DMM District Dispatch
Issue 16.17.12 September 2017
Governor Gorman’s Greetings
My year as Governor of the DMM is closing out quickly. I have been extremely proud of all the accomplishments the DMM clubs and members his year. You have reached out and touched more than 76,000 youth across the district. You have introduced three new communities to Optimism by building new clubs in Roseville MN, Lakeville MN and Harrisburg SD and several more are being formed now. You have recruited more than 335 new members and con- tinue to press on to greater achievements. There have been hundreds of club projects and countless hours invested that have impact- ed youth, communities and individual optimist members. In addition individual members have sowed and nourished the roots of Optimism in the many parts of the DMM by just asking a friend, neighbor or a colleague to join a club to Bring Out the Best in Youth, their Communities, and Themselves.
2016-2017 Now is no time to relax or rest as there are many more communities and many more people young and old who can improve their lives and lives of others with Officers more optimism. Remember the last time a young person at your club event was happy and pleased and rewarded you with a smile or look of thanks and won- DMM Governor Terry Gorman (Continued on page2 )
DMM Secretary/Treas. Lori Cook What you’ll find in this issue…. Honor Club = BIG DEAL! ... page 11 International President 1st Qtr Info/Registr ..... pages 14-16 Hurricane Harvey ...... page 12 Jim Kondrasuk 99th OI Convention ...... page 8 Incoming Gov Thanks! ...... page 11 August Sponsors ...... page 5 MN State Fair ...... page 9 Great Plains Region VP Award Certification ...... page 6 OIJGC—MB ...... page 13 Sue Fix CCC Results ...... page 7 Optimist Creed ...... page 3 CCOF Results ...... page 7 DMM Governor Elect Optimist Supplies ...... page 8 Club Anniversaries ...... page 3 Kevin Hammell Oratorical Contest-2018 ...... page 6 Club Fitness ...... page 7 Photos ...... page 13 DMM Immediate Club News ...... page 3 Prospecting ...... page 9 Past Governor Club Pride Report ...... page 7 Recruit a Teacher / $30...... page 10 Ken Schulz DMM/OI Gatherings ...... page 2 Reminders...... page 4 Essay Contest-2018 ...... page 12 Roger Haas Award ...... page 6 Gov Gorman’s Greetings ..... page 1 Strategic Planning ...... page 10 Growth / Membership ...... page 5 Teacher Incentive! ...... page 9
DMM District Dispatch
Issue 16.17.12 September 2017
Governor Gorman’s Greetings (Continued from page 1) derment for what you had done for them. You can make that difference in your community and the life of someone else by just asking them to join your club or help them start a new club. t’s just that easy. In August 80 members, VIP’s and youth attended the DMM Convention Winni- peg. It was a fabulous gathering. Co-Chairs Jo-Anne Pelzer, Barb Sul and other members of the Winnipeg area Optimist Clubs made this one of the most mem- orable conventions. From the start there was great energy, programs, food, en- DMM / OI Gatherings tertainment and just so many ways to re-charge your Optimist batteries. There was a spirited discussion around several policy changes that I believe will DATES to SAVE 2017-18 strengthen the DMM as we move forward in the coming years. It was a great example of grass roots input, serious discussion and informed decision making 1st Qtr DMM Conference to make the DMM an unsurpassed leader in Optimist International. October 20-21, 2017 Gladstone Inn & Suites The 8 or 9 youth that participated in the Youth Program really enjoyed them- Jamestown, ND selves and had a chance to meet other young people, see many parts of Winni- 701-252-0700 peg and develop new friendships. I hope this important and worthy program will be repeated in the future. It can only be a success if you bring your children or 2nd Qtr Conf Call grandchildren to the convention to participate. You will never regret it. Our night January 2018 out at Mama Mia was fantastic. I think this was one of the best stage perfor- Date / Time TBA mances I’ve ever seen. 3rd Qtr DMM Gathering Mark Weinsoff, our OI representative and OI Board Member from Santa Barba- Scholarship Contests! ra, California was a perfect fit for the DMM. He was able to assist in Lt Gover- April 27-28, 2018 nor, President and Secretary-Treasurer training. He is an excellent speaker with Ramkota Hotel a vast background in new club building, recruiting new members and a great Watertown, SD recourse to DMM members. 605-886-8011
We had several great sessions, discussions and input from members about our 100th OI Convention new Strategic Planning Committees work. Your input into these topics is im- July 7-10, 2018 portant and vital to the long term growth, stability and health of the district. You Ottawa, Ontario will be seeing some of these ideas and proposals coming forth in the future at district meetings. There is still time for your input. If you have suggestions, 4th Quarter DMM Conv. questions or comments about any of the sub-committee topics please email August 2-4, 2018 Dave Martin at [email protected] with your ideas. Rochester, MN
We have listened to past input, ideas, and member suggestions and have taken action. We’ve shorted the business meetings, introduced more topics of general interest to the convention participants and opened up more time for interaction and sharing of ideas.
