SEASON'S GREETINGS TO ALL

AND A MOST

An Increase to the Riseup House Donation was Approved at the Dec. 12, 2013 Meeting

* Leduc Club members voted to provide another $150.00 to Riseup House of Leduc to top up the $250.00 presented on Nov. 28, 2013 for a total of $400.00.
* This represents the fee required to allow a woman in distress / need to attend a weeklong Retreat for counselling and healing from domestic abuse / violence.
* We are pleased to be able to provide some funding for this necessary and valuable service offered  through the commendable Riseup staff which, in turn, also benefits any children involved.

Additional Donations are Made to the Leduc Regional Food Bank and the Santa's Helpers program at our Dec. 12, 2013 Meeting

Executive Director Gert Reynar of the Leduc Regional Food Bank attended our Dec. 12, 2013 regular meeting to receive Club and personal donations of cash and some non-perishable items.
Also, on behalf of the Santa's Helpers program, Gert was presented with Club member personal gifts, from a Wish List, to be given to young children, kids and teens belonging to families in need.

Optimists Trevor and Denise stand left of some member personal donations with Gert

 

Optimist Ray presents to Gert a cash donation of $420.00 (part of $1040.00 over 2013)

Donation Made to Leduc Riseup House at our Meeting on November 28, 2013

At our November 28, 2013 regular meeting, a representative from Riseup House in Leduc was in attendance at our invitation. Anna Bidewell gave an informative, caring and uplifting presentation on the services offered and provided at Riseup. The staff help and counsel women and families experiencing domestic violence and abuse. Our Club applauds them for their valuable work.

A $250.00 donation was provided to give some assistance after this initial contact with the group.

 

Anna, on the left, receives the cheque from Optimist member Barbara



Upcoming Zone 5 (Alberta Capital Region) Optimist Clubs Meeting - Sunday December 1, 2013

The First Quarter Zone 5 Optimist Clubs Meeting, hosted by the St. Albert Breakfast Club, will be held on Sunday December 1, 2013 starting at 11:00 am in the Grandin Clubhouse located at 5 Grenfell Avenue, St. Albert.

The directions will be from St. Albert Trail and Yellowhead Hwy.

 

Head north on St. Albert Trail into St. Albert and turn left on Gervais Road, at Levasseur Road turn right. Go to Grosvenor Blvd. turn right and follow to Grenfell Avenue. On the left side beside the Grosvenor Outdoor Pool is the Grandin Clubhouse at 5 Grenfell Avenue.

There is parking in the parking lot but it is limited, so you may have to park on the street.

 

The six Zone 5 Alberta Capital Region Optimist Clubs include:

Edmonton Dinner Club; Edmonton Beverly; Edmonton Brail Tone College; St. Albert; St. Albert Breakfast; Leduc Black Gold.

 

The Next Regular Meeting to take place Thursday November 28, 2013

The next regular meeting of the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will be held on Thursday November 28, 2013 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. Those wanting to personally order food should arrive at 6:30-7:00pm, or earlier, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30pm. All members are requested to attend; providing essential voices and ideas for our programs and activities. Guests and potential new members are always Welcome.

There will be a presentation by a representative from the Riseup House in Leduc which is dedicated to bringing hope and healing to those impacted by family violence and abuse.

The Two Newest Club Members Receive Their Certificates

At the November 14, 2013 meeting of the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc, the two newest members were officially presented with their Certificates of Membership. Connie Venturin joined in July (during our summer break) and Donna Scott joined in October.

With new Zone 5 Optimist Clubs Lieutenant Governor Patti Welling in attendance for a visit, we were pleased to have her present the Certificates as a special touch.

 

Connie on the left, and Donna on the right, receive the framed documents.
 

The monkey figure being held by Patti is part of a District wide campaign focusing on adding new members and Clubs with the amusing slogan: "Getting the monkey off our backs."



