New Year Messages from Governor Lynden, GE Nutilia and IVP Sonia

Let’s make things happen this year

The New Year 2013 is upon us. It is the appropriate time to examine our resolve for another 365 ¼ days.  What will it be for you?

Many things will happen outside of our control, but we will have control of many things. Depending on how you face life you will fall into one of the following categories of people; Those who say, What happened? Those who let things happen to them; and those who MAKE things happen!!

My challenge is that we aim for the third category; let’s make things happen this year.  Let us put our thoughts and talents together and make something special happen.

This begins with the individual; you have to believe in yourself. Know who you are and define your potential and exercise your special gift (we all have one).

In our Optimist service we need everyone to pool together as we seek to make a difference for our children.  We can motivate each other to greatness; as our creed states in the third tenet “make all your friends feel that there is something in them” This includes those members we deleted earlier. Can we motivate them to recommit?  Think on these things.

We have exciting days ahead so get geared up. For now I wish for all a meaningful holiday season.  Reflect on the past but gear for the future by making the present a positive experience.

Lynden Buchanan

Governor

Optimist International Caribbean District

I wish for you…strength to make the dreams of others come true.

We as Optimists have the wonderful opportunity to celebrate New Year’s Day twice in each year. This one however does not require an elevator speech or any further clarification.

My wish for all of us is that the mistakes of 2012 lead us to make better decisions in 2013

… That we add heaps of good health, happiness and prosperity on to the plates of all our loved ones on New Year’s Day.

That any frowns that slipped into our being last year can be escorted out and replaced by that cheerful countenance that leads us to a more fulfilling existence and allows us to see beyond our own needs each and every day.

For me this year will bring additional challenges and wonderful opportunities to get to know many of you better, and I’m looking forward to that.

As the New Year dawns, I wish you more happiness than you ever dreamed possible and enough wealth and strength to make the dreams of others come true.

May God richly bless each and every one of us.

Your governor in waiting,

Nutilia Simon

Governor-Elect 2012-2013

Optimist International Caribbean District

The power of ‘New’ is unmistakable

It seems like 2012 began just yesterday ...and yet it has been a very long year; a year filled with laughter and tears; challenges…defeats, and triumphs.  Many will be glad to see it end; but all will be glad to welcome the New Year.

The power of ‘New’ is unmistakable.  It brings renewed spirit… and hope for positive change and prosperity; greater opportunities to share and make a difference in our children’s lives.

Let’s make every day count as we develop ourselves, our children and our communities. Let’s be a bit kinder to each other; be more forgiving of ourselves and others; love more.

…and let’s find even a few minutes to:

Reflect on 2012; Give thanks for even the small mercies; Recognize that we do have regrets; accept our mistakes and ... be resolved not to make the same mistakes again.

Live, love, laugh, enjoy…

…and have a happy New Year!

IVP Sonia Anderson

OI South East Region

HAPPY NEW YEAR...

What does Christmas mean to you?

Governor Lynden:

For me it is making the children in my Sunday School community aware that Christmas is about Christ's Gift of love; I have for the past (almost) thirty years written and produced  the Christmas programme for Sunday School. It is my joy to give them prizes and presents as they perform their recitations and act in the Drama.

"Christmas means to me a time to live out the gift of giving as God gave His Son to bring us back in fellowship with Him; I give joy to the kids and am always blessed in return"

IVP Sonia:

Christmas …a time of fond memories of childhood and great family gatherings; a time of reflection; a time of giving; a time of love; a time of gratitude for the greatest gift of all …our Lord Jesus Christ.

PG Joe:

Family, friends and loved ones. The one time of the year when we get off the treadmill and stop and appreciate and enjoy the people that truly mean much to us.

CP Valerie:

Remembering the birth of Christ 

Sharing, love, peace and goodwill to all (especially our children)

GA Dave:

In addition to celebrating Christ's birth, Christmas is a time for family. If at no other time I feel that pull to just be with my family. All together celebrating each other and acknowledging the love and appreciation we have for each other (sometimes by exchanging tokens) by just being in each others' presence. 

     Merry Christmas, everybody...

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

It's been while since we have shared on this platform; but what better time to reconnect than in this season of peace and goodwill when we all take time out to reflect on the wonderful gift of love and the message of giving.
Here is a message from our 2012-2013 Governor Lynden Buchanan:

At this special time of year I take the opportunity to wish all Optimists and their family a Peaceful and Holy Christmas.  Not everyone celebrates Christmas as it is commonly done for a number of reasons; some as a result of their religious beliefs and others for cultural or economic reasons.

