FRIDAY, October 2, 2009 MEETING NOTES Volume 44, Issue 1

We had 21 Optimists & guests today. There were no guests today. The Mystery Greeter was Ken Kamps who greeted John Urness. Tom Nall, Gary Engelke, Ernie Thalmann, Charlie Clark, Virg Pufahl and Ken Kamps wore their Optimist shirts today.

Today’s Speaker - Governor Jerry Schewe - OI Orientation

Governor Jerry Schewe spoke to us today about Optimist International. He gave us a set of slides with an Orientation for New Members. He also described it as a "reminder" to more "veteran" members. You can download a full copy of the Skills Development Module Orientation to Optimism for New Members for much of Jerry's speech.

He had some serious and not-so-serious things that "As a member of an Optimist Club, I will...". - sell cheese curds, attend meetings, wonder what I have gotten myself into. Some of the more serious things included - build new friendships and expand social/business circles, help youth and "develop Optimism as a way of life".

Jerry went over some of the history of Optimist International and how Wisconsin has influenced the growth and programs of Optimist International. He reminded us that the Milwaukee club was one of the original 9 clubs and as such, our District is 09.

He reviewed the purposes of Optimist International. It was part of your induction ceremony.

PURPOSES OF OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL

  • To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed,
  • To promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs;
  • To inspire respect for the law;
  • To promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people;
  • To aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.
  • He went over the general organization of OI and clubs. He reviewed standing committees and their duties. He reviewed the dues for the club. As of Oct 1, dues are $84 per year. Ken wants to remind everyone to pay their dues - either the whole year or half now and the other half in April.

    Jerry spoke about recognition at the Club level for going the extra mile to be successful. Honor Club is for those clubs that meet goals in service, membership growth and club administration. Distinguished Club is for those who make Honor Club, plus help establish a new Optimist club to spread the good word.

    He also talked about individual recognition through the Personal Growth and Involvement (PGI) program. These items are to help individuals grow in their service to youth and become better Optimists.

    Thanks for the wonderful speech!

     

    This Friday - Business Meeting - Annual Budget

    UPCOMING EVENTS

    October 24 - SWIS Conference - Platteville

    November 14 - Meal & Theater Social - Steve & Maxine Lane's house/ Dubuque Opera House

    UPCOMING SPEAKERS

    October 16 - Megan Nelson???

    October 23 - TBD


    NEW CLUB

    The club approved establishing a second club here in Platteville. The group decided to change the meeting times to the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at Noon at Chicago’s Best. The next meeting will be at Chicago’s Best on October 14th. They hope to Charter in October.

    MISCELLANEOUS

    John Dutcher gave us information for ordering Optimist shirts from Land’s End. Click Here, or you can call 1-800-338-2000 to order yours.

    BOARD MEETING

    The next Board Meeting will be with the new Board. It will meet on Thursday October 8th at 7 AM at Badger Brothers.

    FIRST FRIDAY BREAKFAST

    Winners of a Free Breakfast from those present included Jerry Schewe and John Urness. Winners from those NOT present included Jerry Schliem and Beth Frieders.

    JOKER DRAW

    Eileen Nickels was the lucky one selected. She drew the 6 of Spades and won $2! We are down to 1 Joker. The pot is over $500! Good luck to next week’s winner.

    UPCOMING EVENTS

    Steve & Maxine Lane have graciously opened their new house to have a dinner social on Saturday November 14. After dinner, there will be a road trip to the Grand Opera House in Dubuque to see "The Regifters". For more information, or to sign up, click here.

    SWIS District will hold its 1st Quarter Conference here in Platteville at the Governor Dodge. Sign up to attend the Saturday program at the next meeting or download the material from the SWIS District web site and send it in. If you register by Oct 12, the registration fee is waived. Suzy Favor-Hamilton is the Keynote Speaker. Jerry is also looking for 5 - 6 folks to help him with the Hospitality Room on Friday night.

    THANK YOU

    We received a "Thank You" from Family Advocates for our $600 donation.





















    Optimist International | SWIS District | Platteville, Wisconsin--Information



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    Last Modified: October 5, 2009