MERRY CHRISTMAS - HAPPY HOLIDAYS - HAPPY NEW YEAR

 







Wishing everyone a MERRY CHRISTMAS - HAPPY HOLIDAYS - HAPPY NEW YEAR



DONATION To The STOLLERY CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

On Dec. 19, 2012, a donation of $500.00 was presented by the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc to the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation. This is our second annual donation to this fine organization for their invaluable work that assists a wide region.

Joanna Pattison accepts the donation on behalf of the Stollery Founation from Optimist Ray.
A picture of the wonderful philanthropists Robert and Shirley Stollery hangs in the background.

NEWS From The DEC. 13 MEETING

At the Dec. 13th meeting, 2013 fundraising raffle ticket booklets were handed out to those Optimist members in attendance.
Congratulations to Optimist Denise who handed in the first SOLD booklet, with cash, on Dec. 16th.

Leduc Estates School has accepted our offer to present Certificates of Personal Achievement and Community Spirit (with Bursaries) to one female and one male student in 2013. School staff select the deserving recipients.

Manager Gert Reynar of the Leduc Food Bank was on hand to receive personal, member donations of food and household items plus toys and other gifts for the Santa's Helpers program. THANKS to the  members for your generosity and to Gert and her associates for the good work they perform.

Optimist members in attendance, plus Gert, display the donations presented on Dec. 13th.

Optimist International Juvenile Curling Northern Alberta play down

Optimist International Juvenile Curling Northern Alberta play down
is in Beaumont; 7-9 Feb 2013.  This is one of the tournaments towards
the 2013 U-18 Optimist International Curling Championships in Surrey
& Langley on March 27-31/2013.  For details visit
http://www.u18curling.ca/

Christmas Meeting Dec 13th

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will meet again on Thursday December13, 2012 at Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. Those wanting to personally order and eat should arrive at 7:00 PM, or earlier, with the regular meeting scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM.  This will be our Christmas Meeting and program will be a Christmas theme. Please bring food donations for the Leduc Food Bank and something for Santa's Helpers.

Prospective new volunteer members and guests are welcome to attend our meetings.

Optikids Christmas Party and Sleigh Ride is on Sunday,
December 16th from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the
Britannia/Youngstown Community League Hall, 15927
- 105 Ave. Edmonton. All Optikids are invited to attend.
Please call Optimist Beryl at 780-459-3153 with names and ages of children attending.

NOVEMBER 22 IS THE NEXT MEETING DATE

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will meet again on Thursday November 22, 2012 at Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. Those wanting to personally order and eat should arrive at 7:00 PM, or earlier, with the regular meeting scheduled to begin at 7:30 PM.

Prospective new volunteer members and guests are welcome to attend our meetings. Our only criteria is a desire to help youth and community.

November 22nd is the 49th anniversary of the death of U.S. President John F Kennedy who was quoted to say: "One person can make a difference, and everyone should try."

President Ray will be away and Vice-President Denise will chair the meeting.

Optimists attend meeting at Sea.  Lions, Rotary, and SurOptimists also attended.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 8th IS OUR NEXT MEETING DATE

That time is approaching again, with our next regular meeting to be held on Thursday, November 8th in Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. Members wanting to personally order food and dine, should arrive at 7:00 PM (or earlier) with the actual meeting to start at 7:30 PM.
Continue thinking about matters for discussion.

Potential new members and/or guests are welcome to attend.

NOTE: The Zone 5 first quarter meeting has been announced as hosted by the St. Albert clubs.
The date is Sunday November 18th starting at 1:00 PM.   (update:  Zone Meeting Postponed to January).  The location is the St. Albert Seniors Club at #7 Tache Street (across from the St. Albert Legion).

OCTOBER 25th - NEXT MEETING

Thursday October 25, 2012 is the next regular meeting of our club at Smitty's Restaaurant in Leduc.
Those wanting to personally order food and eat should arrive at 7:00 PM, or earlier, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30 PM. Please formulate ideas and points for discussion.

