tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2537138130420658572024-03-04T21:54:07.015-08:00The 7804 OptimistPatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.comBlogger177125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-77777197734456158132016-04-08T18:51:00.002-07:002016-04-08T18:51:56.547-07:00Going for #1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<em>It has been a while since I have posted anything on this blog... thought I would just share the new edition of the Plus One Sunny Side Newsletter (April 3). Here is the lead story. <a href="https://issuu.com/prendergast.pw/docs/plus_one_sunny_side_news__sunday_ap">Click</a> for more.</em><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 18pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Going for #1… <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Plus 1 strategy to be ramped up NOW<o:p></o:p></i></span></span></b><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 8pt;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Montego Bay, Jamaica:<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 46pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt; mso-text-raise: -3.5pt;">G<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">OVERNOR
PATRICK is today sounding the clarinet for all Caribbean Optimists as we enter
the third quarter of the 2015-2016 Plus One year. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“T</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">his is the time to consolidate. This is crunch
time, people. We must pick up the pace, do what we have to do and get those
projects done, make our clubs healthy, bring in those new pairs of hands ready
to serve” appeals Governor Patrick.</span></div>
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</v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">“I</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">f we are going to make
our District #1 again”, he says. “Now is the time for the surge in growth, in
projects, in Optimism. Q3 is the most critical quarter and we have to get it
right NOW! Then we can cruise into Q4 working on the reports to support our
success”.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">T</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">he third quarter is exciting from so many
angles. Among the scheduled district activities are the finals of the
scholarship contests – Oratorical and Kids Speak Out are scheduled for Saturday
April 30 at the Norman Manley Law School in Kingston while the Communication Contest
for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) is scheduled for the end of May. April
is Autism Month, May is Child month and in June the focus shifts to Cancer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">B</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">ut Governor Patrick is
also reminding club presidents and Lieutenant Governors that now is the time to
get their officers-elect in place. “The future leadership of the District must
be decided before we go into the Q3 conference and leadership summit set for
Barbados, May 27- 29 so our clubs and zones ought to be holding elections as we
speak”.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">G</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">oing for #1 again means getting all the ducks not
just lined up, but in during this Q3. “I am assured that as a District, we will
do what we must so we can all be in the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Hall
of Fame</i> this 2015-2016 Optimist year”, declares a confident Governor
Patrick.</span></div>
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Strategy</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 16pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">U</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">nder the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Plus
One</i> formula the following is expected: Each Caribbean Optimist brings in a
new member, that’s doubling the pairs of hands available to serve our youth; each
member taking one step upward in the personal growth and involvement (PGI)
programme, that’s strengthening our understanding and commitment to the
Optimist movement; each Optimist club joining with another club to build a new
club, that’s broadening our support base for sustainability; each member
mentoring a child or young person, that is one less youth getting loss in the
wilderness of despair.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">G</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">oing for #1 also means ensuring that all
membership fees are fully paid up (in the club, to the district and OI) before
the end of each quarter, and that all reports are submitted in a timely manner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 10.0pt;">C</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 10pt;">aribbean Optimists… <strong>Going for #1 in Q3…</strong> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Bringing out the Best… Plus One! </i></span></div>
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-16745644845896400162015-12-31T17:47:00.001-08:002015-12-31T17:47:43.255-08:00Governor's New Year Message January 2016<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fellow Optimists of the Great Caribbean District:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Happy New Year! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As members of the best voluntary service organisation
in the world, we have the pleasure of ringing in the New Year twice in our
year. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On October 1 when we started on this <i>Plus One</i> journey together, we pledged as a District to keep on
doing what we do as Optimists, <i>Bring out
the Best in our Youth, our Communities and Ourselves</i>. We also committed to
returning the Caribbean District to #1 in all of Optimist International for the
2015-2016 year… and, what an awesome start we have had! Thank you all.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Congratulations to all Lieutenant Governors, club Presidents,
Secretary-treasurers, Officers and Directors for making Q1 the period in which
we did everything to put our clubs on a healthy path. You have done the trimming;
you have decided on the strategies; and you have completed the planning. Now it
is time to move on upward and stronger for the future.</span> <span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As we kick off the 2016 New Year, I want to use this
opportunity to remind you that for Q3 and Q4 the focus is on programmes, activities,
and growth. So for these quarters, we look forward to the unleashing of
Optimism and the burning desire for service in the NOW meetings, the promise of
change and fresh bold ways of serving from the new member and charter club
ceremonies, the heart-warming brilliance of the scholarship competitions, and the
uplifting spirit and life changing impact of OC-CHaRM. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is going to be a
successful year for all of us individually and collectively as Optimists. I
know it; because I believe in you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As we embrace the New Year, let us as Caribbean Optimists
continue to light candles of hope, compassion, understanding and change in all
the spaces we work and play. Let us also remain steadfast in our commitment to
fulfilling the promise of our Creed… <i>thinking
only of the best, working only for the best and expecting only the best!</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I wish for you a 2016 blessed
with the best of health, everlasting happiness and abundant prosperity…<i>plus one!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GBZkoQhtuZZyx3qeUr1DrFXdX8PJV4B-7xqAATifkmCjB_nF_GA646Kla0wAqxyjh3GHH5S5SMLGqHsL5-2MWqr8RjV1nNtst6fBKdyhyphenhyphencZeYOuY8ZnVIiGoYpTq0GK9_ylLNvhPWUi-/s1600/optimist+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GBZkoQhtuZZyx3qeUr1DrFXdX8PJV4B-7xqAATifkmCjB_nF_GA646Kla0wAqxyjh3GHH5S5SMLGqHsL5-2MWqr8RjV1nNtst6fBKdyhyphenhyphencZeYOuY8ZnVIiGoYpTq0GK9_ylLNvhPWUi-/s320/optimist+family.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="background: white; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Happy New Year<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Patrick
Prendergast<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Governor <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Optimist International Caribbean District</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-34834939678894400372015-10-01T18:30:00.000-07:002015-10-01T19:05:35.402-07:00Welcome to another awesome year in Caribbean Optimism<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZ-MH-7Ej_aUbgbFTE3fWVTTffKQ15YE-mDFtNyGIFzjnPMXbDVHbFIIIqKiyczuvM_tDj3SQLYPWXLHYHoL0LopPGzoFTj1FV3ypQfa7CF6UjCFXOG9gCyZE3CGPuR_HmBaC3axh7Jr5/s1600/PP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZ-MH-7Ej_aUbgbFTE3fWVTTffKQ15YE-mDFtNyGIFzjnPMXbDVHbFIIIqKiyczuvM_tDj3SQLYPWXLHYHoL0LopPGzoFTj1FV3ypQfa7CF6UjCFXOG9gCyZE3CGPuR_HmBaC3axh7Jr5/s200/PP.JPG" width="133" /></a><i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;">Fellow Caribbean Optimist,</span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span>elcome
to the new Optimist year! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;">It is indeed a new time with new opportunities for
Optimists to bring out the best; to make a positive difference, to make
Optimism a way of life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span>his Optimist year 2015-2016 will be an awesome one because
you and I and all members of this great Caribbean District will make it so.
Each morning when we wake up we will say the Optimist creed and <i>promise ourselves…</i>to be the best at what we do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIRK_fRLBnsHHcOU8pJZU-8U3sCobYA5QhoajzHc9QT9v6_9khh4sH540dt9db6k7KQZUp_JJDc_3hOpWfO5y6Obs4MzU0ZXJ6ux_ZV6nLFxP9rFyVuqPsJvQrT6TyGU7xO1JfESM-lA9/s1600/Copy+of+IMG_4669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsIRK_fRLBnsHHcOU8pJZU-8U3sCobYA5QhoajzHc9QT9v6_9khh4sH540dt9db6k7KQZUp_JJDc_3hOpWfO5y6Obs4MzU0ZXJ6ux_ZV6nLFxP9rFyVuqPsJvQrT6TyGU7xO1JfESM-lA9/s200/Copy+of+IMG_4669.JPG" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>DST Al Johnson</b></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I </span>promise to be strong, to be noble; to wear a cheerful
countenance at all times, to be happy, and to serve with dignity and pride. I
promise to uphold the core values of Hope, Inspiration, Commitment, Excellence
and Inclusiveness.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span>his year the abundant rewards of awesomeness awaits us in<b>
the hug of a child</b> whose path you would have made brighter; in <b>the smile of a
mother</b> who found hope in your tender care; in <b>the triumph of a community</b> to
which you would have brought hope and inspiration; and in <b>the reassurance of a
fellow Junior Optimist </b>with whom you mentored and guided other young people to
achieving their goals.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span>his year is the year when your name, my name, our club’s
name, the name of our zone and the name of our great Optimist International
Caribbean District will make it to the <i>Hall
of Fame!</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">W</span>e are 35 years strong in this great Caribbean district and
we have to celebrate and give thanks for the many milestones we have achieved.
Celebrate the vision of our pioneers, the tenacity of our builders of
excellence, and the resilience of our leaders and members who always go that
extra mile to keep us great. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6IlkiU9RLgM2vP-Dzl2AlKEID4Rbf4eC1viom0n-nwH0iHGdAZgKzdH33nEeRTSjd5LdzGfodVvgBx1QANBYo399RWP7n0lZAww8rJFybf7a5vg2V5PAtlYYG9EQinROd_fMViT857u_/s1600/Barbara-Arrindell-pic+-+Copy.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW6IlkiU9RLgM2vP-Dzl2AlKEID4Rbf4eC1viom0n-nwH0iHGdAZgKzdH33nEeRTSjd5LdzGfodVvgBx1QANBYo399RWP7n0lZAww8rJFybf7a5vg2V5PAtlYYG9EQinROd_fMViT857u_/s200/Barbara-Arrindell-pic+-+Copy.png" width="161" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Step by Step Governor <br />
<b>Barbara Arrindell</b></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">A</span>t this juncture, let us take time out to thank Governor
Barbara Arrindell and her <i>Step by Step</i>
team led by DST Jason Gillead for the <b>purposeful, enthusiastic and imaginative
ways</b> in which they led this great Caribbean movement over the 2014-2015
Optimist year. The Optimist road can be rocky, the hills seem impossible to
overcome at times; but Governor Barbara showed us what it is to <b>be an Optimist
– always prodding on in hope and positive thinking,</b> confident of the light at
the end of the tunnel. We cannot give up now in our faithfulness at tending the
garden of Caribbean Optimists.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">A</span>nd so, even as we show gratitude and celebrate, we must also
keep finding <b>new and exciting projects</b> and activities to make Optimism novel
again. We must renew our commitment to <b>building and growing in unity</b> and love.
Let us reignite the progressive <b>flames of hope</b> and unleash the <b>spirit of
Optimism</b> across the Caribbean. From St John’s to Bridgetown, from Castries to
Kingston, from Nassau to Willemstad, be bold in showing the world what it
really means to be Caribbean!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span>hat autistic boy in Trench Town, whose <b>awesomely
distinguished and special</b> gifts will change our world, awaits your support. That
young girl living with cancer in The Valley, whose<b> love and compassion</b> fills
the heart of so many other children around her with hope and motivation, awaits
your care. That teenager in George Town, who is hearing impaired but whose
talents in science and math and creative expression will <b>blaze new pathways of
overcoming</b>, awaits your guidance. That A+ student in Morant Bay, who goes to
school hungry but always with a <b>smile, confident of doing well</b>, awaits your assistance.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZ7_o45az5qF__hyO77NRrCojaZSlCRE7Sm4ZC5koURzDDxP6FYibDu9KLPM2FlA9S1PBBa7v0KHG95yiTcIy47Ja2fsD810mlsnlepg9xHG20C1P0migsDS8ZK1mB_gf7hz9FEb6Dmh-/s1600/P1020933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzZ7_o45az5qF__hyO77NRrCojaZSlCRE7Sm4ZC5koURzDDxP6FYibDu9KLPM2FlA9S1PBBa7v0KHG95yiTcIy47Ja2fsD810mlsnlepg9xHG20C1P0migsDS8ZK1mB_gf7hz9FEb6Dmh-/s200/P1020933.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>DST Jason with<br />LtGs Pat and Margaret</b></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;">We are always stronger as a collective force and we must do
everything in our power – despite the waters between us – to build on that
Caribbean strength even as <b>we build bridges of assurance</b> for our Caribbean
children, our communities and ourselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">C</span>aribbean Optimists, <b>we are the change we want to see</b>. There
is pride in our resilience, our passion for service is unmatchable, and we are
united in our endeavors, and committed to our mission to make optimism a way of
life. Right here right now, every day is
another opportunity to bring out the best in our youth, communities and
ourselves… <i>Plus One!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">W</span>elcome to another awesome year of Optimism.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGQ9sxuO2zVpY_U97XHohKFTB3Jpc7cfabyQjyQBtBiIaoMhT8iNDtgBWdOBoebffNSR8IAY-a10m387-ODv8c6O8-qkewGuvI-NjW3gNkUyI4Igm5VuprYhwI3ASk1HwiOSaZONQ7wgh/s1600/CaribOI_3color.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGQ9sxuO2zVpY_U97XHohKFTB3Jpc7cfabyQjyQBtBiIaoMhT8iNDtgBWdOBoebffNSR8IAY-a10m387-ODv8c6O8-qkewGuvI-NjW3gNkUyI4Igm5VuprYhwI3ASk1HwiOSaZONQ7wgh/s200/CaribOI_3color.png" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;">Patrick Prendergast<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;">Governor
(2015-2016)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;">Optimist
International Caribbean District</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 115%;">District
#78 <span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: x-large; line-height: 115%;">Bringing out the Best... <i>Plus One!</i></span></div>
