tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29121735920294581672024-02-28T15:42:53.023-08:00PNW District Optimist ClubsOptimist Clubs perform amazing projects that bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves.Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-32757300566207619242024-01-02T08:41:00.002-08:002024-01-02T08:41:34.136-08:00Happy New Year 2024<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjW8Xdq-GAfmjwbv0D1cwW2rAFGUdhaUFlYo_XDpvm-UYTfyDWtK6KFqyJ_LzhyphenhyphenRhkk0NoAoQ6l7mIChD64R6y8idqlQqNG8CEke9JZWKclqN2SBcBaXf2rbkw87jlFPaCCd1i3qDWAsqEtciXTKG9QV6x0kNKDp655XM7cIMldjXU0583WUMTq-mi0ts/s940/mem%20mon%20gif%20new%20year.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjW8Xdq-GAfmjwbv0D1cwW2rAFGUdhaUFlYo_XDpvm-UYTfyDWtK6KFqyJ_LzhyphenhyphenRhkk0NoAoQ6l7mIChD64R6y8idqlQqNG8CEke9JZWKclqN2SBcBaXf2rbkw87jlFPaCCd1i3qDWAsqEtciXTKG9QV6x0kNKDp655XM7cIMldjXU0583WUMTq-mi0ts/w640-h536/mem%20mon%20gif%20new%20year.gif" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">As we cross over from one year to the nxt, it is a time to continue those activities that bring joy, discard</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">those that do not, and share your optimism with all. </span></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-51380780056622307482023-02-21T09:10:00.002-08:002023-02-21T09:10:38.125-08:00Don't block engagement<p> My posts are few and very far between. I apologize for the lack of attention I have been able to put into this site and hope to one day return to more optimism. </p><p>It's tough. Engagement is harder these days. It could be because I'm trying to engage in my work over my optimistic pursuits. It could be because I don't understand the district I reside in where committee chairs are not listed on the website. What? How can we engage with them and the programs offered by Optimist International and the PNW District?</p><p>I truly believe it is the latter. When individuals are elected into positions where they have little or no experience, they return their service with wildly out-of-tune procedures indicative of their lack of knowledge. </p><p>If you want people to engage with you, you must offer them the opportunity for engagement first. Period. Nothing more to be said. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkOBnuNQl1WcoaNFYlebjYdvGLgHK14x1XsqdUkSnwYG3ikePQR7stiNAm85clb_ow2vPADvNe8q8acypYJQrQnFhkJVZ7YoilN_FssrhYLeCA43DecT2OyFdT19QEZ0HEtWRf9wIYSoajNAM0VTuvyNrqfN5Fqkt__wO9Glk8RqD043TdVL4TOSV/s940/engaged%20members.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkOBnuNQl1WcoaNFYlebjYdvGLgHK14x1XsqdUkSnwYG3ikePQR7stiNAm85clb_ow2vPADvNe8q8acypYJQrQnFhkJVZ7YoilN_FssrhYLeCA43DecT2OyFdT19QEZ0HEtWRf9wIYSoajNAM0VTuvyNrqfN5Fqkt__wO9Glk8RqD043TdVL4TOSV/w400-h335/engaged%20members.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-41645166255761195552022-07-25T07:44:00.000-07:002022-07-25T07:44:04.332-07:00Opt for optimism<p> I am curating a group on Facebook made up primarily of Optimist Club members from various clubs in the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/optimistinternationalwestcoastregion" target="_blank">West Coast Region - Optimist International</a>. To begin the week, I publish a little nugget of inspired loyalty to the organization that I call Membership Monday. </p><p>Brand awareness is as important to internal audiences as it is to external audiences. After all, the external audience has not become loyal yet. It takes continued dedication by members to inspire and invite others to join the cause. It is then a conscious decision one makes to choose optimism. </p><p>Choose optimism and join an Optimist Club today. <a href="mailto:joinanoptimistclub@gmail.com" target="_blank">Send me a note and I will help you find a club near you.</a></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sNgXX8H1VZ70no1Cxd-vHCHz2EyHZ9nxH2DDipzrue6NW3klyglhyFdj5UNQqzjvu4p-6wTDUMv7PMGPU-1FQfA7eL8ZVp8dyZoj5V7xFCbFGoLCK9vnCWmbzsoy3SOPTzFJ_7X3IKdBPxdlFAU5jx-AIfrYxD-F_b3tEoMTOuCplH925aXwEP46/s940/mem%20monday%207.25.22.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sNgXX8H1VZ70no1Cxd-vHCHz2EyHZ9nxH2DDipzrue6NW3klyglhyFdj5UNQqzjvu4p-6wTDUMv7PMGPU-1FQfA7eL8ZVp8dyZoj5V7xFCbFGoLCK9vnCWmbzsoy3SOPTzFJ_7X3IKdBPxdlFAU5jx-AIfrYxD-F_b3tEoMTOuCplH925aXwEP46/s320/mem%20monday%207.25.22.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-29570174967190371972022-06-16T08:14:00.002-07:002022-06-16T08:14:20.251-07:00Push on with optimism<p> A year ago, my world stopped. That happens when you lose a loved one, especially when they are the love of your life. </p><p>Dick Disney and I met through our work with the PNW District - Optimist International. We fell in love as leaders of the District who wanted only the best for our Optimist Clubs. Through that common interest, we found other things that we shared including a love for travel, a sense of humor, and solitude. </p><p>Life is much more solitary now that he is gone. I still look to optimism for friendship and hope. I find it in some places. I find it desperately lacking in others. I push on. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pJMCXvfUOM2w5heWc_04VaviJBUbjsn-JHMSyBju-EMUlTptYx6d33qKstJsngJsk0eVCm_yuoIMhWsIFY3W_pElYcI5o4cgSUGqZb5SmU5aDywRyLJgCOZM2kX2OexYUrpBcCrvhNb5jKiF7u-rGJIgfZE-vip-eUbDlarbCL32jL3VAiS3SqA9/s4032/dick%20and%20linda%20beer%20ireland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1960" data-original-width="4032" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9pJMCXvfUOM2w5heWc_04VaviJBUbjsn-JHMSyBju-EMUlTptYx6d33qKstJsngJsk0eVCm_yuoIMhWsIFY3W_pElYcI5o4cgSUGqZb5SmU5aDywRyLJgCOZM2kX2OexYUrpBcCrvhNb5jKiF7u-rGJIgfZE-vip-eUbDlarbCL32jL3VAiS3SqA9/w400-h195/dick%20and%20linda%20beer%20ireland.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>I miss you every day, Dick, but I will push on. Soon I will attend the 104th Optimist International Convention, only the second one to be held since the pandemic restrictions have lessened. Only the second since you left me too soon. </p><p>At the convention, I will see old and new friends and I will push on. I'll look for the inspiration - the optimism - that allows me to move forward and to push on. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-77366936298680741752021-05-16T11:17:00.005-07:002021-05-16T11:18:37.250-07:00Virtual photography contest goes to a storefront in Vernon, BC<p> We continue to be impressed by the North Okanagan Optimist Club. This post reflects its successful photography contest that was held online in April 2021. Not only was the club able to conduct its contest online, but it is also reaching into the brick-and-mortar community with a storefront display of the results. Kudos to the North Okanagan Optimists for a job well done!</p>
<iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="true" frameborder="0" height="500" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNorth.Okanagan.Optimist.Club%2Fposts%2F3868542919928857&show_text=true&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="400"></iframe><div><br /></div><div>Due to the pandemic, all Optimist Clubs have had to be creative in their approach to programs. We would love to hear what your Optimist Club has done to serve its community and its members. <a href="mailto: pnwoptimist@gmail.com" target="_blank">Please send us a note here. </a></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-48953858430839684352021-05-11T09:16:00.002-07:002021-05-11T09:16:08.621-07:00Rally with the Optimists in Atlanta for the Optimist International Convention<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtvpnn2er4qpdi368jvaIhNPsLqTIGenl_ezjuVvE67yq6ebLmCftPlZiGSa3WuZC30etb1KEqj9VDqNWA5dXNe29VqHaFnEzmiQNP2aGFvGx-aRBDwDhoZtiQKWzsGQtxb61IZyLvdQ/s940/14.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOtvpnn2er4qpdi368jvaIhNPsLqTIGenl_ezjuVvE67yq6ebLmCftPlZiGSa3WuZC30etb1KEqj9VDqNWA5dXNe29VqHaFnEzmiQNP2aGFvGx-aRBDwDhoZtiQKWzsGQtxb61IZyLvdQ/s320/14.png" width="320" /></a></div>Next month, Optimist Club members will rally in Atlanta, Georgia for the 103rd Annual Optimist<br /> International Convention. It will be a hybrid event as some members will not be able to attend in person and will enjoy a virtual program; but for those with the ability and willingness to travel, it will be a family reunion of great importance. <p></p><p>It will be the first time that Optimist Club members have come together on a large scale since the COVID-19 pandemic began. </p><p>That in itself forecasts optimism. The hope and desire to gather with friends who feel like family is real and medical experts are cautiously approving travel as the global economy slowly begins to regain normalcy. </p><p>I plan to travel in person to the Optimist International Convention and I hope that you will join me. The agenda includes two keynote presentations: Michelle Gielan will present on happiness and Blake Leeper will describe what it means to rally in the face of obstacles. Business sessions will help lead the organization and education sessions to improve skills needed to lead an Optimist Club and District with a positive impact. Fellowship activities will include a night at the Atlanta Braves baseball game, the Heritage Brunch, and the International Presidents Celebration. </p><p>And if you have been to a convention before, you know, the networking opportunities outweigh everything else. It's where we meet new friends and finally see those in person who we've been seeing on Zoom for almost two years. It's where friends become family as optimism reigns high. Prove that you are an Optimist and join the Optimist International Convention in Atlanta. Don't forget to wear your mask!</p><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-9934898659356936582021-04-10T16:25:00.007-07:002021-04-10T16:25:32.357-07:00Rally for optimismOptimist Clubs ask you to rally to service and to rally to optimism. <div><br /></div><div>It's fairly simple to join an Optimist Club and do both. </div><div><br /></div><div>Share a positive attitude and give back to your community by <a href="https://www.optimist.org/member/clubdirectory/country.cfm?" target="_blank">clicking here to find an Optimist Club</a> near you and join.<div><br /><div>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C-ntHyG_gSU" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-90356360907095605202021-03-11T21:30:00.007-08:002021-03-11T21:32:07.439-08:00Celebrate the International Day of Happiness with Music<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvAg0LyqTZOcm8i7dPO_Nvo-95cgnjj9OoUtysp5TlylFGMbiQBDuPjxF0UKIHGV_6QnP0DAXjdrnbspOCQCYFQPqAjLtm9KjYKzTPqBdNnAv8flB1rRCBQgSZkm5i5oFA4ujanOTOf4/s841/optiforum+march+20.PNG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="pnw optimist clubs music makes people happy" border="0" data-original-height="841" data-original-width="643" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUvAg0LyqTZOcm8i7dPO_Nvo-95cgnjj9OoUtysp5TlylFGMbiQBDuPjxF0UKIHGV_6QnP0DAXjdrnbspOCQCYFQPqAjLtm9KjYKzTPqBdNnAv8flB1rRCBQgSZkm5i5oFA4ujanOTOf4/w306-h400/optiforum+march+20.PNG" title="music makes people happy Optimist International" width="306" /></a></div> It's coming! The International Day of Happiness is March 20, 2021. <p></p><p>Optimist International will kick-off the day with the Music Makes People Happy OptiForum. This upbeat opportunity is free to all Optimist Club members via Zoom. Registration is required at this link: <a class="oajrlxb2 g5ia77u1 qu0x051f esr5mh6w e9989ue4 r7d6kgcz rq0escxv nhd2j8a9 nc684nl6 p7hjln8o kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x jb3vyjys rz4wbd8a qt6c0cv9 a8nywdso i1ao9s8h esuyzwwr f1sip0of lzcic4wl py34i1dx gpro0wi8" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F3ewLSfM%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3WhcVDyTqHMTUfiL_iSnlcCp52wN_KvZzpLtjV9a_0XG8UT3nJ9Dx2kas&h=AT17YkYxpQhWiZcMS7vWgulsSNj5ee902VQ7LjGed6IH18mN-X1COSH4My2VU7o5uLcwGF4kyJ_RpvAhfxaswj7zTo80gZ_FxEUJN29SOI5UKqKjv7YmdD3-VxDK7vTfowWGUmJApMALAXztJA&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT1-zOQnYgAAFSEAkp2kLCIqYTi_8dKlIwHLKkA03p_-aJfG6ir7zY_LeQ98ZJkYq39pthpBSJqjmwCjpD0IXpRRscG5muCBYPWEQ0vYElFp0UyS4wx-P4UqrSHMu6Sj_QgWURVPXfC6sbPzyT2NpCjiIzXZr88zCujMM8A-mSmdGXgN89pfTFKym7VABJdu_ZXdR-s" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: white; border-color: initial; border-style: initial; border-width: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; cursor: pointer; display: inline; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; touch-action: manipulation; white-space: pre-wrap;" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://bit.ly/3ewLSfM</a>. </p><p>The Music Makes People Happy OptiForum will feature inspiration by Bill Myers, a third-generation Optimist Club member, Emmy Award-Winning actor, musician, and producer. Bill will share stories of how music shaped his life and career in a positive way. </p><p>Participants will also see the winners of the first-ever Musical Happiness program. The top three winners in the musical and vocal categories will be announced. You may watch their submissions on YouTube by searching for #OptimistMusicalHappiness2021or clicking on this link: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/optimistmusicalhappiness2021&source=gmail&ust=1615613118475000&usg=AFQjCNFLMS6BEX6AQKpvFRgjgpqPOWkKHg" href="https://www.youtube.com/hashtag/optimistmusicalhappiness2021" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/<wbr></wbr>hashtag/<wbr></wbr>optimistmusicalhappiness2021</a>. </p><p>Optimist Clubs are encouraged to host a simple project for the Day of Happiness. It might be as simple as turning your Club's Facebook page into a Happiness wall by sharing uplifting notes of encouragement or perhaps sending an email chain of happy stories to each of your Optimist Club members.. </p><p>If you reside in a community that has been able to relax its COVID restrictions, perhaps your Optimist Club might set up a happiness wall in a local park and ask people to write what makes them happy on a post-it note. Be creative and have fun. </p><p>Most of all, be a #happyoptimist. </p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-82049518164812081542021-02-26T23:48:00.008-08:002021-02-27T12:51:57.563-08:00Optimist International boosts happiness with music<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"></p><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Optimist
