News
Optimist Club of Coronado
Weekly Optimist Meeting 11-7-2019
Looks like our President Dorman is getting the hang of the Thursday morning meetings...his reign is in full swing. Cynthia shared a prayer and memory for Veterans Day on Monday. Richard Loomis led the pledge.
Lots of excitement in the room as President Doorman made the announcement:
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
- BofD has adopted budget guideline not to exceed last years income.
- We have agreed to send $2000 requested by Coronado SAFE for a program geared to pre-school and kindergarten aged children in all public and private schools in Coronado to promote self reflection, empathy and skills for problem solving.
- We have granted a request to fund six students for sixth grade camp at $350/each whose families are unable to afford the expense.
- We have agreed to provide a monthly pizza party for all members of the Coronado High Junior Optimist Club in consideration of their many community activities on our behalf.
Brenda Kracht shared our Christmas Party will be
Dec 19th at the Coronado Golf Course...
5 to 6 no host bar and 6 to 9 Dinner....
more to come but mark your calendars!
HISTORY LESSON
- On this date in 1917 the Bolshevik party in Russia led a revolution against the provisional government to establish a communist dictatorship.
The Russian Revolution did not begin as a Communist movement; the Tsar was overthrown and replaced by a democratic coalition. When a free election was held later on November 25,1917, the Communists lost; so they just threw out the election results. On this day in 1917 the Communists opted for armed force as the weapon of change.
BRAGS
Mayor Bailey bragged on the Lawn Bowling Team and Jim Jamison for Avenue of Heroes. As well and he and Karl Mueller attended a SAFE event where they were ID'D as OPTIMISTS! Then thanks to the Cargills for attending a council mtg.
Cynthia bragged about more writing opportunities for her.
Renee one of the lawn bowling team and praised Charles for being the anchor of the team.
Carla is going to be a grandmother again...#3.
HISTORY LESSON
- On this date in 1917 the Bolshevik party in Russia led a revolution against the provisional government to establish a communist dictatorship.
The Russian Revolution did not begin as a Communist movement; the Tsar was overthrown and replaced by a democratic coalition. When a free election was held later on November 25,1917, the Communists lost; so they just threw out the election results. On this day in 1917 the Communists opted for armed force as the weapon of change.
$OPPORTUNITY DRAWING$
School board member, Lee Pontes took home the kitty.
ANNIVERSARIES
Kirk Henry,Nov.1,2001, 18 yrs.,by Eric Raiter; Julia Turpit, 1 yr., Nov.5 by Lyndsey Arendsee
BIRTHDAYS
Erin Downey Nov.6, in New Orleans
GUEST SPEAKER
Our speaker today was Chris Hoffman is the founder and CEO of VET Training and Coaching. The goal of Chris and his staff is to assist Vets in how to re-discover, re-equip, and re-engage with what matters most in their life after serving in the military for their country.
The C.O.R.E. Values of this program helps set the tone for assisting the VETS:
P.A.S.S.I.O.N.
Perseverance-Achievement-Service-Strength-Integrity-Obedience-kNowledge.
Chris is providing innovative and highly effective solutions for three needs 1) Discovering individuality 2) Finding a meaningful life 3) Gaining support needed to create momentum out of uniform.
For more information check out the webpage for Chris-Hoffmann-VET-Training-and-Coaching.
Next Week's Speaker
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Weekly Optimist Meeting 10-31-2019
WHY?
We Optimists were greeted by smiling faces of Past Presidents Diana Drummey and Jack Larison. We had 6 guests and 38 Optimists up and moving at 0700 for a wonderful Halloween Day.
Pat Kelly led us in prayer and Dick Owens started the pledge.
We had dings and brags....fines and 50/50....but our guests were really the best part of the meeting.
PRESIDENT'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lawn Bowling: Game is On! Contact is Bill Carinder billcarinder@yahoo.com, but the competition is this Saturday at 1pm Lawn Bowling Green at John D. Spreckels Center....get there early for some practice and libations... GO OPTIMIST GOLDEN ROD TEAM!
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
School Liaisons; Jim Jamison, as our new external VP, is looking for volunteers to be liaisons with the many school groups we support.
