Our Club Meeting and Donation Presentation at the Leduc & District Food Bank

On Thursday evening December 11th 2014, the Leduc Optimist Club held a regular meeting in the Leduc & District Food Bank. Executive Director Gert Reynar had graciously extended an invitation to hold it there and gain insight into the scope of the Food Bank workings.

Gert, Directors, staff and volunteers provide excellent and very commendable service to the area that the Food Bank covers. THANK YOU!

The occasion allowed our Club to make another $500.00 cash donation to the Food Bank which is part of the $1000.00 cash that our Club has designated to supply each year. The cash enables the Food Bank to purchase fresh food which augments the non-perishable food and supplies that are received from all sources and handed out to those in need.

Leduc Optimists meet, and are informed of Leduc Food Bank procedures. Optimist Ian photoed.

 

Another cash donation is presented by President Brian to Gert. Optimist Ian photoed.

 

This is the only Leduc Optimist Club meeting in December. The next meeting is on Jan. 08, 2015.



December 11 Meeting - at the Food Bank

Leduc Optimists Will be having a Christmas Meeting on Thursday December 11.  Instead of us having a guest speaker we are accepting an offer to visit the Food  Bank. Executive Director Gert is delighted that we will be joining her at the Food Bank located at 4810 49th Ave.  The Coffee will be ready and the Leduc Optimist members are to bring Pizza.   If you are interested in eating please arrive around 7pm.  If not then 7:30pm and we should be done by 8:30pm.  Do not miss out on this unique meeting.

Fifth Annual ESKIMOS Football (2) SEASON TICKETS Plus Gift & Concessions Cards RAFFLE Is Underway

EDMONTON ESKIMOS FOOTBALL 2015 SEASON TICKETS RAFFLE

Raffle tickets have been printed and are for sale on the following:

One Prize Package consisting of:

                  Two Edmonton Eskimos Gold 2015 Season Tickets. Value $982.00 ( incl. GST )
( West side Section G, Row 55, Seats 7 & 8 on the 55 yard center line )

 

PLUS:  Gift & Concessions Cards (to use at the games). Value: $350.00

 

Total Prize Package Value: $1332.00

 

Draw Date: 
The Draw Date is Thursday June 4, 2015
at 8:00pm in Smitty's Restaurant Leduc AB
 

Tickets: $5.00 Each. (Cash Only Please) Tickets Printed: 975

 

Must be 18 yrs of age to purchase. Licence: #396013

The sales cut-off time is Saturday May 30, 2015 at midnight, in order to collect and sort tickets.

Please PRINT purchaser's information; in a legible manner.

THANK YOU for selling or purchasing tickets.

 

 ALL NET PROCEEDS WILL BE USED TO SUPPORT REGIONAL YOUTH AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS

The winner will be advised by phone or mail, and the name will be posted on our website

 

Contact any Leduc Black Gold Optimist Club member for tickets

or Raffle Chairperson (Brian) @ 780-487-6241

CANCELLED - November 27, 2014 NOW Program Meeting

NOTE: DUE TO POOR ROAD CONDITIONS THE NOV. 27TH MEETING IS CANCELLED.
(this change posted on the afternoon of Nov. 27 - Safety First)

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will conduct its next meeting on the night of Thursday November 27, 2014 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc.  

The actual meeting starts at 7:30pm. Those wishing to personally order food / dinner should arrive earlier (6:00 - 7:00pm).

This will be a NOW program meeting and we have a presentation on Optimist International, Our Dsitrict and our Club.  All members are encouraged to attend to learn more about the Optimist Club. This is a great meeting for guests and potential new members to gain information on our Club goals, programs & activities.

We will have another NOW in March.  This will be a different style and will feature a Wine and Cheese event.

November 13, 2014 Meeting

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will conduct its next regular meeting on the night of Thursday November 13, 2014 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc.

