News
Optimist Club of Coronado
Weekly Optimist Meeting 09-12-2019
Coronado Unified School District
Charlie Ahern lead us off with a beautiful prayer for all the victims of 9/11, the brave first responders and all the people who have sacrificed since that day to keep us safe. The Pledge of Allegiance seemed to just start spontaneously. (Actually the note taker didn't catch the name, sorry).
GUEST SPEAKER - Karl Mueller
Our guest speaker today was our own Karl Mueller, Superintendent of Coronado School District. Karl has been a professional educator for 22 years, much of in administration as a Principal and now Superintendent.
Karl started by giving us an overview of some key challenges faced by the CUSD. Probably the most significant being availability of state funding. Coronado is rated 33 out of 42 districts statewide for state funding. Funding is based mostly on the state set standards for diversification of the school population. Although Coronado is not diversified by state measurements, it is indeed very diversified when you consider the high turnover of kids in K-12 due to new families, military transfers and a high percentage of inter district transfers.
Despite the challenges the CUSD has had great success in sending kids on to further education (90%) or into the military (9%). They have done this by focusing every day on specific goals and strategies that support the districts Vision, Mission Statement, Objectives and Guiding Principles, Summarized below:
Our Vision: “We Inspire, Innovate, and Create Limitless Opportunities to Thrive”.
Our Mission: Quality Education for Life Through rigorous academic standards, high expectations, and a coordinated curriculum, the Coronado Unified School District (CUSD), in partnership with our community, will graduate students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in higher education, careers, society, and life with the confidence not only to dream, but to determine their futures.
Our Objectives: • Our graduates will have the necessary preparation to choose their post-graduation paths. • Our community will be aware of our mission and will be involved with the education and wellbeing of our students. • Our facilities will provide the environment that ensures the success of our District’s Mission and reflects the high expectations of our community.
Our Guiding Principles: • We will believe in the potential and promise of each child • We will base decisions on what is best for students, always • We will not compromise our commitment to academic excellence and rigor • We will prioritize the physical and emotional safety of our staff and students • We will adhere to our fiduciary responsibility for budget stability and in order to sustain programs and supports which enrich students’ experiences • We will make purposeful efforts to recruit and retain highly qualified staff • We will use multiple measures to gauge the effectiveness and value of existing programs, allocate resources accordingly • We will communicate with full transparency.
CUSD GOALS
- Academic Achievement: Using clearly defined, research-based instructional practices, curricula, interventions, and enrichment experiences, CUSD learners will perform in the top 10% of San Diego County students as measured by a variety of metrics and assessments.
- Budget: Present the Governing Board with a structurally-balanced budget that includes a planned spend-down of reserve funds and minimizes impacts to programs while maximizing student achievement and learning.
- Support: Maintain safe and supportive schools, with appropriate resources, practices, and procedures, where students and staff thrive.
- Communication: Establish an effective and efficient communication plan for CUSD ensuring consistent branding and messaging across all platforms.
Brags/Dings
Anniversaries and Birthdays
$Opportunity Drawings$
Next Week's Speaker
Announcements
Donate to Youth Activities
Weekly Optimist Meeting 09-05-2019
GUEST SPEAKER - Don Crawford
Our guest speaker today was our own Don Crawford, our resident History Teacher. Don gave us a very informative and expansive overview of the Apollo 11 recovery in 1969. Don first reminded us of some highlights from the "Space Race" between the USA and USSR, starting with the Russian launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957, the formation of NASA by President Eisenhower in 1958, Gagarin's first orbit of the earth, Project Mercury, JFK's challenge to NASA to safely put a man on the moon and bring him home by the end of the decade, followed by a 500% increase in the NASA budget. Getting to the moon and back isn't cheap.
Don also gave us a little overview of the history of the UDTs and SEALs and why the Navy UDTs were selected to be the on scene recovery teams for the capsules after splash down. Basically NASA wanted the best for our boys from space.
As for the actual recovery operation, we learned that it consisted of four stages. Find, which of course means exactly what is sounds like. It might seem obvious, but its a big ocean and a small capsule. Stabilize, which is basically getting the capsule upright and attaching a flotation ring so it doesn't sink. Remove, which is getting the astronauts out of the capsule. On Apollo 11 they had to have the astronauts put on BIG (Biological Isolation Garments) before they could be removed form the capsule due to concern for unknown pathogens from the surface of the moon. I would love to hear a recording of the conversation in the capsule while the guys were trying to do that. Retrieve, which is plucking the unmanned capsule out of the ocean and back to the waiting carrier. In this case it was the USS Hornet.
The Apollo 11 recovery went off almost flawlessly and in record time. Of course that took many hours of training and practice ahead of time. Like anything really great that happens, its usually the result of a lot of hard work, practice and teamwork.
Thanks Don for helping us all remember a great moment in US History.
