Of Dreams and Deeds

The full story of the Optimist International movement is now available online at:
http://www.ofdreamsanddeeds.org/

Learn the history of this great voluntary service organization. Get on board and read.

Q2 Zone Leaders Meeting

I feel so blessed and privileged to be working with such positive leaders of the 7804 family.  Thanks so very much for your continued support of this initiative where all sitting presidents, secretary-treasurers and past Lieutenant Governors can meet, dialogue, and come to consensus on how to move our clubs, zone, and by extension. our district and Optimism forward. The meeting on January 21was indeed productive and I look forward with expectant delight to the success-filled execution of our responsibilities as leaders and Optimists.

Coming up for our immediate attention are:

1. The Oratorical and Essay Competitions.  Entries are due by February 10. Work with those participating in the Communication contest for the deaf and hard-of-hearing (CCDHH) should also be well advanced at this time.
2. Q2 Zone meeting is scheduled for Saturday February 4 with registration scheduled for  2:00pm.  The meeting will be held at The Civil Aviation Authority, 4 Winchester Road. Hosts are OC West St Andrew and OC Kingston Central.  Of course, I am looking forward to the Optimism Awareness Quiz which will be held as part of the meeting and should provide both a platform for education and friendly competition among the clubs.
3. OC West St Andrew, Kingston Breakfast and Sunset Liguanea are also leading on an initiative that should include a recruitment blitz and NOW meetings aimed at growing the numbers for the clubs and Optimism in general. This is also in tandem with our efforts at membership retention by twinning clubs to maximize the strengths and resources available across clubs.

Coming soon! A benefit performance of a current play. Looking forward to the tremendous support for this.

An appeal from District Life Membership (DLM) Chairperson Nutilia Simon from the
beautiful island of Antigua: Cp Nutilia is encouraging Caribbean Optimists to sign for the DLM programme and see the tremendous benefits for the district and individual.
Give her a link at email: tilialeslie@yahoo.com

Expecting only the best.
LtG Patrick

Zone Leaders Meeting January 21

Another successful meeting with the leaders of the zone.  Another opportunity for us to advance the work we do as Optimists. From Kingston and St Andrew to St Mary and Portland we continue to strengthen our resolve to better the lives of our children and young people. Zone 4 leaders, bringing out the best.

Your community needs a voice

Be an Optimist and make the difference in your community...

February 4 is Q2 Zone Meeting

Q2 Zone meeting for Optimist International Caribbean District Zone 4 is scheduled for Saturday, February 4, 2012 starting at 2:30 p.m. Hosted by OC West Saint Andrew the meeting is expected to be an exciting one.  Among the fun and fellowship activities being anticipated is the Optimism Quiz Competition for clubs. Governor Dwight Phillips will attend in his official capacity as Governor! The meeting is scheduled for The Civil Aviation Authority Conference Room, 4 Winchester Road, Kingston 10. Special Guest, Governor Dwight Phillips.

IPP Marc-Maurice and PDLtG Margaret

At the Q1 Zone meeting we made a special surprise presentation to PLtG Margaret for her most outstanding performance as the 2010-2011 LtG for Zone 4. Well we knew it then, and now it's official: she is Distinguished.

For more Q1 Zone meeting pictorial go to:
https://picasaweb.google.com/prendergast.patrickw/Q1ZoneZeetingNov2011?authkey=Gv1sRgCLfh26vV07bO2gE

Time for the Scholarship Contests

Optimist International Essay Contest 
The Essay Contest is sponsored by Optimist International to give young people the opportunity to write about their own opinions regarding the world in which they live. The approach can encompass a young person’s personal experience, the experience of their country or a more historical perspective. In additional to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win a college scholarship!
Topic: "How my Positive Outlook Benefits my Community”
Who: Youth under the age of 18 as of December 31 of the current school year (December 31, 2011) who have not yet graduated from high school or the equivalent.
How To Enter: Interested students must contact their local Optimist Club. They need to submit an essay on the pre-assigned topic.
When: All Club-level contests are held by early February. Student submissions will not be accepted after the Club-level contests have closed. The deadline for Clubs to submit their winning essay to the District Chair is February 28, 2012. The deadline for Districts to submit their winner’s information to Optimist International is April 15, 2012.

Source: http://www.optimist.org/e/member/scholarships3.cfm

Optimist International Oratorical Contest 
The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program each year. The winners at the Club level receive medallions and Zone winners receive a plaque. Districts may provide two $2,500 scholarships or a first place scholarship of $2,500, a second place scholarship of $1,500, and a third place scholarship of $1,000.
Topic: "How my Optimism Helps me Overcome Obstacles"
Who: Students under the age of 18 years as of December 31 of the 2011-2012 school year (December 31, 2011) who have not yet graduated from high school or the equivalent and who are educated in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean.
How To Enter: Interested students submit a speech on the pre-assigned topic to their local Optimist Club.
When: The deadline to enter is determined by the sponsoring Optimist Club. All Club-level contests are typically held by late March. The District deadline to submit winners to Optimist International is June 15, 2012. Optimist International does not set Club/Zone/Regional deadlines.