I think it was vaguely mentioned that the Wallace clan would be away on a cruise from October 23 until November 10. If that is the actual time period, we say....Bon Voyage!

Guests and potential new members are most welcome to attend.

LEDUC BLACK GOLD 2011- 2012 AWARDS!

At the October 11, 2012 regular meeting, nine members were in attendance plus one guest.
The annual Leduc club President's Award Plaques were presented to deserving members for their efforts over the 2011-2012 year. President Ray hands out the awards in the photos below:

Volunteer of the Year - Brian Wallace

Fundraiser of the Year - Bob Scott

 

  

Outstanding Member of the Year - Denise Stamp

 

 

The Optimist International President's Citation for Outstanding Member of the Year was also awarded to - Denise Stamp.

 

 

Special, framed Letters of Appreciation for valued, continuing service to our club and others were presented to Peggy Dick and Keivin Wallace.

 

 

 

 

Smitty's Restaurant also received a framed Letter of Appreciation for providing the space in the eatery to hold our twice a month meetings.

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS and THANKS to all the deserving recipients.



UPCOMING MEETING - THURSDAY OCTOBER 11, 2012

There is a regular meeting upcoming on Thursday October 11, 2012 at Smitty's Restaurant in Leduc. Those members wishing to order and have dinner there should arrive at 7:00 PM or earlier. The actual meeting starts at 7:30 PM.
The annual member awards and recognitions will be announced based on the past 2011-2012 Optimist year. Please make every effort to attend.

Guests and potential new members seeking information on our activities and programs are cordially invited to attend. We welcome new members and ideas.

FALL HIGHWAY #2 ROADSIDE CLEAN UP COMPLETED

On the morning of Saturday October 06, 2012, seven members of the Dinner Optimist Club of Edmonton (Keivin, Brian, John, Desiree, Leona, Doug and Mike) were joined by three members (Denise, Connie and Ray) from the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc to pick up trash from an east side section of Highway #2, south of Leduc.
Nineteen bags of garbage and one bag of recyclable bottles, cans and containers were accumulated.

 GOOD WORK and THANKS to all who attended and helped to clean up a part of our environment.

Appreciation is extended to the Edmonton Club for a lunch provided after the event

SEPTEMBER 27 MEETING NOTES

The September 27, 2012 meeting was attended by Keivin, Trevor, Margaretha and Ray plus guests: John and Ruby Anderson and Geoff Connor ( incoming Zone 5 Lieutenant Governor). Our club's Annual Club Planning Conference Report (ACPC) was gone over, completed and handed to our new L/G Geoff.
A Letter of Thanks was read out from the Leduc Food Bank for our donations of school supplies, food and cash brought to them on September 17, 2012.
Another was received from the Stollery Foundation for our past contributions and an appeal for further support if we are able.
The fall highway #2 roadside clean up project conducted by the Edmonton Dinner Optimist Club and assisted by the Leduc Club members is scheduled for Saturday, October 06, 2012. Please arrive in front of Boston Pizza in Leduc before 9:00 AM which is the time that we depart to the section that is to be cleaned. Please advise Ray if you are able to attend, so we can have a number to work with.
Dress should be appropriate for the task and weather. Thanks.

DONATION to LEDUC LEGION at the meeting:
Mabel Armour from the Royal Canadian Legion Leduc Branch 108 was on hand to be formally presented with the LED lighted OPEN sign which we have purchased and donated to the organization hoping to increase traffic through the facility and assist with the worthy endeavours of the Legion. Verbal and written thanks were given to our club.



Optimist Keivin presents the vertical OPEN sign to Legion Executive member Mabel

NEXT REGULAR MEETING - September 27, 2012

Our next regular meeting takes place on Thursday, September 27, 2012 at Smitty’s Restaurant Leduc. The formal meeting starts at 7:30 PM. Those wishing to personally order food and eat should arrive at 7:00 pm, or earlier.