Thoughts of Remembrance Day Ceremonies on November 11, 2013

Thanks to those Leduc Optimist Club members and all others who attended Remembrance Day services / ceremonies on November 11th in appreciation of those who have honourably served, and others who continue to serve, our country in the military.

Beverly Optimist Club - Grey Cup Crib Tournament

Join Us for the Next Meeting on Thursday November 14, 2013

The next regular meeting of the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will be held on Thursday November 14, 2013 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. Those wanting to personally order food should arrive at 6:30-7:00pm, or earlier, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30pm. All members are requested to attend; providing essential voices and ideas for our programs and activities. Guests and potential new members are always Welcome.

HALLOWEEN GREETINGS

 

Our Next Regular Meeting is Thursday October 24th

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc meets again on Thursday October 24, 2013 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc starting at 7:30pm. Those wanting to personally order food and eat before it starts should arrive between 6:30 - 7:00pm, or earlier. Please attend as every meeting has importance. Guests and potential new members are always most WELCOME!

The First Quarter District Meeting was Quite Successful

Over 100 representatives from the Optimist Clubs in District 13 (Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan, & Northern Wyoming) attended the First Quarter Meeting held in Edmonton on October 18 & 19 hosted by the Edmonton Dinner Optimist Club with assistance from the other five Clubs in the Capital Region Zone. It was well planned and ran efficiently with instructional and motivational events and sessions; resulting in enjoyment for all present. Congratulations to all involved - especially Peggy and Keivin as Coordinators.

Potential NEW Beaumont Optimist Club

Governor Glen Kreller is currently working on building a new club in the community of Beaumont just East of Leduc. Currently about a half dozen potential new Optimist have expressed an interest in this new group so we are anxious in chartering the new club. People may contact Glen at 780-916-8687 or gkreller@shaw.ca or Ray at 780-756-0493 or reventurin@shaw.ca for information about our next meeting. Also anyone with contacts for potential Charter members in Beaumont may contact us.

Highway #2 Roadside Clean-up Project Completed on Saturday October 12, 2013

Our environment is a little cleaner after five Leduc Optimist Club members (Margaretha, Barbara, Ian, Connie, Ray) and eight Edmonton Dinner Optimist Club members (Ruby, John, Keivin, Brian, Maria, Doug, Mike, Terry) picked up fifteen bags of trash and one of recyclables along a designated portion of Hwy. #2 south of Leduc on Saturday morning October 12, 2013. Fortunately, it was decent weather and the whole group met afterwards at Leduc Boston Pizza for lunch graciously covered by the Edmonton Dinner Club. Many Thanks to all involved.

Happenings at The October 10, 2013 Meeting

The regular meeting of the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc on Thursday Oct. 10, 2103 heralded the start on the new Optimist year 2013-2014 with eleven members in attendance. New Vice-President Ian Rodger was recognized and thanks were expressed to Denise Stamp as outgoing VP for her work in that position.

A formal motion was put forth, seconded and approved to hold our third annual Grade 5 only Spelling Bee on April 26th, 2014.

A Thank You note from the Leduc Food Bank for our recent donation was received and read out to the club.

The application for the Alberta Gaming Raffle Licence to conduct our next fundraiser will be completed and forwarded when more information is available on costs etc.

One of the table centerpieces, looking great, was on hand to show all Club members.

Reminders were again given of the clean-up of a portion of Highway #2 roadside on Sat. Oct. 12th and the District #13 Optimist Clubs Meeting on Oct. 18 & 19, 2013 at the Quality Inn West Harvest 17803 Stony Plain Road Edmonton.

AWARDS
The President's Awards for special recognition of some club members for their efforts during the 2012-2013 Optimist year were presented:

A Letter of Appreciation to Recording Secretary Margaretha Adair from President Ray

 

Fundraiser of the Year to Ian Rodger

Volunteer of the Year to Denise Stamp

Outstanding Member and a President's Citation to Robert (Bob) Scott

 

And appreciation was expressed to ALL the Club members from the President for their contributions.