International to host first-ever musical happiness competition for youth on the </i><i>International Day</i></div><i><div style="text-align: left;"><i>of Happiness</i></div></i><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;">Optimist International invites middle and high school youth to participate in
the first-ever Optimist International Musical Happiness Competition. The
entries are due March 15, 2021, and the winners will be announced on the
International Day of Happiness, March 20, 2021.</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.25in;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Minimum age to
participate is 11 and no more than 18 years old as of October 1, 2020. </li><li>Submissions are
directly to YouTube using #OptimistMusicalHappiness2021</li><li>Six prizes will
be awarded for 1<sup>st</sup>, 2<sup>nd</sup>, and 3<sup>rd</sup> place in
musical and vocal categories</li><li>The guidelines are
available at <a href="http://optimist.org/optimist_musical_happiness_competition.pdf">https://www.optimist.org/documents/optimist_musical_happiness_competition.pdf</a></li></ul><o:p></o:p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc34gnvtp3iJ6wN-JzvWLl3F19KzTOY77CyR66DLyCuvqTTaKGvFU-BW_pZFphHnbI2gyHGV7c5ceBCMfu7e5_f3pPG90XE0pfeqyIUSYusY1fkNJUjGwFXBuc8V4TD2B8GdMaCTN2QRk/s960/musical+%2526+vocal.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="optimist international day of happiness" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="954" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc34gnvtp3iJ6wN-JzvWLl3F19KzTOY77CyR66DLyCuvqTTaKGvFU-BW_pZFphHnbI2gyHGV7c5ceBCMfu7e5_f3pPG90XE0pfeqyIUSYusY1fkNJUjGwFXBuc8V4TD2B8GdMaCTN2QRk/w318-h320/musical+%2526+vocal.jpg" title="music makes people happy" width="318" /></a></div>According to Optimist
International President Mark Weinsoff, Optimist International chose to recognize the International Day of Happiness with music because music makes people happy.
“Optimist Clubs provide many programs for youth, based on the needs in their
individual communities. With the pandemic, we thought it was especially
important to reach out with as an organization to share positive emotions with
children and adults.”<o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">The winners will be recognized at
a special event on Zoom, March 20, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. CT. “As Optimist Club
members, we choose optimism every day. We believe optimism, happiness, and now
music, go hand-in-hand,” Mr. Weinsoff concluded. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">Optimist International is made up
of more than 2,200 Optimist Clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean,
Mexico, and throughout the world where more than 70,000 adult and youth members
strive to bring out the best in youth, community, and their very own selves.
More information may be found at optimist.org<o:p></o:p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-58138515308261750062021-02-23T09:34:00.006-08:002021-02-23T09:39:05.478-08:00Celebrate 50 years of the Optimist International Foundation with a donation <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xL8gZj7Z_6MjDMYg8PLZ8JVlML5JcYciZTddy6ExjXoqHqqyI4jvBQBpH-NpPVqwxofvkhv76SztI57-I3Cz1yfUTUwmbH-0uMWoLwV7A9lKVxCrdKQ_U8U-sa7AEqK-eww-UjCJRhQ/s161/50pin+OIF.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="OIF 50th Anniversary Pin Hansen Artwork" border="0" data-original-height="145" data-original-width="161" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_xL8gZj7Z_6MjDMYg8PLZ8JVlML5JcYciZTddy6ExjXoqHqqyI4jvBQBpH-NpPVqwxofvkhv76SztI57-I3Cz1yfUTUwmbH-0uMWoLwV7A9lKVxCrdKQ_U8U-sa7AEqK-eww-UjCJRhQ/w200-h180/50pin+OIF.JPG" title="Hansen Artwork OIF Pin" width="200" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Throughout 2021, the Optimist International Foundation (OIF) will celebrate its 50th Anniversary. It has commissioned special artwork from artist Jeff Hansen, an interesting young man who met many Optimist Club members at the Optimist International Convention in Louisville, KY. Jeff had multiple health conditions from birth and succumbed this year to complications of the brain tumor he had lived with since a child. <div><br /></div><div>Please consider honoring both the Optimist International Foundation and Jeff's memory by making a donation to the OIF of $50 and receiving its 50th Anniversary pin. </div><div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="https://www.oifoundation.org/individuals/dime-a-day-form.pdf" target="_blank">Click here to purchase the pin.</a></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCYRW1DhH4y7hGsgKUckOV1RWW20OeVL41RgY7AIQww4QZGYIppKOei_DxlO_21Qu_I__2-OkwopnN1WgliLVvXSo3J7rFE4I2lO5RjZdVwDeTaDMfyozHCPnRdvNALXGvihUcAhAJx4/s1617/StationarySetHansen.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="OIF Hansen Artwork" border="0" data-original-height="1617" data-original-width="1162" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCYRW1DhH4y7hGsgKUckOV1RWW20OeVL41RgY7AIQww4QZGYIppKOei_DxlO_21Qu_I__2-OkwopnN1WgliLVvXSo3J7rFE4I2lO5RjZdVwDeTaDMfyozHCPnRdvNALXGvihUcAhAJx4/w143-h200/StationarySetHansen.jpg" title="OIF 50th Anniversary" width="143" /></a></div><p></p><p>Scarves, ties, and other items featuring Jeff's unique style are also for sale and all money raised benefits the Childhood Health and Wellness Campaign. </p><p><a href="https://www.optimist.org/reg/?e=OIF&m=MERCH" target="_blank">Go here to purchase these special items.</a></p><p>As is the OIF's way, it helps Optimist Clubs help Youth. At this time there are two grant opportunities to which Optimist Clubs may apply.</p><b><a href="https://www.oifoundation.org/club-grant.html" target="_blank">Club Grant Application </a>– </b>You may submit an application for a Matching Grant to start up a new project this year. The amount requested can range from $250 to $1,000. The Club Grant program is a long-standing effort by OIF to assist Clubs in helping more in their communities. The application can be found on the OIF website by clicking <a href="https://www.oifoundation.org/club-grant.html">here.</a> The deadline for application submission is March 15, 2021.<br /><br /><b><a href="https://www.oifoundation.org/Childhood_Health_Wellness.html" target="_blank">Childhood Health and Wellness</a> –</b> This new Grant program, which grew out of the Childhood Cancer Campaign, is accepting applications for the second grant cycle. The deadline for applications is April 30, 2021. The next consideration cycle after that ends on August 30, 2021. The application can be found on the OIF website by clicking <a href="https://www.oifoundation.org/Childhood_Health_Wellness.html">here.