News
Optimist Club of Coronado
Weekly Optimist Meeting 08-08-2019
SPORTS FIESTA 2019 #'S
President Elect Dennis was at the helm and the mic was not working... USE YOUR PLAYGROUND VOICE we all called out. Brenda used her teacher voice and shared a prayer and Dick Loomis led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Our attendance was low 38 summer vacations I guess and we welcomed 5 guests... Kyle Riley was a guest of Paul Lull, but Paul was UTL(Unable to locate), and our other guests were our speakers and support, Stephen, Brady, Dominic and Jonathan.
Medical Report
Sue Cargill is home healing from a new knee and Joan Larison took a tumble breaking her hip, but she and Jack are tag team nursing each other to better health.
SF wrap up down and dirty...big thanks to Rob Kracht for all he did with his team of Cynthia, Al and Dick. Funds look like we will finish out this year's SF with between 49k to 50k.
If anyone needs SF t-shirts for sponsors or wants to buy a shirt...call or email Drummey 619-787-9592 or drummedge@att.net.
Some numbers Triathlon-70, 5k-74, Ocean swim-26, Volleyball-14 and Lawn Bowling-16. And again amazing party at the Krohne's...margaritas were the best!
Birthdays
- August 10 - Laz Waczek born in National City, CA
- August 11 . Christian Esquevin born in Marseilles, France
- August 13 - Matt Smith born in Chula Vista, CA
- August 13 - Sara Stillman born in Boston, Mass
- August 14 - Floyd Humphreys born in Memphis, TN
Super Frog is coming up on September 15th at 0600 to 1300 hours... sign ups with Irish Flynn: duties are assistance at SR75 and Rainbow and inside the VIP Tent.
Some brags, dings and 50/50 went to Crawdaddy again who donated back to the kids.. If you need to store any equipment etc for our club, we have a storage unit...contact Erin, Bill Barry or Don who have the keys and can assist you.
Stephan Dela Cruz was our speaker, and a surprising and engaging fellow is he. Stephan began in Karaoke mode singing "I Believe I Can Fly" and quickly gave us reason to believe that his life has been, and continues to be, an amazing one. From time in a juvenile hall cell charged with attempted murder of his father to heading a business with 600 employees today, Stephan has led first a misdirected and then a directed life. Stephan found a mentor--or rather he worked at finding the right person and convincing that person that he should take on the young man who called for help.
Through his own success Stephan decided to become a Superhero by passing on his VISION to others. His vision is in the power of words--and Stephen certainly demonstrated to us that power.
Further he talked of making an IMPRESSION of INFLUENCE. He advised us to live so young folk will want to want to copy our actions. And Stephan asked us to be aware of the POWER, Authority, and Responsibility we all hold in our lives and to use our time to mentor the next generation which is yearning for teachers of life.
Throwback Thursday
DUES IS STILL DUE...send checks to Treasurer Dr. Moore or at the meeting Don Crawford will take credit cards.
Donate to Youth Activities
Weekly Optimist Meeting 08-01-2019
United Through Reading And Eagle Scout Presentations
President Carla rang the bell and we settled in for our morning meeting. Lyman gave the prayer and our breakfast host, Renee lead the pledge.
If you missed today's meeting you missed chicken sausage biscuits, fruit, and hard boiled eggs. Renee only has a few weeks more off from school to spoil us with great meeting breakfasts. Renee also supplied table favors this week...Coors, Coke, Modelo and La Croix soda...left overs from SF BBQ party. Don't miss the meetings - who knows what she will cook up next week.
We had 44 members at the meeting and five guests, two with applications in hand. John Watson brought in Shannon Pavell from the Coronado Hospital Foundation. Doug Grossman had his Navy buddy, Morgan Miller come and take home an application. Dick Madouse was home do PT, but Joan was escorted by her son, Scott Baylock. Gooch's chauffeur, Mo was in the house and our meeting speaker, Perry Yee.
President Carla welcomed back into the fold, Laura Lynn with her new name-tag and her guest, Coco Channel her companion dog. Laura was a member from 2001 to 2016, and prior to her and the family moving, the entire Meek family was part of our club. Now that is a first! We are thrilled to have her home, but she is looking for a place to live ASAP.
Another successful SF finished up on Saturday with a fun dinner and music at Ted Krohne's house. A debrief of the numbers etc will be shared at next week's meeting. If anyone needs tshirts for sponsors $400 and above, let Diana know and she will get your a shirt for the sponsor.. call or email her...619-787-9592 drummedge@att.net.