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-30782179643215547482015-09-30T09:38:00.000-07:002015-09-30T09:38:32.264-07:00Do it for the children...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-52093170484236233962015-02-20T06:55:00.002-08:002015-02-20T06:55:58.487-08:00Q2 conference promises to be a humdinger<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2w2QheuRoNpyKJnblgksGxHBdbsZrp1hq3wvB_FDMfm_P8RR1nzHCkSCJV2kC_HoB3cEN_r_rQ5XTCyD9J6yGgysRePKTFMMrLhAJvsH-oV7h6ATBiYAn6WyA29bPwz6PxAKUkOzIuoli/s1600/60s-70s-fashion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2w2QheuRoNpyKJnblgksGxHBdbsZrp1hq3wvB_FDMfm_P8RR1nzHCkSCJV2kC_HoB3cEN_r_rQ5XTCyD9J6yGgysRePKTFMMrLhAJvsH-oV7h6ATBiYAn6WyA29bPwz6PxAKUkOzIuoli/s1600/60s-70s-fashion.jpg" height="200" width="146" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>HE SECOND QUARTER conference for the Optimist International Caribbean District 2014-2015 year is shaping up to be a game-changer in celebration, fun, learning and fellowship.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">T</span>he regional confab for Optimists is scheduled for the Hibiscus Lodge Hotel in Ocho Rios running from February 27 to March 1 will see a new suite of workshops and other activities unveiling over the weekend.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">K</span>icking off the conference weekend on Friday evening is "Sentimental Memories" at the Ocho Rios Pier. Hosted by the clubs of Zones 8 and 9, this old school style Governor's Reception will see delegates donning their favorite outfits from "back in the days of bell foot pants and afro".<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">O</span>n Saturday, it will be time for business, learning and celebration with headline presentations from Certified District Trainer, Past International Vice President Optimist Adrian Elcock and Builder of Excellence Optimist Kevin Grant.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">O</span>ther stalwarts such as PIVP Optimist Sonia Anderson will share training duties with newbies including club president Optimist Stephen Fearon who will on Sunday tackle the topic "Leading and Implementing Change and Innovation".<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5unO8BSE0TkRFG3GsZ_i1-HBMV0_xruep9ngBLeXEmQxPPGrM1Hzy3vmkuy1XMJ6huCKY6cI98HHgA1iIODiWNgUBmfxYeqxbaAkdchHo-mupi6A1L0YPxvc-gbxWnKao9ElbHJOt8fn/s1600/all+over+again+-+front+cover+FAW2013_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo5unO8BSE0TkRFG3GsZ_i1-HBMV0_xruep9ngBLeXEmQxPPGrM1Hzy3vmkuy1XMJ6huCKY6cI98HHgA1iIODiWNgUBmfxYeqxbaAkdchHo-mupi6A1L0YPxvc-gbxWnKao9ElbHJOt8fn/s1600/all+over+again+-+front+cover+FAW2013_0.jpg" height="200" width="126" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">B</span>ut before that, on Saturday the award winning Jamaican poet and author A-dZiko Simba Gegele will bring her special brand of writing and performance to the conference. A discussion on what Caribbean teens are reading in 2015 will follow A-dziko's reading.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Y</span>et another event that is a must-be-at is the 'Read My Lips Optimist Edition'. That is a mime and lip sync session which, according to organizer DST Jason, is one of the reasons you will kick yourself for missing conference this year. Don't be kicking yourself now.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Q</span>2 conferences are never complete without the awards show and that will be held on Saturday evening. Hosted by Immediate Past Governor, Optimist Nutilia Simon, this year's Dinner and Awards Banquet and Ball will be an affair of extra-special celebrations. The winners circle from the Optimist International Awards and Incentives programme will be definitely be filled with joy, excitement, pride and fulfillment.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">F</span>eel the energy of Q2 and come celebrate, come teach, come learn, come have fun February 27 - March 1 in Ocho Rios.<br />
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-12524285711553304182015-02-01T16:24:00.000-08:002015-02-01T16:25:50.742-08:00Top Seven Reasons You Will Kick Yourself...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQX6mwFehheK-6_fmpF3Cw5RcQn8Rlygj89rYMmOxru7ie3NC81uGyPufSksO1JE_RGMq7qESh-jAdA3I6lxyV3PMactBjgI-DUga1K0kAwPlPXl3p7BIHDh2CBA_xR4wjD55spN2DuAW/s1600/BOBIK-high-res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQX6mwFehheK-6_fmpF3Cw5RcQn8Rlygj89rYMmOxru7ie3NC81uGyPufSksO1JE_RGMq7qESh-jAdA3I6lxyV3PMactBjgI-DUga1K0kAwPlPXl3p7BIHDh2CBA_xR4wjD55spN2DuAW/s1600/BOBIK-high-res.jpg" height="200" width="172" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>HE SECOND call for Optimist International Caribbean District Q2 Conference set for the weekend of February 27 - March 1, 2015 is out; and the team is so confident that they have also released a top seven listing along with highlights of the agenda. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">T</span>he conference will kick off with a rocking Welcome Reception on the Friday evening at the Ocho Rios Pier before moving to Hibiscus Lodge Hotel for the main conference activities on Saturday and Sunday.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A</span>long with the traditional Opening Ceremony and general sessions, delegates will be fully engaged in a series of training, celebratory and fun activities that will deepen their resolve as Optimists bringing out the best in children. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71RFKvS3aMtobpZt56yFqe0dAxjtkz3IQiZoYsIEfxQEAYciRKXrEubZXomytbzIpn3Tzmw6YX9rDbwFzc9pmoy8Sy6JDGs3vwecoip4EUSi5N_sqlQL_367N_A6qlb59oGyZw2jeD8JB/s1600/You_Can_Dance.275201707_std.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71RFKvS3aMtobpZt56yFqe0dAxjtkz3IQiZoYsIEfxQEAYciRKXrEubZXomytbzIpn3Tzmw6YX9rDbwFzc9pmoy8Sy6JDGs3vwecoip4EUSi5N_sqlQL_367N_A6qlb59oGyZw2jeD8JB/s1600/You_Can_Dance.275201707_std.jpg" height="200" width="178" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">A</span>mong the celebratory events will be a glitzy dinner and awards banquet to be hosted by Past Governor Nutilia Simon on the Saturday evening. Then the outstanding achievers of the 2013-1204 Optimist year will be officially recognized.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Top Seven Reasons You will Kick Yourself If You Miss Conference</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;"> <i> </i></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>1.</i> </span><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Past Governor Adrian</span></b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span>will be the Guest Speaker at the
Awards Banquet and will conduct the first workshop of the day.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>2.</i></span> <b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">“Read My Lips”</span></b>—Optimist edition will make you laugh
until you cry. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b> 3. </b></span></i>There will be a <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>guest appearance by the reigning “king”</b>
</span>of a much talked about contest held in Grenada years ago. It was called: “Momma
Said they’d be KNIGHTS like This” <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>4.</i></span> Clubs in the St. Ann’s area are planning <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>a wicked
welcome reception</b> </span>on Friday night, that may cause you to sleep through the rest
of the weekend. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;"> 5. </span></i></b>Reading by Award winning Jamaican author—<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">A-dZiko Simba
Gegele </span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: x-large;"> 6. </span></b></i>Second Quarter <span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Optilympics </b></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: x-large;">7. </span></i></b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>Workshops!</b></span></div>
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-23964695983861346972015-01-05T15:13:00.000-08:002015-01-05T15:13:02.960-08:00Q2 Conference set for Ocho Rios<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRfcvQjyQG7mSllpJrSNqeuQK4s92cZTjFp5Di7xzozip__OE6QiEz5fPWEmqgypE7luwQP6w-FIQ6EQAGwnMCW4G01Et-3TVQciCyw0axCCd96Am81NlgWHFOD06pBpAo1Stf6D2p9oS/s1600/20141025_093630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLRfcvQjyQG7mSllpJrSNqeuQK4s92cZTjFp5Di7xzozip__OE6QiEz5fPWEmqgypE7luwQP6w-FIQ6EQAGwnMCW4G01Et-3TVQciCyw0axCCd96Am81NlgWHFOD06pBpAo1Stf6D2p9oS/s1600/20141025_093630.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span>PTIMIST
INTERNATIONAL Caribbean District will hold its second quarter conference in the
popular Jamaican tourist area of Ocho Rios, St Ann from February 28 – March 1,
2015.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhkQTOrgujMz7IQk-2iPga2D5nb-AAiR4nkSiQr53W12hW8eXZb__PyWoUpnhOVrIsRrm6XBQUI0vt9cuBEy-3lcoDIXkRBgdnTqH_LWIN-YlQxp-A53ur18hhZ__EizKzvM6uFd4nm5_/s1600/hibiscus2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhkQTOrgujMz7IQk-2iPga2D5nb-AAiR4nkSiQr53W12hW8eXZb__PyWoUpnhOVrIsRrm6XBQUI0vt9cuBEy-3lcoDIXkRBgdnTqH_LWIN-YlQxp-A53ur18hhZ__EizKzvM6uFd4nm5_/s1600/hibiscus2.jpg" height="100" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">G</span>overnor
Barbara Arrindell and the Step-by-Step team are gearing up to play hosts to the many Caribbean
Optimists expected to converge on the beautiful hideaway boutique property, The Hibiscus
Lodge Hotel.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMjwuc2VNxrxgV0vdizc7gIycGRFrwPTmw68Rw9F8BY_F2cwYDAWN5FYD8DfKyNoJWLkBkvFwxNyjpsXGrMBc6n8UrJym1xwZCjCc249fcyJTZJ6OhkpH6uf8uFXnXo4Y3ie2vzSHkIgG/s1600/20141005_141213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzMjwuc2VNxrxgV0vdizc7gIycGRFrwPTmw68Rw9F8BY_F2cwYDAWN5FYD8DfKyNoJWLkBkvFwxNyjpsXGrMBc6n8UrJym1xwZCjCc249fcyJTZJ6OhkpH6uf8uFXnXo4Y3ie2vzSHkIgG/s1600/20141005_141213.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">A</span>mong the highlights
of the weekend confab will be the always exciting and classic Awards Banquet
& Ball to be hosted by Immediate Past Governor Nutilia Simon. The formal ceremony to be held on Saturday evening will recognize and honour the achievers of the 2013-2014 year as announced by
the District and International achievements and awards committees.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">O</span>ther highlights
include a special reading by the award winning Jamaican author, A-dZiko Simba
Gegele; as well as a suite of exciting leadership and personal development training
workshops and fellowship activities. These activities include the entertaining and energetic Optimists Got
Talent and Optimist Olympics.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoF1u2cg9E2kuJJAmhWQEFGaEn7UOtbA2dlGakwd1vLpVAMu-crMiNMB6a2bVsxh0cbpuPsUzhCIWWQKztmAhDbxmP6_uRytad1_8AKddzm-Aa0h22R04Y6dbu7lw3JwRf03BFhbTQ3JL/s1600/20141025_141310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXoF1u2cg9E2kuJJAmhWQEFGaEn7UOtbA2dlGakwd1vLpVAMu-crMiNMB6a2bVsxh0cbpuPsUzhCIWWQKztmAhDbxmP6_uRytad1_8AKddzm-Aa0h22R04Y6dbu7lw3JwRf03BFhbTQ3JL/s1600/20141025_141310.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A</span>ccording District
Secretary-Treasurer Jason Gilead, this is a conference not to be missed.</div>
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“Plan to be
there and encourage another Optimist to come", says the DST in a release announcing the first call to the conference.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">"T</span>his is definitely going to be one of those conferences where if you
miss it, you will be saying "I can’t believe I missed that..." for
years to come. Enough said!” warned DST
Jason.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">S</span>ee details from
the first call to the Q2 District Conference below:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: lime;"><span style="font-size: large;">Registration
(<i>Including Lunch</i>) </span> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Regular
onsite Registration: US $75.00</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw86CzEyt0FT0z6Ua60pQBzNKrTjoxqDsfO_rBJO92yWxlZBY4sAG93YMs9ynRTIn53Lfgf-gcWcwPJaVBg219ifW-rCXiUYZxid0avuZHi_8GP1AR3BjRvgQYWN54jK69Y7dK7lLvQFJK/s1600/Logo+Step+by+Step.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw86CzEyt0FT0z6Ua60pQBzNKrTjoxqDsfO_rBJO92yWxlZBY4sAG93YMs9ynRTIn53Lfgf-gcWcwPJaVBg219ifW-rCXiUYZxid0avuZHi_8GP1AR3BjRvgQYWN54jK69Y7dK7lLvQFJK/s1600/Logo+Step+by+Step.jpg" height="176" width="200" /></a></b></div>
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“A coming”:
10% off regular registration <i>(by February 21)</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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“Twinkle
Toes”: US$58.00 <i>(by February 7)</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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“Lightning
Bolt”: US$48.00 <i>(Early Bird by January 31)</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>College
& JOOI Members:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Regular
Registration US$38.00<o:p></o:p></div>
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Twinkle Toes
US$32.00 <i>(by Feb 7)</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Banquet
& Ball US$40.00</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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10% Off if
ticket is purchased prior to February 7, 2015<o:p></o:p></div>
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10% Off for
all JOOI and College Members.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="font-size: large;">Accommodation </span> </span></div>
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Room Rates
including all taxes and breakfast</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpCFACWf49QUjVPxsdARK-Oa-uQrkNvw62rbVxmacfGwIeHOZ60BHGLMcn6zUK_S4D8vqFne8gUwvZUidONm5tZCfMktmr_id3uZPJIy4BTDUx1NiADlSN9yXvJd8saNEYRcTxXeEc3Ub/s1600/hibiscus+odge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpCFACWf49QUjVPxsdARK-Oa-uQrkNvw62rbVxmacfGwIeHOZ60BHGLMcn6zUK_S4D8vqFne8gUwvZUidONm5tZCfMktmr_id3uZPJIy4BTDUx1NiADlSN9yXvJd8saNEYRcTxXeEc3Ub/s1600/hibiscus+odge.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
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Standard
double occupancy: USD 137.35<o:p></o:p></div>
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Deluxe
double occupancy: usd$148.25<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i><b>Find a roommate … Share a room and spend less than US$69.00 per night. </b></i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Hibiscus Lodge Hotel & The Almond Tree Restaurant</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<span style="background: white;">PO Box
52, Ocho Rios, Saint Ann, Jamaica</span><br />
<span style="background: white;">Telephone:
876-974-2676 or 876-974-2813</span><br />
</span><a href="http://www.hibiscusjamaica.com/">http://www.hibiscusjamaica.com/</a> <o:p></o:p></div>
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-40039394478914495612014-12-31T14:28:00.000-08:002014-12-31T14:28:10.264-08:00Happy New Year<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: #f6b26b; background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #00509f; line-height: 20.7000007629395px;"><i><b>FROM GOVERNOR BARBARA... </b></i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">
<span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #00509f; line-height: 20.7000007629395px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizES0AI6yPhyphenhyphenKqSt5i_UNbvvE4coJtZR7aNOP4XnX-lETKN7zUdix3-p9dHTQbeBDZeFzb8MvlZ7FytC3yAvT40xrwP5FOolKn1ud4lf6OFmVSQOAAUI4eP5vFbmRTEoDyniNkjjDJvMD5/s1600/Logo+Step+by+Step.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizES0AI6yPhyphenhyphenKqSt5i_UNbvvE4coJtZR7aNOP4XnX-lETKN7zUdix3-p9dHTQbeBDZeFzb8MvlZ7FytC3yAvT40xrwP5FOolKn1ud4lf6OFmVSQOAAUI4eP5vFbmRTEoDyniNkjjDJvMD5/s1600/Logo+Step+by+Step.jpg" height="176" width="200" /></a><span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #00509f; line-height: 20.7000007629395px;"><i>“The year is gone, beyond recall,<br />With all its hopes and fears,<br />With all its bright and gladdening smiles,<br />and … with some mourners’ tears.” </i> </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">
<span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #00509f; line-height: 20.7000007629395px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">
<span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #00509f; line-height: 20.7000007629395px;">...So now we look to the future! </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">
<span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #00509f; line-height: 20.7000007629395px;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span>he year 2015 is before us or in Optimist terms we might say that a brand new quarter is ahead of us. We have an opportunity to evaluate, to regroup, to plan. Let’s embrace our unique talents and potential as we continue to make young lives and our own lives better.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">
<span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #00509f; line-height: 20.7000007629395px;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span>he good news is that many of our clubs have grown over the last few months. A total of 42 new club members and 4 FOOs are now part of the Caribbean District Family. <b>We lost no clubs in the first quarter and had the absolute pleasure of welcoming a new club.</b> We started with 52 and we are now a family of 53 Caribbean Clubs.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">
<span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #00509f; line-height: 20.7000007629395px;"><span style="font-size: large;">W</span>e have every reason to be proud of ourselves and many reasons to challenge each other to do even better. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">
<span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #00509f; line-height: 20.7000007629395px;"><span style="font-size: large;">C</span>ongrats to those who embraced Treez2015. Remember that the second quarter is all about “The JOOI of reading TOGETHER”.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">
<span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #00509f; line-height: 20.7000007629395px;"><span style="font-size: large;">M</span>ay the spirit of love and compassion that you shared so willingly during the Christmas season remain with us all as we interact with each other throughout 2015.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">
<span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #00509f; line-height: 20.7000007629395px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span> remain proud to be the Governor of this great Caribbean District.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">
<span style="background-image: initial; background-repeat: initial; color: #00509f; line-height: 20.7000007629395px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Happy New Year!</span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">
<span style="color: #00509f; line-height: 20.7000007629395px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">
<span style="color: #00509f; line-height: 20.7000007629395px;"><i>Governor Barbara </i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">
<span style="color: #00509f; line-height: 20.7000007629395px;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">
<span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #00509f; line-height: 20.7000007629395px;"><i><b>FROM GOVERNOR-ELECT PATRICK... </b></i></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>HE REFLECTIONS are abounding. So too, are the resolutions. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">W</span>hatever our choices may be for the New Year, I do hope we renew
our essence of Optimism – positive thoughts and action that open new pathways
for our children to experience a healthy, happy and good life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">W</span>ith the advent of the New Year come even greater
opportunities for us to build on the lessons of the past and <i>press on to the greater achievements of the future</i>.