New Member
Anniversaries and Birthdays
Brags/Dings
None today
$Opportunity Drawings$
Next Week's Speaker
Announcements
Installation Dinner: The installation dinner will be Tuesday September 24 at Spyro's Gyros (ferry Landing) No host bar starts at 5:00 PM, Dinner Buffet 6:00-7:00, followed by the induction Program. Cost will be $30/person, (drinks are on your own). Please RSVP to Reneee Cavanaugh (rcavanaugh92118@gmail.com) by Thursday 9/19. Come prepared with your best jokes to honor our out going President Carla and welcome our new President Dennis Dorman.
Super Frog: Super Frog is just around the corner on September 15. Please see Irish Flynn to sign up to help.
Lawn Bowling: The annual match with our friendly Rotarians is scheduled for November 2. There was a sign up sheet going around today, but if you missed it, please contact Bill Carinder. He's our Captain again his year.
Dime-A-Day: Please consider signing up for the Dime-A-Day program to help support the charitable work of Optimist International. Forms will be available at the welcome table.
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Weekly Optimist Meeting 08-29-2019
AMAZING GUEST SPEAKER - NASNI CO Tim Slentz
Another great Optimist morning...did anyone see that spectacular sunrise? I did, but forgot to get a picture.
Carla rang the bell and Cynthia lead us in prayer and we welcomed back Paul Demke who started the pledge.
We welcomed 47 members and 4 guests...and to kick off the morning let's install two new members. Morgan Miller sponsored by Doug Grossman and Shannon Pavell sponsored by John Watson...did you know they both had double LL's in their name?
Past First Woman President Linda Stanton had the honors to install our new members and shared:
"You both are joining a service club who uses their time and money to support the youth of our community-We are known as a Friend of Youth. Not only are we a club, but we are a family who lends its friendship and support to its members. We try to live the Optimist Creed daily. It will be up to you to join us in following these words and setting a good example as an Optimist. We are a colorful group and wear GOLDENROD apparel..you will also enjoy the green sheet our weekly newsletter."
Shannon works for the Coronado Hospital Foundation and prior work with YMCA SD...and part of Women's Foundation. Enjoys outdoor activities...camping/hiking and travel.
Morgan an Academy grad and flew E-2's at Mira Mar, spent some time in Roswell with the aliens, as well as time in NYC where his kids were born. Various work after military career and moves from NYC to TX and then to Coronado. Has done our SF TRI 4 times.
Anniversaries and Birthdays
Anniversaries: Don "Crawdaddy"Crawford 18 years.
Birthdays: Chris Cervantes and Brenda Kracht... 50/50 to Crawdaddy who gave the money back to the kids.
Announcements
- DUES IS STILL DUE....PLS PAY Dr. Moore our treasurer or with CC to Don Crawford.
- Past member, Tom Golden is turning 99 years old October 2nd...AMAZING!
- SF wrap up tonight at Library in Ruby Room.
- SF ADS chair job is open...Rob Kracht is taking on the presidency next year and he needs a replacement...apply now!
- Installation of President Dennis Dorman and his new board is set for Sept 24th at Spiros Giros....MORE INFO TO COME.
- Lawn Bowling TBD but maybe on Oct 12th...Bill Carinder says more to come!
- SUPER FROG needs volunteers Sept 15th in the early morning hours.. contact Irish.
- This Sunday last concert in the park at 1700 hrs... The Mighty Untouchables.
- CALSO Convention Sept 13th, 14th, &15th...our district convention contact Drummey for more info...619-787-9592
GUEST SPEAKER - NASNI CO Tim Slentz
Guest speaker, CO Tim Slentz shared lots of information about NASNI and the 7 other bases he oversees(seas) haha as the CO.
Slentz opened with a joke...Two wrongs don't make a (W)RIGHT, they make an airplane.
The 8 bases are the largest west coast command with lots to monitor and keep happy. FLEET, FIGHTER, FAMILY... The Navy Family framework builds a stronger family which then builds and supports the fleet and active duty staff.
Slentz shared there are the child/youth programs, community recreation/events for families and leisure time as well as their partnership with CUSD. Much of these programs are supported through MWR....the gym on the bases, concerts for families, bridge walk, wolf(dog) walk, youth sports, and beach camp outs.
CUSD/COPD School Liaison officer is and has been key to helping military kids adjust to school and any issues in the community. 40% of the kids at CUSD are from military families.
Recently NASNI had the Navy Wounded Warrior trials and the athletes were able to use CHS track for the trails. Thank you CO Slentz again for your support of our SF and your work in the community of Coronado.
Throwback Thursday
(Left) Lauren, Molly, Zoll, Cheryl and nephew?
(Right) Floyd Humphries....4th of July.
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New Member Johnny Perez
The Optimist Club of Coronado welcomed a new member into our club. Johnny Perez was a guest speaker and apparently liked what he saw, so he came back and decided to join! Welcome to the club, Johnny!!!
Optimists support an AED at Bradley Field
Coronado Police Det. Brian Wray stepped up to receive a check from Optimist President Jim Zoll for help in purchasing an AED for the Vernetti Baseball little league field.