The actual meeting starts at 7:30pm. Those wishing to personally order food / dinner should arrive earlier (6:00 - 7:00pm).

All members are encouraged to attend to add your important voices to the discussions and decisions. Guests and potential new members are always welcome to gain information on our Club goals, programs & activities.

Leduc Optimist Club Meets Again on Thursday October 23, 2014

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will conduct its next regular meeting on the night of Thursday October 23, 2014 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc.

The actual meeting starts at 7:30pm. Those wishing to personally order food / dinner should arrive earlier (6:00 - 7:00pm).

All members are encouraged to attend to add your important voices to the discussions and decisions. Guests and potential new members are always welcome to gain information on our Club goals, programs & activities.

The Next Meeting will be on Thursday October 9, 2014

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will conduct its next regular meeting on the night of Thursday October 9, 2014 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30pm. Arrive earlier (6:30 - 7:00pm) to personally order food / dinner - if desired.

All members are encouraged to attend adding your valuable comments and ideas to the discussions and decisions on our programs and activities. Remember that everyone has a voice to be heard.

Guests and potential new members are welcome to attend and gain understanding on what we do and how we operate. Our Club of volunteers is always open to anyone wanting to join and assist in our efforts for Youth and the Community.

The Next Meeting Date is Thursday September 25, 2014

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will conduct its next regular meeting on the night of Thursday September 25, 2014 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30pm. Arrive earlier (6:30 - 7:00pm) to personally order food / dinner - if desired.
All members are encouraged to attend adding your valuable comments and ideas to the discussions and decisions on our programs and activities. Remember that everyone has a voice to be heard.

Guests and potential new members are welcome to attend and gain understanding on what we do and how we operate. Our Club of volunteers is always open to anyone wanting to join and assist in our efforts for Youth and the Community.

This will be the last Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc meeting chaired by outgoing President Ray before President Elect Brian Wallace takes over on October 1, 2014.

Annual Club Member Recognition Awards Presented

The annual President's Awards to recognize the special efforts of Club members during the Optimist 2013-2014 year were presented at a meeting on September 11th.

Margaretha Adair receives the award plaque for Volunteer of the Year from Club President Ray  

Ray presents the Fundraiser of the Year award plaque to Donna Scott

Brian Wallace is handed the Outstanding Member of the Year award plaque from Ray

A framed President's Citation Certificate as Outstanding Member was also given to Brian

Donations Made to Other Groups Serving the Leduc and Area Communities

At a meeting on September 11th, the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc presented cash donations to two other very commendable organizations serving the Leduc and Area Communities.

Optimist Peggy presents a cheque to Director David Marriott of the Leduc & District Food Bank

Executive Director Sacha Aldrich of Riseup House Leduc receives a cheque from Optimist Brian



After a Summer Break, Our Next Regular Meeting will be on Thursday September 11, 2014

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will conduct its next regular meeting on the night of Thursday September 11, 2014 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30pm. Arrive earlier (6:30 - 7:00pm) to personally order food / dinner - if desired.
All members are encouraged to attend adding your valuable comments and ideas to the discussions and decisions on our programs and activities. Remember that everyone has a voice to be heard.

Guests and potential new members are welcome to attend and gain understanding on what we do and how we operate. Our Club of volunteers is always open to anyone wanting to join and assist in our efforts for Youth and the Community.

Regular Meetings are Suspended (as usual) during July and August for our Summer Break

Our regular, twice a month meetings (2nd and 4th Thursdays) are suspended for our summer break.
Resumption will take place with the next meeting to be held on Thursday September 11, 2014 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc.
Those wishing to personally order food / dinner should arrive between 6:30-7:00pm with the actual meeting to start at 7:30pm.
Guests and potential new members are always welcome to attend and learn more about our Club.

Members will still be participating in various fundraising events over July and August.