I am confident that success awaits each one of us as individuals; and
collectively in our Optimist clubs, zones and district. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">L</span>et us embrace the warmth of Optimism within us; let us
march to the positive beats of Optimism around us; and let the New Year be a
year of Blessings for the children of the Caribbean and the world.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">B</span>onne année et bonne santé! ¡Feliz año nuevo! Happy New
Year!<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<i>GE Patrick</i><o:p></o:p><br />
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-87633648349038956882014-11-22T03:26:00.000-08:002014-11-22T03:26:55.389-08:00Building a culture of leadership development... now!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZ-MH-7Ej_aUbgbFTE3fWVTTffKQ15YE-mDFtNyGIFzjnPMXbDVHbFIIIqKiyczuvM_tDj3SQLYPWXLHYHoL0LopPGzoFTj1FV3ypQfa7CF6UjCFXOG9gCyZE3CGPuR_HmBaC3axh7Jr5/s1600/PP.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYZ-MH-7Ej_aUbgbFTE3fWVTTffKQ15YE-mDFtNyGIFzjnPMXbDVHbFIIIqKiyczuvM_tDj3SQLYPWXLHYHoL0LopPGzoFTj1FV3ypQfa7CF6UjCFXOG9gCyZE3CGPuR_HmBaC3axh7Jr5/s200/PP.JPG" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: x-large;">I</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: small;">N MY first official comment as Governor Elect, I took the opportunity to remind
people that we Optimists are people who make things happen. I </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">argued</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: small;"> then, that by the very nature of the word, Optimism means it is always time for action. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">H</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">ere is a quotation from the incredible body of work by Christian D. Larson that I believe ties a couple
tenets of the Optimist Creed with the need to ACTION those tenets. Larson says, </span><i><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
true optimist not only expects the best to happen, but goes to work to make the
best happen. The true optimist not only looks upon the bright side, but trains
every force that is in him to produce more and more brightness in his life…</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">he ways in which Optimists go about producing more and
more brightness in our lives include </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">creating programmes that serve children, because
they are indeed our sunshine. It is also about recruiting more people to become Optimists, not merely because we want to increase our numbers, but because we know that more hands help
us serve more children.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">A</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">s Optimists, we dare not forget that everything we
do today is in the hope that tomorrow will be better; and so we must do
what it takes to keep the brightness going and spreading. We dare not forget
either, that our strength is dependent on the quality of our members, the reach of our programmes, as well as our culture of leadership development.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">N</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">othing becomes a way of life overnight. If we want
a culture of good strong leadership we must build it. We
must be constant in doing the things that will perpetuate an environment
in which good strong leadership will emerge and be practiced. </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">It is in that vein that I call on Caribbean Optimists to identify our future leaders, now! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">E</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">very good organisation,
whether they have short or long term leadership changes, makes the effort to
ensure that its new leaders are able to </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">hit the ground running.</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;"> From the very start of
their tenure the leaders must be ready. We as Optimists are no different. </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">In fact, Optimist International
expects and encourages a smooth and seamless transition from one administrative year to
the next. That is why the mechanisms are in place for early identification of future leaders.</span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfKi_LOWhXOUR_L7K7vUINUb9oJ2ke-6hFqxreIljkoH8tHWKyfXDcqHfmKxHkmh0hgKgAMIH5nfBI9U_1nN8EOaQd0gp8IgOZQ-gSHCX8QbrtR0iz0MtdtpU-6Enh3EqNaWgQUz3ldOL/s1600/VPselect+Training+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFfKi_LOWhXOUR_L7K7vUINUb9oJ2ke-6hFqxreIljkoH8tHWKyfXDcqHfmKxHkmh0hgKgAMIH5nfBI9U_1nN8EOaQd0gp8IgOZQ-gSHCX8QbrtR0iz0MtdtpU-6Enh3EqNaWgQUz3ldOL/s320/VPselect+Training+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">President-Elect Dave (fourth left) with his 'assistant coaches'<br />
at the recent VP-Elect Training including<br />
Southeaster region VP-Elect James Adams (l)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">O</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">ne tried, tested and proven approach to achieving a seamless
transition is the officer-elect post. The practice is clearly evident at the international level. The President-elect, Vice presidents-elect, and Governor-elect are all identified up to 15 months before his or her
administrative year. That </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">timing guarantees the incoming officers a full transition year to understudy the incumbent, to grasp the magnitude of their jobs, and to plan and project with a team that will support the mission of making Optimist International the best
voluntary service organisation in the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">S</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">imply put, the</span><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: small;"> officer-elect post </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">highlights</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: small;"> four critical elements of</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; text-align: justify;"> leadership transition</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; text-align: justify;">:</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">It allows for specific
training activities at the local, regional and international levels;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">It facilitates </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">active participation in the organisation’s
administrative processes;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">It provides invaluable opportunities
for self-directed learning and planning; and</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">It supports the promotion of
good governance and democratic ideals within our own movement.</span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">W</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">e have all heard the
stories of clubs and zones coming to the end of their administrative year, and
no one is making himself or herself available to lead. </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify;">The negative consequences of identifying
the incoming officers too late in the year are evident; and so we won’t dwell on
them. As Optimists, we identify the weaknesses of the past merely as a platform
for moving on to the greater achievements; and so I wish to underscore the tremendous worthiness and benefits of early nomination, selection and election
of our leaders at all levels. Again these benefits include:</span></div>
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<ul style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM36ga0xMWyMo6ySfH8792vEfXsjoMUYUeiU8EHBY68yaxcmWWlG0ZyIioG2CnZLT1UHC4SP1TZjfaUEo5vAy8XjlYZ3oUDo6hyphenhyphenIGydbwvw2pTKs9k10R-mDnn1vY7zSZphxmZpjYNqbeu/s1600/thumbs+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM36ga0xMWyMo6ySfH8792vEfXsjoMUYUeiU8EHBY68yaxcmWWlG0ZyIioG2CnZLT1UHC4SP1TZjfaUEo5vAy8XjlYZ3oUDo6hyphenhyphenIGydbwvw2pTKs9k10R-mDnn1vY7zSZphxmZpjYNqbeu/s200/thumbs+up.jpg" width="140" /></a>
<li><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">EARLY TRAINING in the areas
of responsibilities to be undertaken;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">SUSTAINED PLANNING that
benefits from active consultation with members;</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">TEAM BUILDING </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">on the strengths of </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">engaging members individually and collectively
in the process; </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">EXPOSURE to the various
levels of human, technical and informational expertise and resources that the Optimist
movement is known to possess. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">n this </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Step by Step</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;"> year
2014 – 2015, it is my wish that all officers-elect in our great Caribbean District (presidents-elect, Lieutenant Governors-elect and Governor-elect) will benefit
from not only an increased number of training activities; but more extensive training. </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">I would like to see greater networking and planning across the zones and clubs. Planning is a most effective foundation for proper communication. </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
would like to see even more cohesive teams understanding, appreciating and working
together for the collective well-being of our children, our members, and the
District. TEAM... </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">I would like to see those with experience encouraging and building up
those who are coming on board as new leaders and new members. </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">And, I know other Optimists want to see these things too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">O</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">f course, it cannot happen overnight
and neither can I do it alone. But, we know it can happen, and will happen with your support. </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Therefore, as individual
Optimists in your clubs and zones, I appeal to your sense of hope, your belief
in our collective abilities, your confidence in the brightness of our future,
and your commitment to the tenets of the Optimist Creed to let us together work at getting our officers-elect
in place with </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">the urgency of now</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large;">L</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: small;">et us together build a culture of leadership
development and sustainability in our clubs, zones and district as </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;">part</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: small;"> of making our organisation the best it can be. A</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">s Christian
D. Larson encourages, let us together </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">go to work to make
the best happen</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span></div>
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<b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Optimist
Patrick</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Governor-Elect<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Optimist
International Caribbean District.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>Step by Step...2014-15</i></span></div>
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-38184252173305607932014-11-22T03:18:00.000-08:002014-11-22T03:18:10.594-08:00"Bim rocks Optimism" - GE Patrick<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTNPR3WOgqKXr-6ZJ01o1riQl7KJ5Y3fXY4UVIsaNibEhWMngB76zzw93Cj2tWn2wGSNPfPnJPtvSnDc_zaClIzEBAcPJ2dN51q1hNZrpwIxW1WVdQsU72ty-jj0D2XhaTYhbsrIgXdwG/s1600/Logo+Step+by+Step.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTNPR3WOgqKXr-6ZJ01o1riQl7KJ5Y3fXY4UVIsaNibEhWMngB76zzw93Cj2tWn2wGSNPfPnJPtvSnDc_zaClIzEBAcPJ2dN51q1hNZrpwIxW1WVdQsU72ty-jj0D2XhaTYhbsrIgXdwG/s1600/Logo+Step+by+Step.jpg" height="176" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">THE SECOND of two first quarter district meetings in the Step by Step year of Governor Barbara Arrindell unfolded at the 3Ws Oval on the UWI Cave Hill Campus in Barbados on October 25, 2014. As was the case in Kingston, the organizers promised difference and surely they delivered.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">The great Caribbean District of Optimist International is indeed formidable in so many ways.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I want to give thanks for the opportunity afforded me to share in the experience with such ease and comfort. You are all awesome people and I am so happy to be an Optimist. Thanks to my friend and brother, PIVP Adrian and family for being such gracious hosts (and now family). My BaJam sister, PIVP Carol, your special care and attention to my personal growth and involvement as an Optimist continue to be simply inspirational. JOOI Co-Chair Ann, you know I love you even more! Jordis and I are forever grateful to all of you.</span><br />
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Secondly, to all the leaders in your neck of the woods - from Governor Barbara to club presidents Darshani, Laura, Cameron, Allison, Leo, Mercile, Katrina and your representatives at the meeting; and from DST Jason to all club secretary-treasurers, directors and chairpersons - thank you all for sitting in the driver's seat at this time. You are deeply appreciated. I am confident that you are going to have a distinguished year. GA Barry and LTGs Pat and Margaret, you guys and your planning and operation teams are simply and marvelously efficient at what you do. Thanks. PGs Adrian, Carol and Joe, as well as IPG Nutilia, it means a lot that your presence and insight continue to be seen and felt. </div>
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Finally, I just want to share my notes from the meeting (almost as they were taken). Here we go:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQopca6ZAr8hoffm4dFeQNYnyg-cIrXZvBUjzTyXxjDM1Ip82bFdgD5Fub1_PpcNIdCl_bB7StqlOu3TqPcWEBKjwMRPndzq35ufxUqm0ieYaIctr0RWykEpaa1X6GoBs4ii7lIapgfn6/s1600/P1020861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfQopca6ZAr8hoffm4dFeQNYnyg-cIrXZvBUjzTyXxjDM1Ip82bFdgD5Fub1_PpcNIdCl_bB7StqlOu3TqPcWEBKjwMRPndzq35ufxUqm0ieYaIctr0RWykEpaa1X6GoBs4ii7lIapgfn6/s1600/P1020861.JPG" height="103" width="200" /></a>Punctuality is an indicator of respect and value for others. Business-like. Engaging. Entertaining. Enlightening. <wbr></wbr>Fun. Fellowship. Feeling Good. Friends. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvc7lEWtx3pME6GhZ_0UYoGu4btlXIFbAVW4TCsTopdXxr-tkfUM5w1OuCZG2GEyipm5lUsA3S_LV1p2WkZHvIOynNrcS_thybLtybjir3Na6d6cf17e10aauD_tsbRcOhiziGYZ6NXxZL/s1600/20141026_074411_LLS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvc7lEWtx3pME6GhZ_0UYoGu4btlXIFbAVW4TCsTopdXxr-tkfUM5w1OuCZG2GEyipm5lUsA3S_LV1p2WkZHvIOynNrcS_thybLtybjir3Na6d6cf17e10aauD_tsbRcOhiziGYZ6NXxZL/s1600/20141026_074411_LLS.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a>Optimists are serious people - serious about the business of service. Optimists are service people - serving the best we can regardless of the circumstance. Optimists are for the children - there is a child out there somewhere who needs us now, not tomorrow, but now. Optimists are builders of the future - ask Adriana, Firhana, and all the Junior Optimists who are becoming leaders in their own right! Jevanni Waugh!! Optimists are fun people - throw us an opportunity for play and it is off the chain! Pride!!</div>
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Good meeting. Great presentations. Humor. Hospitality. Happy. Honor.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRURamJ9sd-5V8u3mdyoz_smoH11KF3NoPS-cAUQkGZ5tNgW5k4oKLyPARSZKUJKePhzsSpGvLWXfFLiN1F1fY6JqORs2DsBbLoySrJ_X98pUkMe_imT6hvsPq0AtZVISWIDr0Z8Xgz8da/s1600/20141026_085624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRURamJ9sd-5V8u3mdyoz_smoH11KF3NoPS-cAUQkGZ5tNgW5k4oKLyPARSZKUJKePhzsSpGvLWXfFLiN1F1fY6JqORs2DsBbLoySrJ_X98pUkMe_imT6hvsPq0AtZVISWIDr0Z8Xgz8da/s1600/20141026_085624.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a>Leadership. Moving Forward. Planning and Communication. Regrouping. Sensitivity in Service. Teamwork. The Future is Bright. Sustainability of quality is about recruiting quality. Training. Training.Training! Let us get it done and done early and right.</div>
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If you don't pay, you can't play! Money matters. What about a resolution at OI Convention on the tier-system given the economic realities and diversities across the Caribbean? A surplus, yeah!!!</div>
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Table sessions. Panel discussion. What is that signature activity or project that will make everyone say, Optimists!? PR is more than just the media and the public out there; it is also about Optimists knowing what we do as Optimists. Cherish the experience of those who share lessons. Use the lessons of strengths that come from sharing our projects with each other. Right Optimist Richelle and VP Yvette! </div>
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Courtesy. Respect. Protocol. Robert's Rules. SURPRISE!!! Sweet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2M5IJGImc2yDOmZFsfnVX0KehrNtYzLzYlWJyXu-bSq5jj_Dh0xUkHjTyYZZH1lG5M5CVqftz0HzmJRpYh36YWCp_EU79Ilb_3L6S2gKlvXv-9UsmW85Q_DK5ML-WiSaWg7kKeGQnQHRJ/s1600/20141025_134910+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2M5IJGImc2yDOmZFsfnVX0KehrNtYzLzYlWJyXu-bSq5jj_Dh0xUkHjTyYZZH1lG5M5CVqftz0HzmJRpYh36YWCp_EU79Ilb_3L6S2gKlvXv-9UsmW85Q_DK5ML-WiSaWg7kKeGQnQHRJ/s1600/20141025_134910+-+Copy.jpg" height="135" width="200" /></a></div>