As noted above, the Youth Program had more attendees this year than in the past few years. I have to thank members for bringing their children and grand- children or friends along and to the convention and the host committee for de- (Continued on page 4)
Editor: Curt Sandberg
THANKS to everyone that submitted articles for this newsletter. For those who wish to submit articles for future issues, please email them to me at dmmdispatch@midco.net by the 27th of each month. Thank you!
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Issue 16.17.12 September 2017
Club The Optimist Creed
News Promise Yourself
from club To be so strong that nothing can bulletins disturb your peace of mind.
NORTHWEST SUBURBAN — To talk health, happiness and pros- Recent speakers have been from perity to every person you meet. UofM Wildlife Rehabilitation Cen- ter, Small Sums, and Engineers Without Borders. The club was To make all your friends feel that OI Pres. Kondrasuk’s Logo well represented at New Hope there is something in them. Safety Camp and is planning their Annual Club Banquet for Sep 27. To look at the sunny side of every- Club Anniversaries WORTHINGTON — 125 partici- thing and make your optimism During September pated in the All Comers Track Meet. They fielded requests for come true. Duluth financial help from Nobles County September 12, 1947 Family Fun Night, National Child- To think only of the best, to work hood Safety Council, 2018 Brew- only for the best, and to expect West St Paul ster Fun Days, National Wild Tur- only the best. September 21, 1971 key Federation, Worthington Tro- jan Booster Club, and the Bloomington Worthington Park Hop. To be just as enthusiastic about the September 20, 1973 DEVILS LAKE — 150 attended success of others as you are about Movie in the Park, after planning your own. St Cloud Morning for 80 they served 160 hot dogs at September 27, 1974 the Pool Party, collected school supplies, had a member record a To forget the mistakes of the past Jamestown segment to air on Coffee Time, a and press on to the greater September 25, 1975 local radio show, are planning achievements of the future. their participation in the Fall Festi- Eden Prairie val, Devils Lake Optimist Club To wear a cheerful countenance at September 28, 1978 Run/Walk, and the Homecoming Parade. all times and give every living crea- Prior Lake RICHFIELD — is mailing 40 let- ture you meet a smile. September 29, 1978 ters to prospective members dur- ing their “Ten or more, through the To give so much time to the im- Dickinson door!” membership drive. Many provement of yourself that you September 16, 1982 members have reported back af- have no time to criticize others. ter trips to fascinating places this Central MN Noon summer. Flags will fly from Labor September 28, 1988 Day through Patriot’s Day on Sep To be too large for worry, too noble 11 as part of their Parade of Flags for anger, too strong for fear, and Sturgis project. Change of Watch is what too happy to permit the presence of September 19, 2012 they call their annual installation trouble. dinner. Minnesota Valley ROCHESTER — geared up for September 21, 2015 their annual Hunter Safety classes (Continued on page6 )
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Issue 16.17.12 September 2017
Reminders . . . Sep 15 Deadline to email Gov Terry your club's Roger Haas nominee 30 Pres Deadline to hold a NOW Mtg to fulfill Honor Club requirement Recognize Outstanding Club Member or Community Member to qualify for Honor Club - Award Certification Document on DMM 30 Sec/Treas webpage, District Business dropdown 30 Sec/Treas Complete Club Pride report on OI Leaders website 30 "Recruit a Teacher for $30" Incentive ends 30 Lt Gov/Pres Complete Annual Club Review for 2016-2017 Oct 10 1st Qtr Early Bird Registration @ $35 ends
Governor Gorman’s Greetings (Continued from page 2) veloping a great youth program. We want and need to continue to make this portion of the program even better. With your support and help it will be more vibrant and fun for the youth that attend.
As part of the business meeting we approved some funding to assist the DMM Oratorical winner to travel to St Louis to compete in the Regional and World Oratorical contests. We approved holding the 3rd Quarter Confer- ences — that include the District Oratorical and CCDHH contests — in Watertown, SD for next 5 years with a great savings to all that attend, i.e. Optimists, contestants, and their families. Thanks to Carmen Bakken and the Watertown Club for all the work to make this happen.