</a> The process will award $250 – $1,000 for a Matching Grant in one of the four focus areas:<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Healthy Lifestyles (Child Obesity, Healthy Eating, Physical Fitness, Happy Heart Advice, March of Dimes) </li><li>Chronic Diseases (Childhood Cancer, Juvenile Diabetes, HIV, Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular Dystrophy, Sickle Cell Anemia)</li><li>Mental Health (Depression, Bullying, Abuse)</li><li>Disabilities – Physical, Intellectual, & Developmental (Autism, Special Olympics)</li></ul><div>Optimist Clubs and their members are the principal donors to the Optimist International Foundation. To make giving fun during this time of celebration, the OIF is hosting an online auction. The auction ends on March 11, 2021. </div><div><br /></div><div>Please go here to make a bid: <a href="https://www.biddingforgood.com/auction/auctionhome.action?auctionId=341697360" target="_blank">Optimist International Foundation Auction 2021</a>. </div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-26416894065382707042021-02-11T16:33:00.006-08:002021-02-11T16:33:33.362-08:00File the IRS Form 990 by February 15Here is your annual reminder.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYEe8QKJU9W36dj2lLwRIGov3-A5fR6i6_snAq6POWVKhGZYfB5MQtMFJUVayawB0k6mOe0fyKNG7_dY8HJXwMgl0wFzqZP2MEdnXAjPbsooLuehULmfzP89I6gWSlrkDqkLZjhOJtAM/s537/feb+15.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="511" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKYEe8QKJU9W36dj2lLwRIGov3-A5fR6i6_snAq6POWVKhGZYfB5MQtMFJUVayawB0k6mOe0fyKNG7_dY8HJXwMgl0wFzqZP2MEdnXAjPbsooLuehULmfzP89I6gWSlrkDqkLZjhOJtAM/w304-h320/feb+15.PNG" width="304" /></a></div>It's time for all US Optimist Clubs to file Form 990 to the IRS. The form is due February 15. The filing is simple. All you need are the following:<br /><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Employer identification number (EIN), also known as a Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN).</li><li>Tax year </li><li>Legal name and mailing address</li><li>Any other names the organization uses</li><li>Name and address of a principal officer</li><li>Web site address if the organization has one</li><li>Confirmation that the organization’s annual gross receipts are $50,000 or less</li><li>If applicable, a statement that the organization has terminated or is terminating (going out of business)</li></ul>E-file is an option for tax-exempt organizations not required to file a long-form which includes nearly all Optimist Clubs except those managing large sums of money (over $50,000) or property. Please consult an accountant or tax preparer if you are uncertain if this applies to your Optimist club.<br /><br />Complete instructions and log-in filing information can be found here. <a href="https://sa.www4.irs.gov/eauth/pub/login.jsp?Data=VGFyZ2V0TG9BPUI%253D&TYPE=33554433&REALMOID=06-000ca231-ad53-16bc-8663-483c0adb40e7&GUID=&SMAUTHREASON=0&METHOD=GET&SMAGENTNAME=UOkC7yx4eMTO24FGxPfBRb5q3Mj3Xh3pyXfBEjYyHJ97nGCXu16wx5MzFHjfZmlG&TARGET=-SM-http://sa.www4.irs.gov/epostcard/secure/home/">Form990-N Electronic Filing System e-Postcard</a>. It is free to file and required in order to maintain your tax-exempt status as an Optimist Club. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-13986685691289820312021-02-01T01:00:00.001-08:002021-02-01T01:00:04.046-08:00Show your Optimist pride on February 4<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUjMH9KgA5UXKFfyuWv5VH2mhGziErTo-nEpsSJScXylzU6jPCBQS6deUtDWCtP7Il8PLjH-PePh4G0cW2qNuwCT29Y4ITUH-ErYUlI2cIoHbBHEQm6LUvoLIX9ccZ_cGIAoA6x15rzk/s2000/Optimist+Day+Flyer+2021.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="optimist day information" border="0" data-original-height="2000" data-original-width="1294" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUjMH9KgA5UXKFfyuWv5VH2mhGziErTo-nEpsSJScXylzU6jPCBQS6deUtDWCtP7Il8PLjH-PePh4G0cW2qNuwCT29Y4ITUH-ErYUlI2cIoHbBHEQm6LUvoLIX9ccZ_cGIAoA6x15rzk/w206-h320/Optimist+Day+Flyer+2021.png" title="optimist day information" width="206" /></a></div>On February 4, Optimist International encourages all Optimist Clubs and Optimist Club members to tell the world that they are proud to be an Optimist. <div><br /></div><div>Take a photo of yourself in Optimist-branded attire and post it on your Facebook page for all to see. Use the hashtag #OptimistDay and join the movement. </div><div><p></p><p></p>I'm proud to be an Optimist and you should be, too. </div><div><br /></div><div>While you are at it, please share the Optimist Creed because, now, more than ever, we must Choose Optimism. <p></p><p></p><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtmG49ZgqLoCbdLjrGbvauflgrBQufwNmI6cfwMRZbgplyi8qnrbmALCbdmyOg599MlK1uyc8HgxUfsSXG5a2A1ePpi1GZpa0CX2dJf9f0p_JfDAETyio1m9iffduyhMsiD94fcWYVis/s910/optimist+creed+optimist+day.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Optimist Creed" border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="703" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtmG49ZgqLoCbdLjrGbvauflgrBQufwNmI6cfwMRZbgplyi8qnrbmALCbdmyOg599MlK1uyc8HgxUfsSXG5a2A1ePpi1GZpa0CX2dJf9f0p_JfDAETyio1m9iffduyhMsiD94fcWYVis/w246-h320/optimist+creed+optimist+day.PNG" title="Optimist Creed" width="246" /></a></div></div><p></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-21199504303545868572021-01-23T13:55:00.006-08:002021-01-23T13:57:04.400-08:00Optimist Clubs encourage creativity<p>The United States of America inaugurated a new president on January 20, 2021. Amid the symbolic importance and gravity of the event, a 22-year-old woman amazed the audience around the world with her words, her poise, and her ideas. We share here the poem recited by Amanda Gorman at the Biden-Harris Inauguration, "<a href="https://youtu.be/lI1c-Lbd4Bw">The Hill We Climb</a>."</p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lI1c-Lbd4Bw?controls=0" width="560"></iframe> <div><br /></div><div>Gorman was 14-years-old when she became the youngest poet laureate for the city of Los Angeles. As Optimist Clubs, we salute her talent and perseverance. We also want to encourage other young people to find their voices and creativity and offer the following projects promoted by Optimist International. </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://pnwoptimistclubs.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ffbc4400b8ed6560a87a7a91c&id=15b3cda960&e=c85d6ecfef" target="_blank">A Kaleidoscope of Performing Arts</a></div><div><a href="https://pnwoptimistclubs.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ffbc4400b8ed6560a87a7a91c&id=b64982ee78&e=c85d6ecfef" target="_blank">Optimist Photography Contest</a></div><div><a href="https://pnwoptimistclubs.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ffbc4400b8ed6560a87a7a91c&id=8314900329&e=c85d6ecfef" target="_blank">Optimist Visual Arts Competition</a></div><br /><div>The Kaleidoscope of Performing Arts and Photography Contest may be conducted at any time by an Optimist Club. The links provide ideas for conducting a project with your community. </div><div><br /></div><div>The Optimist Visual Arts Competition has awards provided by Optimist International. Entries must be received at the International Office by May 1, 2021. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-30017944675000953472021-01-10T09:57:00.001-08:002021-01-10T09:57:07.147-08:00West Tacoma Optimist Club assists the homeless <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxLRKusvzqzSQ5Ezhf3N7cJqPa5dMH6FwZFl1dX91wmG3pRFEPwu003TjwqM1j4JmVmJZEzTdSSM5nEnAbJGvkzefRgHxFAo4UET_Js_p9Rfzwt1LHuTmQ4iAByfFznSbnBSelg2lgbw/s1944/john+dick+p+butter+2020+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Dick Disney John Hickman West Tacoma Optimist Club" border="0" data-original-height="1458" data-original-width="1944" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxLRKusvzqzSQ5Ezhf3N7cJqPa5dMH6FwZFl1dX91wmG3pRFEPwu003TjwqM1j4JmVmJZEzTdSSM5nEnAbJGvkzefRgHxFAo4UET_Js_p9Rfzwt1LHuTmQ4iAByfFznSbnBSelg2lgbw/w200-h150/john+dick+p+butter+2020+1.jpg" title="PNW Optimist Clubs" width="200" /></a></div><br /></div>Before the pandemic, the West Tacoma Optimist Club would help the Pierce County Emergency Food Network once per month with its repack project, taking bulk items and repacking them into family-sized bundles. Because of COVID-19, the group can't get together and that activity has had to be put on hold. <div><br /></div><div>That didn't prevent the Optimist Club from making an annual donation to the organization of peanut butter. Seven hundred jars went to the organization, half chunky and half creamy, to help fulfill their requests because peanut butter is something that can't be purchased in bulk. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hmoQV0Waqxg36GDY30DT8fuOUUKadrCiQSd3Te242Nj9VqoTZntyOrmE8r_fLB_DHaiXsquntkSStpQTIukTUnFUtfY_FyJMT8prBfs5oKgP4rg41mRi8p9wijNHQJFdBdq_2vhY3HI/s400/john+dick+p+butter+2020+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="John Hickman Dick Disney West Tacoma Optimist Club" border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0hmoQV0Waqxg36GDY30DT8fuOUUKadrCiQSd3Te242Nj9VqoTZntyOrmE8r_fLB_DHaiXsquntkSStpQTIukTUnFUtfY_FyJMT8prBfs5oKgP4rg41mRi8p9wijNHQJFdBdq_2vhY3HI/w200-h150/john+dick+p+butter+2020+2.jpg" title="PNW Optimist Clubs" width="200" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Members John Hickman and Dick Disney made the deliveries before Christmas. </div><div><br /></div><div>Also on the West Tacoma Optimist Club's Christmas donation list was a contribution to the Tacoma Rescue Mission. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sxng21SWZpdp-2zAacUnhmmTnlMTdoaZ7xGOc7kvFbD0C-jak0jHRCpvwJPbQBOqKAjE2-7Uki1_RdSXkSSFE0Py283cWy7eANIGXN8IF0E43zX3r57SxHw0GZ5yiJ0_tVQaY_9rNY4/s2048/ron+thompson+rescue+mission.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Ron Thompson West Tacoma Optimist Club" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1993" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sxng21SWZpdp-2zAacUnhmmTnlMTdoaZ7xGOc7kvFbD0C-jak0jHRCpvwJPbQBOqKAjE2-7Uki1_RdSXkSSFE0Py283cWy7eANIGXN8IF0E43zX3r57SxHw0GZ5yiJ0_tVQaY_9rNY4/w194-h200/ron+thompson+rescue+mission.jpg" title="PNW Optimist Clubs" width="194" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Member Ron Thompson visited the Rescue Mission and gave $2,000 to help them continue to serve the homeless and hurting in Tacoma and Pierce County. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>Photos contributed by the West Tacoma Optimist Club. Please click on the photos to enlarge. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-84145328204351136972021-01-06T17:54:00.002-08:002021-01-10T09:58:08.744-08:00Hillsboro Optimist Club inspires students to ring bells<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We're all used to seeing that red kettle in front of stores during the holiday season. In fact, we might be so aware of it that we completely overlook it! Overlooking was not an option in Hillsboro, Oregon this past season as students were the designated bell-ringers for The Salvation Army.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqpltR9CVhVQzHIdEhxWM0hI1zmqGm8CKTtNn0aMx9TFuPrXSxChDUxxCm367jPB7DqiAvSCsmer_iZfyQYS3HA-rLPfj0UvN7zKMq8xzh3X2-xB1FRssSZDoLUI1QtHRJd9Frwdol1w/s2048/hillsboro+2020+1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pnw optimist clubs hillsboro" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHqpltR9CVhVQzHIdEhxWM0hI1zmqGm8CKTtNn0aMx9TFuPrXSxChDUxxCm367jPB7DqiAvSCsmer_iZfyQYS3HA-rLPfj0UvN7zKMq8xzh3X2-xB1FRssSZDoLUI1QtHRJd9Frwdol1w/w320-h240/hillsboro+2020+1.JPG" title="hillsboro optimist club pnw district" width="320" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Xza4SW5rRph96gz6xDC50pp4EeAIMggEAcTi2c2rBsTB8sRNHzAkmjqMH9OwHnkLx_rtzeC0mJtbcv8PhTQkf1xiGFfy_IRCDf5WVRtTVuzu3pQiQRdJrWJvk4tUvFa-k9ZRIIB6MHs/s2048/hillsboro+2020+1.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div><p></p><p></p>According to Monte Akers, President, Hillsboro Optimist Club:<p></p><blockquote>Century High School students partnered with the Salvation Army and the Hillsboro Optimist Club to pull off a double whammy in fundraising! <br /><br />Twenty students rang bells at The Salvation Army's kettles on Dec 19 and 23 and raised over $6,500 for The Salvation Army. <br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>For their efforts, they were rewarded with $800 designated for the Century High School food pantry by the Hillsboro Optimist Club. <br /><br />The Hillsboro Optimist Club hopes to perform similar 3-way partnerships with other youth groups and organizations in the future. Wayne Bohm, Hillsboro Optimist Club member and a teacher at Century High School explained that the students are usually knee-deep in the Elk's canned food drive this time of year, but that project was canceled due to COVID-19 restrictions. <br /><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div>Working with Tami Mandrell and Lisa Cole at The Salvation Army the students found a great way to give back to their community.</blockquote><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhG-wkLGUMzSyVl-ZPsWqI_IUoH7h5-hi417tWmVjwFgtj-yOvDguhm2iQUUndDsVpNvIF6GG9YwwnJhP-MiILWTjbPkDNv5nnSv0CKsGYUxzH5weonPNbbCxdTWvUieOiT7a1OWmAEpE/s680/hills+2020+2+-+3.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="pnw optimist clubs hillsboro" border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="680" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhG-wkLGUMzSyVl-ZPsWqI_IUoH7h5-hi417tWmVjwFgtj-yOvDguhm2iQUUndDsVpNvIF6GG9YwwnJhP-MiILWTjbPkDNv5nnSv0CKsGYUxzH5weonPNbbCxdTWvUieOiT7a1OWmAEpE/w640-h317/hills+2020+2+-+3.PNG" title="hillsboro optimist club pnw district optimist" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Photos contributed by the Hillsboro Optimist Club.</div><p><br /></p><br /><br /><br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-68950244351878373712021-01-01T09:22:00.005-08:002021-01-01T09:23:36.500-08:00Happy New Year!