Thank you all for making the weekend in Barbados such a memorable one for me on a personal level as I marked my 25@50 milestone. Thank you all for making the weekend in Barbados so productive, meaningful, and motivating for me as your GE. Thank you for making the weekend in Barbados one of pure Optimism! </div>
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I wish for you and your families and teams at work, in the clubs, the zones and district absolutely nothing but the best.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">I was delighted to have been in attendance; but in the final analysis it is even more delightful to be able to declare that, Bim rocks with Optimism!</span></div>
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Optimistically.</div>
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-43318966525482679792014-11-20T06:26:00.001-08:002014-11-20T06:26:37.797-08:00Where do the children play?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHUopYrfwtXGUpKL3DQS5k0GUJ5wlE87qesEa_zZUlhErWEatUxPcsICknn7QeDvBG2fAedOHAibW_tCrH4KqZ5-RIrzro1c0rY0X-rXAU2E5XMKnEzZTLSfCZcDFj78Du0c09qRTimkj/s1600/UN+Childrens+Day+2014+Picture-Nov-Blog-2.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYHUopYrfwtXGUpKL3DQS5k0GUJ5wlE87qesEa_zZUlhErWEatUxPcsICknn7QeDvBG2fAedOHAibW_tCrH4KqZ5-RIrzro1c0rY0X-rXAU2E5XMKnEzZTLSfCZcDFj78Du0c09qRTimkj/s1600/UN+Childrens+Day+2014+Picture-Nov-Blog-2.gif" height="200" width="147" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span>S OPTIMISTS we are committed to improving the welfare of our children. The mission of Optimism is simple and direct in its declaration: <i>By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out
the best in kids.</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">O</span>n this Universal Children's Day, celebrated on November 20 each year, UN General Secretary Ban Ki-Moon reminds us of a simple fact.</div>
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<i>The one thing all children have in common is their rights. Every child has the right to survive and thrive, to be educated, to be free from violence and abuse, to participate and be heard. These are innate human rights as inalienable as those held by adults</i>. (Ban Ki-Moon, Nov 2014)</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I</span>t is not only our children's right to be protected, however; it is our duty to make sure that they are. It is our responsibility to ensure that our children have safe places to learn and play and grow happily together. Every opportunity must be provided for them to realize their full and true potential. We all as adult human beings embrace our duty and stand up for the future today.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ12ll9a7u3ULGAbo5UnZbPu6RmS7a9Y-t3I5Q2HB6R0nvSq2L0tVJSLYUrBug96UsY5YFiOet3mIyN48xY6JhCXusC0vAl4ZVFN3vXxnWO7Zw3J1c5m7SjLIqpSK1hRS0BmJMPmvLNusD/s1600/father-and-son-ftr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ12ll9a7u3ULGAbo5UnZbPu6RmS7a9Y-t3I5Q2HB6R0nvSq2L0tVJSLYUrBug96UsY5YFiOet3mIyN48xY6JhCXusC0vAl4ZVFN3vXxnWO7Zw3J1c5m7SjLIqpSK1hRS0BmJMPmvLNusD/s1600/father-and-son-ftr.jpg" height="200" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">T</span>here are many ways to make a positive difference in the lives of our children. Here are just a few:</div>
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Become a mentor<o:p></o:p></div>
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Adopt a child<o:p></o:p></div>
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Contribute to a children's fund<o:p></o:p></div>
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Join an organization that supports children<o:p></o:p></div>
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Volunteer to share your many and varied gifts with the children at a schools, church, children's home.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">L</span>et us continue to lift up our children and be the best
wind beneath their wings helping them to soar to the many heights of their true
potential. Our children are god's gift to remind us of our humanity. Let us
love, care, guide and protect them as best we can. After all, as Nelson Mandela says, <i>There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than
the way in which it treats its children. </i></div>
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-89626846252086125132014-10-26T19:08:00.000-07:002014-10-27T12:29:20.989-07:00The JOOI of Optimism in Barbados<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVH3JzvJDIh0G3p_eSYtvB4stU71VBvIBw1bMhwVgUHd86a-xB-LXzDNDLynjudubqGzITJhroaEsF1bmj82b2k0_o7UDqe4YY-D74aZ3i19fL91aktjbhN0c-Wh-nJBHK2C40vHq3hJyh/s1600/P1020843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVH3JzvJDIh0G3p_eSYtvB4stU71VBvIBw1bMhwVgUHd86a-xB-LXzDNDLynjudubqGzITJhroaEsF1bmj82b2k0_o7UDqe4YY-D74aZ3i19fL91aktjbhN0c-Wh-nJBHK2C40vHq3hJyh/s1600/P1020843.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A</span> young Optimist Adriana<br />
Stirred our souls<br />
With a voice so fine<br />
It was more than a 'feeling good' start<br />
To a day that was truly fun<br />
Filled with passion and sensitivity<br />
Fellowship and sincerity.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbTln8WjWUJra4J1RDAa7b8X0erqCbTS-KPeymb96BD-5IUfE8yRCo_BMyaEa2ufWw6hIS7UgLQ9_YW2g3Rfuz1b8j4K4D6iAN-9pehYe0do_Ye5gHGgew-K7xusUnH9Z_lyNym8hqx2A/s1600/P1020861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJbTln8WjWUJra4J1RDAa7b8X0erqCbTS-KPeymb96BD-5IUfE8yRCo_BMyaEa2ufWw6hIS7UgLQ9_YW2g3Rfuz1b8j4K4D6iAN-9pehYe0do_Ye5gHGgew-K7xusUnH9Z_lyNym8hqx2A/s1600/P1020861.JPG" height="103" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">O</span>ur children need us -<br />
Fostering a child is one great way.<br />
Service is still relevant -<br />
Societies fail if we do not rise today<br />
For tomorrow's better<br />
We must as Optimists show we care<br />
To listen, to respect, counsels Firhana.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrFJ3hJBir18YEKo7fhtU17q09X8YBEZ-6nkrR7whAEsuKvR0QA-14E-oLc-JhfdHJh7qstmTbsMyvC7jTqWNTj2rzEx93HlLmcAeCxjSdokRP2vkucNCTM9ifxXbD-zFEqGOi-oZuPmK/s1600/P1020948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWrFJ3hJBir18YEKo7fhtU17q09X8YBEZ-6nkrR7whAEsuKvR0QA-14E-oLc-JhfdHJh7qstmTbsMyvC7jTqWNTj2rzEx93HlLmcAeCxjSdokRP2vkucNCTM9ifxXbD-zFEqGOi-oZuPmK/s1600/P1020948.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">W</span>hat a JOOI filled time to be<br />
Gathered together for introspection<br />
To remind ourselves of a philosophy<br />
That teaches us always to do the best, we can<br />
Produce more and more brightness<br />
In and for all our lives<br />
Try hope, optimism, yes, positivity!<br />
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<i>Step by Step... moving onward and upward.</i><br />
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<i><span style="font-size: large;">T</span>hanks to all seven clubs of zones 12 and 13, their presidents and secretary-treasures, and especially, Lieutenant Governors Patricia and Margaret. You all did an awesome job in front and behind the scenes. The first quarter Barbados meeting will not soon be forgot.</i></div>
<i><span style="font-size: large;">A</span> lot of opportunity for fellowship was created. So too opportunities for dealing with issues of importance to the district. GA Barry and JOOI Co-chairs in Barbados, Optimist Ann and Optimist Yvette, you guys are making such an impact on the young people of our region.</i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">P</span>ast International Vice Presidents Carol Haynes and Adrian Elcock as well as IPG Nutilia Simon, the district can only be better with your support. Members do value your contribution and we hope you will continue to be there for all Optimists.</i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">B</span>ig Ups to Governor Barbara and District Secretary-Treasurer Jason. It was a weekend of sharing, engagement and clean lively humor to which you all added your bit of special touch.</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-h94FvToRtHt1Sp8EBGDRlx0JN-wVXC4ZUNcDlhB6USgDS-D2lUx2GqrqnNH2rfO29K_Jdr_EWzn_ns7Xl7lH3qcG4lzIluuM9gwJKZKoG7rjRt-AKuTZArL25l3ccn2tTNVJNN-eKdg/s1600/P1020933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho-h94FvToRtHt1Sp8EBGDRlx0JN-wVXC4ZUNcDlhB6USgDS-D2lUx2GqrqnNH2rfO29K_Jdr_EWzn_ns7Xl7lH3qcG4lzIluuM9gwJKZKoG7rjRt-AKuTZArL25l3ccn2tTNVJNN-eKdg/s1600/P1020933.JPG" height="160" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>DST Jason, LtG Patricia and LtG Margaret</b></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5rVFtid9qJ4AyhGfbOL4B_dTv7Oy3ojZQGhFGpgZNU4urdS_LAB-juh6ya51zgkg5HqCQHGvSa16d8HiJLdOkf6FsZEl9FmpPCZeLXdxUF1ptvGbc-Ov0hxV9IXeys9W4n_V2jSPzXuH/s1600/P1020959+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh5rVFtid9qJ4AyhGfbOL4B_dTv7Oy3ojZQGhFGpgZNU4urdS_LAB-juh6ya51zgkg5HqCQHGvSa16d8HiJLdOkf6FsZEl9FmpPCZeLXdxUF1ptvGbc-Ov0hxV9IXeys9W4n_V2jSPzXuH/s1600/P1020959+(1).JPG" height="175" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>GE Patrick, IPG Nutilia, Gov Barbara<br />Club president Darshani, DST Jason<br />and LTG Margaret</b></span></td></tr>
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-50500139503272990702014-10-16T16:14:00.001-07:002014-10-29T04:37:12.097-07:00The Leaders Forum 2014-15<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Optimist International Caribbean District Leaders</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgti6eVBWNWq9lgosD3B_GhPCDudkNKhhzWio8oN3sVYVbeKCBzBhUmFXmyPywGatkBdwfvY9-z3D3gbtiL9BgU75ijBjmv4mdTEssDBknA5Ux9IbI_BA6tk70BGqTOFU9BxLSDrdUcqLni/s1600/governor+barbara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgti6eVBWNWq9lgosD3B_GhPCDudkNKhhzWio8oN3sVYVbeKCBzBhUmFXmyPywGatkBdwfvY9-z3D3gbtiL9BgU75ijBjmv4mdTEssDBknA5Ux9IbI_BA6tk70BGqTOFU9BxLSDrdUcqLni/s1600/governor+barbara.jpg" height="160" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #404f56; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Barbara Arrindell</b></span></span><br />
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Governor</div>
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<i>Optimist Club of St John's Antigua</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3q5nDIyEDjIHwwNMdOd4jDbfkJzrBKEj-Lbj9AxG2GMm8RoHRgE1wTvmrJDTX37ODxPBe7GQnwoMMf853voat-am1B8gJyBlKBnN8wOLgsPuGeFh_U9T_ONLGCyEdicvPh-r1RNXq-BQc/s1600/PP2+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3q5nDIyEDjIHwwNMdOd4jDbfkJzrBKEj-Lbj9AxG2GMm8RoHRgE1wTvmrJDTX37ODxPBe7GQnwoMMf853voat-am1B8gJyBlKBnN8wOLgsPuGeFh_U9T_ONLGCyEdicvPh-r1RNXq-BQc/s1600/PP2+-+Copy.jpg" height="200" width="155" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #404f56; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Patrick Prendergast</b></span></span></div>
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Governor Elect</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dtn_UQOTnKLnbVGODrRM-7NCJ__3u6uAxkXkeTN3spfqVOEiATHmzvCpRx3lr4DBQtGh4r5kXIQdMLOKMrOk7P_XNEf0Gg3s27kXztfaGVrrNGGRSWcvE4KcJavbmsIMK1qYlslXBA8c/s1600/Nutilia+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7dtn_UQOTnKLnbVGODrRM-7NCJ__3u6uAxkXkeTN3spfqVOEiATHmzvCpRx3lr4DBQtGh4r5kXIQdMLOKMrOk7P_XNEf0Gg3s27kXztfaGVrrNGGRSWcvE4KcJavbmsIMK1qYlslXBA8c/s1600/Nutilia+-+Copy.jpg" height="200" width="163" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #404f56; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b><b>Nutilia Simon</b></b></span></span></div>
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Immediate Past Governor</div>
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<i>Optimist Club of St John's Antigua</i></div>
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<span style="color: #404f56; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Jason Gilead</b></span></span><br />
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District Secretary-Treasurer</div>
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<i>Optimist Club of St John's Antigua</i></div>
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<span style="color: #404f56; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white;"><b>Jenelle Morgan</b></span></span></div>
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Governor, JOOI Caribbean District</div>
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<i> Octagon Club of Immaculate </i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Optimist International Leaders</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #404f56; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Ken Garner</span></div>
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International President</div>
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<i>Optimist Club of Fort Worth-Breakfast East, TX</i></div>
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<span style="color: #404f56; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Dave Bruns</span></div>
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International President-Elect</div>
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<i>White Lakes Optimist Club of Topeka, KS</i></div>
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<span class="subhead" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #404f56; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Ron Huxley</span><br />
Immediate Past President</div>
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<i>Optimist Clubs of Ausable-Port Franks, ON and Jeffersonville, IN</i></div>
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<span class="subhead" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #404f56; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Javanni Waugh</span></div>
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JOOI President</div>
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<span class="subhead" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #404f56; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: bold;">Deanna Morrow</span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;">International Vice President, Southeast Region<i> </i></span></div>
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<i>Optimist Clubs of Carrollton and Optimist Xpress, GA</i><br />
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<b>James Adams</b></div>
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International Vice President-Elect, Southeast Region</div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Caribbean Leaders </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-large;">Serving on International Committees</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-UMJQ2FIdytywuOBHNnOX-lab9TWzdnk7JI0wxLwMko6aQISI1o7gZReqlPBlA1amzCJSq-6rlvgwuF0lW5ERRhHynlwC3n7G7Po_RvNmWryphN56LB3h3R8FWnVQKid4HQVVsSP2ZVc/s1600/Zone+8+005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij-UMJQ2FIdytywuOBHNnOX-lab9TWzdnk7JI0wxLwMko6aQISI1o7gZReqlPBlA1amzCJSq-6rlvgwuF0lW5ERRhHynlwC3n7G7Po_RvNmWryphN56LB3h3R8FWnVQKid4HQVVsSP2ZVc/s1600/Zone+8+005.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>PIVP Sonia Anderson</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">New Club Building</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><i>Optimist Club of St. Ann's Bay</i></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM24BNJ4jBDMTnvd_dtAK2bA9symiL36ckN8x_gKMmsHAsvLDCsdYHLGqX4W1-9mWKGN9O0Elp9cTAMLbGbmrG3ztFK1JMaP26UUUvQ3FjmnZ1xw6RaOa540H9cOzcx92a79fyFix8AElQ/s1600/Dr+Carol+Jacobs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM24BNJ4jBDMTnvd_dtAK2bA9symiL36ckN8x_gKMmsHAsvLDCsdYHLGqX4W1-9mWKGN9O0Elp9cTAMLbGbmrG3ztFK1JMaP26UUUvQ3FjmnZ1xw6RaOa540H9cOzcx92a79fyFix8AElQ/s1600/Dr+Carol+Jacobs.jpg" height="155" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b><br /></b></span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">PIVP Carol Haynes</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Activities</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><i>Optimist Club of Barbados, Bridgetown</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;"><b>PIVP Adrian Elcock</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px;">Audit and Finance</span></span></div>
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<i style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px;">Optimist Club of Barbados, Bridgetown</i></div>
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-48634160102650811992014-10-15T22:21:00.003-07:002014-10-21T10:27:46.285-07:00Second Q1 District Meeting Set for Barbados<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLMknkwalGf2TZbbrwivUrwnmUPjB6TvqmiChMJpSHjpDYERrXkJede4dHdDgobGTOeUSHM5F60nOiSh934HlMnAxcQs-POxIqPUKgHc8J7YNT9kwFLol3uuYPHqJTB1MyFceyNKYskOs/s1600/3ws_Pavillion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBLMknkwalGf2TZbbrwivUrwnmUPjB6TvqmiChMJpSHjpDYERrXkJede4dHdDgobGTOeUSHM5F60nOiSh934HlMnAxcQs-POxIqPUKgHc8J7YNT9kwFLol3uuYPHqJTB1MyFceyNKYskOs/s1600/3ws_Pavillion.jpg" height="130" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>HE SECOND Caribbean district meeting for the first quarter of the Optimist International year is scheduled to unfold on Saturday October 25, 2014 at the incredible site named in honor of three magnificent West Indian cricketers, The 3Ws Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">F</span>ollowing on the successful unorthodox meeting at Hope Gardens in St Andrew, Jamaica, the planners of the Barbados gathering are promising unmatched fellowship and club changing workshops for the large number of Optimists expected to attend.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">G</span>overnor Barbara Arrindell (<i>St Johns, Antigua</i>), Governor-Elect Patrick Prendergast (<i>Sunset Liguanea</i>) and District Secretary-Treasurer Jason Gillead (<i>St Johns, Antigua</i>) are all looking forward to an awesome weekend of Optimism in the Eastern Caribbean.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I</span>mmediate past Governor Nutilia G. Simon and Past International Vice Presidents Carol Jacobs and Adrian Elcock are also expected to join the zones 11 to 13 Optimists for their first major gathering in the <i>Step by Step</i> year. The weekend programme will culminate with a church service at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church and a tree planting ceremony at the AC Graham Centre on Sunday, October 26.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTpzJWCeGWupN15H1mn5ShFjzqTChBvbnItpe6mBskaJIvUn7q2s6cvyAxpRUe09rw9GOCCVRau219VatCSF-GMkB_5kxiUUCIf7JY4wu0Z6pMwD_G3uQgkoARTtNG9ehtczHLMbskAi0/s1600/20141005_103450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTpzJWCeGWupN15H1mn5ShFjzqTChBvbnItpe6mBskaJIvUn7q2s6cvyAxpRUe09rw9GOCCVRau219VatCSF-GMkB_5kxiUUCIf7JY4wu0Z6pMwD_G3uQgkoARTtNG9ehtczHLMbskAi0/s1600/20141005_103450.jpg" height="111" width="200" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">T</span>he 3W's Oval is located on the grounds of the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus and is a tribute to Barbadian cricketers Sir Frank Worrell, Sir Clyde Walcott and Sir Everton Weekes whose positive attitude on and off the field of play brought glory and hope to the region.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg334FVxP7MIAHw_Kn3xep14H268NY9UMgJg6LegHrIWVVpPh0UnytJPeaZIeXNe0QKaeOTWpnoYUTvtg00c-JlGyVOhFE-PKGtJyYPKuZmoADZbzXWZaklfzfJSAP39EpCwKAHvYedFIwZ/s1600/Programme.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg334FVxP7MIAHw_Kn3xep14H268NY9UMgJg6LegHrIWVVpPh0UnytJPeaZIeXNe0QKaeOTWpnoYUTvtg00c-JlGyVOhFE-PKGtJyYPKuZmoADZbzXWZaklfzfJSAP39EpCwKAHvYedFIwZ/s1600/Programme.png" height="47" width="320" /></a></div>
