Eagle Optimist Club

Enter now for $2,500 scholarship opportunities

2012-02-03T09:23:00.000-08:00

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

2012-01-31T17:38:00.000-08:00

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!

2012-01-23T22:55:00.000-08:00

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.

Refugees discover warmth of Eagle Optimist Club

2012-01-09T22:17:00.000-08:00

The Eagle Optimist Club conducted the third annual Coats for Kids drive in November and December collecting more than 150 new and gently used coats and redistributing them in the community through The Landing Community Center.

Chairperson Brandy Ethridge placed donation boxes in local schools and businesses participated in the collection including, among others, Bank of the Cascades, Syringa Bank, and Washington Trust Bank.

All gently used donations received complimentary cleaning courtesy of Custom Care Cleaners, 228 E. Plaza St. Eagle.

A major beneficiary of this year's drive was the St. Alphonsus Family C.A.R.E Maternal/Child Health Clinic. With a specific goal of helping refugees adapt to life in the United States and Ada County, Idaho, the clinic provides health care, social and community assistance to women and families from many different countries and continents.

Shown in the picture are refugees, St. Alphonsus Family C.A.R.E Maternal/Child Health Clinic Staff and Eagle Optimist Club members Myrna Harris and Mike Harris.

The Eagle Optimist Club sincerely appreciates the kind donations from the community. Thank you!

Christmas trees for a cause

2011-11-10T19:51:00.001-08:00

The Eagle Optimist Club Christmas Tree lot will return to historic downtown Eagle, at the corner of old State Street and N. Eagle Road on November 26.

Proceeds will benefit community and youth service projects including, among other things, scholarships for public speaking and essay writing and a special project for deaf and hard of hearing students.

The lot will be open every day:
Weekdays 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Experience Optimism: When the temperatures drop

2011-11-03T20:14:00.000-07:00

Experience Optimism: When the temperatures drop: We woke up to temperatures in the low 20s today. That means that fall is here and winter can't be too far behind.

Please click on the link to learn how Optimist Clubs help children with Coats for Kids programs in Idaho.

Ben Gard inducted as president of the Eagle Optimist Club

2011-10-14T20:02:00.000-07:00

Ben Gard, Gretchen Brown and Mike Harris (l-r)

On October 8, Ben Gard took the oath of office to become the second president of the Eagle Optimist Club following co-presidents Mike Harris and Gretchen Brown.

Looking forward to the year ahead, Ben said he hopes to add more active members beginning with a membership meet and greet on October 18 and to continue to improve services for children and adults in the Eagle community.

Find out how you can get involved with the Eagle Optimist Club by emailing Ben today.

Eagle Optimist Club announces Essay Contest

2011-10-03T12:36:00.000-07:00

Are you a positive person? Do people call you an optimist? Are you 18 years old or younger?

If you answered yes to any of the above questions then you must tell us all about your optimism during the annual Optimist International Essay Contest sponsored by the Eagle Optimist Club.

Students can earn a $2,500 scholarship by participating. To enter, they must write a 700-800 word essay on the official topic: "How my Positive Outlook Benefits my Community."

Please click on the flyer to learn more and download the entry blank to get started.

Time to celebrate another year!

2011-09-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

The Eagle Optimist Club is preparing for the new Optimist Club year. Please join us for the club installation banquet on Saturday, October 8 where you'll enjoy some Mickey Ray's BBQ and the fellowship of your Eagle Optimist friends.

Please RSVP as soon as possible. Thanks!

Eagle Optimist Update

2011-08-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

A short summary of our discussionsyesterday at lunch:

Membership Drive –

The most important thing for ourclub to accomplish is to increase our membership.

One way we can do that is to talk topeople - about your club, what we are trying to accomplish, about Optimism.Then invite them to come to a lunch meeting and get involved.

Another way to grow the club is amembership ‘event’ like our planned event on 9/24. In order to make that work,I need to get the spreadsheet/occupation lists that were sent out back so wecan put together a mailing list. We are running out of time, so please look thelist over, put down any names you think of, and get it back to me ASAP.