GUEST SPEAKER
We have for our entertainment today Lamb's Players BASH WORLD OF RESPECT presentation. We, Optimist help fund this presentation to elementary schools students. This presentation teaches students skills to stop bulling, being kind to fellow students, and techniques to calm themselves down when upset. The actors Jazz Ruiz, Devin Wade, Julie Meram, and John Wells led by Director Kerry Meads presents this event with song, acting and audience participation. It was a wonderful uplifting presentation.
At the end of the presentation President Dennis presented a $2,000 check to Lamb's Players BASH!
Next Week's Speaker
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Weekly Optimist Meeting 10-24-2019
WHY?
Bob Sheridan started by reminding us of the vast and incomprehensible nature of the universe and then lead us in a prayer of gratitude to our Maker and for the world he gave us to inhabit, acknowledging how little of it we understand, but that we trust in Him to always guide and protect us. George Kunberger kicked off the Pledge of Allegiance.
GUESTS
We had two guests this morning. Dave Jones our guest and speaker and Don Crawford's buddy from New Orleans, who also happens to be Erin Downey's dad.
JUST REPORTING WHAT I HEARD
The two smiling Optimists pictured above Mike Lavin and George Bassola were graciuos voluteers for Bill Parry and the Dingmaster who showed up at 6:00 AM to pass off their greeter responsibility so they could run off to some important meeting. I thought I heard them say something about Tijuana, but I might be wrong.
PRESIDENT'S ANNOUNCEMENTS
Lawn Bowling: The second practice session for the upcoming match with the Rotarians is next Tuesday 5-7 PM. We had only six people at the first practice and we need some more folks to make a good showing. The match is on Nov 2. It's a fun day. All the pizza and beer you can drink (well maybe not all). The cost for the refreshments is just $5. So a real deal. Don't miss it. Contact is Bill Carinder billcarinder@yahoo.com.
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
Strand Clean Up was lighted supported by the Optimist Club (3 folks showed up) and we had to rely heavily on the Jr ROTC group from the high school to get the job done
Prayer Leaders; Contact Charlie Ahren at ahren@msn.com or find the signup sheet at the next meeting.
School Liaisons; Jim Jamison, as our new external VP, is looking for volunteers to be liaisons with the many school groups we support.
Coronado Film Festival Volunteers needed: Mark Blumenthal has a sign up sheet going around for volunteers to help decorate the sidewalk with stars as part of the upcoming Film Festival.
Coronado Round Table Talk; Tomorrow 10:00 in the Winn room, Coffee at 9:45. Speaker is Tom Morelli who will speak on Prison Ministry in San Diego County
John Brassert: is recovering at Plaza Village in National City. He'll be there for about three weeks. So if you have a chance stop in and wish him well.
Halloween Happening is tomorrow from 3-5:30. Volunteers still needed. Contact Dianna.
GUEST SPEAKER
Our speaker today was Dave Jones who gave a talk on "asking the right questions about mental health". Dave, in a light moment introduced himself as a member of a drinking club in North County that happens to have a Rotarian problem. He also noted that he has no professional credentials for talking on this subject, but he was wearing a jacket, so he looked professional. This was all meant to be a light hearted introduction to a very serious and somber presentation on why people commit suicide and sometimes take others with them.
Dave started by sharing with us his own story of mental illness in his family that went back to his grandfather and then his father, that eventually lead to Dave loosing both his mother and father in one tragic event (due to his father's severe mental illness) when he was still a small boy. He also shared a story of a local family (son and mother) who were both killed as a result of the son's mental illness. Then of course, we are all too failure with the rash of mass shootings that often end in the suicide of the shooter. All of this human suffering is the result of mental illness, and mental illness is one of the fasting growing causes of death in the US.
In sharing these stories, Dave was illustrating that whenever these tragedies occur, our first reaction is to ask "Why Did This Happen?". This is a normal human reaction to try and explain how tragic things happen. However the facts are that there is rarely an answer to this question In the mentally ill mind, driven to suicide and murder, what healthy people would consider rational thoughts, just are not there.