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8:30 am <br />
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<i>Registration </i><br />
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8: 50 am<br />
<i>Opening Session </i><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfxdPznik-2WWPbcOWzFgYtjx43QvTc1XWjAxK3_jVhTdczoqEdbUExKRTXfX809HuTSX0j9ny2G6-ouXiThTO9_6UXmUC1tCcyFMOWCx_hDaK-xUq9gCtItOPUbdQtTBs4UHkxKbwbTm/s1600/Logo+Step+by+Step.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfxdPznik-2WWPbcOWzFgYtjx43QvTc1XWjAxK3_jVhTdczoqEdbUExKRTXfX809HuTSX0j9ny2G6-ouXiThTO9_6UXmUC1tCcyFMOWCx_hDaK-xUq9gCtItOPUbdQtTBs4UHkxKbwbTm/s1600/Logo+Step+by+Step.jpg" height="176" width="200" /></a><br />
9:30 am<br />
<i>Guest Presentation</i><br />
<i>"Fostering Children" with Julia Davis (Barbados Child Care Board)</i><br />
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10:15 am<br />
<i>Workshop 1</i><br />
<i>"Money Matters" with DST Jason</i><br />
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11:20 am<br />
<i>Town Hall Panel Discussion</i><br />
<i>"Are Service Clubs a Thing of the Past?"</i><br />
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12:00 noon<br />
<i>Lunch with Governor & DST </i><br />
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12:30 pm<br />
<i>Luncheon Speaker - GE Patrick</i><br />
<i>"Future Leaders Wanted NOW"</i><br />
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1:15 pm<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBD9b_Q_xXBUWFw-htssFBpwGrX_AqOaXV30Pdapxvqq96hYDCdKxAr5xcNBM_LPKrGBhDGG-Ac-bwZ2mrpwlK7SHj-Db9pXOsYRn7tGzs8yE4xl_kzNsRYv0foYTj_AfRrdBe248et5M/s1600/Lets_Talk_Century_Gothic.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBD9b_Q_xXBUWFw-htssFBpwGrX_AqOaXV30Pdapxvqq96hYDCdKxAr5xcNBM_LPKrGBhDGG-Ac-bwZ2mrpwlK7SHj-Db9pXOsYRn7tGzs8yE4xl_kzNsRYv0foYTj_AfRrdBe248et5M/s1600/Lets_Talk_Century_Gothic.png" height="140" width="200" /></a><i>NOW 101... New Optimists Welcome Programme</i><br />
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2:00 pm<br />
<i>General Session - Be Not Afraid!</i><br />
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3:00 pm<br />
<i>Closing Remarks</i><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">R</span>egular & Onsite Registration Adult: US$35.00</div>
PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-65075813236164578222014-10-06T12:53:00.002-07:002014-10-06T13:05:43.581-07:00Hope Springs from the Gardens<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-4LFcy0FfpwKRoqHIMPuJi5gYWtLsuHII3trssRRYQOY1MZLqICitPq59y-hLuKd2ZVHqnv9r38oRv64vAiXS5pjHkUGb4H-kPirT6YyTc8GC-F7O1tPrdiqBc2dzvwp8I5pJcKBN4oo/s1600/20141005_091008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq-4LFcy0FfpwKRoqHIMPuJi5gYWtLsuHII3trssRRYQOY1MZLqICitPq59y-hLuKd2ZVHqnv9r38oRv64vAiXS5pjHkUGb4H-kPirT6YyTc8GC-F7O1tPrdiqBc2dzvwp8I5pJcKBN4oo/s1600/20141005_091008.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKJtRxYcD4Q2L84miXmjaJMNLeGdJ55tk7cvowUJq5YIGpPfjmtJ2lWiSl1rGh8fpfpHDKLYF9X1Aq7kGXmHshrLsz6Whxfx06NauiWvITSi02_Ma42K7nFWyXFzGHKLJ5htBz4F1nYYH/s1600/20141005_141132.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyKJtRxYcD4Q2L84miXmjaJMNLeGdJ55tk7cvowUJq5YIGpPfjmtJ2lWiSl1rGh8fpfpHDKLYF9X1Aq7kGXmHshrLsz6Whxfx06NauiWvITSi02_Ma42K7nFWyXFzGHKLJ5htBz4F1nYYH/s1600/20141005_141132.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a><b>Hope Springs from the Gardens<o:p></o:p></b><br />
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Embraced by
the awesome splendor<o:p></o:p></div>
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Of towering
flowering trees and lush green hills;<o:p></o:p></div>
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Set against
a backdrop of clear Blue Mountain sky,<o:p></o:p></div>
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The spirit
of Caribbean Optimism finds retreat<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the
beautiful arms of Hope Gardens.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Giving
thanks and praises,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Voices of
hope are raised on high:</div>
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Learning and
sharing, the future springs forward;<o:p></o:p></div>
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With fun and
laughter, the unity of Optimism finds new energies<o:p></o:p></div>
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On the
knowledge wings of a sound and glorious past.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XMIL8IpwgJSn-0lEOnYDenku6Nl8FssKF58PjaHn0QHGYVuFf8l0vnJ46bSNYWAI6YRw18EBJVFId2Cf00UQd8RA0xFpEOhGAlz3bWHr71LUx0qOxCOeI3xPkOLa4YDjQc8p_1r47LMa/s1600/20141005_141213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XMIL8IpwgJSn-0lEOnYDenku6Nl8FssKF58PjaHn0QHGYVuFf8l0vnJ46bSNYWAI6YRw18EBJVFId2Cf00UQd8RA0xFpEOhGAlz3bWHr71LUx0qOxCOeI3xPkOLa4YDjQc8p_1r47LMa/s1600/20141005_141213.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a>Return then
to your bases, oh Ambassadors we are,</div>
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And convert
the big dreams to small acts that will last;<o:p></o:p></div>
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Lead with purpose,
oh servants of goodwill,<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the name
of our blessed children,<o:p></o:p></div>
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Make the
hope of Optimism footprints of the faithful.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">© Patrick
Prendergast</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGZnk2B3XGCsd9wuyhr99nqIOcqWnVPV1poTf7GNy2i5hurieTOP_4Sr066LuHHioyIvaiVXdZbvh3ZmpwFQjBlFy8ob-WuAT0HXvxMgmPvEF9SNp5odDcv22vNufFhP-ZVckOPHr_tom/s1600/20141005_103443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkGZnk2B3XGCsd9wuyhr99nqIOcqWnVPV1poTf7GNy2i5hurieTOP_4Sr066LuHHioyIvaiVXdZbvh3ZmpwFQjBlFy8ob-WuAT0HXvxMgmPvEF9SNp5odDcv22vNufFhP-ZVckOPHr_tom/s1600/20141005_103443.jpg" height="112" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This poem was inspired by the first quarter district meeting of Caribbean Optimists held at Hope Gardens in St Andrew, Jamaica on Sunday, October 5, 2014. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Chaired by Governor Barbara Arrindell and with engaging workshops led by PIVP Shirley Jarrett and DST Jason Gillead, the meeting had a number of youth and adult Optimists from Zones 1 - 11 engaged in fun, learning, and camaraderie with a difference. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Another Q1 meeting is scheduled for Bridgetown, Barbados on October 25.</i></span></div>
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-31550331937975823802014-10-01T14:57:00.000-07:002014-10-02T08:05:01.840-07:00Treez2015 off and running<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5Xfzg7Cj9-5DjKXnvvn1aQrXmvjlo3hoiD3xCPGyf_01t3h-SkELm6PlLXkeIde-j-T4fMgplH-lh5utEyheoST16A7_8jegJkxpoUoEDTJLZH0vfVUYcfYHbGknO4uW8IKvBTGb0zVw/s1600/GE+Patrick+and+daughter+Jordis+plant+tree+at+Ardenne+Extenstion+Preperatory3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5Xfzg7Cj9-5DjKXnvvn1aQrXmvjlo3hoiD3xCPGyf_01t3h-SkELm6PlLXkeIde-j-T4fMgplH-lh5utEyheoST16A7_8jegJkxpoUoEDTJLZH0vfVUYcfYHbGknO4uW8IKvBTGb0zVw/s1600/GE+Patrick+and+daughter+Jordis+plant+tree+at+Ardenne+Extenstion+Preperatory3.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">G</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">OVERNOR
ELECT of Optimist International Caribbean District, Patrick Prendergast planted
his first seedling for the Treez2015 district project at Ardenne Preparatory
in St Andrew on Wednesday, October 1. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">GE
Patrick was joined by his daughter, Jordis in planting a Pride of Barbados seedling
in one of the school’s green areas just outside of the classrooms.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Syb8URZjqpwd_It2mGvhQLTWfod7TqldOy0GCV0PAv_-jYZm7w6l9kwoubcYnKVJ5tgFJh4mUyLHN6lYcLiHdfhI2i6lZogKhlSSUVTyEnzqdAQ56luNd9OQUZHDLeO-DxgDEFE89XNw/s1600/Grade+Three+Teacher.+Ms+Findlator+prepares+to+plant+a+poui+with+her+students+at+Ardenne+Ext+Prep2+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Syb8URZjqpwd_It2mGvhQLTWfod7TqldOy0GCV0PAv_-jYZm7w6l9kwoubcYnKVJ5tgFJh4mUyLHN6lYcLiHdfhI2i6lZogKhlSSUVTyEnzqdAQ56luNd9OQUZHDLeO-DxgDEFE89XNw/s1600/Grade+Three+Teacher.+Ms+Findlator+prepares+to+plant+a+poui+with+her+students+at+Ardenne+Ext+Prep2+-+Copy.jpg" height="196" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A second
seedling was planted by grade 3 teacher, Ms. Patcine Findlator and her students. They planted a Poui (Tabebuia) which is famous for its magnificent yellow, pink or white blooms around Easter time. </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The
teacher and students have promised to care for these seedlings and to track
their growth into the brilliant trees they should become.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Treez2015
is an initiative of Governor Barbara Arrindell to kick start the Optimist year
with something that is both symbolic of growth and demonstrable of our concern
for the future. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Involving
c</span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">hildren is both a
demonstration of our commitment to the future and positive motivation for
children to think about the preservation of the environment</span>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The
target is to plant Two Thousand and Fifteen (2015) trees by January 1, 2015
across all the Caribbean territories in which Optimist clubs are located.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The
project comes at an opportune time as Jamaica will observe its annual National Tree
Planting Day on Friday, October 3, 204. Optimists and their junior counterparts
will participate in activities planned for several schools across the country.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8LPc9xbtfMCIp9I3nR1wXoihYgQDjYxFNbhd-nVU8IvZzL6Ri69p_Lz_MUb9ySo4Rsm4lrx2h8TXtwMzQZWJNiSjq-9BvMnitTrDblOwJ8YhpTs0pZlgY1mP143d5GAQKFt5fIE0O_RN/s1600/IMG-20141001-WA0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl8LPc9xbtfMCIp9I3nR1wXoihYgQDjYxFNbhd-nVU8IvZzL6Ri69p_Lz_MUb9ySo4Rsm4lrx2h8TXtwMzQZWJNiSjq-9BvMnitTrDblOwJ8YhpTs0pZlgY1mP143d5GAQKFt5fIE0O_RN/s1600/IMG-20141001-WA0007.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Optimist Doreen (Sunset Liguanea) <br />
with students and teacher at Ardenne Preparatory</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Seedlings for the projects are available at the Forestry
Department’s nurseries for either free or at minimal costs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">See more Treez2015 </span></span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">activities</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"> here:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0000ee; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><u><a href="https://www.facebook.com/treez2015">https://www.facebook.com/treez2015</a></u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/caribbean.optimists">https://www.facebook.com/caribbean.optimists</a></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/barbara.arrindell.3">https://www.facebook.com/barbara.arrindell.3</a></span></span><br />
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-31236514917046365542014-10-01T02:57:00.002-07:002014-10-01T03:11:37.948-07:00Happy New Year, Optimists!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizES0AI6yPhyphenhyphenKqSt5i_UNbvvE4coJtZR7aNOP4XnX-lETKN7zUdix3-p9dHTQbeBDZeFzb8MvlZ7FytC3yAvT40xrwP5FOolKn1ud4lf6OFmVSQOAAUI4eP5vFbmRTEoDyniNkjjDJvMD5/s1600/Logo+Step+by+Step.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizES0AI6yPhyphenhyphenKqSt5i_UNbvvE4coJtZR7aNOP4XnX-lETKN7zUdix3-p9dHTQbeBDZeFzb8MvlZ7FytC3yAvT40xrwP5FOolKn1ud4lf6OFmVSQOAAUI4eP5vFbmRTEoDyniNkjjDJvMD5/s1600/Logo+Step+by+Step.jpg" height="176" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">CTOBER 1 marks the start of a new year for us as Optimists; but even while we embark on new beginnings we must seamlessly carry on the work of bringing hope and Optimism to the world.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-size: large;">O</span></span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">ver the last year we have demonstrated as a District that indeed we have what it takes to serve our children and serve them well. </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">I take this opportunity to acknowledge and applaud Immediate Past Governor Nutilia Simon and her team for a tremendous 2013-2014. Good job, good job!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">n the coming year we must take service to even newer levels. The theme for the 2014-2015 year is </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Step by Step</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">. This is a call to move forward and upward in confidence that one step at a time we can and will reach our set goals.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-size: large;">C</span></span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">ommendation to Governor Barbara Arrindell and the 2014-2015 team for taking on the duties and responsibilities of leading our great Caribbean District at this time. I pledge my support both as a member of the team and as an Optimist. We are all in this thing together and surely, together we can achieve great things.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-size: large;">C</span></span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">ongratulations also to all incoming club presidents, secretary-treasurers, officers and directors. Clubs are the heartbeat of our movement. Success at the club level is critical to the well-being of the District and Optimist International. I encourage you therefore to embrace your role in full assurance that your clubs will perform beyond expectations.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-size: large;">A</span></span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">s we embark on this first leg of the 2014-2015 Optimist year, I am reminded that a fundamental purpose of Optimism is <i>“to aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world”</i>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: large; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">L</span><span style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">et us without hesitation then, as Optimists should, strive always to make things happen for and with the children we pledge to serve; seek to light candles of hope, compassion and understanding; and remain steadfast in our commitment to fulfilling the vision of Optimism as<span style="background: white;"> <i>“the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential”.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-size: large;">A</span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt;">s volunteers we have many projects and activities competing for our limited time, energy and money; but having decided to serve, we must always be true to the best that is in us. Christian D. Larson, the author of our brilliant Optimist Creed says, “Be all that you are or can be today, and you will live in a fairer world tomorrow”.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-size: 12pt;">Happy New Year Caribbean Optimists!</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="background: white; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Patrick Prendergast</span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Governor Elect (2014-2015)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Optimist International Caribbean District</span></div>
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-61075953097778756102014-09-26T09:52:00.000-07:002014-09-26T09:52:13.716-07:00Second Call for Q1 District Meeting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">It's a Friends and Family Optimist Meeting</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtziPRs-RDOqSEvPpKVy1xVDW3AlP5iIP-GyVcCDYcv7sI5M8VJCHX6DRtxDHnymM8aJ9VA_Kn8A4H9IOKDWkelnb6R7yk8sGykAxb6g-K2F6xSKHqHo9MCtDXcwLEQbG5_6Rt2rd-lVDi/s1600/Logo+Step+by+Step.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtziPRs-RDOqSEvPpKVy1xVDW3AlP5iIP-GyVcCDYcv7sI5M8VJCHX6DRtxDHnymM8aJ9VA_Kn8A4H9IOKDWkelnb6R7yk8sGykAxb6g-K2F6xSKHqHo9MCtDXcwLEQbG5_6Rt2rd-lVDi/s1600/Logo+Step+by+Step.jpg" height="352" width="400" /></a><b>HOPE GARDENS</b><br />
<i>Sunday 5th October</i><br />
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8:45 am <br />
<i>Praise and Worship</i><br />