This is the final meeting of the fourth quarter (2011-2012) and the new Optimist year starts on October 1, 2012.

New elected and appointed executive members for 2012-2013 include:

President - Ray Venturin (2011-2012, 2012-2013)

Past President - Shayne Beveridge (2009-2010, 2010-2011)
Vice President - Denise Stamp
Recording Secretary - Margaretha Reimer
Treasurer - Bob Scott

Directors:

Keivin Wallace
Brian Wallace
Samantha Wallace
Peggy Dick
Nancy Bell
Trevor Adair

Please make every effort to attend although some have already advised that they will be away or have prior commitments.

We’ll miss you, but will carry on with an optimistic spirit.
Guests and potential new members are invited and most welcome to attend the meeting.

September 13, 2012 Regular Meeting Notes

Seven Leduc Optimist Club members attended the September 13th meeting, bringing personal donations of school supplies for use by the Leduc Food Bank distribution program. A club cash donation cheque in the amount of $200.00 was also made up to enable the purchase of required, but not donated, school supplies at the Food Bank. A supply of non-perishable food items was also brought to the meeting. THANKS to all who donated.

Since a representative was not able to be present at our meeting, a club member delivered the items to the Food Bank on Monday, September 17, 2012.
There were 29 pounds of school supplies and 93 pounds of food items, plus the $200.00 cash cheque.

Appreciation was expressed by the Leduc Food Bank.

 

Besides school supplies and food, Optimist Ray presents a cheque to Manager Gert Reynar

ZONE 5 Fourth Quarter Meeting Completed

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc hosted the Zone 5 Fourth Quarter Meeting on Saturday September 8, 2012 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 108 Leduc.
Seventeen Optimist members from various clubs attended.

Outgoing Lieutenant Governor (LG) Peggy Dick addressed the group on pertinent matters and introduced the incoming LG (Geoff Connor) who will take over on October 1, 2012. The clubs presented reports on their activities for the past period and some future endeavours.

An enjoyable lunch was provided, followed by the annual Horseshoe Challenge on the public grounds behind the Legion Hall. Glen Kreller from The St. Albert club and Clint Sopchyshyn from the Edmonton Dinner club teamed up to outduel the three other pairs in competition and place first.

Thanks to all who attended.

Leduc Optimists, The next regular meeting of the Leduc Optimist Club will be on Thursday September 13, 2012 starting at 7:30 PM. Those wishing to order and eat dinner should arrive at 7:00 PM, or earlier.

The Leduc Food Bank has provided information on some back to SCHOOL SUPPLIES that are needed:
- Scientific Calculators
- Grade One & Kindergarten lined exercise books. 72 pages in size and usually in blue or green colours on the covers.
- Fine felt, coloured, non-toxic pens - perhaps by Crayola.
- Duo Tangs
- Primary Scissors (rounded)
- Erasers
- Rulers
- Coil Scribblers

Please bring some of these supplies, if possible, as a personal donation that we can take or hand over to the food bank.

Thanks, Ray

image source: http://www.lcps.org (used without permission)

ZONE 5 4TH QTR MEETING

PRESIDENTS & ALL MEMBERS

Reminder that two important forms MUST be sent to OI by AUGUST 31ST.
1. PRESIDENT CITATION
2. PRESIDENT PRIDE REPORT ( This is early for this year only)


ZONE 5 MEETING --
SEPT. 8TH. 11 AM
LEDUC LEGION
PLEASE come and support your INCOMING LG Geoff Connor, there he will receive is LG Pin and the Banners. There may be a couple of other surprises.

Please contact LG Peggy Dick with the number of members from your Club that will be attending, this is so we have a count for lunch. Then stay after lunch and join the fun at the annual Horse Shoe Tourny.... See if your club can beat last years winners!!!!!!!