Dave's point here, was to suggest that we (society) should not simply be asking why did this recent tragedy happen. We should be asking WHY to a much broader spectrum of issues, that get at the heart of treating and healing mental illness. To address the illness before it ever evolves into someone feeling they have no alternative but to commit suicide. Some of the WHY questions Dave suggested we should be asking are:
- Why do 50% of the people in prison have mental illness?
- Why are 80% of people in prison for drug related crimes?
- Why do we spend so much on cancer research and so little on mental health?
- Why can't we eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness?
- In some parts of the developing parts of the world, despite a lack of many basic necessities the suicide rate is very low. Why can't many people in the US face the reality of their situation.
- Why do people consider suicide victims to be selfish, when they are really very ill? There is a lack of understanding of the underlying issues
- Why are we continually shocked when someone commit's suicide?
- Why are so many people in the US treated today with antidepressants and often do not seek therapy?
- Why don't we talk about mental illness?
- Why are we not aware of the signs of mental illness
- We should consider mental illness as a cancer in the brain. We would not have brain cancer treated, but we often don't treat mental illness?
Dave is also a member of the San Diego Suicide Prevention Council and we want to thank Dave very much for his service to the community and for the very personal and meaningful talk this morning.
Brags
Lots of brags today;
- Jim Callaway gave us a quick catch up on his recent activities including a 3 week cruise, winning every 5k race he participated in over the last 3 months which was about 12 and he told us about falling in the last race, badly hurting his shoulder (requiring surgery) but still winning the race. Wow that's stamina
- Carla Fargo bragged about her father in law Capt. Fargo who was responsible for getting the land made available from the government so that there would be a place for the YMCA to have Camp SURF.
- Jim Jamison bragged about the 16 Coronado Residents who are being inducted in the Avenue of the Heros this week and that today marks the 75th aniversary of the sinking of the USS Princiton in the Battle of Leyte Gulf
- Shannon Pavell Bragged about Irish Flynn becoming th new President of the Coronado Hospital Foundation Board. Irish added in that he finally broke the glass ceiling by becoming the first male to hold that job.
- Erin Downey bragged about our Jr Optimist President Cole Mullins being named Home Coming King this year.
- Karl Mueller noted that Sandy Ferguson passed away recently on CHS Home Coming Day. Sandy was a long time beloved and respected teacher and advisor at CHS. In fact April 26,1994 was named Sandy Ferguson Day by the Mayor of Coronado, for his contribution to the CHS students
- Dr. Moore bragged about my (George Kunberger) recovery for shoulder surgery, of course Joe was the first Doc to help me with my shoulder injury. The good Doctor also thanked me for producing such good bathroom reading material in the form of the Green Sheet.
One photo our beautiful sunrise this morning for those early birds, taken by Lee Cargill. The other for those who may miss Fall in the East is a picture right near our home in Pennsylvania, where I'll be spending the holidays with family. I'll miss beautiful Coronado and my Optimist friends, but I'll be in another beautiful part of the country with Diane and our kids. God is good my Friends.
Anniversaries
Oct. 17, Buck Rogers,45 yrs. a member, by Lew Hardy; Karl Mueller, Oct. 21, 5 years by Lee Pontes; Cheryl Sylvester, Oct. 22, 4 yrs, by Jim Zoll; and Bridgette Jorgensen, today, 1 yr., by Cynthia Kosciuezyk.
Birthdays
Oct. 18, John Downey from Pottsville, PA; Oct. 22, Jack Couture from Boston Mass,; and Jim Alley, tomorrow, from Sacramento, CA as well as Mike Croll day after tomorrow from Niagara Falls, N.Y.
$Opportunity Drawings$
Next Week's Speaker
History Lesson
For reasons best known to the people who sell popcorn, the last week of October, beginning today, was chosen for National Popcorn Week. Popcorn is part of our national heritage having been introduced to the Pilgrims by Native Americans. National Popcorn Week, of course, is an event many optimists take with a few grains of salt.