Our Club's Ballot for the 2014 Optimist International Officer Election was Submitted on June 27, 2014

Confirmation was received that our Club's ballot was successfully submitted on June 27, 2014 for the Optimist International Officer Election. After presentation of information on the candidates and discussion at our June 25th meeting, our Club's choices for the positions of OI President-Elect; Region 5 Vice President-Elect Great Plains and Board of Directors Members (2) - were made.

This was the first time that each Club was enabled to vote on line and the number of votes for each Club is determined by the number of members in the Club.

Fourth annual Certificates with Bursaries were Given to two Elementary School Students on June 26, 2014

For the fourth year in a row, Certificates of Personal Achievement and Community Spirit with Cash Bursaries were presented at a Leduc area elementary school to one female student and one male student selected by school staff from any grade. In 2014, they were presented at Covenant Christian.

These awards are rotated to a different school each year and provide the staff with another way to recognize two deserving students based on the criteria outlined in the framed documents which are presented. Each recipient:

* 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

The happy recipients stand with documents and cash before Optimist members Ray and Denise

Dime-A-Day Campaign funds were totalled and a Donation has been sent to Camp Quality Alberta

At our June 25th 2014 meeting, Executive Director Judy Tobe of Camp Quality did a phone-in talk providing our members with concise and heart felt information on Camp Quality Canada; including the Alberta location on Sylvan Lake.
Young cancer patients (up to 18 years of age) can experience a fun week of camping, at no cost, while being cared for by medical and other companion volunteers.

Our members, plus an Optimist from another Club, personally contributed $425.00 and it was topped up by $75.00 from Club funds to make it a $500.00 donation; which was post mailed the next day to Camp Quality Alberta.

A sincere Thank You email was received from Judy when she was advised of the approved donation.

Leduc Optimist Club members to meet again on Wednesday June 25, 2014

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will conduct its next regular meeting on the night of Wednesday June 25th  in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30 PM. Arrive earlier to personally order food / dinner - if desired.
All members are encouraged to attend adding your valuable comments and ideas to the discussions and decisions on our programs and activities. Remember that everyone has a voice to be heard.

Guests and potential new members are welcome to attend and gain understanding on what we do and how we operate. Our Club of volunteers is always open to anyone wanting to join and assist in our efforts for Youth and the Community.

Garage / Yard Sale on Saturday June 21, 2014 provides additional funds for our Club Programs & Activities

Items generously donated by Leduc Optimist Club members, family, friends and others were put on sale at the Millet Community Garage Sale on Saturday June 21st at the Millet home of Donna and Bob Scott. An appreciated total of $761.45 was raised for our General Account to help fund our various programs and activities related to youth and community needs.
Many THANKS to all the donors and to the Club members for assistance with the displaying and selling. It was a group effort that made it successful.

There will also be a deposit of $6.50 made to our General Account - the result of cashing in the one bag of recyclables gathered on the June 7th Optimist Clubs cleanup of a portion of Highway 2, south of Leduc.
Note: We don't thank those who discarded the items into the environment - just Optimist members who picked them up to tidy the area.

Edmonton and Leduc Optimist Clubs Combine to Clean up a Portion of Highway 2 Roadside south of Leduc

On the morning of Saturday June 7th 2014, ten members of the Edmonton Dinner Optimist Club (Keivin, John, Ruby, Ron, Terry, Doug, Maria, Belinda, Leona, Desiree) together with seven members of the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc (Bob, Donna, Ian, Barbara, Ray, Connie, Trevor) set out to clean up an east side portion of Highway 2 - south of Leduc.

Thirteen bags of trash and one bag of recyclables were gathered to spiffy up the environment to a degree. An appreciated lunch was provided by Edmonton Dinner. THANKS to all the participants!