Board of Directors had a meeting on Monday and awarded $1,000 to CHS Sailing Team.
- Anniversary: Doug Grossman
- Birthdays: Dr. Moor and Mo Gooch!
A cards was sent around for member John Bassert, who just had knee surgery...Dan Hendrickson has additional info.
50/50 went to Governor Elect Jim Zoll..total of $42.
Bragging: Carla bragged on all volunteers for SF.
Zoll bragged on son in law, who's mother is Cheryl Sylvester as he participated in the SF
Gooch bragged on Renee for a great meeting breakfast
Cynthia bragged on her ongoing business adventures
Laura Lynn bragged on Justin High 5 and surviving a weekend with 30 young adults celebrating Victoria Rose's 21st Birthday.
Mark bragged on Bill Carrinder saving a ferry ticket from the rocks-you had to be there to hear the full story.
A few dings from the ding master, but he really hammered our educators... Renee, Karl, and Lee....BE KIND TO OUR TEACHERS!
Our guest speaker, Perry Lee retired as a Navy Seal and started a non profit called Active Valor. Retired military become mentors for Gold Star Families kids. The original mission was to have a mentor to one kid, but as the moms dropped off the kids, the moms became another entity of this amazing group.
The organization takes the kids on adventures with their mentors such as Capture the Flag, Zombie Hunt, and Treasurer Hunts. Together, they get to participate in mission-based adventures that promote problem solving, community building, self confidence, critical thinking, and hands-on fun.
For more info check out their webpage at: https://activevalor.com.
Throwback Thursday Sports Fiesta
DUES IS STILL DUE...send checks to Treasurer Dr. Moore or at the meeting Don Crawford will take credit cards.
Donate to Youth Activities
Weekly Optimist Meeting 07-18-2019
United Through Reading And Eagle Scout Presentations
The back up editor is at the helm for healing George K. in PA and Bob Sheridan who needs a break and replacement. Yes, we are looking for another green sheet editor...it is an simple job do not be intimidated by the writing...add your own flare.
Pat Kelly led us in a prayer and Jim Callaway started the pledge. The room was full of guests for a busy summer day in Coronado...for those who missed it retiree Christian Esquevin slipped in for a visit too. Guests were Shannon and Rajin from Coronado Hospital, Glenda: BJ's Comfort Keeper support, John Cook Eagle Scout, Sally Zoll with Gov Elect Jim Zoll, and Mo...the top 50/50 winner.
First up John Cook presented his Eagle Project proposal: a storage shed at CHS for a cost of just under $500. We presented John with a check for $250.
Sally Zoll presented a touching video and update of the United thru Reading program which is in its 30th year...an amazing program for our military families.
A surprise new member induction, Dave Hoppe who has some history with our club as his father was a member in the 70's and 80's. Dave is sponsored by President Carla and inducted by Past President Linda Stanton. Dave is a CHS and SDSU grad as well as participating in our annual SF. Like many families of SD his father was transferred here for work and the family stayed to be a part of the community.
Birthdays for missing members John Bassort and Julie Ruef... Anniversaries for Mayor Bailey and Matt Pontes.
Mayor Bailey also made a presentation of a city proclamation for our annual SF Week... this following week it is SF Week in Coronado as declared by the City of Coronado.
Our guest speaker, Imperial Beach Mayor Serge Dedina. Serge was here as the executive director of Wildcoast. WILDCOAST is an international team that conserves coastal and marine ecosystems and wildlife.
Serge and his wife studied whales in Baja California and wrote about those experiences as well as two other books about the sea. With Wildcoast the organization is working with Mexico, Coronado and SD with representatives in Washington, D. C. to resolve the ongoing sewage issues from TJ river.
As well as his work with Wildcoast, Serge is busy upgrading Imperial Beach city services, such as out door fitness courts and work out court. Future plans is a recreation dept and pool for the citizens of IB.
For more information about about Wildcoast check out the webpage: https://wildcoast.org.
NEXT WEEK CALLING ALL MEMBERS.. .COME ONE COME ALL FOR OUR ANNUAL YELLOW SHIRT GROUP PHOTO AND SF BRIEF.
Also surprise video of Landing on the Moon....
DON'T MISS OUT
ALSO, dues is due...send checks to Treasurer Dr. Moore or at the meeting Don Crawford will take credit cards.
Donate to Youth Activities
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!