Of international consequence today is also United Nations Day, commemorating the adoption of the U.N. Charter in 1945. In 1963 on this date Adlai Stevenson remarked that “The journey of a thousand leagues, we say, begins with a single step. So we must never neglect any work of peace that is within our reach, however small.” He went on to say that “Our efforts will be erratic, and the world will remain a dangerous place to live”. The last half century of events has confirmed his prediction.
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2019 Oratorical Contest Results
MeOptimism Declaimed, Wonderfully: Fourteen eager students, aged eleven to fourteen, from Sacred Heart Parish School and Coronado Middle School, spoke on the topic Is There A Fine Line Between Reality And Optimism? at the Coronado Optimists 48th Annual Oratorical Contest on February 27th in the Library’s Winn Room. All the students carried themselves well and dealt with this seemingly dry topic with winning charm, vivacity, and persuasive sincerity to the delight parents, siblings, and Optimists filling the Coronado Library’s Winn Room. The Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medallion winners were: Logan McKerring, Valeria Quiroga, and Marietta Renison. Bravos to all!
There were many memorable moments in the students’ 4 – 5 minute speeches. They quoted many historic optimists including Henry Ford, “…If you think you can or you can’t you are right,” “…Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently,” and added their own insightful aphorisms, “…Reality is life, optimism makes life better,” “…Reality is the facts of life that surround you, but optimism is a positive lens through which you view your reality,” “…Things happen because of our optimism in ourselves and in others,” “…If Jack can climb the beanstalk, you can get your job…,” “…it was through optimism and family love that we got through that reality…,” “….Optimism is a state of mind...that can steer you to accept any reality…,” and “I am optimistic that I have a chance of winning this contest today, and that is my way of showing optimism in reality.” Coronado
Optimist Club President Carla Fargo and President-elect Dennis Dorman presented each student a well-earned Certificate of Participation and thanked the parents and teachers for encouraging their students to enter the contest. All were very proud of their students, daughters and sons who are terrific young adults with bright futures
Judges for the contest were Mike Lavin, Paul Lull, and George Kunberger, with Sue Cargill serving as timekeeper; Marta Radcliffe, Julia Turpit, and Molly McKay as greeters/curators; Pat Kelly, Sergeant-At-Arms; Lee Cargill, photographer; Irish Flynn, contest scribe; and Gene Rathswohl, contest coordinator – Optimist Club members all.
Announcing the 2019 Oratorical Contest
The Wall! Immigrants!! Climate Change!! Violence and conflicts!! Poverty!! Security!! The list of human concerns goes on and on. What is the reality of these issues? Can we be optimistic about the future? Coronado school students are urged to express their own thoughts and concerns in the 2019 Coronado Optimists Oratorical Contest on the topic Is There A Fine Line Between Optimism And Reality?
This is the 48th year of the Coronado Optimists’ contest and will be held in the Winn Room at the Coronado Library on Wednesday, February 27th at 3:30 – 6:00p.m. The contest is an enjoyable but serious public-speaking opportunity for Coronado students to explore why they are so confident and optimistic about their future. All are invited to attend the contest, especially the students’ families and friends, and be amazed with the students’ insights and the quality of their speeches.
All Coronado school students, including home-schooled students, under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2018 (there is no minimum age) are eligible to participate and encouraged to apply. Students are urged to work with his/her teacher to prepare their speech.
The students’ 4 – 5 minute speeches are judged on content, presentation, poise, and overall effectiveness. All the students receive participation certificates and the top three students receive medallions and cash awards. The top two students can go on to compete at the Optimists zone and district level contests in April for college scholarships up to $2,500; the district level winner can participate in the Optimist Oratorical World Championship in July for a college scholarship up to $22,500.
The Application form, which includes all the contest rules, is below. It is also available from Gene Rathswohl, the contest coordinator, at erathswohl@san.rr.com.
Completed application forms should be mailed to:
Gene Rathswohl
924 Eighth Street
Coronado, CA 92118
Applications must be received by Friday, February 22, 2019.
A maximum of 20 students can participate, so the earlier an application is submitted the better. Feel free to contact Gene with any questions you have regarding the contest.
(image above is from the 2018 Oratorical Contest)
Optimist Club Sports Fiesta 2018 Results
Thank you to all participants of the Optimist Club of Coronado's Sports Fiesta 2018!