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8QO1tUWtcv0kjdVP6ETJP1HUhAlMrNrFMVg9vTdWwQrjOl_67ji5mtcGLSg-SekeByQDYhIfzEYNKUmNqt54MqIG4yVoQEgM7h3_3846kj1vY86BmjP9pTbCGcfQbIblplZ3W8QKFbw/s940/3.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU8QO1tUWtcv0kjdVP6ETJP1HUhAlMrNrFMVg9vTdWwQrjOl_67ji5mtcGLSg-SekeByQDYhIfzEYNKUmNqt54MqIG4yVoQEgM7h3_3846kj1vY86BmjP9pTbCGcfQbIblplZ3W8QKFbw/w400-h335/3.png" width="400" /></a></div>Helen Keller wrote, "Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."<p></p><p>It is that spirit that leads all Optimist Clubs and their members to push forward, seek new challenges, overcome more hurdles, and make the world a better place. </p><p>This year, more than ever, we must choose optimism. As you awake each morning, think of one way that you can demonstrate optimism in your daily activities and then do it. Your thoughts, put into action, will help others choose optimism, too. </p><p>Think only of the best. Happy New Year! </p><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-75135794515964194072020-12-31T00:00:00.068-08:002020-12-31T00:00:00.294-08:00Hindsight is 2020. Choose Optimism in 2021<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3H3qnBlOE8SA6SpwDqSVkPTfopKxOKOfJpeUTPmaE3SIAXJhfdhD8HB1y60lbDRZS6cEwu0h9DC8cTueAN8-W7L-mqWzZ2WD0tleIz4ZIrA45rFp_rTFLC0XTFqk922lRmRSga2u15mc/s940/resilience%252C+happiness%252C+rally%252C+success.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="788" data-original-width="940" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3H3qnBlOE8SA6SpwDqSVkPTfopKxOKOfJpeUTPmaE3SIAXJhfdhD8HB1y60lbDRZS6cEwu0h9DC8cTueAN8-W7L-mqWzZ2WD0tleIz4ZIrA45rFp_rTFLC0XTFqk922lRmRSga2u15mc/w367-h307/resilience%252C+happiness%252C+rally%252C+success.png" width="367" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In less than 24 hours, 2020 hindsight will have a new meaning. It used to be that when we said hindsight is 20:20 we were speaking of being clear, with all things known. Now and forever, 2020 hindsight will be known for its disruption and the sheer unknowing that COVID-19 unleashed during this most unprecedented year. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While vaccines have been developed and approved with what seems lightning speed, we still face the uncertainty of their effectiveness, safety, and availability leading us to hope for the best in the new year. Frontline health care workers and seniors were the first to be inoculated and soon, perhaps, the vaccine rollout will cover all. Perhaps life will eventually return to something bearing a reasonable semblance to what we used to call normal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we press on to the greater achievements of the future, as good Optimists are willed to do, I believe we must also look back on the past year with gratitude. We've learned that technology is truly our friend, patience is truly a virtue, and love is truly what makes life worth living. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looking forward to the new year, we must think only of the best and expect only the best because now, more than ever, we must #ChooseOptimism. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Happy New Year to all the Optimists out there. Help us share messages of resilience and happiness as we rally all of those around us to success in 2021. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-40360182352172022912020-12-26T01:30:00.006-08:002020-12-26T01:30:13.437-08:00Optimist International Scholarship Contests in the Pacific Northwest District<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Scholarship Contests are perhaps the most beloved of all Optimist Club activities, next to, of course, the fellowship that we feel as part of a group of positive-thinking advocates for youth and community. Each year since 1928, Optimist International has held the Oratorical Contest at the Optimist Club and District Level. It also promotes the Essay Contest and Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing as opportunities for students to improve their communication skills. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img align="center" class="CToWUd a6T" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEiJK9mOquUyis8BjZJtpMKbF9Q4ywhy5NvabJm9f5DiMw7WS8ZX6Tjumoa4NNodP9Fp8I_1uZPWRg7lKDinks9-aq67U3KdF_ZZ2gK7nNDE7N_tgjDQPGPTDtzMnweEoOcrOLqygF9CX0CvTvHeRFbTdyh0ruz28Dg0jqOAmCdaolA10nGIvj9DMbWAHeQBFTnXz8qU8X5Mw0y4e_nKmcvRuouU=s0-d-e1-ft" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #202020; cursor: pointer; height: 210px; margin: 0px 50px; outline: none; width: 400px;" tabindex="0" width="400" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;">The </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020;">Optimist International Essay Contest</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;"> is the first in the series of competitions. The topic for the 2020-2021 school year is "</span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020;">Reaching your Dreams by Choosing Optimism</strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;">." </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://pnwoptimistclubs.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dffbc4400b8ed6560a87a7a91c%26id%3D7bbb5bd445%26e%3D21f38e2ad8&source=gmail&ust=1609016794416000&usg=AFQjCNHBBGGZUlQ4V_Qj0OWUh4WYSnTDew" href="https://pnwoptimistclubs.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ffbc4400b8ed6560a87a7a91c&id=7bbb5bd445&e=21f38e2ad8" style="background-color: white; color: #007c89;" target="_blank">The Club planning guide may be found at this link. </a><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://pnwoptimistclubs.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dffbc4400b8ed6560a87a7a91c%26id%3D8f671a8ef0%26e%3D21f38e2ad8&source=gmail&ust=1609016794416000&usg=AFQjCNHCRi3GYeWBwSCsuiNwD4LCvfz7Qg" href="https://pnwoptimistclubs.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ffbc4400b8ed6560a87a7a91c&id=8f671a8ef0&e=21f38e2ad8" style="background-color: white; color: #007c89;" target="_blank">The student entry form may be found at this link.</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;">The Optimist International Essay Contest is currently taking place and Optimist Clubs have until February 28, 2021, to submit their winning entry to the PNW District. Each club may submit one entry to compete at the District level for the $2,500 scholarship prize. A check for $50.00 US must accompany the winning entry and mailing instructions will be provided before February 1 by Chair </span><a href="mailto:connorsmjk@yahoo.com" style="background-color: white; color: #007c89;" target="_blank">Monique Connors</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;">. