News
Optimist Club of Coronado
Weekly Optimist Meeting 11-21-2019
You are going to wear green, slide in the mud and get shot at!
Thanks to Renee for the -lovely -breakfast of pies, whip cream and other breakfast treats!
A cool morning with little dampness in the air brought out 44 Optimists but no guests. We had a prayer and the pledge...and President Doorman kicked the meeting off with history and announcements.
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
John Watson and Bill Parry joined your President at the VFW last Friday for the annual Toys for Tots chili cook-off fundraiser sponsored by the local Marine Corp league. Former Optimist Michael Napolitano and his wife won a prize for their entry.
Jim Jamison is finalizing the Liaison positions for the coming year...please contact him if you need to follow up. james.f.jaminson.sr@yahoo.com.
As shown above the Lawn Bowling Trophy has returned to Coronado Optimist Club...it will be proudly displayed at the Lawn Bowling club room. CONGRATS again to the team and coach Bill Carinder.
Dec. 7th JOI kids garage sale to raise money for Childhood Cancer...drop off items to Erin's house corner of 2nd and D Avenue.
Snow Mountain has returned to the Ferry Landing on Dec 6th from 3pm to 5:30pm...Stacy at the recreation needs our help again. Contact Diana to sign up... 619-787-9592 or drummedge@att.net.
OPTIMIST CHRISTMAS PARTY
Contact Brenda Kracht
bmkracht@hotmail.com
to RSVP to the Christmas Party will be
Dec 19th at the Coronado Golf Course
Feast and Fareway
5 to 6 no host bar and 6 to 9 Dinner
$53 person for a marvelous dinner and fun with your Optimists friends!
Bring in TOYS FOR TOTS at the meetings...not the holiday party this year.....
Coronado Optimist Club Annual FREE Thanksgiving Movie is still in the planning....8-10 volunteers will be needed from 0830 to the end of the movie...as soon as Leslie and Don have the details another green sheet will be sent out for volunteers and final details.
HISTORY LESSON
Historical Info: The fact that today is the anniversary of the first human flight in a free balloon, back in 1783, is of only passing interest as we continue to explore the galaxy and send manned flights into space.
Also, little remembered, on this day in 1620, self-government began in the U.S. in deep water aboard the Mayflower off the New England coast when the Pilgrims signed the Mayflower Compact for what they called “a civil body politic”. Today civility has suffered greatly since that grand beginning.
Finally few remember that on this date ,in 1694, Francois-Marie Arouet was born in Paris, France. His pen-name was Voltaire. Among his wise observations was a remark that “The way to be a bore is to say everything”. Since I do not want to bore you here today I will stop today’s history lessons.
BRAGS
- Irish bragged on his daughter Liz as she completed a 50k in SF.
- Lyman shared about his niece's birthday today.
- Bob Kennelly's son is living in Fargo, ND and Bob recommends visiting the air museum when you are there.
ANNIVERSARIES
Paul Dudley celebrated 25 years with the club on Nov.17th. He was sponsored by Jack Davis.
Birthdays: Morgan Miller was born Nov. 16, in Yuma,AZ.; and, Bill Carinder was born Nov. 20th in Independence, KS.
$OPPORTUNITY DRAWING$
Marta Radcliffe was the big winner this week...don't spend it all in the same place! CONGRATS!
GUEST SPEAKER
Our guest speaker FTA'D (FAILED TO APPEAR...maybe he thought it was Turkey Day...so
Don "Crawdaddy" Crawford stepped in as an inspirational speaker and to share his path to becoming a SEAL.
Don's dad advised him there were three choices after high school: military, college or get a job. Don decided on college and started at Utah State, but things would take a turn as he talked to recruiters in the military.
Don took a few tests and scored so high the recruiting officers said Don could practically pick any job....He told he dad he was joining military and dad's response, " You are going to be wearing green sliding around in the mud and being shot at."