This was the last photo taken because suddenly the camera broke

HOPE YOU ALL HAVE HAD A GREAT SUMMER-- NOW ITS TIME TO GO BACK AND START INCREASING YOUR MEMBERSHIPS.


Thanks
Peggy Dick - LG Zone 5
780 - 471 - 6883 (Leave message)

50/50 Update

Updated events

Friday July, 20, 2012                      Gold Cup                            11:00 AM

Sunday July 22, 2012                     Bracket Drags                    11:00 AM

Sunday August 12, 2012                Street Car Shoot out         Noon

Saturday August 25, 2012             World Of Outlaws             6:00 PM

Monday September 3, 2012         Super Chevy Show             Noon

Sunday September 16, 2012        Bracket Drags                    11:00 AM

Sunday September 30, 2012        Drag Finals                        11:00 AM

---------------------------

A couple of the dates provided to us have been cancelled.  The Castrol Raceway event will go ahead but some of the minor events such as Street Legal the 50/50 will not be run.  We may be re-assigned dates so stay posted for the latest news.
------------------------

DONATION of CASH and FOOD ITEMS to LEDUC FOOD BANK

At our June 28th meeting, we were pleased to have Mr. Charles Klass as our guest; who was the founder and is a current board member of the Leduc Food Bank. He outlined the interesting and commendable story of how it came into being.

Optimist members brought personal donations of non-perishable food items and a club donation cheque of $200.00 was also presented for the Food Bank.

Charles Klass, on the left, from the Leduc Food Bank receives the cheque from Optimist Trevor.

THANK YOU to Charles, Gert Reynar and all the other Leduc Food Bank personnel and volunteers for the good work that you do (and have done) in the area.

Leduc Optimist Club Summer Barbecue

Saturday July 21^st (arrive at 3:00pm) has been set as the date for the Leduc Optimist Club summer barbecue get together at the home of Ray & Connie..

As in the past, a grilling steak, baked potato, coffee or tea and water will be provided by the club. This is a BYOB event, if you wish to consume alcohol beverages.

PLEASE BRING A POT LUCK DISH ( enough for 15-20 people to sample) to round out the menu. Bring portable chairs, if possible.

Non-member spouses are invited, of course.

IMPORTANT: Please advise me (RSVP) if you are able to attend. We need to get a firm number to order the steaks and potatoes.

CERTIFICATES of PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT and COMMUNITY SPIRIT with CASH BURSARY

On Wednesday morning June 27th at Notre Dame Leduc elementary School, one female student and one male student received a Certificate of Personal Achievement and Community Spirit with Cash Bursary from Leduc Optimist Club members at the school's Awards Assembly.

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc offers this chance to acknowledge two outstanding students to a different Leduc area elementary school each year on a rotational basis. School staff choose the recipients.

Knowing the importance of education, our club is hoping this type of incentive for effort, achievement and concern for others will help to spur on all students to higher goals and promising futures. Two students were selected from a worthy group of nominees for this award. The document states that each selected student:

- Displays initiative, scholastic effort and academic achievement
- Demonstrates respect for school rules and the rights of others
- Promotes friendship among all students and staff
- Shows a willingness to be involved in school or community activities and events
- Has a respect for self, respect for others and is responsible for personal actions
- Best exemplifies the Optimist Creed (view by clicking the Creed tab)

CONGRATULATIONS to both students and their supportive families and teachers.

Optimist member Bob Scott holds the Cash Bursary envelope while the smiling Male recipient Jesse Johnson holds the framed Certificate.

Optimist member Denise Stamp is shown with the beaming Female recipient Alexandra Haberman and the presented Certificate. Her Cash Bursary is safely tucked away in a gift bag.

It was a real pleasure for us to be in the midst of all the great students, teachers and staff at Notre Dame School (as it was at another school last year).

THANK YOU for allowing us to try and help to " Bring out the Best in Kids"; which parents and teachers do on an every day basis.