The Leduc High School Tigers Football Team Receives a Donation and Thanks from the Leduc Optimist Club

On the afternoon of Friday June 6, 2014, a presentation of $1000.00 was made to the Leduc Tigers Senior High School Football Team during a spring practice session.
Thanks were expressed to the team for assisting our Optimist Club in selling some fundraising raffle tickets.
It was also pointed out that not only did they help their team, but some of the additional net funds realized from their ticket sales formed part of a $500.00 donation made the day before to help build a new playground at a Black Gold Regional elementary school.
Congratulations to the players and Coach Olischefski for the sales success and community spirit.

Tigers player Zach Burgess (from whose booklet the Draw winning ticket was actually sold)

receives the donation cheque from Optimist President Ray in front of other team members



Donation Made to a Parents Group to Help Build a new School Playground

After an informative talk (at our June 5, 2014 meeting) on the need to replace the potentially unsafe playground at New Humble elementary school, south of Calmar, a donation of $500.00 was approved and presented to speaker Giselle Messer - the representative attending from the New Humble Centre Parents Group.
Through their substantial efforts, the fundraising goal has almost been achieved. Congratulations!

Our Club was pleased to be able to provide some level of support for the youth & community.

Giselle, on the left, receives the funds from Optimist member Barbara

The Winning Ticket was pulled in our Fundraiser Raffle Draw on June 5, 2014

At our meeting on the evening of Thursday June 5, 2014  - the winning ticket was pulled from a rotated lottery drum by a guest (Giselle) who is not an Optimist member or a ticket holder.

The winning ticket was #0360 owned by Rebecca Dow of Edmonton who bought the ticket in Leduc. Congratulations to the winner - notified by phone immediately after the draw.
We deeply appreciate all those who purchased tickets and the sellers who made it another complete sellout supporting our youth and community programs and activities.

A smiling Rebecca receives the Prize Package on Saturday June 7, 2014

Our Next Meeting and the new Raffle Draw Date will be Thursday June 5, 2014

Our next regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday June 5, 2014 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc starting at 7:30 pm. Those wishing to personally order food/dinner should arrive earlier. This gathering will include the advanced Raffle Draw to take place around 8:00 pm.
Guests and potential new members are always most welcome to attend for information.

The Fundraiser Raffle Tickets are Sold Out - The Draw Date has been advanced to June 5, 2014 from June 12th

As all raffle tickets (Licence 370184) are sold out on the Prize Package of two Eskimos 2014 Gold Season Tickets plus $350.00 in Gift & Concessions Cards (to spend at the games), the Draw Date is being advanced to June 5, 2014 from June 12, 2014 as stated on the tickets.
The tickets are printed in December, before the league schedule comes out in February, and the first Eskimos home game this year is slated for Friday June 13, 2014.
This advancement gives our Club a needed week to get the Prize Package to the winner. The draw date on future raffles will be scheduled for the first week of June so this won't happen again.

Gifts and Volunteer Time provided to the Rodeo of Smiles on May 30th by the Black Gold Optimist Club

On the morning of Friday May 30, 2014 seven Leduc Optimist members (Margaretha, Trevor, Donna, Bob, Denise, Connie, Ray) assisted at the Rodeo of Smiles in the Leduc Rec Centre. It featured a number of simulated rodeo events enabling approximately 175 special needs kids to participate and have fun in a Rodeo atmosphere.
Additionally, there were 175 gift bags for the participants put together by Optimists Barb and Ian.

Held in conjunction with the Leduc Black Gold Pro Rodeo which ran July 29 - June 1, the Rodeo of Smiles is a terrific annual event which our Club supports and applauds.

 

The pictures above illustrate why it is called the Rodeo of Smiles

Leduc Legion Branch 108 receives a Donation and Thanks from Leduc Optimists

On May 30th 2014, a donation was presented and Thanks were expressed to the Royal Canadian Legion Leduc Branch 108 for helping the Optimists sell some fundraiser raffle tickets.

The non-profit Legion organization recognizes and assists current and veteran military personnel whose service is & was vital to our freedom and supports other community and youth activities.

We Salute all their efforts.