Optimist concession stands –

Boise noon club is looking for helpmanning their concession stands at the Optimist football facility on Hill roadagain this year. This was a good fundraiser for our club last year, in order tocommit again this year I need to know who is interested and can commit to sometime on the weekends from 9/10 to 10/15. Whatever you can or want to do whetherit is 1 Saturday for a 4 hour shift or every Saturday for all day. Again – letme know ASAP.

Safety day project –

Has tentatively been re-scheduledfor 10/11/11 from 5 to 7 at the Landing. We need volunteers to help at theevent (which will include being there an hour or two early to set up) and weneed someone to chair/coordinate the event. Let me know what you can help with…

The new officers will assume the‘reins’ on 10/1/11 and Ben is working on a time and place for an installationbanquet/dinner. If you have any ideas or can help let himknow.

Thanks,

Mike

Mike Harris and Gretchen Brown, Co-presidents

Activities to help keep our kids safe

2011-06-11T07:21:00.000-07:00

The Eagle Optimist Club is helping children in our community get ready to enjoy a safe summer.

On Saturday, June 11, Optimist Club members will assist Washington Trust Bank at the first family fun area at Eagle Fun Days. Stop by and say hello, and let the kids run in this safe area while you take a break. We'll be there from 10 am to 8 pm, in the exhibit area near City Hall.

Next week, please join us for the second annual Child Safety Day. We want kids to be safe at home, on their bikes and will teach them some personal safety tips too. Please click and print the flyer for full details.

Optimist Club recognizes ArtsWest students

2011-06-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

Allison and Chas, Regional Winners,
PNW District Optimist Oratorical Contest

A nice group was on hand on May 31 congratulate the Regional winners of the Pacific Northwest District Optimist Oratorical Contest for 2011. Chas Baines captured first place and Allison Smith, second. Both are students at ArtsWest School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Eagle, Idaho.

Dan Critell served as the first chairperson for this activity. Please click on the pictures to enlarge. Photo credit: Myrna Harris.

Dan Critell, Club Oratorical Contest Chair

Club members chat with the ArtsWest Group

Feel the optimism!

2011-05-03T21:30:00.000-07:00

Myrna Harris invites you to sample what it's like to be an Optimist Club member with a slideshow. Hint: it's amazing!

This slideshow was created from pictures of the PNW District Communications Contest for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. Cassidy Flake, Jessica Guttierez and Ricky Clark represented the Eagle Optimist Club.

Headlines!

2011-05-02T10:06:00.000-07:00

The Eagle Optimist Club made news today. Twice.

First, we were on the front page of the Valley Times newspaper for our Arbor Day tree planting with the City of Eagle.

Next, we were part of Kevin Miller's video on YouTube promoting "Letters from Home" in conjunction with his planned trip to Iraq.

Enjoy.

City of Eagle to celebrate Arbor Day with the Optimist Club

2011-04-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

Press Release

April 25, 2011 - the City of Eagle: The City of Eagle recently received notification that it had earned national designation as a Tree City USA for the 19th consecutive year!

In celebration the City of Eagle, in conjunction with Eagle Optimist Club, will be holding a tree planting ceremony on April 28, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. Members of Eagle Optimist Club generously donated a tree for the ceremony, and will be present for the event. Please join Mayor Jim Reynolds on Second Street between State Street and Idaho Street for the planting of a new street tree.

Tree Project Update

2011-04-24T22:19:00.000-07:00

A note from Vice President and Christmas Tree Sales Chairman Ben Gard

I wanted to give everyone an update on our tree project. I came up with the idea of donating a tree to the City of Eagle during the Christmas Tree sale as a way of thanking everyone, especially The Goldman Family, for helping us out. I've been in contact with City of Eagle and they would like make our tree donation part of their Arbor Day celebration. So we get to kill two birds with one stone (or tree as the case may be.) The planting ceremony will be on Thursday, April 28 (That is actually the day before Arbor Day) at 1:30pm at the Eagle Senior Center, 312 E. State Street. There will be a ceremony with the mayor presiding. I hope that every member that has the opportunity can make the ceremony.