Undoubtedly though the message of Christmas resounds for all to pattern; God gave the Gift of Love to the world and this Gift keeps on giving every day; it is a message of service, of giving of one’s self to the improvement of the welfare of others who are primarily unable to do so on their own. This attitude of service and giving transcends religious, cultural and economic restrictions and therefore make this particular time of year special.

My message is that we seek out individuals who are not able to improve their particular welfare and give of ourselves in such a way that will bring joy to those to whom we give.

Remember the starfish story, it didn’t cost the little girl any money, she had no religious barriers, no cultural indifference, the starfish needed help and they couldn’t help themselves. She couldn’t save all of them, but in her special effort she saved as many as she could reach.

What about you and your club? Maybe you are unable to reach out to all the children around you BUT you can reach out to some. Make a difference this Christmas; and you don’t have to celebrate the religious ritual, give of yourself in service and you will reap a distinct joy that you made a difference to someone who needed your attention.

And guess what? It comes right back to you in so many ways. 

Governor Lynden

Optimist International Caribbean District

December 2012

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 

EVERYBODY...

Mentoring through Optimism

A mentor is someone who sees more talent and ability within you, than you see in yourself, and helps bring it out of you. - Bob Proctor

Since the last blog advocating individual MENTORSHIP as a practical manifestation of the 2012-2013 District theme, Caribbean Optimists making a difference - One child at a time, I have been asked to share more on the idea.  So here I go with some ways in which I believe we could MENTOR through Optimism:
1.     Enter your mentee in the youth competitions – Essay, Oratorical, CCDHH; Provide them with the necessary guidance and coaching even;
2.       Take your mentee to club meetings and project activities; Expose them to the great work Optimists do with children and young people;
3.       Involve your mentee in a Tri-Star, Respect for Law or Youth Appreciation Week activity; Show them how much Optimists care for their personal development;
4.       Sponsor your mentee to attend even one JOOI and/or District meeting; Promote appreciation for meaningful networking and fellowship
5.       Give them an Optimist Creed pocket card; Teach them to live by the Optimist creed
6.       Host a group of his or her friends at one of the District Youth Forum Initiative; Encourage their right to association and participation in activities that promote good governance and civic affairs.

PLtG Patrick

MENTOR a child and make a difference

I have been reflecting on the 2012-2013 theme for our District, Caribbean Optimists Making a Difference – One child at a time, and one thing strikes me deeply that I wish to share:  The theme is a specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely statement. It is simply, a smart one to make at this time. Those of us who are keen on writing objectives, forgive me if I have ended up tweaking the acronym a little; but I am trying to leave the thought process as true to its initial flow as possible.  Everything about the theme points to something that is very practical in its application. 

Here are a few parts of the reflection which have led me to the conclusion that by the end of this year we could see the most dramatic impact from, on, and in the movement since I have become a member just a handful of years ago. Follow me.

What is the mission of the Optimist movement? By providing hope and positive vision Optimists bring out the best in kids.  I am therefore not alone in my belief and conviction that everything we do as Optimists should be about creating opportunities that will make children realize their true potential regardless of race, gender, nationality or circumstances. Indeed, our mission keeps us on track always, to make a positive difference for the future! The fact is, Optimists have an awesome responsibility - if not a lifelong transformative duty - to children. 

Where there is despondency we must bring hope; where there is low self-esteem, inspire confidence; where there is desperation, encourage calm; and where there is fear, mobilize courage. 

It is becoming cliché to say, “never before have our children needed Optimists than now”. But, while the realities that cause the statement may indicate some failures of the past it sure provides a platform for action that will bring greater achievements in the future.

Here is one simple action I wish to suggest we could take this year using the latter part of the District’s theme as our mantra – Become a MENTOR.

If every single member of the Caribbean District were to take just one child under his or her wing and make that child a mentee for just this year what a difference one could make for the years to come. Imagine what would happen, if right across the Caribbean each and every Optimist stand as the guarding hands for that one child, shine your guiding light for that one child, become the spirit of humanity for that one child, exhibit the love and compassion for others, the dedication and commitment to hard work, and the pride in triumph over adversities for that one child. I know you are seeing it.

On an individual level it would mean two persons working together all the time and at their very best, helping each other to achieve only the very best, making each other a future in which there is hope and confidence in success.  On the collective level it would mean that at least 3,592 persons across the Caribbean would be keenly involved in making a better life – that is 1,796 Optimists plus each child under their wings promoting health, happiness and prosperity for all. Literally, Caribbean Optimists Making a difference – One child at a time!  