Black Gold Optimist Club Members Create Colourful Decorative Arrangements

Some members of the Leduc Optimist Club gathered at Bob and Donna Scott's on Sunday October 6, 2013 and enjoyed putting together 12 table centerpieces for the District 13 Optimist Clubs Meeting being held Oct. 18 & 19, 2013 in Edmonton; hosted by the Edmonton Dinner Optimist Club with assistance from the other regional Optimist Clubs. About 100 representatives from the 57 District Clubs are expected.

The AMS&NW District encompasses Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan and Northern Wyoming.

The guys helped with some minor prep work, and the ladies (Donna, Margaretha, Denise, Barb, Connie) used their creative instincts and dexterity to make it happen in beautiful fashion. A great job by everyone!!

AMS&NW Fall District Conference - Activity

Members of the Leduc Black Gold Optimists are gathering at Optimist Donna & Bob's home on Sunday Oct. 6th at 12:00 noon to make the table centerpieces. Contact Opt. Connie if you are interesting in attending this fun activity. Lots of fellowship will be had!

FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW OPTIMIST YEAR - THURSDAY OCTOBER 10, 2013

The next Regular Meeting of Black Gold Club is October 10, 2013. Those wanting to order food/dinner should arrive between 18:30 - 19:00 with the actual meeting to start at 19:30. President Ray will be presenting the last years year end awards. We will be reviewing our Spelling Bee project presentation. Guests and potential new members are most welcome.

Club Meeting Thursday September 26, 2013

The next regular meeting of the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will be held on Thursday September 26, 2013 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant in Leduc. Those wanting to personally order food / dinner should arrive at 6:30 - 7:00 pm with the actual meeting to start at 7:30pm. This is the year end meeting so President Ray will reflect on last year and look Optimistically for the next year. Lt. Gov Geoff will be doing his final visit to the club.
Ray has to leave the meeting early and since he will remain in his Executive position, the annual President's Awards honouring various members for their efforts over the 2012-2013 Optimist year will be presented at the October 10th meeting.
Our meetings are always open to information seekers and potential new members. WELCOME!

DONATION made to the LEDUC FOOD BANK for SCHOOL SUPPLIES

At our first meeting back, after summer break, on Thurs. Sept. 12, 2013 - a cash donation of $370.00 plus some specific items were presented to the Leduc Food Bank for school supplies needed by families. The cash is another portion of the $1,000.00 committed by our Club to LFB for the year.

Optimist member Margaretha (left) presents the cheque to LFB Executive Director Gert Reynar

The Zone 5 Meeting on September 7th was Well Attended

The 4th Quarter Zone 5 Optimist Clubs Meeting held on Saturday September 7th (11:00am) in the games room of the Leduc Legion and hosted by the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc saw 29 attendees. THANKS to the Clubs who did RSVP the number of members attending. This enabled us to pre-order light lunch food from the Legion kitchen for 30 persons and it worked out perfectly.

Along with individual Club Reports, there was a speech by outgoing Lieutenant/Governor Geoff Connor who was very appreciative and generous in his Thanks to all who assisted him during his term.
Incoming L/G Patti Welling also spoke on her hopes and plans for the forthcoming Optimist year.

There was also an excellent video presentation from the Edmonton Dinner Optimist Club in support of the Optimists District 13 Meeting to be held in Edmonton on October 18-19; which included a rousing, amazing choral rendition.

Unfortunately, rain cancelled the Horseshoes Contest that normally follows the meeting / lunch.

Appreciation is expressed to all.

Next Regular Meeting of the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc - Thursday September 12, 2013

The next regular meeting of the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc (after our summer break of July & August) will be held on Thursday September 12, 2013 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant in Leduc. Those wanting to personally order food / dinner should arrive at 6:30 - 7:00 pm with the actual meeting to start at 7:30pm. A Club cash donation, together with personal member givings of cash for school supply items, will be directed to the Leduc Food Bank. This is another part of the funds total that is donated over each year to the LFB.