As we finish this Optimist year we have 30 days to reach and exceed your goals and have your club be Honor or Distinguished. There are several new clubs in the works, let’s get them finished before September 30th. If you just ask a friend, neighbor, teacher, colleague or newly retired person to join your club now so we can all share in all the fun and joy of Bringing out the Best in Youth, Your Community and Yourself. You will make a difference.
“Together We Can”. So let’s be DMM Strong.
One more time
Give me a , Give me an , Give me an , what does that spell?? – DMM! Yea!
Terry Gorman, DMM Governor
4 DMM District Dispatch
Issue 16.17.12 September 2017
Growth / Membership —
I’m watching the trees begin to lose their green tones, getting ready for their winter rest, but it’s not rest time yet! Let’s keep the momentum going. It’s not just about numbers….ok, yes, it is…it’s about the number of KIDS that we can help! They need us more than ever.
We’re coming into the home stretch, folks! Only 30 days left in this Optimist year. How many more children’s lives can we impact before we finish? Right now the District is at a +36, thanks to the three new clubs. Seven of our “established” clubs are at an Honor Club +3 standing, with nine others close behind.
FACT: There were more than 73 million children under age 18 in the United States in 2008. Nearly one-third (21 million) were under age five. How many more are there today? LET’S BE THERE FOR THEM! Being Honor Club isn’t just saying, “hey look at us, we’re a +3”. It says “Hooray! We’re impacting an additional 105 more kids with our programs!” Let’s see how many more clubs can say that by September 30!
Gita Hendricks – DMM Growth Chair Together We Can!
Growth / Membership — August 2017 Sponsors
Thanks to these members for sharing their Optimism # Children this month reached/mo YTD Club: 35014 - BISMARCK, ND (Zone: 3) Jerry Haas 35 245 Daryl Kerzman 35 140 Club: 35230 - DEVILS LAKE, ND (Zone: 3) Leah Lovin 35 Club: 35027 - BROOKINGS, SD (Zone: 6) Dennis Micko 35 Sally A Damm 35 Club: 35001 - BRANDON VALLEY, SD (Zone: 7) Meredith Menden 35 Aj Menden 35 Club: 35150 - SIOUX FALLS MORNING (SFMO), SD
(Zone: 7)
Michael C Kuntze 35 Deb Ziemke 35
Club: 35232 - ROSEVILLE AREA, MN (Zone: 11) Donald Salverda - 4 140 455
TOTAL 455
Gita Hendricks – DMM Growth Chair Together We Can!
5 DMM District Dispatch
Issue 16.17.12 September 2017
Attention all clubs! Club News (Continued from page3 ) It’s time to begin planning your participation in next year’s Oratorical contest. and were looking forward to a re- port / ideas from those who attend- Once again, the DMM contest will be a non-gender ed the 2017 DMM Convention in competition to select two individuals to receive Winnipeg in order to make the $2,500 scholarships. 2018 DMM Convention in Roches- The DMM Oratorical Contest will be held in Water- ter even better. town, SD in conjunction with the DMM 3rd Quarter WATERTOWN— the club has sup- Conference April 27-28, 2018. ported Watertown youth soccer for The overall DMM winner will be eligible to compete in the Regional 18 years and provided 65 soccer and World Oratorical Contests in St Louis – live or via video – balls to first year players in 2016. following our DMM contest. They gave $1,000 to the Waverly South Shore School that uses a The topic for the 2017-2018 School Year is: “Where are My ‘buddy bench’ that kids can go sit Roots of Optimism?” on when they feel bullied, alone, in Students under the age of 18 as of October 1, 2017 will be eligible to need of help, etc. $1,000 was giv- participate. en to the Lake Area Zoological so- For additional details, including handouts and official rules, here’s a link: ciety that involves 28 “Zoo Crew’ http://www.optimist.org/e/member/scholarships4.cfm volunteers, students going into eighth grade. People Against Child Remember, all scholarship info can be found on www.optimist.org and Hunger that distributed an average following the applicable links. of 596 meals per week in 2016 re- ceived $1,050 from the club. Dave Nichols, DMM Oratorical Chair GRAND FORKS — Safety on [email protected] Wheels will take place in 31 class- rooms in 12 schools. Respect for Law and a N.O.W. event are both Awards Certification Document planned for September. Club President’s and Secretary-Treasurer’s; If your club in the past year BROOKINGS — gave $500 to has honored or awarded a person in your club or community with an Opti- support a local Girls Scout Camp, mist of Year Award, another honor or award , as part of the Club Pride is gearing up for their annual con- Report you must complete the Awards Certification Document and submit cession stand season and are it to Optimist International before September 30th. The form is available hosting the Brookings Empower- on the DMM web site at: www.optimist-dmm.org/ see the District Business ment Project held in conjunction drop down menu. with SDSU’s Homecoming game in October. PRIOR LAKE-SAVAGE — upcom- Roger L. Haas Award ing events include their Annual