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9:45 am <br />
<i>1st General Session</i><br />
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10:15 am <br />
<i>Workshop 1</i><br />
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11:15 am<br />
<i>Workshop 2</i><br />
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12:00 noon <b>Lunch</b><br />
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1:00 pm<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">District Olympics</span><br />
Team BLUE - Zones 1 & 2 and all affiliated JOOI clubs<br />
Team RED - Zones 3 & 4 and all affiliated JOOI clubs<br />
Team YELLOW - Zones 5 & 6, and all affiliated JOOI clubs<br />
Team WHITE - Zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 11,12 & 13 and all affiliated JOOI clubs <br />
<br />
<b>Cricket:</b> 2 overs-a-side cricket match...<i> Each person is allowed to face no more than 4 balls</i>. <b>Dominoes</b>, <b>Track & Field...</b> and much more!<br />
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2:15 pm<br />
<i>NOW Programme</i><br />
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3:30 pm<br />
<i>Workshop 3</i><br />
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4:15 pm<br />
<i>Closing session</i><br />
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4:45 pm<br />
<i>Board Meeting</i><br />
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<span style="background-color: orange; font-size: large;"><b>Registration </b>(includes lunch and drinks throughout the day)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">E</span>arly Bird Adult: US$30.00 (extended to September 29)<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">E</span>arly Bird JOOI & College: US$18.00 (extended to September 29)<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">R</span>egular & Onsite Registration Adult: US$36.00 (after Sept 29th)<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">R</span>egular & Onsite Registration JOOI: US$26.00 (after Sept 29th)<br />
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-39371006670067386622014-09-19T03:16:00.000-07:002014-09-26T04:44:13.664-07:00Caribbean Optimists set to plant 2015 trees by January 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-size: large;">G</span>overnor designate Barbara Arrindell has challenged her team to kick start the year with a most exciting project dubbed Treez 2015. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">T</span>he aim is to kick start the 2014-2015 year with a project that is both symbolic (growth and future) and actionable (demonstrating care).</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">T</span>he expectations are that:</div>
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Every Caribbean Optimist will plant a tree on October 1 to signify the start of the new year. The Optimist year runs from October 1 to September 30.</div>
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Members will plant a tree anywhere - even in your own back yard - but in the company of a child. Optimist work primarily with children across Canada, the Caribbean and the United States of America.</div>
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The target is for two thousand and fifteen trees (2015) will be planted across the Caribbean by January 1 2015.</div>
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<b><br /></b></div>
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<b>Why plant trees?</b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">T</span>he environmental reasons are tremendously positive. The networking potential is also awesome. Optimists are encouraged to invite other groups and community leaders to join in the effort. It is a great opportunity to spread the word about Optimism.<br />
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A tree is also a great gift. It is a gift that keeps on giving - sometimes for generations. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;">
<span style="font-size: large;">H</span>aving children involved is a demonstration of our commitment to the future; but it can also serve as a positive motivation for children to think about and be involved in the preservation of the environment. </div>
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Planting a tree is action. Don't just say you care - show it; prove it! After all, action speaks louder than words. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="color: #222222; font-family: arial;">
<span style="font-size: large;">K</span>ick start the Step by Step year planting a tree with the children and for the future. </div>
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2015 trees by January 2015 is more than achievable, sop let's do it Caribbean Optimists.</div>
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-50583614929638667842014-09-04T04:34:00.000-07:002014-09-04T04:34:02.731-07:00My Role as Caribbean Optimist Today...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpu8bNkOZfNCgxFpnbQRoRjvX_SF27n-ICb3aLTJDVWzzyOt5Vj4JwkwP_M1Ai19SAG4_18YIEEFLP10HOnNQRTA9lbVgPDc-t5TVEBG9IK-DDf1dcitaCq8LAolyZ_lMfJxltwvo0GSa/s1600/20131102_154406_LLS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbpu8bNkOZfNCgxFpnbQRoRjvX_SF27n-ICb3aLTJDVWzzyOt5Vj4JwkwP_M1Ai19SAG4_18YIEEFLP10HOnNQRTA9lbVgPDc-t5TVEBG9IK-DDf1dcitaCq8LAolyZ_lMfJxltwvo0GSa/s1600/20131102_154406_LLS.jpg" height="200" width="112" /></a><span lang="EN-US"><i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 130%;">This is the fourth and final part of the series Caribbean Optimism....Moving Forward. </span></span></i></span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">It extends on</span></span></i><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"> comments delivered by GE Patrick at Optimist International Caribbean District Convention, August 9, 2014 at Sunset Jamaica Grande, Ocho Rios. </span></span></i></div>
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<span style="line-height: 130%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">W</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">e pledge to be good citizens from now on<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">Casting away victimization<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">Corruption will cease<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">Nepotism decrease<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">Throughout the whole nation<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">Our country then will be<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">Not just a society<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">But a just society<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">(Extract from Antigua and Barbuda Pledge)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">he national pledge of Barbados is a promise… </span><i><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CARRIBEAN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: EN-CARRIBEAN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">To uphold and defend their
honour; and by my living to do credit…<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #252525; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%; mso-ansi-language: EN-CARRIBEAN; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-language: EN-CARRIBEAN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">n Jamaica the promise includes... </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">To stand up for justice, brotherhood and
peace; to work diligently and creatively, to think generously and honestly...</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8gnJHsU7vJUNqYRzSunt3loemS2eh5YGJSJfu83f_CpCptWEg1m6ZKG-0J9jJewlx6KlVl3uAA2jw4bkGo-zR_J9n6UO4Kaw3cK1Pc_KRPEw48VaGF5ulrB04RhrMQmPM17j7lATcL0f/s1600/christian+d.+larson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8gnJHsU7vJUNqYRzSunt3loemS2eh5YGJSJfu83f_CpCptWEg1m6ZKG-0J9jJewlx6KlVl3uAA2jw4bkGo-zR_J9n6UO4Kaw3cK1Pc_KRPEw48VaGF5ulrB04RhrMQmPM17j7lATcL0f/s1600/christian+d.+larson.jpg" height="142" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">R</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">ight across the Caribbean we have these really
profound and worthy-to-live-by national promises. As Optimists we combine the
pledge of our various member countries with a most profound set of tenets
expressed in Christian D. Larson’s <i>The Optimist Creed</i>. But neither the Optimist Creed nor our
national pledge should be seen as merely a series of profound statements or promises strung
together to be recited at the beginning or end of official activities. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 130%;">B</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">oth are
rather commitments to a particular way of life that if lived to the fullest
would demonstrate to</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"> the world that we </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><b>Optimists know and do what is right</b>. Both have deeper positive meanings
beyond their words. Both speak to the core of our role as Optimists.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">W</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">hen we recite the Optimist </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">Creed, it is a
declared commitment, for example… </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">to be
just as enthusiastic about the success of others as we are about our own.</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">
</span><b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">The success of one Optimist is the success of all Optimists</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">.</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 130%;">I</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">n the same way as nationals of the various
countries across the Caribbean we have guiding principles in our national
symbols, so too as O</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">ptimists we have a moral compass in the ten tenets of the
Optimist Creed. One thing is sure, living by the creed is never going to be easy; but it starts with a promise. </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">Promise yourself…</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">he creed is our compass to demonstrate integrity
as well as character. When we serve we serve in the interest of our fello</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">w
human beings. </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><b>We serve our children because we believe in the future</b> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">– </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">A future
of hope, promise, abundant joy and prosperity; a future of greater achievements! </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">If we want a future of despair then we sow seeds
of darkness; but if we want a future of prosperity then we must sow seeds of
life. Our creed is a powerful source of life – a candle burning bright against
the darkness faced by our children?</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCuYb-bij3q2QcRZ4W10hKya1mYU3QNdJsDIrSw2BM_3VT4ibHe4b3Rz_7ZODEcrv2b-XMzvM2t7eS4XG-mnGmn97iCQ9TjMC9uyLXY6nGtj_AaiWBTRsfRct0nWsf7vepqzgGy_5GT2o/s1600/(L-R)%2BProf%2BMinerva%2BThame%2C%2BNurse%2BLiaason%2BOfficer%2BHeather%2BDavis%2C%2BActing%2BDirector%2Bof%2BNursing%2C%2BChild%2BHealth%2BDepartment%2C%2BMarva%2BForbes%2C%2BPresident%2BLavern%2BBrown%2Band%2BTreasurer%2BKenneth%2BWalker%2BSnr.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVCuYb-bij3q2QcRZ4W10hKya1mYU3QNdJsDIrSw2BM_3VT4ibHe4b3Rz_7ZODEcrv2b-XMzvM2t7eS4XG-mnGmn97iCQ9TjMC9uyLXY6nGtj_AaiWBTRsfRct0nWsf7vepqzgGy_5GT2o/s1600/(L-R)%2BProf%2BMinerva%2BThame%2C%2BNurse%2BLiaason%2BOfficer%2BHeather%2BDavis%2C%2BActing%2BDirector%2Bof%2BNursing%2C%2BChild%2BHealth%2BDepartment%2C%2BMarva%2BForbes%2C%2BPresident%2BLavern%2BBrown%2Band%2BTreasurer%2BKenneth%2BWalker%2BSnr.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">W</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">hen we get on board to serve in our clubs, in
our zones, in our district, region or at International level, do not serve for your
Governor-elect or your club president. Do it for you. Do it because you believe
in something that is fundamentally good. Do it because you believe </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the
well-being of humankind, community life and the w</i><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">orld.</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">Do it for the
children!</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"> If we do for the children then we do for Optimism.</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPWlO9GAl13_MRIwk3tU02K-DQTWIZRwoihW4E-0dTZGi_rmaz7RWhEudkfAacYyarS4DEFe0dvsk-dg4Q2-1D-nhyphenhyphenzk4X_bkB6S_Jg2d9OEJy0ifYlqRrIaA9f_dQB08uxOpE70gfe03/s1600/IMG_6277.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzPWlO9GAl13_MRIwk3tU02K-DQTWIZRwoihW4E-0dTZGi_rmaz7RWhEudkfAacYyarS4DEFe0dvsk-dg4Q2-1D-nhyphenhyphenzk4X_bkB6S_Jg2d9OEJy0ifYlqRrIaA9f_dQB08uxOpE70gfe03/s1600/IMG_6277.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">S</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">o, serving in Optimism is not about Past
International President Theo Golding, nor Governor Nutilia Simon. It is not
about Governor-designate Barbara Arrindell, nor President-designate Ken Garner. Neither is serving about International President-elect Dave Bruns, and not about
Governor-elect Patrick. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">S</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">erving in Optimism is ab</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">out the pledge that we have
taken as nationals of societies </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><b>striving
each day to be just</b></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"> Our</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"> volunteerism is a commitment to a pledge that is
embedded in the Optimist creed and solidified in the mission of Optimism: </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">By providing hope and positive vision,
Optimists bring out the best in kids.</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"> Our service is a demonstration that we are, indeed, </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">friends of youth</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">N</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">ext August (August 10, 2015) will mark 35 years of Optimism
in the Caribbean. No matter how we look at it, <b>35 years is a long history</b></span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"> of
</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">triumph over many adversities.</span></b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"> There </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">have been many ups and many downs. Many a
turbulent rivers we have crossed; and, we are still here. Our overcoming is a
testament of a resolve and strength that run deep in our collective DNA. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">O</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: small;">ur overcoming</span> must b<b>e celebrated not depreciated</b>.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">So, let </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">us not condemn each other for what
could have or should have been, but rather, let’s work with each other and do
what we can to help. It is said that t</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">rue volunteers give becaus</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">e they have already
received. That is really our motive for service; our chief inducement. It is also said that there is only one way to demonstrate
gratitude and that is to </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">give </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><b>in
substance and self</b></i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><b>.</b>.</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">.Not</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"> one or the other; </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">but both!</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"> Both what we </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">have</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">
and what we </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">are</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXdxt0fYY0iIxxcPT3ulmxfyG9mdDfF6W1gIG5PZRGe1m9CP8-7h839nxUmtNNC8logg1Mlv2qk_BL3OhYCJsrq5tJeMKr8k60ZoMR-ljVdAEX8fO_GGgI6JCcUJwpFjSzk4nZkX4F2Qg/s1600/martin-luther-king-jr-ylli-haruni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtXdxt0fYY0iIxxcPT3ulmxfyG9mdDfF6W1gIG5PZRGe1m9CP8-7h839nxUmtNNC8logg1Mlv2qk_BL3OhYCJsrq5tJeMKr8k60ZoMR-ljVdAEX8fO_GGgI6JCcUJwpFjSzk4nZkX4F2Qg/s1600/martin-luther-king-jr-ylli-haruni.jpg" height="136" width="200" /></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span> cl</span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">ose </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">with a twist on words spoken by Martin Luther King Jnr. in that April 4,
1967 speech, <i>the fierce urgency of now</i>…</span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">
“Perhaps </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><b>a new spirit is rising among u</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><b>s</b>. If it is, let us trace its movement
well and pray that our own inner being may be sensitive to its guidance, for we
are deeply in need of a new way beyond the darkness that seems so close around