Zone 5 Optimist Clubs Meeting - Saturday September 7, 2013

The 4th Quarter Meeting of Zone 5 Optimist Clubs ( hosted by the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc) will take place on Saturday September 7, 2013 starting at 11:00 am in the games room of the Leduc Legion. All Optimist Club members are invited and encouraged to attend.
Leduc Club members should arrive at 10:00 am to help set up the venue. Coffee and tea will be available before the meeting start.

Leduc Optimist Club Members Summer Barbecue

Saturday July 20th (arrive at 3:00pm) has been set as the date for the Leduc Optimist Club members 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. This event is to THANK members for their efforts. IMPORTANT: Please advise Ray (RSVP) if you are able to attend. We need to get a firm number to order the steaks and potatoes.


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Two New Members Receive Their Optimist Member Certificates

At the Thursday June 27th regular meeting, new members Barbara Davies and Ian Rodger received their framed Optimist Member Certificates. Their joining date was February 25, 2013 but things and timing conspired to delay the presentation until the recent meeting when they were warmly welcomed officially.
Barbara and Ian have been active, enthusiastic and appreciated members since joining and we THANK them for that.

Club President Ray (in the center) presents the Certificates
 

Certificates of Personal Achievement and Community Spirit with Cash Bursaries were Awarded on Tuesday June 25, 2013

For the third year, the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc awarded a framed Certificate of Personal Achievement and Community Spirit plus a Cash Bursary to one female and one male student at a Leduc elementary school. The award is rotated to a different school each year and school staff select the recipients, from any Grade, based on criteria stated in the Certificate:
The student recipient is one who:

* 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 as stated below:

Promise Yourself ~
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

 

The 2013 female recipient (in Grade 6) receives the award from Optimist member Denise

 

 

Optimist member Ray presents the award to the 2013 male recipient (in Grade 1)

 

Congratulations to the two deserving award recipients who were selected from a list of worthy nominees put forward by school staff members. Our club hopes this type of incentive for effort, achievement and concern for others will spur on students to higher goals and promising futures.

Thanks to the school involved for making it a fun and notable presentation, starting at 1:00 pm, in the gymnasium before the whole student body, teachers, some parents and guests. The cooperation was much appreciated. An entertaining Student Talent Show followed our presentation.

 

Our Donation to the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation Will be MATCHED by CNRail

On the morning of Tuesday June 25th, a Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc member visited the Edmonton office of the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation and presented a $500.00 cheque.
Because the LPGA - CN sponsored Canadian Open is being held at the Royal Mayfair golf course and the Stollery Foundation is the designated local charity, CN will match any donation (up to $5,000.00) made between May 1st and August 25th. Thus our $500.00 donation becomes $1000.00 to the Foundation.
Congratulations to CN on a generous and worthy endeavour. Thanks to the Stollery Hospital for the essential and valuable services provided for children in a wide region.

Optimist Ray and Beverly Sawchuk from the Stollery Foundation display the donation

 

A picture of renowned philanthropists Robert and Shirley Stollery is in the background

The Next Club Meeting is on Thursday June 27th (before the July & August summer break of no meetings)

A regular meeting will be held on Thursday June 27th before the summer break; located in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc beginning at 7:30pm. Those wishing to personally order food/dinner should arrive between 6:30 - 7:00pm. Guests / information seekers / prospective new members are most welcome to attend.
No scheduled Optimist Club meetings take place in July or August. They resume in September with a Zone 5 meeting on Saturday September 7th in the Leduc Legion starting at 11:00am and a regular Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc meeting on Thursday September 12 in Smitty's Leduc at 7:30pm.

Winner Picked in 2013 Raffle Fundraiser Draw

The winning ticket #0932 was drawn, at random, from a lottery drum in the Black Gold Optimist Club 2013 Raffle Fundraiser Draw at our meeting on Thursday evening June 13th.
The happy winner was Lisa P. who received two 2013 Edmonton Eskimos Gold Season Tickets
PLUS $350.00 in Eskimos Gift & Concessions Cards (to spend at the games).
Congratulations to the winner and Thanks for her support as well as all other purchasers.

