Wednesday, January 30, 2013

A Reading Month proposal worth supporting



Optimist International Caribbean District Leadership and Development Chair, Barbara Arrindell is pitching a proposal to the entire District that could bring new dynamics to our reading activities this February. Here is the proposal from one of the Caribbean's outstanding writer and trainer, our very own Optimist Barbara (Optimist Club of St Johns, Antigua). Support. See other Caribbean District correspondence for incentives.
February is Optimist Club of __________Reading Month
Although this project originally targets JOOI (Youth Members) and encourages these youth to do something to get their peers reading more, adult clubs can seize the opportunity to get involved in reading activities and projects. What simple things can we do to get our youth more interested in either reading or the art of storytelling?
Option A: The Art of Story Telling.

We can create a series of pictures and have children get together in groups of 3 or 4 children to make up a story based on the pictures. Speak to them about the importance of speaking clearly, of showing expression and of changing their voices to depict different characters in the story.  This can be done with children between the ages of 4 & 13.  It could be done in a single classroom or since many of us work and school hours might be a challenge we can pair up and do this with church groups or brownies/cubs/scouts or any other youth group that you know of.
What would be required?
We would need to put together the pictures.
Speak to the leader of a youth group and see if they would be willing to have you spend a half hour or more with their group.
If possible have little tokens on hand that can be used as prizes.
Since February is also Black history month, we might want to incorporate pictures/stories of our own Black heroes/heroines/community leaders.
Option B: Reading activity for Grade 3 or 4
A club member could ask a 4th grade teacher to allow them to (1) talk to the class about the importance of reading, and (2) allow them to actually read a local or Caribbean story to the class, AND if time permits, (3) have one or two students retell the story in an animated manner. 
Option C: Reading for Radio
Is there a children’s radio show in your territory? Radio hosts are often searching for new voices. Volunteer to spend a few minutes on air reading a story. This is a great way to promote your local club – be sure to say the name of your club often and say what Optimism is all about – (The elevator speech) and state that like minded people are welcome to join the club so that more can be done to help the children.

Monday, January 21, 2013

Happy Birthday IVP Sonia

Please allow me to borrow from the words of that Lou Rawls Classic,
LADY LOVE as I say Happy Birthday to IVP Sonia Anderson (Optimist Club of St. Ann's Bay) who is such a blessing and an inspiration to many, and especially to us Optimists.

Lady love, your love is peaceful
Like the summer's breeze
My lady love, with love that's tender as a baby's touch
You give me all things
That I need so much
You're my world, lady love...

My lady love, you've been with me 
Through all my ups and downs
My lady love, I once was lost
But now with you, I'm found
You got the love I need
And I want to stay around
Heaven sent you down, my lady love....

HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY IVP SONIA...
WE WISH YOU MANY MORE SPECIAL ONES LIKE TODAY!

Monday, January 14, 2013

Words to Ponder


G
OVERNOR ELECT, Nutilia Simon is among the special brand of leaders that have emerged within the Caribbean District of Optimists. The St Kitts & Nevis native and member of the 20 year old Optimist Club of St John is a true Caribbean national with social, educational and professional roots spread across the Caribbean including Anguilla and Jamaica. Recognized for her outstanding services as a manager within the Caribbean airline industry Simon is offering Caribbean Optimists some words to ponder at this time. Read and reflect.

Words to Ponder
Sometimes we spend so much time thinking about what we don’t have that we are unable to do all that we can with the resources that are available to us. Sure your club may struggle financially but perhaps if we refrain from putting off a project or if we refrain from rejecting a project idea because it will take too much of our resources, we may be able to focus more on accomplishing something.
Why focus on the fact that your club was once twice the size that it is now? Why not work towards successfully completing a project that can be accomplished with the number of members that we do have.
Don’t give up the opportunity to help five children because you think that you should be able to help twenty. Make a difference, small or large. There is much that can be done when two or three true Optimists make success their goal. We have what we need fellow Optimists. Let’s start giving thanks for all that this District is blessed with and let’s press towards the mark.  Success is ours. Don’t be afraid to reach out and take it.
-          GE Nutilia Simon

Source: Caribbean District News Desk January 14, 2013

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

HAPPY NEW YEAR, my Optimist Family


“All that is required to become an optimist is to have the goal and to practice it. The more you rehearse optimistic thoughts, the more ‘natural’ and ‘ingrained’ they will become. With time they will be part of you, and you will have made yourself into an altogether different person.” ~ Sonja Lyubomirsky 

Wishing all the best for you and your family.

President Lavern 
Sunset Optimist Club of Liguanea

"Making a difference....one child at a time"