June 28 Meeting

Just a reminder to all Optimists that our last meeting before the summer recess is on June 28 7:00 p.m. (7:30 for meeting only) at Smitty's Family Restaurant.  Guests are always welcome.  We will be overviewing the upcoming summer events and the planned program is the food bank.  Please bring a non-perishable food donation.

DONATION PRESENTED TO LEDUC AREA MINOR FOOTBALL

At the June 14th meeting of the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc, a donation cheque in the amount of $750.00 was presented to the Leduc and District Minor Football Association (L&DMFA). Thanks was also expressed for the football group's assistance in selling the Optimist Club's raffle tickets.

Optimist member Denise, on the left, presents the cheque to Jennifer Neufeld of the L&DMFA

FOOTBALL RAFFLE FUNDRAISER 2012 DRAW WINNER

During our meeting  last evening - June 14th - at the Smitty's / Shades establishment in Leduc, the draw was conducted for our Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc Football Raffle Fundraiser. All 975 tickets printed were sold. All net proceeds go to our Youth and Community Activities and Programs.

The winning ticket was #0044 purchased by Mark Hughes of Edmonton.

He has been contacted by phone and the prize package of two Edmonton Eskimos Gold Season Tickets plus $325.00 in an Eskimos Gift and Concessions Card (to use at the games) will be personally delivered. The total package value is $1211.00. The first home game (pre-season) is on Thursday June 21st, starting at 7:00pm.

Impartial ticket picker Dan Cloutier has selected the winning raffle ticket from the lottery drum as Optimist Brian looks on.

CONGRATULATIONS to Mark and a big THANK YOU to all ticket purchasers and sellers.

The happy winner Mark, is on the left shown receiving the prize package from Optimist Ray.

JUNE 14th MEETING & RAFFLE DRAW REMINDER

Our next regular meeting and special raffle draw takes place in the Smitty's / Shades Leduc establishment on June 14th at 7:30pm.

CASTROL RACEWAY 50/50 TICKET SALES FUNDRAISER

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc assists in the Rotary Club of Nisku-Leduc 50/50 Ticket Sales Program at Castrol Raceway along with other groups. The half of ticket sales which does not go to the ticket draw winner is proportionately divided among the Raceway ( for children's play area improvement ), Rotary and the groups that help in selling the tickets at the facility.

In May, a donation cheque for $1500.00 was presented to Leduc Optimists from the Rotary Club of Nisku-Leduc for our efforts in fundraising. That money will be used for our programs and activities serving youth and the community at large.

Sincere THANKS to the Rotary Club for asking our club to be a part of that program.

HIGHWAY ROADSIDE SPRING CLEANUP COMPLETED

On the sunny morning of Saturday June 02nd, four members of the Leduc Optimist Club (Denise, Trevor, Bob and Ray) together with eleven members of the Dinner Optimist Club of Edmonton (Keivin, Brian, John, Ruby, Don, Desiree, Ron, Leona, plus new members Darcy, Doug and Marie) participated in the spring cleanup of a portion of Highway 2, south of Leduc.

Seven bags of trash and one of recycles were collected.....much better (less) than the previous fall cleanup.
Lunch at Boston Pizza followed to cap a worthwhile and enjoyable endeavour.

THANKS to all who attended and helped to tidy up our environment.

LEDUC OPTIMISTS ASSIST AT THE RODEO OF SMILES

On Thursday May 31st, three Leduc Optimist Club members (Denise, Bob and Ray) assisted at the Rodeo of Smiles held in conjunction with the Black Gold Pro Rodeo at the Leduc Recreation Centre. Special needs children were able to participate in, and enjoy, a number of simulated rodeo events and other fun activities. It was another successful and gratifying day for those involved. Many THANKS to all the organizers, sponsors and volunteers.
The poor lighting quality of this picture does not show the nifty cowboy hats that Optimist Denise, on the left, and Optimist Bob are wearing, but the spiffy bandanas and happy smiles are evident.