Lisa receives the personally delivered tickets and cards from Optimists Ray & Connie (photoing)

The winning ticket is randomly picked

Leduc Composite High School Tigers Football Team players stand ready to assist in the Draw

 

 



Donation Handed Off to the Leduc Composite High School Tigers Football Team

At the Thursday June 13th meeting of the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc, a donation of $1000.00 was presented to the Leduc Composite High School Tigers football team. Thanks were expressed by the Optimist Club to the team for their assistance in selling some of the Optimist fundraiser raffle tickets which benefitted both the team and the community.

Optimist Ray hands off the donation cheque to the team backfield while others guard on offence.

 Team coach Britain Olischefski surveys the action, with approval, from the background.

 

Congratulations to the team and our Club for the efforts in another SOLD OUT Raffle Fundraiser

 

Our Next Meeting Will Take Place on Thursday June 13th

Our next regular meeting of the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will take place on Thursday June 13^th in the back section of Smitty’s Restaurant Leduc starting at 7:30pm. Those wishing to personally order food / dinner should arrive at 6:30 – 7:00pm.

All members are encouraged to attend as this is a significant one.

Our Raffle Draw will take place; members of the Leduc High School Tigers football team are expected to attend to receive their $1000.00 donation cheque for assisting in ticket sales; a representative from the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation is scheduled to be present to receive our $500.00 donation which will be matched (during the May 1 – August 25 period) by Canadian National Railways, thus providing Stollery with $1000.00. The LPGA Canadian Open Golf Tournament, sponsored by CNR, is being held in Edmonton this year at Royal Mayfair and Stollery is the designated charity to receive funds raised by the event.

Guests / information seekers and prospective new members are most welcome to attend any of our meetings. Thanks.

Highway Roadside Spring Clean-up Completed on Saturday June 8th by Optimist Club Members

Equipped with pointed and gripping poles and suitable clothing / footwear, twelve Optimist Club members removed trash and recyclables from a designated section of Highway #2 south of Leduc starting at 9:00- 9:30am on Saturday June 8th.
Happily, the roadside was fairly clean with only seven full bags of trash and one of recyclables collected; which compares to an often double digit total.
Denise, Connie, Trevor, Bob, Ray attended from the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc together with Ruby, Maria, John, Doug, Ron, Terry, Keivin from the Dinner Optimist Club of Edmonton.
Congratulations and Thanks for a job well done to improve the environment.
Appreciation was expressed to the Edmonton Club for providing a lunch following the chore.

Assistance Provided at a Fundraiser for the International Children's Festival in St. Albert

On Saturday June 1st, starting at 6:00am, four Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc members (Barbara, Ian, Connie, Ray) assisted the St. Albert Optimist Club at their annual pancake / sausage breakfast fundraiser for the International Children's Festival held between May 28 - June 1, 2013.
The St. Albert Club donates all the pancake, sausage, juice and serving supplies, plus the people to set up and make it all happen. A three person crew from Atco Gas ( with their special burner plate units) attends to cook the pancakes while the Optimists cook the sausages and serve the Festival volunteers and the paying public.
The funds from all breakfasts sold go to the Festival for their operating expenses.
Thousands attend this long running Festival and everyone, especially the children enjoy this huge party of exhibits, acts, performers and food.
Congratulations to the organizers and the St. Albert Optimist Club.....well done.

Leduc Optimist Club Members Assist at The Rodeo of Smiles

On the morning of Friday May 31st, five Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc members (Denise, Margaretha, Trevor, Bob, Ray)  assisted at the Rodeo of Smiles staged in an arena within the Leduc Recreation Centre in conjunction with the Black Gold Professional Rodeo held over the weekend..
Special needs children attended to enjoy a number of fun, simulated rodeo events.
The smiles and laughter from the participants make it a special day for all involved. One hundred and sixty-five ruler sets, for the children, were also donated by the Leduc Optimist Club together with the Edmonton Dinner Optimist Club.