us… We must move past indecision to action. We must find </span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><b>new ways to speak <i>for the rights of our children</i>…”</b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmKYeFtPk2R3wtWEZNWPF3l-NPzdP49puSfOxMtzLSrydMUKhS4gZYm4kag2mwHfdZDlczYmcIuTnZU8bhBZ7yzqoTI2Cq0_DykdOfK4QFcHMa98KTu4r-pG1-w7XouCH25r6ZM_IZG6l/s1600/2014-08-13+19.15.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUmKYeFtPk2R3wtWEZNWPF3l-NPzdP49puSfOxMtzLSrydMUKhS4gZYm4kag2mwHfdZDlczYmcIuTnZU8bhBZ7yzqoTI2Cq0_DykdOfK4QFcHMa98KTu4r-pG1-w7XouCH25r6ZM_IZG6l/s1600/2014-08-13+19.15.00.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">S</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">o let us move forward...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">STEP BY STEP to building an organization that is
a beacon of hope and a cradle of positive action... <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">STEP BY STEP to conquering lions and
mountains....<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">STEP BY STEP to bringing our children home to a
better life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">Fellow optimists of the great</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"> Caribbean District, I urge us all: instead of cursing the darkness, <i>light a candle!</i><span style="font-size: small;">
The time has come for us </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">to <b>stand up, be positive, and make things happen</b></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><b>.</b><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-CARRIBEAN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Optimist
Patrick</span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-CARRIBEAN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Governor-Elect</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-CARRIBEAN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Optimist
International Caribbean District</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-47850098674169927082014-09-01T04:55:00.000-07:002014-09-01T04:55:13.603-07:00Step by Step First Call for October 5 Meeting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpFJMJzkwXByQTN3Z9o7FPRyzPBVeTcSj4sSdUX4mbnv73CG0iHAExqmAs-qBntiez4-81iZD0mp3fXuR6-eWxuOJ-QeTtTJ7z9kh0BIH6L3OrLAv4KiYLY84MknAGEH4p7v85V1LwPGY/s1600/hopeGarden1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpFJMJzkwXByQTN3Z9o7FPRyzPBVeTcSj4sSdUX4mbnv73CG0iHAExqmAs-qBntiez4-81iZD0mp3fXuR6-eWxuOJ-QeTtTJ7z9kh0BIH6L3OrLAv4KiYLY84MknAGEH4p7v85V1LwPGY/s1600/hopeGarden1.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first meeting of the <span style="font-size: large;">Step by Step</span> Year with Governor Barbara and DST Jason is scheduled for </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Sunday, October 5, 2014</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> starting at 8:45 a.m. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hope Botanical Gardens and Zoo</span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">in St Andrew, Jamaica.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This meeting promises to be a humdinger of creativity and energy taking Caribbean Optimists to new places and spaces...</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQl0AFZxmmi1HvD1mrpye99n6hvt3MYvm-1ZktrQjZbzSkkjnt6ikLBw_nSCqcTDTFstFjfrbE30gPEaZzo_qS-rtGGs6JQxDmaEDNAq415SuQCjeboM2SJA5EM7icedZO3IJ52V-3XdU/s1600/Sports-Day-nur4sc.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKQl0AFZxmmi1HvD1mrpye99n6hvt3MYvm-1ZktrQjZbzSkkjnt6ikLBw_nSCqcTDTFstFjfrbE30gPEaZzo_qS-rtGGs6JQxDmaEDNAq415SuQCjeboM2SJA5EM7icedZO3IJ52V-3XdU/s1600/Sports-Day-nur4sc.gif" height="190" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">http://lovealldads.co.uk/</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span><br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Activities...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">P</span>raise & Thanksgiving</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">G</span>eneral Sessions </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span>raining </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">P</span>lanning and execution of an actual NOW programme</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span><span style="font-size: large;">ptimists </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span><span style="font-size: large;">lympics </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">C</span><span style="font-size: large;">ompetition</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Registration </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">includes lunch and drinks throughout the day:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Early Bird: Adult US$30.00 (by September 26th)</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Early Bird: JOOI US$18.00 (by September 26th) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Regular & Onsite Registration Adult: US$36.00 (after Sept 26th)</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Regular & Onsite Registration JOOI: US$26.00 (after Sept 26th)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">SPECIAL!!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The first 75 fully paid, registered members will be entered into a raffle that just might take you to new places.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKS75CJDZQQauwZG-RjQc5KsWEaUtr7Tdj4jZG3BlAdkSdyKdBCjAb4M87s5ICHyo6W-TnzqDm_oSOmUt-eL8l0XPzyna3rWjWqT92AJL4mmWJv35HoXpwwBt-2GZofUpLeXjPqf8ry3Cn/s1600/hope+gardens2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKS75CJDZQQauwZG-RjQc5KsWEaUtr7Tdj4jZG3BlAdkSdyKdBCjAb4M87s5ICHyo6W-TnzqDm_oSOmUt-eL8l0XPzyna3rWjWqT92AJL4mmWJv35HoXpwwBt-2GZofUpLeXjPqf8ry3Cn/s1600/hope+gardens2.jpg" height="154" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: #fbfbfb; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"><b>Hope Gardens...</b></span><br style="background-color: #fbfbfb; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;" /><span style="background-color: #fbfbfb; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Royal Botanical Gardens, commonly called "Hope Gardens", occupies 200 acres of land in the Ligunaea Plains of urban St Andrew. The gardens were established in 1873 on a section of land from the estate of Major Richard Hope, one of the original English colonisers who arrived with the invading force of Penn and Venables. </span></i></span></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6DMrCqg2v8Q1K2PmtmbA-RqQnLZZdJbpbmYmt6NAKBfRJ7XL-m_W44b_mZmo_S3H9ZhbCVjvFb2gFHWURCBTje36_P519WYpK_WPZvcyle1fFPcNOnVmyt1YEdW0E-zLOiXAo3_zfk4Q/s1600/HopeGardens_gallery2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq6DMrCqg2v8Q1K2PmtmbA-RqQnLZZdJbpbmYmt6NAKBfRJ7XL-m_W44b_mZmo_S3H9ZhbCVjvFb2gFHWURCBTje36_P519WYpK_WPZvcyle1fFPcNOnVmyt1YEdW0E-zLOiXAo3_zfk4Q/s1600/HopeGardens_gallery2.jpg" height="110" width="200" /></a><span style="background-color: #fbfbfb; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Today the gardens are the largest public green space in the Kingston metropolitan region, and are home to Jamaica's most popular collection of endemic and exotic botanical collections. Of particular interest is the Cassia siamea grove by the main entrance, which was planted in 1907, and the other mini-gardens within the park - notably the cacti garden, with its rare varietals; the bougainvillea walk with its magnificent explosions of tropical colours; the annual gardens, with numerous species of exotic flowers; the sunken gardens and the lily pond. - </i></span></span><a href="http://www.visitjamaica.com/hope-botanical-gardens" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small; line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">http://www.visitjamaica.com/hope-botanical-gardens</a><br />
<span style="font-family: open_sansregular, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"><br /></span></span></div>
PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-35416186220959872762014-08-31T13:58:00.000-07:002014-08-31T14:02:23.421-07:00Instead of cursing the darkness, let’s light a candle!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"><i>GE Patrick continues with the third of a</i></span></span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"> four part extended series entitled </span></span><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Caribbean</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"> Optimism....Moving Forward. This is a follow-up to</span></span></i><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"> comments delivered at Optimist International Caribbean District Convention 2014, August 9, Sunset Jamaica Grande, Ocho Rios. </span></span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5WHHfHmJlzjCzuLfPFp5u2diioQnNEAyRJogZrUyMRLRcY5mnQVrUOGAzBuNgPKYBt1YeGBNf8I1L85xRIPon8mtuIkDNmFY-Hax9VgrGyEcK6PcvqquffCMsqDIWNH7uEhsicYT5TJI/s1600/LightaCandle+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5WHHfHmJlzjCzuLfPFp5u2diioQnNEAyRJogZrUyMRLRcY5mnQVrUOGAzBuNgPKYBt1YeGBNf8I1L85xRIPon8mtuIkDNmFY-Hax9VgrGyEcK6PcvqquffCMsqDIWNH7uEhsicYT5TJI/s1600/LightaCandle+-+Copy.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">n the first Sunday of August this year, I was in church at
<i>The Fellowship, Corpus Christi</i> in Texas and the associate pastor told a story
of a man who, against the better judgement of his wife, decided to open a
service station. Things were tough... It seemed success was not ever coming his
way... But the man kept pressing on. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">O</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">ne evening he got home from a long and
exhausted day at work and he noticed that there were lit candles along the
drive way; candles all the way up to the door way... He entered the house and
candles were burning all around. He thought, how strange; but how romantic?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">He went to turn the light switch on; and
nothing.... He called out to his wife; and she came gliding toward him… She was
graceful and calm. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">He said to her, </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">Honey,
there is no light! </i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">Humbly and softly she said to him, </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">You have been working so long and hard,
doing your best all the time, trying to ensure that things work, and I did not
want to burden you with this. I did not wish for you to come home in the dark,
so here we are...</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">S</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">he could have told him how bad he was. She
could have weighed him down with his failures and the things that caused them
to not have electricity; but she did not dwell in the negative. She turned the
moment into an opportunity for showing him some love... Instead of cursing the
darkness, she lit a candle!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7Kdpz5rs-RFXbJt-CxJWfQhJvHYSUIAJhkfnV0TX96jUX2Q8NFinf7_ZmM6txviTGcVmyAU3HvG0awzGr7FTqpnVhZ_oI02Bc8y6Wh44fX993OMfAB-OQtTbUQN8rCcT10KDJp-06aF6/s1600/the+fellowship.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7Kdpz5rs-RFXbJt-CxJWfQhJvHYSUIAJhkfnV0TX96jUX2Q8NFinf7_ZmM6txviTGcVmyAU3HvG0awzGr7FTqpnVhZ_oI02Bc8y6Wh44fX993OMfAB-OQtTbUQN8rCcT10KDJp-06aF6/s1600/the+fellowship.jpg" height="149" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">I </span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">was blessed by the service that morning. The
main sermon delivered by the senior pastor was about humility - being humble as a lamb,
acknowledging that answers are not always found in the obvious, and submitting
ourselves to the greater power that makes it possible for lambs to defeat oxen, wolves, and lions. And in the midst of the message I found myself thinking about what it means to be a volunteer serving our
children, and what it means to be a leader in Optimism.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUqj3umWaWlRxcdPw1A5_PukW4iKYeJjepJibabojrw_8ceSxgF2QR8dIda11Nto4zF667E02MgbObgo3Y2zdr8VhZ9KVBXM03lBjPA4a8UKIumLjjWtr5uHcDgMKtiyzT_U8TCD-zXgx/s1600/Optimism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtUqj3umWaWlRxcdPw1A5_PukW4iKYeJjepJibabojrw_8ceSxgF2QR8dIda11Nto4zF667E02MgbObgo3Y2zdr8VhZ9KVBXM03lBjPA4a8UKIumLjjWtr5uHcDgMKtiyzT_U8TCD-zXgx/s1600/Optimism.jpg" height="123" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">f we think about it just a little bit more, we
would probably see the amazing power and greatness to be found in humility; the
tremendous wisdom that is manifested in being humble; how much of a deep
lasting love a lamb evokes in the heart of men; how one small candle burning in
the dark does light the way for so many to find their true path to greater success.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfU15ld0WavNN83_oH8pXkT8bok75czSAvUnnOIDrfvhB3JV7MEI6su71s8THeWLSuagsqbn8qEQ3JLbQTez5wPV1LAWr48BxKCbYjuX-LVF20NngFeUVCUolHy7zjLZuP1MLTq1rFYS9C/s1600/thumbs+up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfU15ld0WavNN83_oH8pXkT8bok75czSAvUnnOIDrfvhB3JV7MEI6su71s8THeWLSuagsqbn8qEQ3JLbQTez5wPV1LAWr48BxKCbYjuX-LVF20NngFeUVCUolHy7zjLZuP1MLTq1rFYS9C/s1600/thumbs+up.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">A</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">nd so I ask us all today, what is the power on
which you will depend to do what is right for the children today? What is that
greater source, that motivation, that something which drives you to make a
difference in Optimism today? What does it take to <b>light a candle of love and
care</b> for our children and young people, <b>of compassion and understanding </b>towards
your fellow Optimists, of <b>strength and commitment</b> in bringing Optimism to the
world?</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">S</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">ometimes that lit candle is just a smile; a warm
embrace; a thumb’s up... Sometimes that is all it takes to <b>be a flicker of
hope in moments of desperation</b>. </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">When we see someone doing something that we know
could be better, don’t just chastise them, don’t just beat upon them, don’t
just go away complaining about it… humble
yourself, light a candle and let the better way be revealed. </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">It would probably amaze you how much more you
yourself would see by lighting that candle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">he success of one is indeed the
success of all. Play your part and share in the success. Light a candle today.</span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-CARRIBEAN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Optimist
Patrick</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-language: EN-CARRIBEAN; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;">Governor-Elect</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 15.6pt;">Optimist
International Caribbean District</span></div>
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-65017981083617352962014-08-26T03:51:00.002-07:002014-08-26T03:51:42.708-07:00The opportunities of now…<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: normal;"><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"><i>This is the second in a</i></span></span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"> four part series entitled </span></span><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Caribbean</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"> Optimism....Moving Forward. It extends on</span></span></i><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;"> comments delivered by GE Patrick at Optimist International Caribbean District Convention, August 9, 2014 at Sunset Jamaica Grande, Ocho Rios. </span></span></i><br />
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<i style="line-height: 130%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">If you spend too much time thinking about a thing; you will never get it
done</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"> – Bruce Lee</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">ime is of essence in everything we do in life.
After more than three decades of Optimism in the Caribbean, we Optimists have
seen many challenges. These are immediate but solvable challenges. The answers
are within our grasp and within our time. And while we acknowledge that change
is a process that change must begin now. </span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYy5fsEfV3qXAy7-1A92tMEAH0xvpRvLugQlfxM2rctkCJ4RcjNmvaPXHFrdmI7ZtERQBAiWXs-MFzoeGbi4SPUuk6EXte5EqsHZ1t9d1IDbKNHTIYkTAEWvKqqKgpZdBuBeCgjs1wq9LW/s1600/IMG_3321.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYy5fsEfV3qXAy7-1A92tMEAH0xvpRvLugQlfxM2rctkCJ4RcjNmvaPXHFrdmI7ZtERQBAiWXs-MFzoeGbi4SPUuk6EXte5EqsHZ1t9d1IDbKNHTIYkTAEWvKqqKgpZdBuBeCgjs1wq9LW/s1600/IMG_3321.JPG" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>(L-R) GD Barbara, GE Patrick and Gov Nutilia</b><br />Photo by Marc-Maurice Frankson</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">L</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">et us not miss a glorious opportunity to bend
the arch of history in our favor and the favor of our children who need a
vibrant, strong, dynamic and sustainable organization. In such an organization,
continuity is not just about traditions and maintaining status quo but also about
long range planning, strategic development, transformational leadership,
creativity and innovation. Continuity is about the application of tools we know
will keep us moving forward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">O</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">ur children also need vibrant, strong, dynamic
and positive role models. They need people who make things happen; people who
not only know the Optimist creed but breathe the Optimist creed. People who
know there are things to be done and do what it takes to get things done.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 130%;">n our movement today, there are many things to
be done from the club level all the way to the top of Optimist International.