Won't you do it now: Identify a child and make that child your individual project for the year. We can be sure of a mighty wind of positive change for each Optimist, each child, and collectively the people and children of this beloved Caribbean region. 

As Governor Lynden said in his Installation speech in August, referencing the story of the Starfish, “The essence of this story is that while we may not be able to change large groups of people at any one time, we can make a major impact on individual lives or smaller groups, (which) lead to a major change over time”. 

The time is indeed NOW. Become a MENTOR today and bring hope and positive vision, for the future! Start the mission now: Motivate Encourage Nurture Train Open-up Respect...one child at a time.

PLtG Patrick

One one coco full basket...

For the future....One child at a time

OI President J C St.Onge

IVP Sonia Anderson

Gov Lynden Buchanan

DST Latoya Wade

Z4 LtG Andrea Samuels

Zone 4 - Ready for the future

I wish to take time out to say thanks to all members of the 7804 Family of Optimists who helped to make my year as LtG such an awesome experience.  We may not have made the numbers we wanted; but guess what? We are certain more children benefited from the tremendous work you have done.  You did every thing you could to ensure that the many projects all over Kingston and St Andrew, St. Mary, and Portland were of the best value and impact to as many children as we could possibly serve.

The children and young people in Pembroke Hall, Castleton, the Muirton Boys Home, Mathew 25:40 and St Andrew Girls Home, as well as the children from the environs of Coke Methodist Church down-town Kingston, the Annotto Bay Hospital, and Buff Bay, Portland know what it is to have you sharing your Optimism with them.  Boards of Directors, Officers, Club Chairs, members all: thanks for your commitment to the children and young people of our Zone, country and region.

The Zone fundraisers and work day at Annotto Bay Hospital could not have been successful without your devotion. Not to mention your contribution to and participation in the zone leaders meetings, the quarterly zone meetings, NOW meeting, and of course the District meetings at which our Zone always did well. Deepest appreciation for everything you have all done to make the 2011-2012 year such a blast of power for Zone 4.

I extend special congrats to the District officers from our zone for a year of supreme service to the movement: 

Governor Dwight and CP Andrea (Kingston Breakfast); 

DST Heather and CPs Latoya, Ken Jnr and Marc-Maurice (Sunset Liguanea);

GA Al and CP Margaret (West St. Andrew).

Allow me also a special mention of new club on the block - Kingston Central (sponsored by West St Andrew). From their Installation dinner in December to the Appreciation ceremony in September and all the work before and in between, the club has shown that it is here to make Optimism stronger. Nothing but the best to you as you grow from strength to strength.

I am extremely confident that Zone 4 will continue demonstrating our deepest commitment to the future; that we are always ready to make a difference; and remain steadfast in bringing out the best one child at a time. LtG Andrea knows we have her back and so too DST Latoya. Governor Lynden (OC Mammee Bay), you can be sure, yes, to count on the power of Zone 4!

POSTPONED - The 7804 Optimists Lyme for Charity

POSTPONED...POSTPONED
The Ultimate Zone 4 Lyme 
Saturday, September 29, 2012 
15 West Kings House Rd, Kingston 10
Home Sweet Home..aka, Optimist House
Kicking off at 5:00 in the afternoon...
Optimists having great fun and fellowship for charity.

Harnessing the power of one

It is indeed the last week of the Power of One year; the last week to make One one coco full basket... are you ready to bring on the power? Let us all pull together and make sure that we end the year as strong as we possibly can...and I am thinking that all it takes is JUST ONE!

I wonder what would happen if all members to do this one thing: Take time out to call a club president, a club member, a friend, a prospective member, and give him or her that word of encouragement; that one word that may just make that difference in our clubs ending the year even stronger. It may be that one word that leads your club to be fully paid up to OI and District; that one word that leads to registering that one new member needed to bring your club honor status; that one word that may just swing the recognition for all the tremendous work you have done your way. I wonder what would happen if you just do that today...make the call and the make the difference. Let's bring on the power! Let's end the year stronger!

This is a great zone with awesomely committed members who have done yeomen work. Let us all celebrate our deep sense of purpose, our unwavering dedication to the children of our zone, and our unending desire to make this world a better place. I thank you all for doing everything you can to make our clubs, zone, District stronger and the the future brighter.

Coming up this Saturday, September 29, 2012

The Ultimate Zone 4 Lyme 

An afternoon of great games, sumptuous food, remarkable fellowship with members friends and supporters... and It's also part 2 of our benefit for the Annotto Bay Hospital Fund.

LtG Patrick

...Harnessing the power of one

bring on the power?