Banquet Sep 21, Fill the Bowl with Annually, an Optimist of the Year shall be selected from a list of candi- ROCK Oct 5, Laker Educational dates submitted by their clubs to be considered for the Roger L. Haas Foundation’s Annual Casino Night DMM Optimist of the Year Award. This award is meant to be a Oct 27. They have also setup a “grassroots” award given to a common member for very uncommon ef- Google docs repository for all club forts. It is not meant to be a lifetime achievement award; the nomination related documents. should focus primarily on the local club activities of the current optimist
year. Please send your club’s newsletter to [email protected] to This recognition will be presented during the first quarter meeting the year have your club’s activities listed in following. Submissions to the Governor must be postmarked by Septem- upcoming issues. ber 1st or emailed by September 15th. Please email your nominations for this prestigious award to Governor Terry Gorman by September 15, 2017: [email protected]
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Issue 16.17.12 September 2017
Club Fitness Convention CCOF Report 29 days to test our mettle On behalf of CCOF a big THANK YOU to all We've got 29 days to find out how that contributed. Your support is greatly appreci- “fit” our clubs are. ated. Here are results from the DMM Conven- tion. Are we strong enough to finish strong, or are we about out of gas Silent Auction $ 133.82 and just limping to the finish line? Past Governor’s Breakfast $ 515.00 Rod and Reel Raffle $ 260.00 Hopefully, we can reach down and Dime-A-Day $ 40.00 find the strength to check off the Quilt Raffle Donna Suggitt/Seven Oaks Club $ 1,000.00 rest of our “to do” list that we com- Optimist Club of South Winnipeg donation $ 195.00 mitted to 11 months ago. Loose Change – DMM $ ,, 32.55 Total $ 2,176.37 How about one more youth project? School is now underway, so why Wes Shewchuk, DMM CCOF Chair not find a way to help the kids start off their year on a positive note – Question: Did the rod and reel raffle winner declare those items when re-entering the US? how about a “welcome back” water- melon feed or providing special Optimist bookmarks listing how "Providing the Care...Finding the Cure" your club works/assists youth? And Thanks to your club fundraising efforts and generous there are many more ideas that are members, we raised $1,959 at the Annual DMM Conven- easy to do and at little cost. tion in support of Childhood Cancer Research in US and Canada. As we begin planning for the 2017-2018 year, And how about your growth goals? please consider dedicating the proceeds from one of your Have you reached your goal? How club fundraisers to the Campaign. Remember, too, the about adding one more member? Matching Grants program available to assist clubs with Remember that 1 = 35. One new CCC-focused projects. For information about the match- member helps us serve more than ing grants program and the application process, contact 35 kids. Optimist International Foundation by sending email to: [email protected] or call 1-800-500-8130. Next month, we'll start looking at ways to get ready for our yearly Thanks again for participating in this year's efforts to raise funds and “club fitness” check-up. awareness in our communities.
Dave Martin, Linda Grulke, 2016-2017 DMM CCC chair DMM Club Fitness Chair
Club Pride (2016-17) or President’s Pride Report
Play a part in deciding Optimist International's future by submitting this report! This information is used for prospective grants and sponsorships and helps determine what programs will receive emphasis in the coming years.
This report is a prerequisite for the service project requirement for all In- ternational Club Recognition categories and is due to the International Office no later than September 30, 2017.
The report may be found in the Optimist Leaders Online web page
7 DMM District Dispatch
Issue 16.17.12 September 2017
Optimist Supplies
Attention club officers, scholarship project chairs, and speaker chairs! Your club’s scholarship contests will be over before the DMM meets again. Therefore, it’s not too early to think about the Optimist Supplies (Essay, Oratorical, CCDHH, speak- er gifts, etc.) you may want to purchase at the DMM 1st Qtr Conference in Jamestown, Oct 20 & 21. You can save the shipping & handling by ordering through the DMM Boutique. Your order will be waiting for you in Jamestpwm.
How does in work? Visit www.optimistsupply.ca to view some of what they offer. Call 1-800-565-7062 and ask for Gillian. Tell her you are in the DMM & would like your order shipped with the DMM consignment order. The pric- es on the web site are listed in Canadian dollars so ND, SD & MN members should ask for the price in US cur- rency. If you don't see what you need, ask her if they carry it.