DONATION TO THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION LEDUC BRANCH 108

At our May 24th meeting, a donation cheque was presented to the Royal Canadian Legion Leduc Branch 108 to assist with their outdoor sign. The Legion is a non-profit organization providing honour and support to our Veterans and help to the Community at large.
Optimist Margaretha Adair, on the left, is shown presenting the funds to Legion member Mabel Armour.

June 14th Football Raffle Draw

The next regular meeting of the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will take place on Thursday June 14th in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. Those wishing to order food and eat should arrive at 7:00pm, or earlier, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30pm.


 PLEASE NOTE:  The meeting on June 14th will see the Football Raffle Draw take place.  All the tickets have been sold  We greatly appreciate the fantastic support for this project.  We also want to thank the Leduc & District Minor Football (L&DMFA) for all of their support and a representative will be at this meeting to accept a donation cheque.


There are only two more meetings before the July & August summer break when no meetings take place. Please make every effort to attend the remaining meetings. Guests and prospective new members are always welcome to attend.

RODEO OF SMILES & HIGHWAY ROADSIDE CLEANUP

Optimist Members,

A reminder that the Rodeo of Smiles event for children with special needs takes place this Thursday, May 31^st at the Leduc Rec Centre in Leduc. Those Leduc Optimist members scheduled to assist should arrive by 9:00am.

The spring cleanup of a portion of the Highway 2 roadside by Edmonton Dinner and Leduc Optimists will be performed on Saturday, June 2^nd. Those who can attend are requested to meet in front of Boston Pizza Leduc BEFORE 9:00am, which is the departure time to the roadside area. Please dress appropriately for the weather and work conditions. Bring garbage pickers/stabbers if you have any to facilitate the collection of trash. Thanks.

NEXT REGULAR MEETING - MAY 24th

The next regular meeting of the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will take place on Thursday May 24th in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. Those wishing to order food and eat should arrive at 7:00pm, or earlier, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30pm.
There are only three more meetings before the July & August summer break when no meetings take place. Please make every effort to attend the remaining meetings.
Guests and prospective new members are always welcome to attend.

 PLEASE NOTE:  The meeting on June 14th will see the Football Raffle Draw take place.

WEDDING CONGRATULATIONS TO MARGARETHA and TREVOR

On Saturday May 12th, Leduc Optimist members Margaretha Reimer and Trevor Adair were united in marriage at St. Paul's Anglican Church, Leduc. The lovely ceremony, on a beautiful day, took place before a packed audience of family and friends.

Another Optimist member involved was Shayne Beveridge who served as Best Man to Trevor.

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc offers HEARTY and SINCERE CONGRATULATIONS to the personable couple who will reside in Leduc.

********



DONATION TO THE SUNBEAMS PROGRAM

At the May 10th meeting of the Leduc Optimist Club, another donation was presented to Loretta Hannah from the Leduc County Early Childhood Resource Program for the Sunbeams project.

Sunbeams is a program for 4 to 7 year olds that fosters emotional healing among children grieving a loss from a life-altering crisis. Through a 6 week peer support plan of action the participants process their feelings, build self-esteem and learn positive coping tools to last a lifetime.

Such good work at an important stage in a child's development is applauded by our club.

We also thank Loretta and Evalon Maisonneuve for their assistance in our club's fundraising efforts which make donations such as this possible.

                   Leduc Optimist Club Treasurer Keivin presents the donation cheque to Loretta



UPCOMING MEETING - MAY 10th

The next meeting of the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will take place on Thursday  May 10, 2012 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. Those wishing to eat should arrive at 7:00pm, or earlier, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30pm.

This is an even more important meeting than usual as we need to present names and vote for club positions to start the new Optimist year on October 1st. PLEASE Make Every Effort To ATTEND.