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;">The </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020;">Optimist International Oratorical World Championships </strong><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;">is a multi-level event that begins at a local Optimist Club. The top two contestants from each club move forward to the Zone-level competition. The top speaker in each Zone then moves forward to the District-level competition where the contestants compete for $1,000, $1,500, and $2,500 scholarships. The first-place speaker then moves on to the World Contest where they may achieve an additional $20,000 scholarship award. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;">The topic for the 2020-2021 school year is </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020;">"Healing the World with Optimism."</strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://pnwoptimistclubs.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dffbc4400b8ed6560a87a7a91c%26id%3Dd5613e1186%26e%3D21f38e2ad8&source=gmail&ust=1609016794416000&usg=AFQjCNFESnqOcBel-cbut1VD3h7PI4ikew" href="https://pnwoptimistclubs.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ffbc4400b8ed6560a87a7a91c&id=d5613e1186&e=21f38e2ad8" style="background-color: white; color: #007c89;" target="_blank">T</a><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://pnwoptimistclubs.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dffbc4400b8ed6560a87a7a91c%26id%3D069959c572%26e%3D21f38e2ad8&source=gmail&ust=1609016794416000&usg=AFQjCNEi-hE6pto6p5UF-Y5FmtaIuLlXfQ" href="https://pnwoptimistclubs.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ffbc4400b8ed6560a87a7a91c&id=069959c572&e=21f38e2ad8" style="background-color: white; color: #007c89;" target="_blank">he Club planning guide for Oratorical Contests may be found at this link.</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://pnwoptimistclubs.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dffbc4400b8ed6560a87a7a91c%26id%3Db6636b1a89%26e%3D21f38e2ad8&source=gmail&ust=1609016794416000&usg=AFQjCNHMPfxs8vIgA5WbHSdR7HC5whqXkg" href="https://pnwoptimistclubs.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ffbc4400b8ed6560a87a7a91c&id=b6636b1a89&e=21f38e2ad8" style="background-color: white; color: #007c89;" target="_blank">The student entry for the Oratorical Contest may be found at this link. </a><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><a href="mailto:ccena@shaw.ca" style="background-color: white; color: #007c89;" target="_blank">Cathy Cena</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;"> is the PNW District Chair for the Optimist International Oratorical competition. She will be reaching out to clubs with more information for participating soon. Please note that the sponsoring Optimist Club contributes $50.00 US for each contestant that advances to the Zone competition. The District competition will take place in the spring near or at the time of the third quarter meeting for the PNW District. If COVID-19 rules remain in effect, the contest will be held virtually. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;">The Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) may be held at the discretion of the Executive Board based on the number of clubs likely to participate and the ability to fundraise for the scholarship for deaf students who speak, among other things. Should the competition go forward, the topic for the 2020-2021 school year is </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #202020;">"Healing the World with Optimism." </strong><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://pnwoptimistclubs.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dffbc4400b8ed6560a87a7a91c%26id%3D4d5ab0b0a3%26e%3D21f38e2ad8&source=gmail&ust=1609016794416000&usg=AFQjCNGIiVamwR4Uhe37Rco_9qvArDYc0g" href="https://pnwoptimistclubs.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ffbc4400b8ed6560a87a7a91c&id=4d5ab0b0a3&e=21f38e2ad8" style="background-color: white; color: #007c89;" target="_blank">The Club planning guide for the CCDHH may be found at this link.</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://pnwoptimistclubs.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dffbc4400b8ed6560a87a7a91c%26id%3D2533d5a4c2%26e%3D21f38e2ad8&source=gmail&ust=1609016794416000&usg=AFQjCNEM2RT2jbsxVDSwXj8wCojsWrkMrA" href="https://pnwoptimistclubs.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=ffbc4400b8ed6560a87a7a91c&id=2533d5a4c2&e=21f38e2ad8" style="background-color: white; color: #007c89;" target="_blank">The student entry form for the CCDHH may be found at this link. </a><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020;">As with the other scholarship contests, the sponsoring Optimist Club contributes $50.00 US for each student that competes at the next level following the Club event. The District Chair will communicate additional guidelines if the CCDHH contest is to be held this year. </span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-8919851743903913472020-12-21T08:58:00.003-08:002020-12-22T09:03:17.843-08:00OptiForum provides ideas for keeping Optimist Clubs active virtually<p> On December 14, 2020, nearly 500 Optimist Club members came together to learn how to survive the pandemic with optimism. Led by Optimist International President Mark Weinsoff, the OptiForum discussed ways to stay safe, inspire and motivate one another, and provide service to our youth and community. </p><p>By remaining active during such trying times, Optimist Club members truly bring out the best in themselves and in others. </p><p><a href="https://youtu.be/OYXsatxwpzI" target="_blank">Click here to watch a replay of the presentation on YouTube.</a> </p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OYXsatxwpzI?controls=0" width="560"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-31144772437270983572020-12-13T11:08:00.001-08:002020-12-13T11:08:23.205-08:00How to Conquer the Pandemic with Optimism<p>Optimist International understands that some Optimist Clubs have struggled to remain connected to members and their communities through the pandemic. On December 14, 2020, it will host an OptiForum to discuss how some Optimist Clubs have thrived through the challenging time. It requires ingenuity, a little technology, and a lot of hope and resilience. We're Optimists. We got this. </p><p>Please join on Zoom, Facebook, or YouTube for <b>How to Conquer the Pandemic with Optimism</b>. <a href="https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJAlcOGgqTkiGtWSWV30WMGYpxICKEhdWCLM" target="_blank">Click here to register now. </a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDgY831besoRo74LI8DrwP2GUrOlHpTzffJeRM43V5frKA8WeOu9tYaDEz0NR72juEAbhoLDJT6bbfP2hWN2Q4k0VGNDz2seNIsLOQVjmUUEYGsYNA1EjePNMMC_rHnmGyX31vWfJajA/s894/how+to+pandemic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="677" height="453" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuDgY831besoRo74LI8DrwP2GUrOlHpTzffJeRM43V5frKA8WeOu9tYaDEz0NR72juEAbhoLDJT6bbfP2hWN2Q4k0VGNDz2seNIsLOQVjmUUEYGsYNA1EjePNMMC_rHnmGyX31vWfJajA/w342-h453/how+to+pandemic.png" width="342" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-30647158092525809612020-12-10T23:33:00.006-08:002020-12-10T23:33:42.601-08:00Remember to say thank you throughout the year<p><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">The holiday season is a time when we remember to say thank you. In a membership association, like an Optimist Club, it's important to say thank you to your members - all of them - throughout the year. The membership recruitment and retention tip for December reminds club leaders to show their gratitude to all.