This is NOT a fundraiser for the DMM. We offer this service for you to save on shipping & handling charges. An- sells Awards is an authorized Optimist International distributor and have provided excellent service to the DMM.
For more information, please contact Heather Hawley at [email protected]
If interested in having specific items available in Jamestown please let me know by Tuesday, October 3.
Please note the pricing of items at the boutique will be in US funds and US dollars are required for payment.
Thanks, Heather Hawley
Dave's quick highlights of OI Convention in Albuquerque NM, July 6-8:
- This was my 9th - and every one has provided me with great new learning experi- ences. - I attended a 4-hour Leadership Development workshop, which stressed having a succession plan by having co-chairs for every activity or committee, and filing reports with club secretary for each; clubs need to set goals and objectives and then take ac- tion; clubs need to add value for members and communicate to members often. - In recruiting members, avoid these three words: club, join, meeting. Better to invite them to lunch, activity or gathering. - There were more than twenty hour-long workshops and a dozen 15 minute Tip Talks, covering a wide spectrum of topics. - New resolutions were adopted to mandate non-gender Oratorical Contests (no separate boys and girls con- tests) and offer 1st, 2nd and 3rd place scholarships totaling $5,000, allocated as District chooses; and to drop the top age requirement for essay and oratorical scholarships, so students may compete until completing high school or its equivalent. - A great keynote speaker stressed using "good common sense" in all we do; that having a good attitude and be- ing passionate isn't enough - we need to follow that with action which leads to results - This Convention marked the 30th anniversary of adding women as members and the 25th anniversary of JOI clubs (Junior Optimist Clubs). - Convention figures: 99th convention; 358 clubs represented, 1,733 members attended; 68 members were add- ed to 6 foreign clubs and 3 new countries were added to OI this past year. - OIF gave nearly $600,000 back to districts for scholarship, in addition to club grants, etc..
Dave Martin, Incoming Governor 2018-19
8 DMM District Dispatch
Issue 16.17.12 September 2017
Teacher Incentive
The Fourth Quarter incentive: attain Honor Club status, re- The following clubs indicated with “$” provided financial support and those cruit five mem- with “V” provided volunteer coverage at the Optimist booth. bers in the fourth quarter, and win BLOOMINGTON—$ / V EDEN PRAIRIE—$ a FREE registra- GLEN LAKE—$ / V LAKEVILLE—$ / V tion to the Otta- MINNEAPOLIS—$ MINNESOTA VALLEY—$ /V wa Convention – NEW ULM—$ NORTH SUBURBAN—$ / V our 100th!! NORTHWEST SUBURBAN—$ PRIOR LAKE-SAVAGE—$ / V RICHFIELD—$ / V ROSEVILLE—$ / V School starts soon – now is the SAINT PAUL EAST SIDE—V ST. CLOUD—$ / V time to look for teachers, see what ST. PAUL—$ / V WEST ST. PAUL—$ / V projects a school needs help with, look to expand existing projects, & Our goal at the State Fair is to give the organization exposure to a whole look for new opportunities. Vaca- lot of people, add new members to existing clubs and build lots of new tion time will be over soon – the fall clubs in Minnesota. The license and insurance for the booth is held by the th routine begins – PRIME recruiting West St. Paul Optimist Club. This is our 10 year at the Great Minnesota time! Get-Together! Three things to keep in mind: (1) The Mystery Prospect didn't take long to strike--showing up on the first the 30 Under 30 Program is still in day. I am pleased to tell you that two of the members of the Prior Lake/ place - look for young teachers/ Savage Club won the money--$25! They decided to put the winnings back members - a connect with schools into the club treasury. Congratulations to Amy Raetz and Maria Belden! and youth and (2) every JOI mem- We work out of a blind pool and do not know when the Mystery Prospect ber who has graduated from high visits will happen. school, is entitled to a free OI membership in an adult club or Thank you to Lieutenant Governor Wayne Jeske for his continued work college club for one year! Go ASK on the Calling Card Board. And a final thank you to my wife Kelly and – the Power of One; (3) the Club son Cole for the construction of the booth which is pictured on page 13. Within A Club - add fifteen or more new members, young profession- Chuck Spavin als - helps to keep your club State Fair Chair healthy, and get credit for a new Optimist Club of West St Paul club!