From the left: spiffy Optimists Denise, Trevor, Bob, Margaretha with Ray snapping the photo

The Western RV Jumper (enclosed trampoline) was one of the fun events manned by members

 

 

Personal Donations of Food & Household Items Plus Club Cash Made to the Leduc & District Food Bank

At the May 23rd meeting, David Marriott, a Director of the Leduc Food Bank was on hand to receive personal donations of non-perishable food and household items (totalling 134 pounds) from Optimist members and a $250.00 cash amount from the Club (part of $700.00 committed for the year). David gave an informative talk on the effectiveness / efficiency of the Leduc Food Bank and expressed appreciation for all contributors, including the Leduc Optimists.
We offer CONGRATULATIONS and THANKS for the good work performed by the Food Bank.

Optimist Bob (on left) hands the cash donation to Leduc Food Bank Director David Marriott

Part of the 134 lbs of food and household items donated by Leduc Optimist members

Upcoming Meeting on Thursday May 23, 2013

The volunteer Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will meet again on Thursday May 23rd in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. The actual meeting begins at 7:30pm. Those wishing to personally order food or dinner should arrive between 6:30-7:00pm.
Leduc Optimist Club members are reminded to bring (if possible) personal donations of non-perishable food or household items as a Leduc Food Bank representative will be in attendance to accept any goods. The Club will make a cash donation as well.

Anyone wanting to find out what the Leduc Optimist youth and community service Club does and how we operate is most welcome to attend. We are always seeking potential new members for valuable volunteer help, input and ideas. Come and JOIN US!

Cub Scout Bikeree Event Well Attended in Great Weather!

On Saturday May 11th, starting at 9:00am and ending at 4:00pm,  the Edmonton Dinner Optimist Club held their 18th annual Bikeree on a 15km course through the beautiful Edmonton River Valley.
Approximately 190 Cub Scouts and 60 leaders from regional locations rode the designated, scenic route stopping at station intervals for Bicycle and Helmet Inspections and testing events such as: Steering, Turns & Signals, Maneuvering, Circle, Balance and Braking.
It is always an instructional and fun day for everyone involved. Drinks and lunch were provided.

Five Black Gold Optimist Club members (Barb, Ian, Shayne, Bob and Ray) assisted throughout the day and we all CONGRATULATE the Edmonton Dinner Optimists on another successful event.

Next Meeting to Take Place Thursday May 9th

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will meet again on Thursday May 9th in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. The actual meeting starts at 7:30pm and any one wanting to personally order food / dinner should arrive at 6:30-7:00pm.
Our meetings are open for any person interested to attend and learn about Optimist Clubs. We also always welcome potential new members. Thanks.

Donation Made to Leduc Community Hospital for Children's Care

On Wednesday April 24th, three Leduc Optimist members visited Leduc Community Hospital to present the Black Gold Optimist Club donation of personal care items plus activity books and markers for children being treated in emergency care. The hope is to mitigate some of the stress on youngsters in that situation.
Our Club APPLAUDS and THANKS hospital staff for the essential work performed and care shown for the community.

Brenda Smith-Goddu of LCH accepted the four boxes of items from Optimist members.

Pictured below from the left are: Optimist Bob, Brenda, Optimists Denise and Ray.

The Next Regular Meeting will be on Thursday April 25th

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will meet again on Thursday April 25th in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. The actual meeting starts at 7:30pm and any one wanting to personally order food / dinner should arrive at 6:30-7:00pm.
Our meetings are open for any person interested to attend. Come join us!