Remember that meetings are not held in July or August for our summer break, so we need to handle and complete programs and activities in the next four meetings.

Prospective new volunteer members and guests are always welcome. Come join us! Giving our time and effort to try and make a difference.

NEXT MEETING - APRIL 26th

The next meeting will take place on Thursday April 26, 2012 at Smitty's Restaurant, Leduc. Those wishing to eat should arrive at 7:00pm (or earlier) with the actual meeting to begin at 7:30pm.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to a banquet taking place in the back section of Smitty's, our meeting will be held in the lower section of the SHADES bar/lounge which is located within the same building.
All members are encouraged to attend. Guests and prospective new members are WELCOME!

Congratulations to all Optimist members on the completion of our club's first Local Spelling Bee held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 108 Leduc on Saturday April 21st. Those members who were able to attend pitched in to help and make it a successful event. Thanks.

LOCAL SPELLING BEE COMPLETED!

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc held an oral only, local Spelling Bee in the auditorium of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 108, Leduc on Saturday April 21, 2012 starting at 1:00pm.

Four Leduc elementary schools each chose two Grade 5 students to be contestants. The participating schools were: Christian Covenant, Leduc Estates, Notre Dame, and Willow Park.
Contestants were identified by a numbered tag before the start of the competition.

After eliminations were completed, each contestant received: a Certificate of Participation, gifts, and a cash prize of varying amounts - according to his or her final placement. Ribbons were also awarded for First, Second and Third places.

The first place finisher was Madi of Notre Dame School, second place went to Noah of Willow Park School and third place was secured by Rayden of Notre Dame School.

The Leduc Optimists service club extends Congratulations to all the worthy contestants and Thanks to the schools and teachers in charge of recommending the students.

Appreciation is expressed to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 108, Leduc for providing the room, the Leduc Staples Business Depot for the gift of a Webster Canadian Dictionary/Thesaurus to each contestant and Leduc Radio (G8WAY) Community Radio for assistance with the audio system.


The contestants are lined up with their bags of goodies as Optimists Peggy and Ray hold the club banner.

LOCAL SPELLING BEE - April 21st

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc is holding an oral only, local Spelling Bee on Saturday, April 21, 2012 from 1:00pm until 4:00pm. The location will be the auditorium of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 108 at 5210 - 50 Avenue, Leduc, AB.

Eight grade 5 students from four Leduc elementary schools will participate.

THANKS to the schools, teachers, students, parents, Leduc Staples Business Depot, for a Dictionary/Thesaurus gift to each contestant, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 108 Leduc, for providing the room and Leduc Radio (Leduc G8WAY Community Radio) for audio assistance.

All are welcome to attend.

Happy Easter! - Next Meeting April 12th

The Leduc Black Gold Optimists wish you and your family a Happy Easter!!

Our next regular meeting is at Smitty's in Leduc on Thursday April 12, Dinner 7:00 p.m. and meeting 7:30 p.m.. Topics will include the Spelling Bee on April 21 and Raffle Ticket Sales.

Prospective new members and guests are welcome.

Image Source: http://www.theholidayspot.com/

UPCOMING MEETING - MARCH 22nd

Thursday March 22nd, 2012 is the next scheduled meeting for the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc to be held at Smitty's Restaurant Leduc in the back section. Those wanting to order and have dinner should arrive at 7:00pm, or earlier, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30pm. All members are encouraged to attend. Prospective new members and guests are welcome. Thanks.

DONATION TO SUNBEAMS ( Early Childhood Resouces program )

At our March 08, 2012 meeting, a donation cheque was presented to Loretta Hannah of Leduc County ECR ( Early Childhood Resources ) for the laudable Sunbeams program. She gave an informative talk on ways that Sunbeams assists and supports children aged 4 - 8 who are under distress from various circumstances such as family deaths, divorce, illness etc. Kids are able to get into a play, education, conversational, understanding and healing atmosphere to help them cope. It augments and gives another voice to the efforts of their own family members at such a critical stage in a child's development.