Legion President Iain Weikl (left) receives the donation from Optimist member Ray
 

We encourage everyone to patronize the Legion and all the other organizations and businesses that help our volunteer, non-profit Optimist Club to raise funds for our various and valuable Programs & Activities.

Another Donation was Presented to the Sunbeams Program in Support of Young Children

On May 22nd, the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc presented our 3rd annual donation to the Leduc County Early Childhood Resources Sunbeams Program.
We Commend and Thank them for their valuable, continuing efforts.

Sunbeams (Rainbows Grief and Loss program for 4 to 7 year olds) Sunbeams is a program that fosters emotional healing among children grieving a loss from a life-altering crisis. These losses may include death, divorce, separation, or even a parent working away from home for long periods of time. Through a 6 week peer support program with fun activities and discussions, participants process their feelings, build self -esteem and learn positive coping tools to last a lifetime– because it doesn’t need to.

Loretta Hannah (left) from Sunbeams receives the funds from Optimist member Connie

 

 

 

Thursday May 22, 2014 is the Date of our Next Regular Meeting

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will conduct its next regular meeting on the night of Thursday May 22nd in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30 PM. Arrive earlier to personally order food / dinner - if desired.
All members are encouraged to attend adding your valuable comments and ideas to the discussions and decisions on our programs and activities. Remember that everyone has a voice to be heard.

Guests and potential new members are welcome to attend and gain understanding on what we do and how we operate. Our Club of volunteers is always open to anyone wanting to join and assist in our efforts for Youth and the Community. In a heartfelt way, you receive more than you give.
Yours In Optimism (YIO)

Leduc Optimist Members Help Conduct a New Spelling Bee in St. Albert on May 11, 2014

The Breakfast Optimist Club of St. Albert held their 1st annual local Spelling Bee on Sunday May 11th in the Grandin Room of the St. Albert Inn.
* Seven Grade 5 students from four St. Albert elementary schools participated in the oral contest which lasted through 31 rounds over 90 minutes before a winner was determined.
* It was educational and fun for all attendees including parents, guardians, family, friends and guests.
* All competitors received framed Participation Certificates, some donated gifts and varying cash prizes based on final placement.
* First, Second and Third Place ribbons were awarded to the contestants finishing in those spots.
Congratulations to The St. Albert Club and especially to President Marvin for this initial success.
Leduc Optimist members Keivin, Brian, Connie and Ray attended and helped to run the event.

Leduc Optimist Members Assist at the Cub Bikeree on May 10th Through the Edmonton River Valley

The Dinner Optimist Club of Edmonton held their annual Cub Bikeree on Saturday May 10th from about 9:00am until 5:00pm through the Edmonton River Valley.
On a cool to cold day with occasional snowflakes, approximately 160 Cub Scouts and 60 leaders bravely rode bicycles over a 14 kilometer designated course stopping at a number of places for safety checks on bikes and helmets; information sessions; plus events to test riding skills. Scoring points were earned and listed for each Cub participant. Food and drinks were provided to all the riders.

Leduc Optimist members Barbara, Connie, Ian, Ray, Bob and Shayne attended to assist at various locations with differing tasks.
Despite the chill, it was an enjoyable day for all involved. Congratulations to Edmonton Dinner Club for another successful event.

Funds Received from the Rotary Club of Nisku-Leduc for our help with the 2013 Rotary 50/50 at Castrol Raceway

During the last week of April, a generous donation cheque was received by mail from the Rotary Club of Nisku-Leduc related to our Optimist Club's helping to sell 50/50 tickets at Castrol Raceway during the 2013 season. A Letter of Appreciation was emailed to the Rotary Club President.
We are always pleased to partner with that fine group in the efficiently run fundraiser for all parties involved. The money is appreciated to enable us to donate and run our programs and activities. Some of our Optimist efforts are complementary with those of Rotary and others are unique to each organization. Area youth and the community are the beneficiaries from both.