Optimist Club of Coronado Oratorical Contest 2017
Optimist Club of Coronado to Sponsor Oratorical Contest
“To be, or not to be…” famously spoke Hamlet. Local Coronado students can earnestly speak their thoughts on the topic, What the World Gains from Optimism, as participants in the 2017 Optimist International Oratorical Contest sponsored by the Optimist Club of Coronado.
The Oratorical Contest gives students an opportunity to organize and present their ideas and opinions to an audience, a valuable life skill. The Optimist Club of Coronado has been sponsoring the Oratorical Contest each year since 1971 helping to bring out the best in our students.
This year’s contest will be held in the Winn Room at the Coronado Library on Wednesday, March 22nd at 3:30 p.m. Judges will assess the students’ 4 – 5 minute speeches based on content, presentation, poise, and overall effectiveness. The top three students receive medallions and cash awards. The top two students have the opportunity to compete at the zone level contest in April; the zone winners will then compete at the California-South District level for the opportunity to win college scholarships.
Coronado students, including home-schooled students, under the age of 18 as of October 1, 2016 are eligible to participate and encouraged to apply. Application forms and contest rules are available at www.optimistclubofcoronado.org and from Gene Rathswohl, the contest coordinator, at erathswohl@san.rr.com. Completed application forms should be either emailed or mailed to Gene Rathswohl, 924 Eighth St., Coronado, CA 92118. Applications must be received by Tuesday, March 14th. A maximum of 20 students can participate, so the earlier an application is submitted the better. Contact Gene with any questions regarding the contest rules.
Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with over 75,000 adult and youth members in 2,600 clubs in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and throughout the world. Carrying the motto, “Bringing Out the Best in Kids” Optimists conduct positive service projects that reach more than six million young people each year. To learn more about the Optimist Club of Coronado, visit our web site, come to a weekly Thursday morning meeting at 7:00 AM at the Community Center, or contact any member of the club.
SouperBowl of Caring 2017
Octagon Club had their SouperBowl of Caring Food Drive on February 5th...SuperBowl Sunday. A total of 1,450 cans of food were collected from generous donors around Coronado. The Octagon Club of Coronado would like to thank all those who donated to help this collection be a great success.
CHS Basketball Optimist Night
CHS Basketball Optimist Night was on Friday, February 3. Optimist Bob Kracht called the game. Optimists came out in good numbers in their goldenrod shirts.
Pennies for Pasta begins!
Optimists showed up in force to begin counting bags of change for the Pennies for Pasta drive at Coronado Middle School. Our own Optimist, Jennifer Landry, is also the middle school teacher spearheading this fundraiser.
Optimists help with SAFE Conference
Optimists help with SAFE Conference
Coronado Optimists were on hand to help out yesterday with registration at the 5th annual Coronado SAFE conference at Coronado High School.
Optimist Club 46th Birthday!
September 23, 1970
from the archives of the Coronado Journal....
"Optimist Club to charter Sept. 23 - David Nash. Capt. USN Ret., acting president of Optimist Club of Coronado, will charter the new civic club on September 23. The signed charter members number seventeen to date. The club will undertake Youth Appreciation Week as their first community project. The local members of the newly formed Optimist Club will participate in Youth Appreciation Week during November 9-15. The objective of this week is to recognize the accomplishments of youth in the home, school, church, and community. And to encourage other civic organizations to publicly show their respect for youth. Finally, the Optimist club hopes to encourage greater interchange of ideas between adults and youth leaders.
The Optimist Club of Coronado meets on Thursday mornings at 7 at La Avenida Restaurant for breakfast. A program of public interest is presented at all club meetings. Capt Nash, and all club members invite men of the community who are not presently affiliated with a civic club to join them at any of their meetings. The object of the club is for good fellowship and the betterment of our youth."
Sports Fiesta 2016 Results
Another Sports Fiesta goes down in the record books! Perfect weather, fun competition, and a bunch of people in yellow shirts aka the Optimists made for a great morning at Coronado's North Beach. Here are the results for today's competitions.
5K Run Ocean Swim Triathlon Hardrock Paddle Board
Our Own Olympic Torch bearer
Coronado Optimist Club member Erin Downey shared her experience of carrying the torch for the Olympics in Atlanta, and she brought her big candle to prove it. Pretty neat! She told us all about the adventure and how she stayed close to a young Japanese woman who shared the load.
Middle School Junior Optimists
Our Coronado Middle School Junior Optimists joined with the Bonita Club in visiting Stein Family Farm recently.
Coronado Little League
We recently received a lovely note from Miho Leonard, team mom for Coronado Little League's Intermediate Division Team, the A's, thanking us for sponsoring their team. They started the season with a victory and haven't looked back. Schedule is below!
March 16 4:30
March 19 3:00
March 22 4:30
April 5 4:30
April 9 3:00
April 11 4:30
April 16 12:00
April 20 4:30
April 23 9:00
April 25 4:30