Thank you,
Ben

Happy to meet you!

2011-04-19T17:41:00.000-07:00

Self-introductions at the Eagle Optimist Club luncheon

Today we welcomed guests Jodie Correa and Joyce Little to our Optimist Club luncheon. Unfortunately our guest speaker, Kevin Miller from KIDO, was a no-show and our program instead celebrated the success of the club level Oratorical Contests.

Three contestants will be traveling to Salem, Oregon to participate in the District competition for the Communications Contest for Deaf and Hard of Hearing students. The students, Cassidy Flake, Jessica Gutierrrez, and Ricky Clark will be joined by instructor Jana Dunagan and Optimist Club members Mike Harris, Myrna Harris and Linda Jackson.

In other business, Ben Gard updated us on the purchase of a tree to recognize the Goldman family who graciously donated their property for our 2010 Christmas Tree Sales. Working with the City of Eagle, Ben has arranged for an Arbor Day planting of a Chanticleer Pear Tree.

Mr. Miller promises to reschedule soon so he can talk of his plans to travel to Afghanistan with the 116th guard unit from Idaho.

It was a great meeting today. Why not visit us soon?

Photo by Myrna Harris.

Watching the Decorah Eagles in Eagle, Idaho

2011-04-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

This isn't about an Optimist Club or Eagle, Idaho, but it is about Eagles ... plus, it is really cool. Please enjoy the live stream to the Decorah Eagles, a live broadcast from the Raptor Resource Project in Decorah, Iowa.

Live Videos by Ustream

Oratorical Contest a success!

2011-03-25T21:11:00.000-07:00

The Eagle Optimist Club hosted their first Oratorical Scholarship Contest on Wednesday evening, March 23, at ArtsWest School for the Performing and Visual Arts.

Optimist Club members, family, friends, and faculty gathered and watched nine talented young adults deliver their speeches on “"If I Were Leader of the Free World, the First Issue I Would Address Would be ... " the topic for the national program this year. This year the students were all from ArtsWest School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Eagle.

Contest winners were Chas Baines, a Junior at ArtsWest, 1^st place; Courtney Stennett, a Senior at ArtsWest, 2^nd place; and Allison Smith, a Junior at ArtsWest, 3^rd place.

The local winners won medallions and cash prizes for 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd places. The top two winners now have the opportunity to compete against students from Idaho, Washington and Oregon at the Zone level. The winners at the Zone contest will advance to District and compete for two $2,500 college scholarships.

First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program each year. The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundations is awarded annually from this program.

Optimist Clubs are dedicated to "Bringing Out the Best in Kids" and do their part through community service projects. Since each Club is autonomous and run by members in their community, Optimists have the unique flexibility to serve the youth of their area in any way they see fit. Optimist Clubs see a need in their community and react to it. Optimists strive to live up to their name and maintain an upbeat attitude, which they try to pass along to the children they serve.

ArtsWest is Idaho's only private arts school and is located in Eagle, Idaho. Artistic focuses include theater, visual arts, contemporary and classical instrumental, songwriting, dance, photography, jazz, voice and more. ArtsWest is a member of the Northwest Association of Accredited Schools and 95% of overall graduates are awarded artistic or academic college scholarships.

Story by Mike Harris.

Photos by Myrna Harris.

Get published!

2011-03-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

The Eagle Optimist Club is looking for guest bloggers to write about activities in the club and how we can and do make a difference in the Eagle community.

Optimist Club members are encouraged to volunteer to be part of the communications team. Your responsibility: Make one post to the club blog at least once per month.

We are also looking for positive news and inspirational stories from our members and others in the community.

Please email Linda Jackson for details.

PNW Optimist Clubs: Larry Blackburn shares his enthusiasm

2011-02-24T12:18:00.000-08:00

We had a great visit from Zone 7 Lt. Governor Larry Blackburn on Tuesday. Please click on the link to read all about generating excitement for Optimist Club projects in Eagle.

