012 at Lord Elgin Hotel, 100 Elgin St., Ottawa

94th Optimist International Convention

July 12-14, 2012, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Housing
For the 2012 Convention, it's all about choices! Convention delegates can choose one of three hotels. So what will it be: the Hilton Milwaukee City Center, where some of the Convention events will take place, the Hyatt Regency or the DoubleTree Hotel? Learn more about them all!

Online registration will be available soon!

Board of Directors Meeting – 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. July 11
Opening Ceremonies – 7-9 p.m. July 12
First Business Session – 9-11:30 a.m. July 13
Second Business Session – 9-10:30 a.m. July 14
Closing Business Session – 2-4 p.m. July 14

For more details try this link.

District Annual Convention – Lord Elgin Hotel, Ottawa

Tentative Agenda (Register ahead and save)

Optimist Insurance Now Under Canadian Administration

The Summary of insurance is effective May 1st. If you need a Certificate of Insurance, click here to download the form to fill and to send to Univesta at the address indicated at the bottom of the form.

District Bulletin for May 2012 now online

New Optimist Club of South Dundas – Charter Party May 12 (Zone 10)

The NEW Optimist Club of Dixon`s Corners

District Bulletin for February 2012 now online

Promotions Corell will discontinue their line of Optimist Merchandise as of Dec 31st, 2011.

Achievement and Awards Chart for 2011-1012 now available

Get on Board the Growth Train

Optimist International Vice-President Dwight Phillips, d-mphillips@cogeco.ca or 1.519.944.4970

Updates From Your District Membership Committee

Promotions Corall Liquidation Sale – Optimist Supplies Oratorical Medals $15.00 per set or $5.50 per medal.

CENON Toy Drive – 232 lbs and $350 raised at 1st Quarter District conference

Fall 2011 District Newsletter now posted

Anne Donkers newly elected Governor 2011-2012

2011-12 District Meeting & Workshop Dates Announced

Promotions Corell will discontinue their line of Optimist Merchandise as of Dec 31^st, 2011.

Promotions Corall Liquidation Sale – Optimist Supplies
Oratorical Medals $15.00 per set or $5.50 per medal.

CENON Toy Drive – 232 lbs and $350 raised at 1^st Quarter District conference