Optimist Sports Fiesta 2018
New and Old Events Highlight 2018 Optimists Club’s Sports Fiesta
It is historic. It is fun, and most importantly, it is an inspiring collaboration of local businesses joining forces to support Coronado’s youth.
Returning events include the 1-mile rough water ocean swim, a 5K run, and the longest, continuous running triathlon in the world. The triathlon consists of a 400 yard ocean swim, 1-mile run and 4-mile bike ride.
New events on Saturday, July 28, include a Cornhole tournament (youth and adult divisions) and Family Carnival. Both will run from noon - 4:00 pm at Sunset Park. Beach Volleyball at North Beach begins at 9 am. Pickleball and Lawn Bowling tournaments will be on Sunday, July 29th at the Coronado Marriott and Spreckels Community Center and Bowling Green, respectively.
For spectators and those who just want to hang out and enjoy a Coronado tradition, there will be a picnic area from noon to 4pm at Sunset Park. All are encouraged to bring their own food and drink, (no alcohol please) or they can order from Panera, which will be taking orders and delivering to Sunset Park July 28th.
Entrance fees range from $10 (for under 18) to $40 (day of registration). Some events are capped, so sign up early by clicking the Sports Fiesta link at the top of this page. Carnival games are just 50 cents and everyone wins a prize!
A Tribute to Optimist Stan Searfus
This morning we had a special presentation by Ben Ruef. His mother, Julie, is an Optimist Club member. Ben was one of the lucky kids who was mentored by our own Optimist, the late Stan Searfus. Ben produced a spectacular tribute video of Stan and gave us a showing. Excellent and inspiring work, Ben. You've created a lasting legacy for one of the good guys, our friend Stan.
CHS Girls Basketball
The CHS Girls Basketball Team came to update us on their season. We give them a check to help with their expenses. It's always a pleasure to see the youth we support at our meetings!
Coronado Junior Optimist Activities
Coronado's Junior Optimist Club, sponsored by the Optimist Club of Coronado, participated in group activities and team building with other Junior Optimist clubs from the San Diego/CALSOUTH area.
A nice turnout of 18 enthusiastic Junior Optimists and three Junior Optimist Club Advisors met at the Mission Bay Santa Clara Recreation Center near the Sail Bay area of the Park on January 20, 2018. Junior Optimists representing six California South (CALSO) District Junior Optimist Clubs shared a morning of fun activities led by Immediate Past President of Junior Optimist International, O'Hara Wickham, and current Junior Optimist International Director, and Coronado's own, Cole Mullins.
The group performed a team oriented, "ice breaker" activity searching the floor for answers to questions posed by the leaders. New friendships were made, and a lot of fun was had by all. The Club Members shared their recent and current Club activities and upcoming plans. The leaders shared news from the CALSO JOI District and Junior Optimist International and upcoming Scholarship Contests, including Essay, Oratorical, and the Reel Optimism Video Contest. A pizza luncheon was enjoyed by all before the teams headed out for the beach cleanup community service project. Books were collected for the inner city school in the CALSO JOI District wide 'Joy of Reading' service project. The event was concluded with a clean beach, happy Junior Optimists, and thanks from the Park Ranger for a job well done!
Optimist Sports Fiesta Video 2017
We are fortunate to have a member who has a very talented son! Ben Ruef documented our Sports Fiesta with a beautifully creative video. Thanks, Ben!!!
Installation Dinner Sep 18, 2017
On Monday at Spiros we had our annual Installation of the new board with President Crawford and release of the old board with President Zoll. Molly and Renee did a marvelous job setting up our party...food was delightful, and the company was superb. Matt Heinecke was a great addition to the evening of friendship and lovely sunset on the San Diego Bay. Again mission accomplished by Zoll and welcome Don and his team. Looking forward to another great year of Optimism.
Eagle Scout Candidate Jack Schiaffino
Jack Schiaffino, accompanied by his parents, came to share his completed Eagle Scout project at NASNI. He thanked the Optimist Club of Coronado for helping him with expenses of the project. Congratulations, Jack, on a job well done!