Source: http://www.optimist.org/e/member/scholarships4.cfm 

Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH)
This contest offers an opportunity for children who are deaf or hard of hearing to present their thoughts in the community, gaining skills, which can only come from signing or speaking to a large audience. Patterned after the Optimist Oratorical Contest, the Communication Contest For the Deaf and Hard of Hearing offers hearing impaired youth the chance to compete in speech or sign language.
Topic: "How my Optimism Helps me Overcome Obstacles"
Who: The contest is open to young people through grade 12 in the United States and Canada, to CEGEP in Québec and grade 13 in the Caribbean, who are educated in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean.
How To Enter: Interested students should contact their local Optimist Club.
When: The deadline to enter is determined by the sponsoring Club. The deadline for Clubs to submit their winner to the next level of competition is set by the District. District deadline to submit a winner to Optimist International is June 15, 2012.

Source: http://www.optimist.org/e/member/scholarships2.cfm


Comments
These are very important activities in which to have our children and young people participate. Time is catching up on us very fast. With the extended Christmas and New Year holidays and all the other things that have been happening around us, it is easy for us to think that the year has just started; but we are already at week two in January 2012. So let's get cracking folks.

Please contact your District Chairs for further details and soon.

Essay: CP Claudette is at claudettefran@yahoo.com
Oratorical: CP Sonia is at sonia.barr@cwjamaica.com
CCDHH: CP Trevor is at rovertnoxid@yahoo.com

Caribbean District Zone 4 Optimists are harnessing the power of one.

Q1 District Conference Nov 2011

Maximum Respect Due

THE 2010-2011 Optimist Awards Hotline is out and Caribbean District Zone 4 has every reason to shout praises towards and for a few people.  So here we go:

PLtG Margaret Wright: You are now Past Distinguished Lieutenant Governor; Big up and Respect! We are cognizant of the superb work put in over the year and celebrate with you a most deserving recognition. We love you.

Other Distinguished LtGs are Fay Mallit of our sister Zone 2, who managed to cop an outstanding award as well, and now GE Lynden Buchanan of Zone 8. Congrats guys.

Zone 4 must also recognize Governor Dwight’s home club the Optimist Club of Kingston-Breakfast for making distinguished club status. More power to you all.

Past IVP Adrian Elcock: Here is an achiever at all levels of Optimism and 2010-2011 must be seen as another special year for this distinguished and outstanding leader in Caribbean optimism. At the start of the year he pulled out all the stops for a remarkable Parallel District Conference in Ocho Rios, Jamaica in November 2010. Now the Vice President Honors Award for the highest number of new clubs in a region goes to IVP Adrian of the Southeast region.   

Wicked, my yute! The Vibes Master run things.  

Other notables for the Caribbean District are as follows:

Distinguished clubs: Constant Spring, Barbican Pines, UWI Mona, Kingston Sunset, Kingston Breakfast, Ocho Rios. Respect!

Honor Clubs: Manor Park, Trafalgar Pines, Central Circle-St Andrew, Hortwood Gardens, St Andrew, Kingston Waterloo, Kingston St Mathews, Mandeville, St Ann’s Bay, Rising Moneague, St Johns’ Antigua, Barbados Bridgetown, Barbados South, and Ste Lisi. Respect!

See the full slate of awards at:

http://www.optimist.org/hotline/Hotline-Awards2010-2011/Hotline-Awards2010-2011/index.html

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to the #1 Zone of the great OI Caribbean District #78 - Zone 4.
Folks, we continue to think only of the best, work only for best and expect only the best. The strength of the collective lies in the power of one.  All of us individually can make a difference and must continue to so do.It was a fantastic first quarter and I know we will do even better in Q2.
Remember this is the quarter when we must solidify our efforts at:

• Ensuring we have great Oratorical and Essay competitions;
• Pulling out the stops for the CCDHH;
• Keeping the Childhood Cancer charge alive; and
• Mobilizing the numbers for winning the the Zone trophy at Q2 District Conference (Feb 24-26)
  

Zone dates just around the corner:
Saturday, January 21, 2012 Zone Leaders Brunch, 10:00 a.m. at District Secretariat
Saturday, February 4, 2012 Q2 Zone Meeting  hosted by OC West St. Andrew
Friday - Sunday, February 24 - 26 Q2 District Conference in Negril