Our Next Regular Meeting Will Be On May 8, 2014

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will conduct its next regular meeting on the night of Thursday May 8th in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30 PM. Arrive earlier to personally order food / dinner - if desired.
All members are encouraged to attend adding your valuable comments and ideas to the discussions and decisions on our programs and activities. Remember that everyone has a voice to be heard.

Guests and potential new members are welcome to attend and gain understanding on what we do and how we operate. Our Club of volunteers is always open to anyone wanting to join and assist in our efforts for Youth and the Community. In a heartfelt way, you receive more than you give.
Yours In Optimism (YIO)

The Third Annual Leduc Optimist Club Spelling Bee Was Another Enjoyable Event

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc held their 3rd annual Spelling Bee on Saturday, April 26th in the auditorium of the Leduc Legion. A total of eleven Grade 5 students (one of the scheduled 12 students was unable to attend); from six Leduc elementary schools, competed in an oral contest to demonstrate their spelling skills. It was educational and enjoyable for all in attendance.
*The contestants were identified solely by randomly assigned numbered tags.
*This Bee differs from others in that competitors are eliminated only after a third spelling error. This allows for them to get over any initial nervousness.
*All contestants received framed Participation Certificates, some donated gifts and varying cash prizes according to final placement. First, Second and Third Place ribbons were awarded to those finishing in those positions.

THANKS to the students, schools, teachers, parents, guardians, family, friends and other attendees.
This event is always open to anyone who wishes to attend.
Appreciation is extended to all the Optimist members who helped to set up and run the event.

SPECIAL THANKS To:

 

The LEDUC LEGION BRANCH 108 (for use of the auditorium)

 

LEDUC RADIO - G8Way Community Radio (for use and set up of the sound system)

 

CANADIAN TIRE LEDUC (for providing some gifts for each contestant)

 

During some of the spelling action

 

The terrific contestants at the end with their goody bags

 

(from left to right) The smiling 1st, 2nd and 3rd Place finishers

  

The First Place finisher (who happened to wear tag #1) beside our scoreboard

Third Annual LEDUC OPTIMIST CLUB SPELLING BEE

When: SATURDAY APRIL 26, 2014

1:00 – 4:00 pm

 

Where:  THE ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION

BRANCH 108 - LEDUC

5210 - 50 Avenue

(In the auditorium)

 

 Up to twelve Grade 5 students from 6 Leduc elementary schools will be competing in a fun, oral only contest to practice their spelling skills.

 

ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND

Thanks To:

Royal Canadian Legion 108 Leduc

Canadian Tire Leduc

 Leduc Radio
(G8WAY Community Radio)

Thursday April 24, 2014 is the date of our Next Meeting

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will conduct its next regular meeting on the night of Thursday April 24th in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. Those wishing to personally order dinner / food are advised to arrive between 6:30-7:00 PM, or earlier, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30 PM.
All members are encouraged to attend adding your valuable comments and ideas to the discussions and decisions on our programs and activities.

Guests and potential new members are welcome to attend and gain understanding on what we do and how we operate. Our Club of volunteers is always open to anyone wanting to join and assist in our efforts for Youth and the Community. In a heartfelt way, you receive more than you give.
.

New Optimist Welcome (N.O.W) Night - April 10, 2014

YOU are

INVITED To JOIN

N.O.W.

NEW OPTIMISTS WELCOME Night

When: Thursday April 10, 2014 starting at 7:30pm

 Where: Smitty's Restaurant at #5004 - 50 Avenue Leduc

 Enjoy our hospitality and learn about our non-profit organization while having fun and meeting new people on an information night.

Our group of men and women volunteers WELCOME anyone to join us in working to assist Youth ("Bringing out the best in kids") and Community.


We are always seeking new, positive minded members to present and expand ideas, programs, activities and participate in our varied fundraising endeavours.