Progress report from the fair . . . Prospecting? Thanks to the clubs and members who volunteered at the Optimist booth and to the members of the MN State Fair S.W.A.T. Team that are making Looking for new calls to individuals that have stopped by the Optimist booth and left their members? Everyday contact info expressing an interest in joining a club OR starting a new th there are many folks one! As of August 30 we have had about 2 dozen inquiries about mem- retiring after many bership and clubs. years of service. Now they have the If you’re going to be at the fair, please stop by Booth #46 in the Education time. These folks Building and give the volunteers staffing the booth a few words of encour- have many talents, agement and thanks for what they are doing to further our cause. want to stay connected and be in- volved. Seek them out and ask Terry Gorman, DMM Governor them to come to a club or youth event and ask them to join.
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Issue 16.17.12 September 2017
Good discussions held Recruit a Teacher for $30 Incentive in Winnipeg Optimist International strives to help our Members and Clubs serve their Thanks to the mem- communities as best as they possibly can. One way for us to do this is to bers of the DMM for listen to requests from our membership. Overwhelmingly, Optimist Mem- providing some great bers from all across the organization wanted to renew the "Recruit a discussions at the Teacher for $30" incentive through the end of the Optimist year. You convention in Winni- asked and we listened and took action! peg regarding several issues that the Strategic Planning Committee The "Recruit a Teacher for $30" incentive has been renewed from August is studying. 1, 2017 until September 30, 2017!
Most of the discussion centered on We are still in the "Year of the Honor Club." We hope this and other incen- how to tweak the agenda, format tives will help ALL Optimist Clubs strive to be Honor Clubs. Don't forget and length of the district conven- that ANY OPTIMIST CLUB who adds 5 Members in the 4th quarter tion and how to streamline district AND achieves Honor Club status will receive a free registration for business. The other major topic the Optimist International Convention in Ottawa! involved possible changes in the responsibilities of Lt. Governors, Why Teachers? and the potential changes in zone Optimist Members of all professions are important to Clubs, so why the alignments. emphasis on teachers? A strong connection with local schools is extremely beneficial for your All those comments will be serious- Optimist Club. More teachers on your roster strengthens this connection. ly considered as the subcommit- tees continue to meet, refine their They can open doors for attracting more students to our youth pro- recommendations, and work on jects - including Oratorical, Essay, Sports and other programs. strategies to implement their goals. Teachers are able to provide first hand insight into the needs of the children of your community. All subcommittee membership, goals and initial discussions are Provides the foundation for new Junior Optimist Clubs. available for review by any DMM Your Optimist Club will serve more children! member by reading documents sent out to all club officers and dis- Who Qualifies? trict officials on Aug. 25 and soon Teachers on the district website. Ask your Administrators club president or secretary to for- ward that correspondence to you. College professors Coaches employed by the school We continue to value your com- ments and suggestions which may Aides be emailed to any subcommittee School library staff chair or members, as well as any Counselors other Steering Committee member. Phone calls to any of us are also May be active or retired welcomed. If "teacher" is on their resume, they qualify. Please contact the Membership Department with any questions: Thanks again, to all who provided (800) 500-8130 ext. 226 or email [email protected]. input to those of us who are work- ing to make the DMM the very best This promotion is for new Optimist Members only. It may not be used in that we can be. conjunction with any other membership promotions, including "Friend of Dave Martin, Chair Optimist." Clubs will be billed $30.00 at the time the teacher is added to Strategic Planning Committee their roster and then will not be billed dues for that Member for a calendar [email protected] year. cell: 605-951-6543 10 DMM District Dispatch
Issue 16.17.12 September 2017