It is my fervent belief that if we are going to make the strides we need to make any time soon, we must
tackle these things with what US President Barrack Obama, and civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jnr before
him, calls </span></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 130%;">the </span></span><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">fierce</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 130%;"> urgency of now</span></span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 130%;">. </span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">N</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">ow is an opportunity for <b>planning</b>. People who make things happen cannot help but plan.
People who think about the future must plan. People who take action do so with clear
goals and objectives. Our mission is to <b>execute
meaningful programmes, projects and activities that support the creation of a positive-thinking
society</b> in which our children and young people can realize their full
potential.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">N</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">ow is an opportunity to <b>reset an agenda of innovation</b>. As a voluntary service organization we must
constantly attract and sustain membership with new ways of thinking and new ways of
doing things. We cannot keep hanging on to momentary highs of the past. Indeed, those
are significant indicators that it is possible to find new highs for today’s
realities. What better high can there be than one sustained by <b>quality of service</b>.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhme0mIHBEkSLHbOWAA3RvHCTmFqTz2zhY-fIrlszOmFeGN15w_Ii4wLaCqBue3EeSXqKwnH58FCO7gIMDYvbS1R5KFoylM2fdjHF3lz1ukOcHXP5kIw20cdyX4wmfZtHfVZwtC0XSkgcCG/s1600/IMG_3349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhme0mIHBEkSLHbOWAA3RvHCTmFqTz2zhY-fIrlszOmFeGN15w_Ii4wLaCqBue3EeSXqKwnH58FCO7gIMDYvbS1R5KFoylM2fdjHF3lz1ukOcHXP5kIw20cdyX4wmfZtHfVZwtC0XSkgcCG/s1600/IMG_3349.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>PG Gene M. Douglas share in training with PDST Latoya</b><br />Photo by Marc-Maurice Frankson</span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">N</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">ow is an opportunity to <b>recast a leadership base that is strong and sustainable</b>. One of the
better training experiences I have had as an Optimist came via an invitation
from Past Gove</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">rnor, Optimist Gene M. Douglas to a session called <i>Catch a Rising Star</i><span style="font-size: small;">. We love to talk
about spear-fishing in Optimism; but spear-fishing needs a strategy. Building
leadership needs a strategy. There is one to be found in </span><i>Catch a Rising Star</i><span style="font-size: small;">.</span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">N</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 130%;">ow is an opportunity to </span></span><b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">re-position</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 130%;"> the Caribbean </span></span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 130%;">as all-embracing, </span><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">integrationist</span><span style="line-height: 130%;">, and committed
to allowing all its peoples a space in which they can be confident and
comfortable in the practice of volunteerism. Optimism can and must become </span></span><b style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">the platform of choice for voluntary
service in the Caribbean</b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 130%;"> – whether we chose to do so as individuals or
collectives.</span></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">N</span></span><span lang="EN-US"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 130%;">ow is an opportunity for </span></span><b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">re-commitment</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 130%;"> to the fundamental principle of Optimism</span></span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 130%;"> that positive
thought and action make for a better world. Today is the first day of greater
achievements to come. It is our time to really be a part of a </span></span><b style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">TEAM</b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 130%;">; to </span></span><b style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">WORK</b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 130%;"> together in the interest of all Optimists in ensuring a better
life for all children and young people of our beloved and great Caribbean
District.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOb8ZzO9pG3n_i1yMl8ALJpUW3mvGWBSWLU83eIlq4Q8TxoQA3TQUvq69BShnmfArgSqjJkMM5xqVMflMt73rhyphenhyphenBSs0qLucMGZmF74uVgffrLbgtGBXeXkrEnHR2cItyacXRwSLSXQBs72/s1600/Proud+to+be+an+optimist.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOb8ZzO9pG3n_i1yMl8ALJpUW3mvGWBSWLU83eIlq4Q8TxoQA3TQUvq69BShnmfArgSqjJkMM5xqVMflMt73rhyphenhyphenBSs0qLucMGZmF74uVgffrLbgtGBXeXkrEnHR2cItyacXRwSLSXQBs72/s1600/Proud+to+be+an+optimist.png" height="200" width="143" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">F</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">ellow Optimists, I put it to you, the urgency
of now cannot be truly embraced or appreciated without changing our attitude; without
changing our perspective, without changing our mindset, without our full
commitment. As the inspirational writer
and motivational speaker Andy Andrews reminds us, </span><i><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">when confronted with a
challenge, the committed heart will search for a solution. The undecided heart
searches for an escape</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;">.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">A</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;">s Caribbean Optimists we must find the
solutions. The challenges of now are filled with many opportunities for building,
for strengthening, for moving Optimism forward. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;"> know </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; line-height: 130%;">we have the commitment.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;"><b>Optimist Patrick</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;">Governor-Elect</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;">Optimist International Caribbean District</span></div>
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-85883272272547072862014-08-21T12:50:00.000-07:002014-08-24T05:05:22.137-07:00Optimists Make Things Happen...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><i><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 130%;">Edited comments delivered by GE Patrick at Optimist International Caribbean District Convention 2014, August 9, Sunset Jamaica Grande, Ocho Rios. This is the first in a four part extended series on "</span></span><span style="line-height: 20.799999237060547px;">Caribbean</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 130%;"> Optimism... Moving Forward".</span></span></i></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTB-WbCSpc3zqlhci-HX_QvowInXA7r4b2PG6qVRSnWyg_pzGIYqPMCRoIcknXDHS5z9_YxPb-VuG4MrN2j6kS0zB3AUKlBoNAYUPPFenRL9M1KlM7_-ajtnnsPAzfkv3z_Q3_oelEltvJ/s1600/IMG_3323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTB-WbCSpc3zqlhci-HX_QvowInXA7r4b2PG6qVRSnWyg_pzGIYqPMCRoIcknXDHS5z9_YxPb-VuG4MrN2j6kS0zB3AUKlBoNAYUPPFenRL9M1KlM7_-ajtnnsPAzfkv3z_Q3_oelEltvJ/s1600/IMG_3323.JPG" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>Photo by Marc-Maurice Frankson</b></span></td></tr>
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<b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">Introduction…<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">A</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">s I accept the task and responsibilities that
have come with your vote of confidence, I wish for you to know that I am your
humble partner in making this great Optimist International Caribbean District <b>the best avenue for voluntary service</b>
to our children and young people wherever they are in the Caribbean.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"> want to thank every single Optimist who has
provided some level of support to my journey as an Optimist so far. Those who
follow my <a href="http://7804optimist.blogspot.com/">7804Optimist</a> blog and my writings over the last four years in
particular would know of the people who share a unique place among that support
group.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">T</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">he special individuals and groups that have
in some shape or form kept a certain buzz going over the years include: Charlie's
Angels and the People’s Governor Bajan Posse, The Magnificent Six, The7804
Massive and Zone Niners, as well as Team Secretariat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">O</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">f course, if it were not for my sponsor and the wonderful Sunset Optimist Club of Liguanea family, none of this would be
possible. Thankfully, my own precious family allowed space for Optimism to grow as a family
endeavour.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">love, respect, and thank you all individually and collectively; and I look forward to building an even deeper relationship with you, especially over the next two to three years.</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;">We are people who make things happen…</span></b></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 12pt;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZFCyFzyk7ZbaR5WsrR5wQTtjUTd79SeCelHIL5ja7w4DXibtr6wD3OM_axpGCcb8-PZFqud8XtHHR9GDdxpUq1_hHTzBCc7yo1cdNyWxB9a4-l6wDbuIIw9eSu087_0VAbXcQXdjCbRC/s1600/IMG_3330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDZFCyFzyk7ZbaR5WsrR5wQTtjUTd79SeCelHIL5ja7w4DXibtr6wD3OM_axpGCcb8-PZFqud8XtHHR9GDdxpUq1_hHTzBCc7yo1cdNyWxB9a4-l6wDbuIIw9eSu087_0VAbXcQXdjCbRC/s1600/IMG_3330.JPG" height="132" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: x-small;">Photo by Marc-Maurice Frankson</b></td></tr>
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</span></b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I </span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">want to share a little about what I think it
means to be a Caribbean Optimist at this critical juncture in the life-cycle of
our great district – who we are, where I think we are, and a specific role we
should consider playing as we move forward.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">t is said that there are three types of persons
in life: those </span><b style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">to whom</b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"> things
happen, those who </span><b style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">watch</b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"> things
happen, and those who </span><b style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">make </b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">things
happen. Every organization has them all; but I strongly believe that by virtue
of being Optimists we fall among the latter group. Logically, Optimists should be
people who make things happen!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">f we are being brutally honest, however, we
would admit our current reality and say to ourselves today that the wait-and-see
or watch-and-see mode in which we have fallen must be shaken; and shaken now. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Y</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">es, we have achieved a lot over the last three
decades. As Optimists, we have made a significant difference to the well-being
of many. As volunteers, we have grown; and certainly as individuals many of us
have seen significant personal development from our involvement in Optimism. </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">But, there is still a great need for a shift
towards the proactive people Optimists are supposed to be. There is need for change;
and quickly!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">M</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">y first real encounter with Optimism was at a boys
empowerment seminar organized by the Sunset Optimist Club of Liguanea, my home
club. That was an absolutely great experience. It was a deeply inspiring
encounter with young people.</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Garamond","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 130%;"> One could see it in
their eyes and hear it in their expressions that they were excited, they were
happy, and feeling confident about themselves. All of us adults sharing in the
seminar felt good to see the possibilities, to see the potential, to see the
positive shining through these young men. What a difference these young people
will make on the future, I thought.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfQxBgR-vtZjjNxzN2Nbpy_7_3IpxuzcTj9Fe2oSu8uYGKoL_HEQQSN1hmeUBWbdMlD083EtFEOkreZXLGjj-h4C0P4oTOt2rQndDf8UWMxxzY7z-po75evckpe7U5XcubU8oP1tW5SDQ/s1600/20140809_104127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfQxBgR-vtZjjNxzN2Nbpy_7_3IpxuzcTj9Fe2oSu8uYGKoL_HEQQSN1hmeUBWbdMlD083EtFEOkreZXLGjj-h4C0P4oTOt2rQndDf8UWMxxzY7z-po75evckpe7U5XcubU8oP1tW5SDQ/s1600/20140809_104127.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><b>(L-R) Optimist Nicolas, <br />JOOI International President-elect Javani <br />and International President-elect Dave</b></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">M</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">y first real invitation to join Optimism was a very
simple pitch by a then colleague of mine, Optimist Dahlia Vanriel. It was a very
effective and winning one. The line that stood out was this: </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">Optimism is an organized way of sharing at another
level your passion and work with young people as a volunteer</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"> officially became an Optimist in September
2007 and it has been an interesting and defining journey for me so far. The first
year was probably the most defining though. There were things being done with
and for the children that really touched my heart; but there were also some
serious challenges – some of which I often share with my club members more as indicators
of victories we continue to score as Optimists.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">F</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">or example, I have learned to deal with the sometimes
inexplicable ways in which people hold on to traditions that are obviously not advancing
Optimism. I have also learnt how to temper the thinking that my energy and
money would be better spent directly with the children than being at a
conference. Sure there is the added value of fellowship and bonding; and the treasure
chest of training that comes with convention; but…</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">W</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">e still need to truly <b>demonstrate the full capacity of Caribbean people</b> to stamp the
positives of our unique culture, style, and leadership on this great movement
called Optimist International;</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">W</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">e still need to </span><b style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">be innovative, forward thinking, visionaries</b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"> capable of uncovering
and developing a stream of people eager and ready to take their enthusiasm for volunteerism
to the highest levels of organizational leadership.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"> raise these two examples of challenges we
face for one simple reason. As Past International Vice President Optimist Sonia
Anderson, would say, </span><i style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">Time come!</i><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"> </span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">The time has indeed come for some serious reflection; but
it is also time for some serious action.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOb8ZzO9pG3n_i1yMl8ALJpUW3mvGWBSWLU83eIlq4Q8TxoQA3TQUvq69BShnmfArgSqjJkMM5xqVMflMt73rhyphenhyphenBSs0qLucMGZmF74uVgffrLbgtGBXeXkrEnHR2cItyacXRwSLSXQBs72/s1600/Proud+to+be+an+optimist.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOb8ZzO9pG3n_i1yMl8ALJpUW3mvGWBSWLU83eIlq4Q8TxoQA3TQUvq69BShnmfArgSqjJkMM5xqVMflMt73rhyphenhyphenBSs0qLucMGZmF74uVgffrLbgtGBXeXkrEnHR2cItyacXRwSLSXQBs72/s1600/Proud+to+be+an+optimist.png" height="200" width="143" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"> put it to you, fellow Optimists, if we are
going to realize our true potential of being <b>the best voluntary organization serving children across the Caribbean,</b> it is time to think differently about the way we do things. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"><i>It is time we think
differently about the activities we do. </i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"><i>It is time we think differently about how
we define our relationship with the children. </i></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"><i>And, most importantly, it is time we
think differently about how we see ourselves as Caribbean Optimists. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; line-height: 130%;"><span style="font-size: large;">I</span></span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">t is time to think and act Optimism. Time
to stop thinking of Optimism as just a noun; Optimism is also a verb! Af</span><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">ter
all, Optimists make things happen!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;"><b>Optimist Patrick</b></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">Governor Elect</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 130%;">Optimist International Caribbean District</span></div>
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-253713813042065857.post-15297725540769140672014-08-20T04:06:00.001-07:002014-08-20T04:10:36.159-07:00Happy Birthday, DST Treasa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1Y0a4dSgr1WlzgjQKoPLY-_JEUEK4-DZyaGP0IU041QPNOPFTbyXgKTu6uibcvqcr41_3EofoZUlQuwqOKjEAqF_N8Y7RAT_trrhWHeCMfwi9d9RY4dQrBD-49WFU4SVwDUb-WAwixnb/s1600/DST+Treasa+James+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC1Y0a4dSgr1WlzgjQKoPLY-_JEUEK4-DZyaGP0IU041QPNOPFTbyXgKTu6uibcvqcr41_3EofoZUlQuwqOKjEAqF_N8Y7RAT_trrhWHeCMfwi9d9RY4dQrBD-49WFU4SVwDUb-WAwixnb/s1600/DST+Treasa+James+2.jpg" height="320" width="225" /></a></div>
<i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></i>
<i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Y</span>ou are an <span style="font-size: x-large;">angel</span> </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">in disguise.</span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">Full of intuition, </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">intelligent, and</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">wise</span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">.</span></span><br style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Always</span> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large; line-height: 22px;">giving</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">and helping </span></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;">through</span><br style="font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Good</span><span style="font-size: large;"> times</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22px;"> and bad...</span></span></i><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: Nunito, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">- Lean Stiegman</span><br />
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: Nunito, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: Nunito, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 22px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/my-sister-and-my-friend#ixzz3AvYr0Hca" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 0px; color: #003399; font-family: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/my-sister-and-my-friend#ixzz3AvYr0Hca</a> Family Friend Poems </span></span><br />
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PatrickWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14915278665115608778noreply@blogger.com0