As a nondenominational, non-partisan organization, we are open to anyone for membership. In a heartfelt way, you receive more than you give.


The funds raised go to Donations and Youth and Community oriented Programs & Activities.

 Personally trying to make a difference.

"Life is never so busy that there is no time to serve" ~ Anonymous

Another regular meeting is scheduled for Thursday March 27, 2014

 The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will conduct its next regular meeting on Thurs March 27, 2014 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. Those wishing to personally order dinner / food are advised to arrive between 6:30-7:00 PM, or earlier, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30 PM.
All members are encouraged to attend adding your valuable comments and ideas to the discussions and decisions on our programs and activities.

Guests and potential new members are welcome to attend and gain understanding on what we do and how we operate. Our Club of volunteers is always open to anyone wanting to join and assist in our efforts for Youth and the Community. In a heartfelt way, you receive more than you give.

Leduc Optimists achieved Honour Club status in 2012-2013

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc was presented with framed Citations for 3 executive members (President, Secretary, Treasurer) at the February 27, 2014 regular meeting and patches for the Club banner at the Zone Meeting on March 22nd to signify having achieved Honour Club status in 2012-2013. This signifies a total team effort by all members to fulfill certain criteria. Congratulations and Thanks.
We salute those other Clubs in our Zone 5 who were similarly designated.

Second Quarter Meeting of Zone 5 Optimist Clubs is to be held Saturday March 22, 2014

 The six Optimist Clubs in the Zone 5 Capital region will hold their second quarter meeting on Saturday March 22, 2014. Hosted by the Edmonton Beverly Club, it is scheduled to start at 10:00am in the Maple Leaf Athletic Club located at 12133 - 67 Street in Edmonton.
All Optimist members are encouraged to attend to share and learn ideas.

Thursday March 13, 2014 is the date of our Next Meeting

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will conduct its next regular meeting on Thursday March 13, 2014 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. Those wishing to personally order dinner / food are advised to arrive between 6:30-7:00 PM, or earlier, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30 PM.
All members are encouraged to attend adding your valuable comments and ideas to the discussions and decisions on our programs and activities.

Guests and potential new members are welcome to attend and gain understanding on what we do and how we operate. Our Club of volunteers is always open to anyone wanting to join and assist in our efforts for Youth and the Community. In a heartfelt way, you receive more than you give.

Continued Donations Approved at the Last Meeting

At the last regular meeting on Feb 27, 2014, it was approved to continue support for the AFTER Grad celebration for graduating LCHS students to be held on May 24, 2014 and also for the Rodeo of Smiles event for special needs children to be held on May 30, 2014.
Details will be provided after the events are completed.

Our Next Regular Meeting is Scheduled for Thursday February 27, 2014

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will conduct its next regular meeting on Thursday Feb. 27, 2014 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. Those wishing to personally order dinner / food are advised to arrive between 6:30-7:00 PM, or earlier, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30 PM.
All members are encouraged to attend adding your valuable comments and ideas to the discussions and decisions on our programs and activities.

Guests and potential new members are welcome to attend and gain understanding on what we do and how we operate. Our non-partisan, non-denominational Club of volunteers is always open to anyone wanting to join and assist in our efforts for Youth and the Community.

Donation Received from the Dinner Optimist Club of Edmonton

A significant donation cheque was received during January 2014 from the Dinner Optimist Club of Edmonton for our assistance with parking lot duties during year 2013 Edmonton Eskimos home games at Commonwealth Stadium. This is a much appreciated contribution to help us fund our Programs & Activities. Thanks to all the Leduc Optimist Club members who worked games.

We Meet Again on Thursday February 13, 2014

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will conduct its next regular meeting on Thursday Feb. 13, 2014 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. Those wishing to personally order dinner / food are advised to arrive between 6:30-7:00 PM, or earlier, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30 PM.
All members are encouraged to attend adding your valuable comments and ideas to the discussions and decisions on our programs and activities.