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFhNQnsZauIDQbbRx9viU41B6cnHMTQiA4OhrjnYVXttnxze5t8-9Fd5h5Dm3rYkK-P5NV2cvamkBVzPWBuBR5Kz2LWROO5Wky4aoV-rOb4AettSltxje4Yv06kbs0dqFlhg13sAiPmQ/s1747/thanks+pink.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1240" data-original-width="1747" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYFhNQnsZauIDQbbRx9viU41B6cnHMTQiA4OhrjnYVXttnxze5t8-9Fd5h5Dm3rYkK-P5NV2cvamkBVzPWBuBR5Kz2LWROO5Wky4aoV-rOb4AettSltxje4Yv06kbs0dqFlhg13sAiPmQ/w490-h265/thanks+pink.png" width="490" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Membership recruitment and retention tip #87: </span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #1c1e21; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Say thank you. Your club says thanks to its sponsors and speakers and even the committee chairs who perform their duties on its annual programs, but does it say thank you to individual members throughout the year? Regularly letting members know that you appreciate their participation shows respect and increases their loyalty to the group as well as to the cause. Consider writing a gratitude column in the monthly newsletter and you’ll be rewarded with greater readership and happy, committed members.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-2489006554654266272020-11-18T14:39:00.002-08:002020-11-21T15:36:43.345-08:00Optimist Club members tell us why they #ChooseOptimism<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dymklE5nSTt4SfBkq_1Lhrunxdnhv_6zIf-aQRghLXiVT5SlV56OGH8wCTrIL4kzgKnDzhTFWtauqCxcGnE6g' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Please double click to enlarge. </div><br />Optimist International President Mark Weinsoff has asked the organization and its members to be more positive and more optimistic. He says, "We're on a mission to convert Optimist International from a service club organization to an optimistic organization that focuses on service to youth."<p></p><p>His method is to share the teachings of Martin Seligman and others who study and promote positive psychology. President Mark says that doing the following will make you and your Optimist Club a more inviting club, bring more fellowship to the group, and leave the individual feeling better state of well-being because of optimism:</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Optimism – Hope and positive vision<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Purpose – A cause to support<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Engagement – A meaningful way to
participate<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Relationships – Interaction with
positive minded people<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">Accomplishment – Satisfaction of
making a difference<o:p></o:p></p>The video captures some of the reasons Optimist Club members from around the world say that they #ChooseOptimism<p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-18227828939184130822020-11-14T16:12:00.001-08:002020-11-14T16:12:07.635-08:00The Optimist Creed will keep us strong through the pandemic<p>Positive psychology tells us that optimists are more resilient than pessimists. They look at the bright side and that allows them to see what lies ahead in a positive light. Optimism is so important right now as we work and live through the pandemic. We must trust that we will press on to the greater achievements of the future. </p><p>The Optimist Creed reminds us of our resilience. </p><p>We invite you to enjoy the <a href="https://youtu.be/fuOU4oGS7mU" target="_blank">Optimist Creed</a> with this video. The Optimist Creed is a staple in the Optimist Club member's library and you can #beanoptimist by joining an Optimist Club today. Click on the link in the right-hand column to find an Optimist Club near you.</p>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fuOU4oGS7mU?controls=0" width="560"></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-738386093390724122020-11-05T05:44:00.002-08:002021-02-10T08:51:59.245-08:00$30 membership incentives end December 31, 2020<p> Adding new members to your Optimist Club should be a priority for officers and members alike. Only when members are added are we able to truly meet the needs of our communities. The extra hands make current projects run more smoothly and the new ideas bring new programs to life. </p><p>Over the past few years, Optimist International has offered several different $30 membership programs to give prospective new members the opportunity to sample an Optimist Club at a reduced rate. The $30 under 30, Heroes, and Recruit-a-Teacher incentives targeted individuals like young professionals, first responders, and teachers. </p><p>This notice is to alert all Optimist Clubs that all $30 incentives will expire on December 31, 2020. Hurry to save money for all of these categories of membership. Watch the <a href="https://youtu.be/XPw6nQd_9kA" target="_blank">video</a> for more information.</p>
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XPw6nQd_9kA" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2912173592029458167.post-13448982590223451112020-11-03T08:21:00.005-08:002020-11-03T08:23:02.617-08:00#ChooseOptimism on election day<p>It is election day in the United States. This symbolic day is the foundation of democracy. It's important that every citizen makes their choice for the representatives that will lead and govern the country. </p><p>As members of an Optimist Club, it is important that we do something else. Today, and every day, we must choose optimism. Optimism is faith in today and hope for what can be. We must lead always with the positive and the positive will come to be. Our thoughts become our words. Our words become our actions. Our actions become our habits. Our habits become our character. Our character becomes our destiny. </p><p>If you are in the USA, please go vote. </p><p>If you reside in this universe, please choose optimism; make it your destiny. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqq5snpvu0gNUCEXiKOp95TBxqWibBAvldmwaNb5uSVRs_KttJr2SdwHpngM9bR9zJDvu6MkZFpyGOjm9imXcTXCSeOQorfQgEP7tm003EsxZPxnwnXZAAjBL1irp7Zjo_MEEMFdmpIpk/s1200/make+your+choice.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqq5snpvu0gNUCEXiKOp95TBxqWibBAvldmwaNb5uSVRs_KttJr2SdwHpngM9bR9zJDvu6MkZFpyGOjm9imXcTXCSeOQorfQgEP7tm003EsxZPxnwnXZAAjBL1irp7Zjo_MEEMFdmpIpk/w640-h336/make+your+choice.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">
Please visit http://www.pnwoptimistclubs.com for more information.</div>Linda Vaughthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14636118292130821134noreply@blogger.com