Black Gold Optimist Club Second Annual SPELLING BEE

On Saturday afternoon April 20th, the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc held their second annual SPELLING BEE in the auditorium of the Royal Canadian Legion Leduc Branch 108.
Ten students, in Grade 5 only, from five Leduc elementary schools competed to practice their spelling skills. Contestants were identified by numbered holders with neck bands.
This event differs from other Spelling Bees in that a participant is eliminated after a third spelling error, not just one. This possibly allows a contestant to get over initial nervousness which might cause an early misspelling.
All contestants received framed Participation Certificates, gifts and varying cash prizes. First (red), Second (blue) and Third (white) Place ribbons were awarded to participants finishing in those positions. CONGRATULATIONS and THANKS to all who competed and attended.

 

 

 

Sincere APPRECIATION is extended to:

The Royal Canadian Legion Leduc Branch 108

Leduc Community Radio

Staples Business Depot Leduc

Official Opening / Reveal Party of New Kitchen for Special Education students

On Thursday April 18th, three Leduc Optimist members attended the Reveal Party at Ecole Secondaire Beaumont Composite High School of the new kitchen specifically for Special Education students.
Skills teacher Cassie Gallant was able to secure donations of cash, building materials and labour, new appliances, kitchenware and cookware to cover the approximate $19,000.00 cost involved.
The Leduc Optimist Club contributed a portion of cash.

CONGRATULATIONS and WELL DONE!

 

Leduc Optimist Club SPELLING BEE

LOCAL  SPELLING  BEE
When:        SATURDAY APRIL 20, 2013
1:00 – 4:00 pm

 Where:  THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION
BRANCH 108 - LEDUC
5210 - 50 Avenue
(In the auditorium)

 

Up to ten Grade 5 students from five Leduc elementary schools will be competing in a fun, oral only contest to practice their spelling skills.

 ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND

Thanks To:

RC Legion 108
Staples Business Depot Leduc
Leduc Radio (G8WAY Community Radio)

The April 11th Meeting Ends With a Baby Shower for Optimist Shayne and Chantell

The photo above shows Optimist Shayne examining baby shower gifts provided by other Optimist Club members while Chantell holds new baby boy Braden in the background. Appreciation was expressed by the couple.

Previously, during the meeting, details of the upcoming Spelling Bee on Saturday April 20th were discussed.
More information on an Internet Safety presentation was outlined.
Recently purchased personal care items, activity books and markers for children in emergency care were packaged up for donation to the Leduc Community Hospital. A mutually suitable delivery date and time is to be determined.
A reminder of the Optimist Zone 5 meeting on Sunday April 21st was stated.

Upcoming Meeting Thursday April 11, 2013

The volunteer Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will meet again on Thursday April 11, 2013 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. Those wishing to personally order food / dinner should arrive at 6:30-7:00pm with the actual meeting to start at 7:30pm.
Current Optimist members are encouraged to attend and provide the necessary ideas and implementation.
Any interested persons may visit to gain information on Club operations, Activities & Programs. New members are welcome as we seek to maintain and expand our help to Youth and the Community.

Donation Given to RC Legion Leduc Branch 108

On Saturday April 6, 2013 a donation cheque of $100.00 was given to Royal Canadian Legion Leduc Branch #108 President Iain Weikl at their building.
The Legion is a non-profit organization assisting military veterans and other youth and community activities and causes. Appreciation was expressed for their help in selling some of our raffle tickets.

Happy Easter

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We Meet Again On Thursday March 28th

Thursday March 28th is the date for the next meeting of the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant, Leduc.  Those wishing to personally order food / dinner should arrive between 6:30 - 700pm.  The meeting will begin at 7:30pm.
Members are requested to attend, consider, vote on and bring forth topics of discussion - as usual.
Any persons wishing to find out what our club is all about, and what we do, are WELCOME to attend.

Black Gold Optimist Club DONATES To A Special Education Project At Beaumont Composite High School

 

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc presented a $500.00 donation cheque to skills teacher Cassie Gallant at the Club's meeting on March 14th. The funds will partially assist to purchase equipment and supplies for a new Special Education Kitchen at Ecole Secondaire Beaumont Composite High School. Congratulations to all involved for making  this worthy project happen.