PNW Optimist Clubs: Larry Blackburn shares his enthusiasm

Eagle Optimist Club recognized by Optimist International

2011-02-10T12:22:00.000-08:00

The Eagle Optimist Club was recognized by Optimist International and the Pacific Northwest District for being an Honor Club in 2009-10. According to Linda Jackson, District Governor 2009-10, it is unusual for a new club to earn this distinction and less than 25% of clubs nation-wide earn the title each year.

To be named an Honor Club, the Optimist Club must demonstrate their ability for serving the community based on criteria established by Optimist International that includes membership growth, project development and implementation, financial oversight, governance and administration.

Co-presidents Gretchen Brown of Integrity Financial and Mike Harris of Syringa Bank, helped their club members achieve all and more. During its inaugural year, the Eagle Optimist Club:

Mike Harris and Gretchen Brown, Co-presidents

Added 10 members above its beginning number ending the year with 28 members
Conducted three service projects - Coats for Kids, Food Drive and Holiday Baskets, and a Child Safety Fair with The Landing Community Center
Participated in Regional and District leadership conferences
Started an annual fundraiser - Christmas Tree sales
Filed all of the paperwork necessary to let Optimist International know how the Optimist Club organization was serving the Eagle community

The Eagle Optimist Club is a service club made up of adult men and women who come together to perform projects with a special emphasis on helping children reach their full potential. We welcome new members, new ideas and new partnerships. Please visit one of our meetings or send us an email to find out more about being involved with this dynamic force in our community.

'Tis the season

2010-11-22T13:40:00.000-08:00

'Tis the season for Christmas Tree Sales! We're looking for help from all of our members for our first annual Christmas Tree Fundraiser. Check out the flyer for details and then contact Mike Harris and sign-up for a shift.

The fun starts this weekend! Please join us!

Click here to download the Eagle Optimist Club Christmas Tree Sales flyer as a pdf.

PNW Optimist Clubs: Eagle Optimists complete Coats for Kids drive

2010-11-18T08:16:00.000-08:00

The Optimist Club of Eagle, Idaho completed its annual Coats for Kids drive by donating over 150 coats to the Landing Community Center. Click on the link for the full story: PNW Optimist Clubs: Eagle Optimists complete Coats for Kids drive

Installation banquet to be held November 20

2010-11-10T20:22:00.000-08:00

The Eagle Optimist Club will celebrate their first anniversary at the annual installation banquet on November 20 at Seasons Bistro. We hope that you will join us!

Please click on the flyer for more information.

Meeting reminder

2010-10-25T20:30:00.000-07:00

Our weekly meeting will be held tomorrow, noon, at Willowcreek Grill – bring some cash for the 50/50 tickets – you can’t win if you don’t play - we hope to see you there this week!

The date has been set for the Eagle Installation Banquet – circle your calendar for November 20^th. Invitations will follow later. Please plan on bringing your spouse and enjoy an evening of good food, friends and Optimism!

For all you golfers - follow along at the Tournament of Champions

The sixth annual Tournament of Champions is this weekend! Ninety-six junior golfers will compete in three age divisions. Players come from 20 states in the U.S., two Canadian provinces and 14 other nations. To follow along with them as they take on Disney’s Palm Golf Course, visit www.juniorgolfresults.com.

Coats for Kids Drive kicks off in Eagle

2010-09-27T08:32:00.000-07:00

Click to enlarge

Good Monday!!

A short reminder for our meeting tomorrow – Willowcreek Grill, 12 noon.

We have attached a flyer for our “Coats for Kids” drive which has formally begun thanks to a lot of effort from Brian – Great Job Brian!! Everyone please put these up and pass them around to friends and family – let’s get those barrels filled before this weather turns cold!!

Also, we have added several new members to our club, so everyone come by tomorrow and meet them! (and we have room for more so bring someone to the meeting)

The date for the Eagle club installation banquet has been changed to October 10 (due to the number of Bronco fans in the organization), beginning with a social hour at 5 and dinner beginning at 6. A formal invitation with location and meal selections will be forthcoming.

See you tomorrow!

Mike & Gretchen

Eagle Optimist Club

Busy season ahead for the Eagle Optimist Club

2010-08-30T08:47:00.000-07:00

Good afternoon!!