Guests and potential new members are welcome to attend and gain understanding on what we do and how we operate. Our non-partisan, non-denominational Club of volunteers is always open to anyone wanting to join and assist in our efforts for Youth and the Community.

N. Alberta Optimists Juvenile Curling Playdowns Completed

Congratulations to the winners and all who competed in the Optimists Juvenile Curling Playdowns over the Jan. 31 - Feb. 2, 2014 weekend. Eight girls teams and eleven boys teams participated at the Beaumont Curling Club. Thanks to the curling club for a well run, enjoyable competition.
Winners move on to the Provincial finals in High River.

Salutations to those who attended and supported the event.

Stars Air Ambulance Receives Support from our Club

In early January 2014, Stars Air Ambulance received support in the amount of $250.00 from the Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc through one of their fundraising initiatives. This is our second year of directing funds to Stars for the invaluable emergency services provided over a wide region.

Stars is a charitable, not-for-profit organization which relies on government / corporate and community support. We are pleased to be a part of the latter.

Attend our Upcoming Regular Meeting on Thursday January 23, 2014

The Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc will conduct its next regular meeting on Thursday January23, 2014 in the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. Those wishing to personally order dinner / food are advised to arrive between 6:30-7:00 PM, or earlier, with the actual meeting to start at 7:30 PM.
All members are encouraged to attend adding your valuable comments and ideas to the discussions and decisions on our programs and activities.

Guests and potential new members are welcome to attend and gain understanding on what we do and how we operate. Our non-partisan, non-denominational Club of volunteers is always open to anyone wanting to join and assist in our efforts for Youth and the Community.

Leduc Optimist Club Donates to the 2014 Optimist Alberta Juvenile Curling Playdowns

It was motioned and carried at our meeting on January 09, 2014 to donate $300.00 to the Alberta Curling Federation to help with the funding of the Northern Alberta Curling Association Optimist Juvenile Curling Playdowns to be held in the Beaumont Curling Club from January 31- February 2nd.
Optimist International is the title sponsor of Juvenile Curling in Alberta and asks all Optimist clubs to pitch in, if possible.
All members are encouraged, and anyone else is invited, to attend this competition and witness a bunch of great young people exhibiting their considerable skills at curling.

Please come out to show support and be entertained! Thanks.

Support Given to the Big Brothers Big Sisters Organization

At the Black Gold Optimist Club meeting on January 09, 2014, it was announced that support in the amount of $125.00 was given to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Edmonton and Area Organization through one of their fundraising initiatives. This is the second year of our funding this endeavour.

THANKS to that group for the valuable mentoring and friendship work that is provided by volunteers for young people in the regional communities.

 

The First Regular Meeting of Year 2014 will be on Thursday January 9th

All Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc members are encouraged to attend our next regular meeting on Thursday January 9, 2014 in the usual location of the back section of Smitty's Restaurant Leduc. Anyone desiring to personally order dinner or some other food / drink, should arrive at 6:30-7:15pm, or earlier. The actual meeting begins at 7:30pm and normally ends at approximately 9:00pm.

We will be reviewing our overall programs and activities. Input, discussion and ideas are important.

Guests and potential new members are always Welcome.

Optimist Members Assist with the Serving of Free Christmas Meals at Hat Tricks Restaurant in Leduc

On Sunday December 22, 2013 between 5:00 - 7:00 PM, Hat Tricks Restaurant in the Leduc Rec Centre graciously served up free Christmas meals to those in need. Congratulations and Thanks go out to the restaurant staff and management including: Gord (chef), Alfred, Lisa, Justin, B.U & Jason for an excellent and delicious buffet delivered in the spirit of Christmas.

Volunteers - Black Gold Optimist Club of Leduc members: Donna, Bob, Connie and Ray assisted in some preparation and serving of the meals along with Gert Reynar from the Leduc Food Bank.