As the story continued and more tests taken by Don which he continued to score well in he was asked if he would be interested in being a Navy Frog. Now the tests were swimming, running and physical screening...again Don excelled in the tests. Yeah new recruit Don, but he was sent to Coronado and told now you will be a SEAL... his response "What happened to being a FROG, I don't want to be a SEAL."
In 1967 Don was assigned to SEAL Team 1 and told he was going to be running around in jungles and shooting people... A quick call to Dad with the news, "Well, Dad looks like I will be wearing green, sliding around in the mud and being shot at."
Don's class of '42 started with 171 recruits, graduated with 69 in July 1967.
Next Week's Speaker
NO MEETING... GOBBLE GOBBLE TURKEY DAY....ENJOY YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS!
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Weekly Optimist Meeting 11-14-2019
READY..SET..JUMP!
We had 39 members at the meeting and President Dennis settled them down with the ring of the bell. Irish led us in prayer and Lee started the pledge.
We welcomed JOI kids from Coronado Octagon Club-Cole, Kaylie and Olivia and they bragged on our Optimist Club for all the support we provide for them. JOI kids are having their annual garage sale to raise money for Childhood Cancer. The location is TBD, but date is Saturday Dec. 7th and drop off items can be dropped at Erin Downey's house the corner of 2nd and D Avenue.
CLUB ANNOUNCEMENTS
Round Table on Friday at the Winn Room at 10am... speaker is Mayor of Imperial Beach.
Contact Brenda Kracht bmkracht@hotmail.com to RSVP to the 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! Bring in TOYS FOR TOTS at the meetings...not the holiday party this year.....
HISTORY LESSON
Historical Info: On this day, in 1889, a newspaper reporter who called herself Nellie Bly was sent off by The New York World (perhaps the predecessor to the Times) to try to travel around the world in less than 80 days. She made it in 72. One hundred thirty years later travel has sped up greatly but the same problems are present at the stops along the way. Also, Moby Dick was published in 1851 on this date.
BRAGS
Carla had a brag but forgot it...Dr. Mullins was in the house with his Homecoming King Cole...parents love to embarrass their kids.
Cynthia bragged on Leslie getting a journalism award at the SD Journalism conference.
Dan Henrickson's grandson came thru heart surgery with flying colors...Renee bragged and thank Caroline Lull and her co-workers for their presentation to 5th graders about banking.
Lee Cargill's grandson is playing Aussie Rule football and awarded Rookie of the Year....Al Aegerter praised the JOI kids for a great quarterly meeting and to Carla for having a road named after the Fargo's at Camp Surf.
$OPPORTUNITY DRAWING$
Golfer extraordinaire, Paul Dudley took home the winnings this week.
ANNIVERSARIES
Lee Pontes with 6 yrs. on Nov.11, 2013, sponsored by Matt Pontes; also on Nov.11, 2014, Kevin Schaeffer with 5 yrs. by Britt Cooper; and, today, in 1990, Linda Stanton by Ted Stearns with 29 years!!
BIRTHDAYS
Julia Turpit, Nov.8, from San Diego; John Watson Nov.11, from Seattle,WA; Mark Blumenthal Nov.13 from Albion,MI.; and, George Kunberger, Nov.13, from Philadelphia, PA.
GUEST SPEAKER
Our guest speaker Clint Russell... Doctor, parachute jumper, and Cross Fit Coronado owner.
Clint trained 98 yr old Tom Rice of the 101 Regiment...Clint helped get Tom ready to jump over Normandy for this year's 75th anniversary of D-Day.
Clint needed to get Tom in shape for the jump. Clint first tested Tom's skills of walking, getting up and down, and picking up small objects... for those getting older or more seasoned as I like to call it....these three areas are important to keep yourself in good shape and mobile.
We watched an amazing video of Tom's tandem jump and somewhat ungraceful landing... but he did an amazing job. Tom now wants to jump for the 101st when he turns 101.
Next Week's Speaker
Motivational “Coach G” aka Gerald Aldred
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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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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!