 

 Optimist member Barbara shakes the hand of teacher Cassie Gallant who holds the cheque.













DONATION Presented To The SUNBEAMS Early Childhood Resource Program of Leduc County

 

At the March 14th meeting of the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc, a donation of $200.00 was given to Loretta Hannah of the Leduc County Early Childhood Resource SUNBEAMS Program which helps children cope with stressful events that can occur in their formative years.

Appreciation is extended for the fine and valuable work performed by the ECR group.

 

Optimist member Ian presents the donation to Loretta Hannah of the ECR Sunbeams Program



We Spring Forward With The Next Meeting On Thursday March 14, 2013

The clocks have been moved ahead, so we spring into our next Club Meeting on Thursday March 14th, 2013 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc.
Those who personally wish to order food / dinner should arrive between 6:30 - 7:00 PM with the actual meeting to start at 7:30 PM.
We are expecting Cassie Gallant from Beaumont High School Special Education and Loretta Hannah from the Early Childhood Resources (ECR) Sunbeams program to attend and receive donations from our Club to support their worthy endeavours.
Guests and potential new members are most welcome to attend. We are always open and seeking to add voices and ideas from community minded volunteers who want to try and make a difference.
Thanks.

Join Us For The February 28th, 2013 Regular Meeting

The Black Gold Optimist Club of  Leduc invites any interested guests, or potential new members, to join us on Thursday February 28th, 2013 for our next regular meeting to gain insight on what we do and how we operate. WELCOME!
Members are encouraged to make every effort to attend and add your essential voices and efforts to our discussions, decisions, programs and activities.
Those wishing to personally order food / dinner should arrive between 6:30 and 7:00 PM with the actual meeting to start at 7:30 PM.
Thanks.

Donation to AFTER Grad celebration for graduating high school students

At our February 14, 2013 meeting, a donation to provide a gift certificate prize was given to support the AFTER Grad celebration for graduating high school students. AFTER stands for: A Fun Time Everyone Remembers. It is a no alcohol / no drugs party endorsed by the School Administration and the Parent Council.
The Black Gold Optimist Club has been pleased to support this event for several years.

Our next regular meeting is on Thursday February 14th

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will meet again on Thursday February 14th in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. Those wishing to personally order food or dinner should arrive between 6:00 - 7:00 PM, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30 PM.

Members should  make every effort to attend as they are important for discussion and decisions.

Guests / potential new members are most welcome to attend. We are always open and seeking to add voices and ideas from community minded volunteers who want to try and make a difference.

Happy to Announce the Arrival of a Baby Boy for Optimist Shayne and Chantell



On Monday February 11th at 9:22 PM, Chantell delivered a 7 pound 8 ounce baby boy for the delighted couple. Mother and child are fine and doing well. CONGRATULATIONS from our Club and we look forward to meeting the new arrival.





 



Congratulations to the Northern Alberta Optimist Juvenile Curling Winning Teams

After competition on Feb. 9th and 10th at the Spruce Grove Curling Club, two Boys and two Girls teams will now advance to the Optimist Juvenile Provincial Play Downs at the Sylvan Lake Curling Club over March 1st - 3rd.
There was a lot of fine play in Spruce Grove and we extend CONGRATULATIONS to the winning teams representing Northern Alberta.

Optimist International Juvenile Curling Northern Alberta Play Downs Feb. 9 & 10 , 2013 in Spruce Grove AB

The NACA Optimist Juvenile Curling Play Downs for Saturday February 9th & Sunday the 10th are in Spruce Grove AB at the Spruce Grove Curling Club located at 452 King Street.
The Draws are at 9:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 5:00 PM on both days. Spectators are most welcome to attend.

This is one of the tournaments towards the 2013 U-18 Optimist International Curling Championships in Surrey & Langley BC March 27-31 / 2013

For details visit
http://www.u18curling.ca/