Saturday, October 19, 2013

Sunset Liguanea's Great Start to 2013-2014


On Thursday, October 10 the team of Optimists belonging to the Sunset Optimist Club of Liguanea gathered for its first business meeting of the 2013-2014 year under the leadership of club president No.15, Optimist Tetrice Prendergast. It was a blast of a kick off. Round one of two activities for the week.
Optimist International Caribbean District Governor, Optimist Nutilia Simon (St. Johns Antigua) was the special guest at a meeting which also included sharing the video message from Optimist International President Ron Huxley, and a very dynamic, engaging and inspiring Personal Growth and Involvement (PGI) development module. Club president No.12, Optimist Marc-Maurice Frankson was responsible for that enlightening experience on the topic Bringing out the Leader.
Governor Nutilia in her usually cool and charming manner reminded fellow Optimists of the tremendous responsibility they have to the children of the Caribbean. Whatever we need to bring out the best of and for our children, we've got it, she reassured as she encouraged the club to continue working hard and to do its best in helping to lift the profile of Optimism across the Caribbean.
A few days later on Saturday October 12, it was round two of the 2013-2014 kick off. The much anticipated Installation Ceremony and Cocktail Reception held at Family Life Ministries did live up to expectations.
Club secretary Sharon 
presents Optimist Creed 
to Rev Astor Carlyle
Guest speaker, Rev Astor Carlyle of Webster Memorial United Church delivered on the topic "The Gift of Giving". His was a lesson in good public speaking as much as it was for the content. Reverend Carlyle called on Optimists to embrace the spirit and power of togetherness, of being a collective in serving not only individuals but communities. The topic, he suggested, was about being an agent of change; and to be an effective change agent is to acknowledge that our gifts and resources were meant to flow, not to be canned. As change agents, he said, "we are channels of blessings, instruments of grace and dealers of hope".
Lt.G Karlene Walker leads
the installation exercise
Lieutenant Governor (Zone 4) Karlene M. Walker expressed joy in having her first installation exercise with her home club but more so pride in knowing that the club will continue to blaze a trail of positive outcomes in the Optimist movement, noting the caliber of talent and leadership experience gathered among the Board of Directors.
The 2013-2014 team include past district secretary treasurer, Latoya Wade and past lieutenant governor Kenneth M. Walker, Jnr. as well as past club president Glaister Green, and immediate past president Lavern Brown. (See full board of directors below).
President Tetrice in her comments reminded members that the reasons for becoming an Optimist have not changed: that is to volunteer our time and talents, to meet people, to serve the children and make meaningful contribution to the lives of others. While there is a duty to have the meetings, fellowship activities, training and personal development, she maintained that the greater responsibility is to aid and uplift children in need... to make our children the best they can be!
The thrust is therefore towards creating new relationships in new ways and places this year. Under the theme "uncovering the gifts of our children" Sunset Liguanea will seek to, among other things:
  • improve relations with JOOI
  • embark on a mentorship programme starting with Cumberland High school
  • raise funds in aid of childhood cancer
  • form new bonds with children in need from homes and communities no so privileged
  • give members the opportunity to truly share their talents, knowledge and skills.
This is a year to fully appreciate that "to be able to give is truly a gift... Let us seek to uncover our own gifts as we uncover those of the children we serve", concluded President Tetrice.




Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Governor Nutilia's New Year Message

My Optimism... For the children of the Caribbean

Optimist Nutilia Simon
Caribbean District Governor 
2013-2014
Today is the first day of October, 2013. It is the start of a new year for Optimists - members of one of the largest voluntary service organisations in the world, Optimist International; and so we say, 
Happy New Year!
Under the motto, Bringing out the Best in Kids, Optimists serve over six million children and young people each year through the execution of hundreds of positive children support projects.
The Optimist year runs from October 1 to September 30. Today new administrations will take charge of the more than 2,600 Optimist clubs spread across the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean.
From the club, zone, and district levels up to the regional and international offices, the incoming teams for 2013-2014 will seek to build on the more than one hundred year old tradition of bringing hope and positive vision to the world.
Optimist Treasa James
District Secretary-Treasurer
2013-2014
In the Caribbean District just over 1600 Optimists in 60 clubs continue to make a difference to the lives of thousands of children and young people in schools, hospitals, and other institutions in the communities. 
Children living with Cancer and HIV&AIDS as well as those in marginalized social, economic, and educational circumstances have been the main beneficiaries of Optimist projects in the region.
You too can make a difference. Help change the life of one child today and make the future a brighter one for everybody.

You've got it...Optimism...Yes, we’ve got it!


Optimist Karlene Walker
Lieutenant Governor
Caribbean District Zone 4
2013-2014
Optimist Tetrice Prendergast
President
Optimist Club of Sunset Liguanea
2013-2014