JUST ONE!

call

make that difference  

fully paid up to OI and District; 

register that one new member 

honor 

recognition

stronger

Optimist Club of Kingston Central marks anniversary with awards ceremony

District Convention 2012

The Optimist Club of Kingston Central on Friday evening, September 21, 2012 celebrated a year of achievement with a special appreciation meeting. The awards ceremony served as platform to both report on the awesome work they have done as a young club in the movement and to acknowledge those who have made it possible.
President Janette's summary of the year included work with the basic schools and a homework programme; their participation in the Personal Growth and Involvement (PGI) programme; representation at all Zone and District meetings; and their brave move to be a registered non-profit organisation. Of curse, they are looking forward to the Community Projects Award (CPA) submission of their project at Arnold Road Basic School.
Among those recognized:
PG and International Field Officer, Dr Ron Bourne (OC Spanish Town) who reminded the audience of club members and supporters the importance of service to our children, the value of growing in Optimism, and the significance of fellowship and networking.

PDLtG Margaret Wright (OC West St Andrew) expressed pride and joy in seeing the club grow from strength to strength and making such impact in such short time; and GA Al Johnson (West St Andrew) for being brother, uncle friend and constant guide. Both are credited as Builders of Excellence for their establishment of the OC Kingston Central.
Superintendent, Coke Circuit of Methodist Churches, Rev Bruce Swapp and Mrs Norma Wynter and Camille Fearon, as well as teachers, Ms Veronica Coward and Mrs Eulalee Taylor.
Guest Speaker was Governor Designate Lynden Buchanan (OC Mamee Bay) gave an inspiring delivery on leadership lessons to be learned from wolves and how these may be applied to both our personal lives and the work we do as Optimists.

Usually when people think of wolves it is in the negative; but here GD Lynden was bringing a positive spin. Using a video The wisdom of wolves - Leadership lessons from nature to underscore his presentation the 2012-2013 Caribbean District Governor highlighted how teamwork, strategic communication and mobilization of resources, doing the best at whatever the task or responsibility, and loyalty and commitment to the mission of Optimism can make a difference.  The children are indeed the future! The Caribbean District theme for 2012-2013 is Making a difference - One child at a time

The JOOI of Coastal Clean up 2012

Here we share the Junior Octagon Optimist International (JOOI) Caribbean District's effort at Fort Clarence Beach in Hellshire, St Catherine as part of the International Coastal Clean-up Day 2012. Our young people sure know how to give 100% and then some... This is an edited report.

International Coastal Clean-up Day 2012 Report

Upon entering the Fort Clarence Beach in St. Catherine, one could see the pieces of garbage lying around waiting to be disposed of properly. With volunteers trickling in and the spirit of optimism kicking in, work started just after 10am.
Approximately 55 volunteers from the Octagon Clubs of WolInternational Coastal Clean-up Day 2012mer’s Boys School, Wolmer’s Girls School, Jamaica College, Kingston College, and Convent of Mercy (Alpha) Academy, Calabar High, Meadowbrook High and Immaculate Conception High schools joined their efforts in cleaning up the Fort Clarence Beach. Two main groups were formed; Team Ackee for the left side of the beach and Team Saltfish for the right. The groups were named after the national dish of Jamaica; Ackee and Salt fish. These groups were further broken down into three ‘crews’; Plastic, Glass and Paper. There was much appreciated assistance from two members of the beach staff.

The highlight of the cleanup exercise had to be the unusual items found. Fan blades, cooking oil containers and household cleaning agents topped the list! By 1:00pm, we had cleaned the majority of the beach. The groups got rave reviews from tourists, business owners on the beach, visitors and workers. One personnel stated that we ‘went where others wouldn't go’.
The day was an absolute success thanks to the efforts of the JOOI community and supportive parents, club members, JOOI Caribbean District executives, as well as the staff at the Fort Clarence Beach. JOOI District Chairperson Lisa-Gaye Anderson had this to say: The turnout was encouraging and confirms that you [volunteers] are truly dedicated to the JOOI movement and what it stands for.  As a group we cannot do it all alone, but with our 'little bit', we can feel a sense of fulfillment knowing that, as young persons, we played our part in helping to create a cleaner environment.
Beaming with optimism that the coastal crisis will be someday no more, everybody felt proud and invigorated by cleaning up man-made debris as this was their way in contributing to enhancing the welfare of the whole human race.

- Javanni Waugh (Fortis Octagon Club of Kingston College)

Tampa is already calling

Optimist International vice president - designate for the Southeast region, Sonia Anderson is already rallying the troops for Parallel District Conference this coming November in Tampa, Florida. Here we share from her latest email to the Caribbean District.