There will be a meeting of the Eagle Optimist club tomorrow – 12 noon – at the Willowcreek Grill in Eagle 1065 E Winding Creek Dr Ste 100, Eagle, ID 83616.

The meeting agenda will look something like this:

The Meridian installation banquet;
Eagle Installation banquet;
Assisting at the Optimist football field concession stand on Saturdays;
Coats for Kids Drive project;
Holiday Food Baskets project;
Upcoming Oratorical program/contest; See this link for further info - http://www.optimist.org/e/visitor/scholarships.cfm
Starting an Eagle JOOI club See this link for further info - http://www.optimist.org/e/visitor/jooi.cfm
And finally - the Upcoming Essay Contest See this link for further info - http://www.optimist.org/e/visitor/scholarships.cfm

I hope you can all make it!

Mike

Join us tomorrow for lunch

2010-07-19T08:37:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon!

We will be holding our regularly scheduled meeting tomorrow, 12 noon, at Willowcreek Grill. Gretchen will be moderating the event with discussions on the upcoming District meeting, work project(s) for the fall, and other topics. Please bring a friend who shares your views about projects that benefit, involve or recognize children and let’s make this club grow!!

I hope some of you were able to make the Meridian club’s meeting last week. Fun was had by all as they awarded the Mark Baer of Meridian, winner of the PNWD golf tournament, with $200 to help with his expenses to the international tournament in Florida.

For those who might be ‘locationally challenged’ tomorrow, the Boise Noon Club is hosting Idaho Air National Guard Brigadier General William H. Shawver. The General will be speaking about the F-35 coming to Gowen Field. The BNC meets at the Twin Dragon Rest. at noon.

Optimistically –

Mike

Next meeting at River Rock Ale House

2010-06-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

Good Afternoon!

Our weekly meeting tomorrow will be helot at River Rock Ale House at 5:30pm. The address is 228 E Plaza Dr Ste R, Eagle, ID 83616. We have made the attempt to accommodate different work/life schedules by changing some of our meeting times, I hope that everyone can make it out for some Optimist comradery!

See you there!

Mike Harris

Update - June 2

2010-06-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

Hello! Wow! It’s already June! Shouldn’t there be sunshine?!

June is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month!
Did you know that one in every 330 Americans develops cancer before the age of 20? Optimist Clubs are encouraged to help by building awareness of the disease, providing assistance to childhood cancer patients and their families and supporting research to find a cure. Want to lend a hand? Bring your ideas to a June meeting.

Child Safety Day
Once again I want to thank everyone who organized and helped with our 1st Safety Day last month at the Landing! The kids had a great time and we plan to do it again next year!

On Facebook?
Please become a fan of the Eagle Optimist Club for club updates and meeting times. Spread the word and invite your friends! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Eagle-Optimist-Club/303255599056

Here’s the schedule for the remainder of June:
NEW Evening Meetings – 2nd (and 5th!) Tuesday of each month – Locations will vary
***Please note there will NOT be a lunch meeting on the 2nd and 5th Tuesday of each month.

Tuesday, June 8th – Evening Meeting
This will be the first of our evening social meetings. Feel free to bring friends and family. This meeting will take place at Willowcreek Grill in Eagle from 5:30pm to 7:00pm. Please be sure to RSVP via Facebook or email me at gbrown@integrityofidaho.com

Tuesday, June 15th - Lunch
Regular meeting 12pm to 1pm @ Willowcreek Grill
Tuesday, June 22nd - Lunch
GUEST SPEAKERS – The authors of “Daily Erotica” – 12pm to 1pm @ Willowcreek Grill
Discover inspiration and motivation by reading just one poem a day from "Daily Erotica," a book of passionate poems by four local women; Rachel Hatch, Liza Long, Gretchen Anderson and Elaine Ambrose.

Tuesday, June 29th - Evening Meeting
5:30pm – 7pm @ River Rock Alehouse near Alberstons in Eagle at 228 E Plaza St # Q. Again please RSVP!

Have a great week! Please feel free to pass this on! See you soon!

Gretchen Brown