NEXT MEETING IS MARCH 08, 2012

Fellow Optimists:
Our next regular meeting takes place on Thursday, March 08, 2012 in the back section of Smitty’s Restaurant Leduc. Those wanting to order themselves food and eat should arrive
at 7:00pm ( or earlier ) with the actual meeting to start at 7:30pm.
Dori Wearmouth from Early Childhood Resources ( ECR ) is planning to attend and provide additional information on the Sunbeams program which deals with 4 - 8 year old children who need varied types of support. A donation cheque will be presented.
All members are encouraged to attend and prospective new members and guests are welcome.

Optimistically,
Ray

2012 OPTIMIST JUVENILES

*MARCH 2ND - MARCH 4TH, 2012

* THISTLE CURLING CLUB EDMONTON, AB

Twelve teams are now competing for the National Playdown's in Toronto.

For the latest standings visit:
- GIRLS /http://www.northernalbertacurling.com/ViewPlaydown.aspx?id=64

- BOYS http://www.northernalbertacurling.com/ViewPlaydown.aspx?id=63

Thursday night a fantatstic reception and banquet was held. About 80 attended including Optimists from Northern Alberta and Calgary.

All Optimits are welcome and urged to attend this weekend's Playdowns.

Club's Next Meeting Feb 23

We meet this Thursday at Smitty’s in Leduc, 7P to eat
730P for the meeting. Guests are welcome.

We are now working on our spring projects.

BLACKFALDS OPTIMISTS - VISIT FROM IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT OF OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL

On Saturday Feb. 11, 2012, Bob and Ray from the Leduc Optimist Club plus Brian, John and Ruby from the Edmonton Dinner Optimist Club attended a dinner reception & party in Red Deer for Danny Rodgers, the immediate past president of Optimist International. Danny had issued a challenge to all Optimist clubs to sign up 20 FOO ( Friends Of Optimism ) members within a period of time. The Optimist Club of Blackfalds was one of only five to accomplish the goal and Danny had promised to personally visit each of the successful clubs. He gave an interesting and inspiring speech and the whole event was well done and enjoyable. Unfortunately, we couldn't stay for the live music and dance later in the evening as we had to drive back to our resident areas.
Congratulations and Thanks to the Blackfalds members.

FIRST CLUB MEETING IN FEBRUARY

Hello fellow Optimists! This is a reminder that the next regular meeting of the Leduc Club will be held on Thursday, February 09th, 2012 at Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. Those wanting to eat should arrive and order at 7:00pm, or earlier, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30pm.
Any other persons with an interest to become volunteer members of our club, or a desire for more information on the Optimist movement, are welcome. We are always open to, and seek, new people to expand our abilities and provide other ideas. THANKS!

ZONE 5 SECOND QUARTER MEETING

This is your call to attend the Optimist 2nd Quarter Zone 5 meeting, which is being held on Sunday afternoon, January 29th at Britannia Youngstown Community Hall 15927 - 105th Ave. in Edmonton. Doors will be open at 1:00pm; the meeting starts promptly at 2:00pm and it is expected to be over by 4:00pm. Coffee, cake, muffins/cookies will be served. There will be door prizes and a 50/50 draw. Hopefully the Ladies from the Stollery Children's Hospital will be on hand.

NEXT REGULAR JANUARY MEETING

The next regular January meeting of the Leduc club will be held on Thursday January 26th, 2012 at Smitty's Restaurant, Leduc. Those who want to eat arrive at 7:00pm, or earlier, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30pm. All members are encouraged to attend. Guests and prospective new members are welcome.

CLUB MEETING

The next regular meeting of the Leduc club will be held on Thursday January 12th, 2012 at Smitty's Restaurant, Leduc. Those who want to eat arrive at 7:00pm, or earlier, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30pm. All members are encouraged to attend. Guests and prospective new members are welcome.