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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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Welcome To Our Newest Members Richard Bailey and Rebekah Cartwright
The newest members to the Optimist Club of Coronado are Richard Bailey and Rebekah Cartwright. Welcome to the Club!
Another Successful Sports Fiesta!
Another great event was held at Sunset Park on Saturday and Sunday. The 10KRun registered 205 participants, the 1 mile swim was a small but hearty group of 46 swimmers in 60 degree water, and on Sunday, the Triathlon has 129 participants. The Diving competition had 35 divers and 12 teams of synchronized divers. Results are posted on the Home page of OptimistClubofCoronado.org
Coronado.Patch.com published a nice article about the event, too. ‘Coronado Should Bid for Next Olympics,’ Says Londoner Post-Swim
Optimist Sports Fiesta 2012
The Optimist Sports Fiesta 2012 was a great success! Results for the 10K Run, the 1-mile Ocean Swim, and the Triathlon are posted now!
CHS Football
CHS football coach and Optimist Club member brings a few of his upcoming team and assistant coach Terry O'Leary to a meeting.
Our Club’s Newest Members – Andrea Webster and Fritz Gaylord
The newest members of the Optimist Club of Coronado.
From left to right: Sponsor, Diana Drummey with Andrea Webster (new member); Fritz Gaylord (new member) with sponsor, Carla Fargo.
Coronado High School Youth Appreciation
Today, our meeting was at full capacity at the Coronado Community Center. It was Youth Appreciation for Coronado High School students. Students were chosen by the teachers based on the embodiment of the Optimist Creed.
Principal Karl Mueller and Vice Principal Jenny Moore introduced their wonderful band of young people who, along with proud parents. Lynz Arendsee in her brightest green handed gifts to the teens as they were announced. Freshmen Jaclyn Bunker & Matt Gillingham, Sophomores Baylie Zimmerman & Justin Meek, Juniors Mary Grace Braun & Willis Taylor, and Seniors Kyana Van Houten & Patrick Erskin were picked out by their teachers as living the Optimist Creed in their school life. Kevin Nicholls, Principal of the Palm Academy, brought faculty member Kim Strassburger to introduce Aubrey Brewer and Jacob Dawley who were the awardees from that side of D Ave.
Both Karl and Kevin spoke nice words about the relationship between the school and our yellow clad members. We thanked the parents for sending us their fine children, and then, before we knew it, they were off to school. Congratulations to all these incredible young people, and their parents and educators, too!
Here are the Left to right identification with grade levels: Back row: CHS Principal Karl Mueller,Jaclyn Bunker(9), Baylie Zimmerman (10), Mary Grace Braun (11), Kyana Van Houten (12), VP Jenny Moore. Front row: Matt Gillingham (9), Justin Meek (10), Willis Taylor (11), Patrick Erskine (12)
Palm Academy Principal Kevin Nichols, Jacob Dawley, Aubrey Brewer, and Faculty Member Kim Strassburger.
Optimist Youth Leaders Putting Ideas Into Action
The optimism and creative spirit of both the CHS Octagon and the CMS Jr. Optimist clubs are outstanding. Fellow members have experienced the satisfaction that results from volunteering time and talent to worthwhile projects. Successful projects require planning, promotion and work; the planning and promotion result from good leadership by students who lead in a variety of capacities; the work requires cheerful participation by all members.
In addition to superb student leaders, the Octagon and Jr. Optimist clubs are most fortunate to have excellent adult supervisors. Supporting the Octagon Club are Teacher/Advisor Ian Silverman and Optimist Liaison Laura Lynn Meek . Teacher/Advisor Jennifer Landry supports the Jr. Optimist Club. Laura Lynn and Jennifer are also members of the Optimist Club. The Coronado Optimists are proud to sponsor these outstanding clubs and salute their good works.
Optimist Essay Contest
Photo (L-R): Winners Andrew Morris & Claire Purvis, Optimist Sally Wilson (Luke McCue not avail for photo)
The Optimist Essay Contest, under the leadership of Sally Wilson, again produced outstanding essays from students in Coronado. The essay topic was: “How My Positive Outlook Benefits My Community”. Winners this year were: 1st Place: Claire Purvis; 2nd Place: Luke McCue; 3rdPlace: Andrew Morris.
Claire wrote about how her life-long health problems have inspired her to work toward easing the burdens of other children with similar difficulties. She and a friend, who also suffers in her young age, have several projects to give hope to children at the hospital where they have been treated. Claire wrote that she has missed out on many things, but she has not been let down. Her love enhances the lives of other whose problems Claire well understands.
Luke McCue wrote about how being part of a military family and having the opportunity to visit 16 countries has made him realize he is a citizen of the world. It has taught him he can help make a difference by bringing people together to accomplish things for the greater good. Last summer he had the opportunity to be a member of a team that built an elementary school from the ground up in Ghana. Through this experience as well as others he has had in other countries, and with his role as an elected member of his student body association, he brings people together, gets them enthusiastic about working together and accomplishes tasks none of them could have completed alone.
Andrew wrote about using his talent on the piano to ease the loneliness of older folks in an assisted living home, many who suffer with dementia and severe health problems. Andrew brightens their days with his songs. He wrote that, as his music floats down and around the corners of the halls of the home, people have their nurses wheel them to the sound of music in the room where he plays. Older people sing or hum songs they remember. He enjoys making their day a little brighter.
The three winners represented not only themselves but also all the students who entered the contest, teachers and families who provide support and encouragement. The Optimist Club thanks you all!
Optimist Oratorical Contest
March 28, 2012 - A record number of 14 contestants participated in this year’s Optimist Oratorical Contest. The topic addressed was; “How Optimism Helps Me to Overcome Obstacles”. Student orators were from Coronado Middle School and Sacred Heart Parish School.
Each speech was graded for poise, delivery and effectiveness and was 4 to 5 minutes long. In attendance were students, parents, teachers, school administrators and Optimists. The judges this year were Mayor Casey Tanaka and Optimists Bill Perry, Mike Lavin and Molly McKay. Optimist Claudia Ludlow, General Manager of the Glorietta Bay Inn, was contest coordinator.
All of the orators spoke of the importance of being optimistic. Phrases such as; hang in there, press on, never give up, learn from mistakes, can’t change life--only how we live it, were but a sample. The importance of optimism in developing self-confidence was mentioned in several speeches. One contestant said, “I never gave a speech before, but I’m doing it!”
The boy winners were Alex Gutierrez (1st), Dante Gutierrez (2nd) and Jaime Caballero (3rd). Girl winners were Lorea Mediguren (1st), Carolina Salomire (2nd) and Andrea Gutierrez (3rd). The first place winners will continue on to the next level of competition. If successful, the final level of competition will be at the Cal-South District, where winners receive $2500 scholarships.
The Optimists thank all that made the contest successful – especially the orators, judges, teachers and parents!
Alan Aegerter Serving as Optimist CalSouth District Lt. Governor
Coronado resident Al Aegerter has served the youth in our community for many years. Active in the Optimist Club since joining, he chaired several youth projects, served as board member, and was chosen by the membership as President for the year 2000-2001.
Known as a ‘go to person’, he was asked and agreed to serve in the Optimist California-South District as Lt. Governor. In this capacity he supports, counsels and guides clubs that not only includes the renown Coronado Optimists but also several other clubs in the district. It is great to have citizens in Coronado like Al, willing to serve others and the youth they support.