News
Optimist Club of Coronado
Weekly Optimist Meeting 05-16-2019
The Middle School Fav Students, Track, Robotics
The Room was full of young folks, parents, and finally Optimists.
John Bowen had orchestrated another of our special days to celebrate the youth of Coronado, and we also had on hand school activities leaders to take home our Big Checks. But first President Fargo hit the bell, Irish Flynn gave us prayer, and Karl Mueller led the pledge.
At the top left we see Coach George Green and four of his champion league track folk taking home a check for $500. The athletes are all bound for college track teams. Nick Dunn, Madden Hundley, Teresa Perez, and Sofia van Arsdale all hold school records and have been participating in invitational meets.
Coach Green said that the money we donate is used to help fund their travel. George thanked us for our help with the meets, and drew our applause for his long 25 years as his coaching career winds down with a fine team. In the picture over to the right Don Crawford hands a check for $795 to CMS Principal Karin Mellina and Coach Todd Thielman who thanked us for funding among other items a Lap Tracker that lets the kids log the miles and miles that they run. No more pencil notes on a bulletin board. Finally, Jack Miller, next year's president of the Robotics Club takes a check for $400 from Lee Cargill and President Carla. Jack told us that this year's robot stacked plates and climbed a wall because, well, why not? Yeh!
The Coronado Middle School Student Achievement Awards were next up. We had a glowing introduction by John Bowen to cap off this third week of the Awards. Counselor Mike Crooker, Assistant Principal Brooke Falar, and Principal Karin Mellina told us all about these wonderful young people. The students were all chosen by their peers which make the award very special.Sixth graders Salma Ali and Jack Harvey were introduced by Mike Crooker. She loves dance, tennis, and is pleased to have given the speech at her elementary school graduation. This your lady wants to be a general surgeon. Jack Harvey is in advanced band, has a black belt and is into robotics. Jack want to become a cyberwarrior in the Navy.
Brooke Falar presented 7th grader Susana Pate who is a lover of softball. Susana has earned academic prizes and was awarded a special rank in the Safety Patrol. She hopes to play Division One Softball in college. Her classmate Wyatt Riebe is a Boy Scout who wants to be an eagle. After he lives a great life as a Navy pilot he would like to discover a new land species.Karin Mollina said that she loves the time that 8th grader Olivia Karnas spends in her office. Oliva is very active in Junior Optimist International as the Treasurer. She is also the local President. Olivia has a optimistic goal of empowering others. And she has a wonderful smile. Classmate Ryan Kennedy has been to school all over the country and all over the world. He loves water polo and works hard at it above his grade level. He hopes to go to the Naval Academy and fly Navy aircraft.
We sent all these youngsters back to school with blessings and smiles for them and for Mike, Brooke, and Karin as well as Matt Smith and Kevin Perez who are advisors for the Junior Optimists. Just look at all those happy faces of the youngsters and their proud parents in the picture below.
Don't forget the Ad Sales Effort. Open that manila envelope and please get busy.
Bragging
Weekly Optimist Meeting 04-18-2019
Introductions
Much to do this morning and so we start with potpourri, to wit: bread baked sans leaven and brought annually to our meeting by BJ Adleson to mark the Passover. This morning somebody got all the cream cheese and jam before I arrived at the table.
Next, everybody gets to be "inked" on her 60th birthday, right? Our master gardener chose leaves for her ankle to answer a family challenge.
And our betters wuss out before the furrowed brow of Big Brother. The club is suspending our opportunity drawings because the IRS is watching. If Lyman Green were not in Sick Bay he would cry out Patrick Henry-like, "This shall not stand!" What happened to the spirit of Lexington and Concord?
Meanwhile the board of directors meet to give stuff away legally on Monday next at 6PM in the library boardroom. You are welcome to come and watch.
And--drum roll please-- we have a slate of officers to vote for pretty soon. Here be it.
For President Elect Rob Kracht; For VPs Paul Lull and Jim Jamison; for Directors (2019-20) Richard Loomis, Mike Croll, and Tom Catlin. We will have the slate read one more time and then a vote. If you have another candidate be ready next Thursday.
$$$$ Giving Away The Cash $$$$
No big checks this week, but a couple of letters of thanks from the Middle School for the sixth grade camp donations and from United Everybody A Reader.
Cheri Aegerter who gave our prayer also bragged with joy that her 20 year old daughter has graduated and flown from the nest.
Irish Flynn told us that our able helpers at the Middle School Track Meet Wednesday met the challenge of many heats of many runners. Don Crawford and Lee Cargill were up to the task.
The fine story in the paper about the HS Surf team taking home all the bacon must have Stan dancing up in the stars.
The Eggstravganza was a hit with all the little folk last Sunday. Thanks to our crew of helpers for Easter Bunny.
Spring Fling is right around the corner
There is still time to join us at the new old Mexican Village on Tuesday, April 30. Renee is taking reservations. Give her a call to join us.
Announcements
Thirty-three years ago Lance Massey found his table and he has kept his spot.
We hosted the zone Oratorical Contest Wednesday at the Winn Room. The speakers all did their clubs proud. At the left above is 2nd place finisher Faith Talamantez from the Bonita Club; next is Logan McKerring who was third representing our club. In the green dress was the winner Deanie Woodruff from the Point Loma Club, and our alternate is Ian Sturak also representing Point Loma.
The photo on the right shows all the family and friends who came to the show. Look at all the smiles. And thanks to the Optimists and Rotarians who put shoulders to the wheel to bring this off.
Below we have our speaker from the Writing Den. Christian Michael started the project when he found a treasuer chest of cards, stationary, and postage in his mother's things after she died. Christian found a wonderful way to use tihis material while honoring his mother by connecting homeless people with friends and family though writing. Read his story at writingden.org. You will love it.
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.
Optimist Club Oratorical Contest 2012
Optimist Club to Sponsor Oratorical Contest for Students
The Optimist Club of Coronado is encouraging area students to speak their minds about the topic “How my Optimism Helps me Overcome Obstacles” as part of the Optimist International Oratorical Contest for the 2011-2012 year.
The Optimist Club will judge the local students’ speeches based on content and presentation to determine the top winners. Winners will receive cash awards to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the winning speeches will be sent to the zone level, and possibly the district level for the opportunity to win college scholarships. Several students from Coronado have won scholarships in prior years.
Students under the age of 18 as of December 31, 2011, who have not yet graduated from high school or the equivalent, are eligible to participate. Six students will be chosen to represent each school and competition will be separate gender contests.
“As they prepare for their future, many of our local students need experience expressing their thoughts and opinions to an audience,” Club President Dick Madouse said. “The Oratorical Contest challenges them to do just that and also offers an opportunity for scholarships. In this way, our club hopes to bring out the best in each of them and help them achieve their goals for the future.”
The deadline to hand in speeches is Monday, March 26, 2012. Students wishing to participate in the oratorical contest can find out more about the contest by contacting the club chair Claudia Ludlow (Glorietta Bay Inn) at 619-365-0241 or contacting their local counselor or teacher for their school.