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.