My Caribbean Optimist family: I hear your name…Tampa is calling you! After a break last year, Parallel District Conferences are back!  President J.C St Onge believes that it is the best way to maximize our resources and have the best training, great facilities, and of course, fun and fellowship!  I agree with him.

Optimists from North Florida (60), South Florida (61) and the Caribbean (78), will have a joint conference  in Tampa from Friday, November 16 to Sunday, November 18, 2012.  It will be our mini International convention.
In many ways this conference is more affordable than our trips to (the) Caribbean islands for district meetings - if it’s not in your territory. So, it's an opportunity to get pumped up on some Optimism and to get in some shopping - before and after the conference, of course.
Better news still; the conference hotel is The Hilton Tampa Airport Westshore and the rates are per room per night for up to four persons! So you could be spending about $25.00 per night for your hotel room!! Details regarding reservations at the Optimist rate will be announced soon; but note that the hotel has extended its special rate for two days before and after the conference.

Enjoy complimentary transportation to the airport and destinations within a three-mile radius, including over 300 shops and restaurants. Plan a shopping trip to the International Plaza and Bay Street, just across from the hotel, or Westshore Plaza Mall complex, only a mile away.  Tampa also boasts an impressive cultural infrastructure and is home of the famous Busch Gardens. There is much to see and do in Tampa.  In a short while you will be able to go to this link to register and get more information on the PDC:
http://www.optimist.org/PDC/PDCs.cfm#SE13. We encourage you to register online so that we can benefit from the incentives that OI has to offer.  As you get the call indicating that everything is in place, please go ahead and register and also book your hotel room.
Tampa here we come!
One love… as we make a difference one child at a time!

Sonia Anderson
IVPD  South-East Region

Post District Convention 2012 (Two)

Optimist International Caribbean District Installation Ceremony August 25, 2012 at the Sunset Jamaica Grande....

DST Heather, LtGE Paula, DSTD Latoya and LtGE  Claudette

Making a difference - One child at a Time Governor Designate, Lynden Buchanan

LTGE Lou-Ann and CP Norman 

PIVP Jim doing his thing

Post District Convention 2012 (One)

I am just now getting around to a post on the Caribbean District Convention 2012; now I don't even know where to start. Anyway, I am going to do a few installments on this one; starting with the fun and fellowship which kicked off the weekend conference Friday evening (August 24), the Governor's reception.

Sunset Kingston

This was a Jamaica50 themed event and what a wonderful exposition of talent within our Optimist clubs there was! 

Golden Lydford

IPG Joe

Sunset Kingston had a suite of Jamaican folk songs with the dramatic CP Faith out front, President Claude of UWI Mona shared his own sonnet on Jamaica at Fifty, and Kingston was represented by master drummer CP Trevor. Not to be done were the representatives of Monegue, Mammee Bay, and the special skit prepared by Golden Lydford - all of whom had to compete with IPG Joe (Bridgetown-Barbados) who offered up
the Miss Lou classic Love Letta. 
Friend of Optimist Benny and retiring Sergeant@Arms Clive Savage made sure the comedy had its share of the night and it was just sheer fun to see and hear Jamaican folk songs done in standard English.

Yours truly had the privilege of guiding the evening's proceedings as Master of Ceremonies.

Caribbean Optimists Meet in Ocho Rios, Jamaica

MORE THAN a hundred Optimists from across the Caribbean are expected to bring their special brand of positive living to the tourist town of Ocho Rios, Jamaica this weekend, August 24 – 26. The Optimists will be in town for the 21st Convention of the Caribbean District when delegates will, among other things, review the administrative year of Governor Dwight Phillips and install the 2012-2013 team of Lynden Buchanan.

The Caribbean District comprises Optimist clubs across the English-speaking Caribbean - from Bahamas in the north to Barbados in the south. The movement is known for its strong tradition in serving children of vulnerable communities.  Optimist programmes are focused on HIV-AIDS, Cancer, and the deaf and hard-of-hearing, as well as the creation of opportunities and services for young people to grow and develop in confidence through scholarship activities such as oratorical and essay contests. 

The weekend is filled with possibilities for delegates to not only grow in Optimism but also have great fun and fellowship.  The Governor's reception kicks off the weekend on Friday night with a celebratory Jamaica 50 package of entertainment; and among the highlights for Saturday are the training sessions to be carried out by internationally recognized trainers including Past International Vice President Jim Oliver. The convention will be held at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort & Spa. Optimists and friends who cannot make the Convention may join us for a live stream at http://www.livestream.com/oicaribbeandistrict. Caribbean Optimists, thinking only of the best; working only for the best; and expecting only the best.