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