HONOR CLUB: What’s the big deal? Thanks from 2017-18 Governor Elect So, if getting a banner patch is no big deal to you, why should you care if your club is an honor club? Achieving honor club recognition is much I wanted to take more than getting a patch for your banner. If your club completes the re- this opportunity quirements for honor club, or better still distinguished club, it tells the to thank those of world that your club is a vibrant, growing, service club that is actively in- you who encour- volved in your community and actively providing many services to the aged me to seek youth in your area. It should be a sense of pride for your club members, the position of knowing they are part of something special and that their hard work serv- Governor-Elect for 2017-18 – and ing the kids is important and needed. Finally, having your club recognized to all those who made that possible as an honor or distinguished club will encourage your club to continue or in Winnipeg a couple of weeks ago. expand the services you provide in your community, for the benefit of the kids. As I mentioned in Winnipeg, I am both humbled and excited at this Honor or Distinguished? opportunity. I am humbled that so As a reminder of what your club needs to do to be an honor club or distin- many people had confidence in me guished club, please note the Optimist International awards policies below to do the job, and I am excited at for 20167-2017. the prospect of helping to make a great district even greater. A. CLUB RECOGNITION 1. “Bringing Out the Best” Club I promise to do all I can to help (Banner Patch the year bar thereafter) Gov. Terry have a strong finish this a. Complete two or more service projects each year year – and to assist Gov.- Desig- b. Complete the Club Pride Report formerly President’s Pride Re- nate Kevin in making the DMM Dis- port (complete online at Optimistleaders.org) tinguished for the fifth year in a c. Be Current on District & and OI dues row. d. Add two or more members e. Conduct a Membership Recruitment Drive (i.e. NOW Program) Thank you all once again! f. Recognize a Club member or local community individual Dave Martin, 2. Honor Club DMM Gov.-Elect, 2017-18 (Banner patch, year bar with Club President’s name and year; thereafter a year bar with Club President’s name) a. Complete three or more service projects each year b. Complete the and Club Officer-Elect Form THANKS to Tim Goetz / MARCO c. Recognize a Club member or local community individual for printing the numerous handouts d. Grow Club by Net of +3 in membership for the DMM Convention in Winni- e. Appoint a Club Foundation Representative and make a non- peg. PLEASE consider MARCO restricted contribution to the OIF or CCOF for your technology needs. f. Conduct a Membership Recruitment/Drive (i.e. NOW) Program g. Club President, Club President-Elect (or two Designees) attend District Convention (or two other District meetings/conferences) h. Be current on District and OI Dues and Fees
3. Distinguished Club (Watch for Club President and Secretary and/or Treasurer, a banner patch with the Club President’s name; thereafter a year bar with Club President’s name and watch) a. Meet Honor Club Criteria plus one of the following: b. Add Net + 15 in membership OR Build one or more new Clubs OR Increase by Net + 8 and build two or more JOI Clubs
11 DMM District Dispatch
Issue 16.17.12 September 2017
DMM Essay Scholarship Contest
Optimist International sponsors three contests for students to earn money to pursue opportunities in higher education. The Essay Contest is designed to give young people room to develop their own views around a central idea. One scholarship of $2,500 per District is awarded by OI each year.
This year's topic is "Can Society Function without Respect?" Students under the age of 18 as of October 1, 2017 are eligible to participate. For more information, please see the Scholarship page on optimist.org for Club Planning Guides. That’s where you'll also find the official rules and application form for next spring’s contest.
Now is the time to get the word out to your local schools, Home School organizations, libraries, local newspapers and post to your club's Facebook page and website. Maybe get your JOOI clubs involved in publicizing in their schools by making posters!
The deadline for clubs to submit their winning essay to me is February 28, 2018. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Linda Grulke 2017-2018 DMM Essay Chair cell 612-360-8058 [email protected] 1730 Graham Ave. Apt 330 St. Paul, MN 55116
Fellow Optimists, On Friday, August 25th, Hurricane Harvey, the strongest storm to hit Texas in decades, has forced thousands of people into shelters and is incurring what some disaster experts project will total tens of billions' worth of damage. What will come after the storm finally stops is a long, slow and expensive process to rebuild homes, communities and entire cities. Donations will be greatly needed.
Optimist International, through our Optimist International Foundation, will be accepting donations to help those affected by Hurricane Harvey. All donations will support recovery and relief efforts in Texas and Louisiana. Please consider a donation to the Optimist International Foundation to assist those affected, including Optimists, in short- term and long-term disaster response.
To donate, click here. In the comment section, type "Hurricane Harvey." If you would like to send a check to the Optimist International Foundation, mention "Hurricane Harvey" on the memo line.
Our thoughts and concerns are with those impacted by this storm, including our own Optimist Members in Texas and Louisiana.
