The Eagle Optimist Club is currently preparing a "Welcome Basket" donation to PATH Idaho. PATH is a private non-profit organization that has provided treatment foster care and child and family services since 1972. During the 2010-2011 Christmas Season Eagle Optimists donated a Christmas tree and dinner to a foster family. This year PATH had a different need. They have a young lady that is 18 years old and preparing to leave foster care and move out on her own. They requested a "Welcome Basket" To help with her transition into independent living, PATH has developed a project that seeks “sponsors” to fill laundry baskets with basic household items a young person needs as they move out on their own and are welcomed to adulthood. We are planning on presenting the donation at our February 28th luncheon meeting.

Sharing stories with peers

President Ben Gard led the Eagle Optimist Club members at the recent PNW District regional meeting in Twin Falls, Idaho. He is shown here making a report to the group of approximately 80 Idaho Optimist Club members where he described our Christmas Tree sales fundraiser, Coats for Kids, the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and membership recruitment efforts, among other things.

Ben says he didn't mean to be funny, but he made the group laugh - good heartedly -  anyway. That's optimism!

Linda Jackson, Myrna Harris and Mike Harris look on as
Ben Gard reports on some activities of the Eagle Optimist Club

Enter now for $2,500 scholarship opportunities

Calling all students!

You are invited to participate in an Optimist International Scholarship Contest through the Eagle Optimist Club. It's easy-to-do and you can earn cash, maybe a trip to the Oregon Coast and ultimately a $2,500 scholarship.

Whether you write or speak (or both!), there is a contest for you. Click on the flyer to enlarge and print. Follow the links to the official entry forms here:

Essay Contest - Due February 14 

Oratorical Contest - Due March 21 

Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing - Due April 20

We look forward to hearing what you have to say about optimism in your life.

Optimists learn about mobile meth labs

Sgt. Jake Vogt

A curious crowd gathered today at the Eagle Optimist Club meeting to learn how to cook meth. "Cook" is a euphemism for the process of manufacturing the highly addictive, illicit drug methamphetamine, because of the flammable materials and high heat used in processing.

Sgt. Vogt demonstrates
the meth-making process

Ada County Sheriff Sgt. Jake Vogt provided the demonstration via the department's mobile meth lab. Carried around in Rubbermaid totes, it's easy to see how drug dealing criminals can move around quickly. What's not so clear, is why anyone would go to the extremely dangerous and time consuming process of manufacturing meth. No, it's not that hard, and although the police monitor purchases, most materials are available over-the-counter in any grocery store, drug store, or similar outlet; but the process requires patience as the drugs are separated from their bonding agents and then remixed in the form known as meth. That question is unfortunately answered: most meth is manufactured south of the border and trafficked throughout Idaho and the US.

As Optimist Club members, we promise to provide a positive influence on youth and others in our communities. Being aware of the signs of meth labs, meth use and drug abuse in general will help develop programs to combat this crime. Especially interested in today's program was a team from PATH Idaho. PATH provides treatment foster care for children and resources for foster families in Idaho.

Member (2nd from right) Bobbi Geiger and the
PATH Idaho team

Welcome new members!

Earlier this year, the Eagle Optimist Club held a NOW (New Optimists Welcome) reception to tell the community about the club and invite individuals to join in the fun, fellowship and service.

Four individuals said, "Yes!" and they were officially installed as new Optimist Club members at the luncheon meeting on January 17.

Joining the Eagle Optimist Club (top to bottom) are Patrick Stromer, D.C., Shari Doke, SLP, Paulette Esposito and Rocky Jackson. They are all shown with President Ben Gard.

You can get involved with our projects too! Contact Ben Gard, President, to learn more.