Yours in Optimism, Benny Ellerbe Executive Director Optimist International
12 DMM District Dispatch
Issue 16.17.12 September 2017
Left and above, Manitoba Optimist Junior Golf photo thank you notes from two contestants. Photos courtesy of Fred Urso
DMM First Lady, Jeri Gorman and cur- rent DMM Governor Terry Gorman enter the DMM Convention Banquet in Winnipeg. Ken Munch Photo
Left to right above: Dave Martin, Incoming Gover- nor; Kevin Hammell, Gov- ernor Designate; Ken Schulz, Past Governor, Terry Gorman, Governor. Ken Munch Photos
Left: Optimist booth at MN State Fair. Photo by Chuck Spavin
13
DMM 1st QUARTER DISTRICT CONFERENCE WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM October 20 & 21, 2017 Optimist Member Registration Information: GLADSTONE INN & SUITES 111 2 ND Street NE Jamestown, ND 58401 optimist-dmm.org (701) 252-0700 [email protected]
Room Rate: $74.70 per night plus tax – ask for Optimist Rate and Block of Rooms
Reserve Your Room Now - Cut Off Date: October 14, 2017
______$ 35 (US Funds) Early Bird District Registration *Registration and Payment Postmarked by October 10, 2017 ______$ 40 (US Funds) District Registration *Registration and Payment Postmarked after October 10, 2017
HOSTED BY THE OPTIMIST CLUB OF JAMESTOWN Make Checks Payable in US FUNDS to: DMM District Mail Registration Forms and Payment to: Jamestown Optimist Club PO Box 1102 Jamestown, ND 58402-1102 Questions? Please contact: Ken Schulz (701) 320-4497
E-mail: [email protected]
MEMBER Registration (One registration form per member)
Name ______Club______#35-______
Address______City ______State_____ ZIP ______
Evening Phone ( ) ______E-Mail:______
Current Office Held: i.e. Club and/or District: ______Will you be bringing an adult guest? (Yes) _____ Children Attending? (Yes) _____ Number (under 18) _____ Is this your 1 st DMM District Conference? (Yes) _____ (No) ______
SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS:
Check #______Amount Enclosed $______
DMM 1st QUARTER DISTRICT CONFERENCE WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM October 20 & 21, 2017 Optimist Guest Registration Information: GLADSTONE INN & SUITES 111 2 ND Street NE Jamestown, ND 58401 optimist-dmm.org (701) 252-0700 [email protected]
Room Rate: $74.70 per night plus tax – ask for Optimist Rate and Block
Reserve Your Room Now - Cut Off Date: October 14, 2017
______$ 27 (US Funds) Guest Registration (Guests 10 and over)
______$ 15 (US Funds) each child under 10
Adult and Child Guest Registration includes Friday tour of the National Buffalo Museum, Breakfast and Lunch on Saturday, plus the following optional activities: • Talking trail of Jamestown • Geocaching • Learn to play pickleball • Pride of Dakota Harvest Showcase FREE REGISTRATION FOR ADULT GUESTS AND CHILDREN NOT HAVING BREAKFAST OR LUNCH ON OCTOBER 21
HOSTED BY THE OPTIMIST CLUB OF JAMESTOWN Make Checks Payable in US FUNDS to: DMM District Mail Registration Forms and Payment to: Jamestown Optimist Club PO Box 1102 Jamestown, ND 58402-1102 Questions? Please contact: Ken Schulz (701) 320-4497
E-mail: [email protected]
GUEST Registration (One registration form per adult guest)
Name ______Club______#35-______
Address______City ______State_____ ZIP ______
Evening Phone ( ) ______E-Mail:______
Special Dietary Needs, adult guests and children:
Check #: Amount enclosed: # of children under 18 attending: SPECIAL ACTIVITIES FOR ADULT AND CHILD GUESTS
Geochaching --Join the world’s largest treasure hunt. Leaving from the lobby October 21st, 9am a guide will teach and lead you to a geochache located in Jamestown, ND. To learn more visit https://www.geocaching.com/guide/
Talking Trail --The Jamestown Talking Trail is a self-guided audio tour that allows you to hear the history of Jamestown. It also has recordings from major league baseball players Darin Erstad and Travis Hafner located at the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame. All you need is your cellphone and a listening ear. A map will be available upon check-in.
Pickleball --A paddle sport created for all ages and skill levels. A fun sport for everyone, that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. Come play or learn to play pickleball in the brand new Two Rivers Activity Center (TRAC) located in NE Jamestown. A small fee may apply. Bring your children to play in the gym, or swim in the indoor pool with a fabulous water slide. More information available at registration.
Pride of Dakota Jamestown Harvest Showcase --You'll find unique products, including gourmet food, wine, art, books, jewelry, sporting goods, home decor, apparel, children and pet items and more. The event takes place at the Jamestown Civic Center (which also holds the North Dakota Sports Hall of Fame) across the parking lot from the Gladstone Inn. Hours are 9am-5pm Saturday, October 21 st and 11am-4pm Sunday, October 22 nd . Admission is $2 or $1 with a fresh produce or non-perishable food donation. Kids 12 and under are free. Please check their website at https://www.prideofdakota.nd.gov .
Frisbee Golf – If you are a frisbee golfer, bring your gear and play the frisbee golf course at Klaus Park, which is a short drive from the Gladstone Inn. There is no charge for Frisbee Golf.