LtG Patrick
One one coco full basket - Harnessing the power of one

From the Q1 Report Archives

Zone 4 @ Q1 District Conference

27 November 2011

OI-7804 Leaders,
Please convey to the general membership of your clubs my heart-filled appreciation for the strength of support afforded the zone for Q1 District Conference.  In terms of zone attendance we were beaten by Zone 3 by just one.  We had 20 and they had 21 - the power of one - but I know we will take the trophy at Breezes, Negril next February
Presidents Barbara, Camilla, Glaister, and Shyama: Thanks for rallying the troops in such a powerful way.  ST Natalie: Kingston Central is pushing forward positively and I love it!! PLtG Margaret, your hosting the ladies of Castleton was beyond thoughtful, beyond invaluable, and beyond my capacity to adequately say thanks.
As I often boast, Zone 4 happens to have the most distinguished among the leadership this year and the success of the Q1 conference underscores that.  Thanks to Gov Dwight's ease and control in the Chairman's seat, DST Heather's on-the-point guidance and reporting, and CP Latoya's excellent marshaling of the conference team, most - if not all - of the 135 delegates and 40 JOOI members had another meaningful and productive experience this weekend. Ken Walker Jnr's work with CP Valerie in getting the conference streamed on the web must also be noted.  Congrats all you Power of One leaders.
I look forward to us finishing the quarter as strong as we have started and remind you that we have to start working on getting participation in the contests from now as schools will go on break soon.  The Oratorical and Essay contests in particular need urgent intervention.  CCDHH is later in the year but the work has to start early.

Congratulations to OC Kingston Central who will host their Charter Installation Dinner  on Friday, December 9, 2011 @ The Shirley Retreat Hotel, 7 Maeven Avenue, Kingston 10 starting at 7:00

LtG Patrick
...Harnessing the power of one

Zone 4 Changing our story

17 November 2011

Leaders of the OI-7804 Family,
Last evening (Wednesday, November 16) was another fantastic time in Optimism for us.  It was the joint installation exercise for Breakfast Kingston and West St. Andrew.  We continue to learn so much from these Optimist activities, it's just phenomenal.
Thanks to Presidents Camilla (OCBK) and Shyama (OCWSA) for the initiative of a joint installation and in the process affording us the opportunity to experience superb programme guidance from Chairman ST Al Johnson, foot-stomping music from the Pembroke Hall Methodist Steel Band, and of course, a splendidly delivered pep talk from Past Distinguished and Outstanding Governor and Past IVP Lancaster Henry. 
His charge was simple - live, love, learn and leave a legacy.
His elevation was elegant - We are all needed to make a better world.  Revisit self, revisit our potential efforts past and to come, and start living, loving, learning to serve in making a positive difference to the lives of our children.
His landing was smooth - We must change the story in order to change the perception about our movement and Optimism.  We need to be the fire and the light as expected of the mighty people we are.
The question for us all now is this: What legacy - the good we do on this journey called life - will we leave over this coming year?
It was good to see the Scenic Castleton traveling posse coming down to support their sponsor club and it was certainly good to see prospective members publicly declaring their intention to move from the sidelines and onto the field of Optimism.

LtG Patrick
One one coco full basket - Harnessing the power of one

Q1 Zone Meeting Story

14 November 2011

Leaders of the OI-7804 Family:
We want to thank you all for making the Q1 Zone Meeting a blast of an event.  Without your support it simply would not have been possible. We had 38 persons in attendance including our Guest Speaker and four JOOI members.  That in itself is noteworthy but given the challenges we face generally it was even more striking that all the Jamaica-based clubs were represented. The high turn out of Directors, Presidents, VPs and STs was most appreciated - exactly 16 of the 30 club members registered were club leaders. Of course it's always good to have the Power of One Governor, Dwight Phillips, among the leaders of the Zone.
Our deepest appreciation to your clubs and we crave your indulgence as we say special thanks to the following individuals for their invaluable contribution to the success story:

• District Chairperson for Youth Clubs, Ms Lisa-Gaye McCormack- Anderson, you delivered a fantastic message and in such a dynamic way that we got not only food for thought but lessons in oratory;

• The young men in the Junior Optimist Octagon International - JOOI Governor Tidjan Simpson and the team from Fortis Octagon Club of Kingston College - you guys embody the hope and Optimism of the future and we look forward to great things from you all;

• IPP Marc-Maurice Frankson, ST Al Johnson, CP Latoya Wade and PLtGs George Brown and Kenneth Walker Jnr., your direct involvement in the delivery of the programme brought interest, quality, and diversity to the afternoon;

• Optimist Larry and VP Shirley for your efficient management of the registration and refreshment processes, and of course, Director Ayesha for the usual fine servings;

• PLtG Margaret, you graciously adjusted your work time to be at our first zone meeting consequently affording us the opportunity to publicly recognize the great job you continue to do for Optimism.

Once again, thank you all for a great start to the new year.  We wish you nothing but continued success in all we do as Optimists as we continue to harness The Power of One.

LtG Patrick
One one coco full basket - Harnessing the power of one.

Updating Zone 4 Nov 7 – 14

8 November 2011

OI-7804 Leaders:
Following on the success of last weekend's Zone Leaders Breakfast Meeting you can understand how much I anticipate the upcoming First Quarter (Q1) Zone Meeting scheduled for Sunday, November 13, 2011 at the Mayfair Hotel. Thanks so much for your quality contribution.


District Reminders:
Early Bird Registration for Q1 District Conference:
November 25 – 27 @ Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston.  The current registration is 50USD until November 15. Please encourage members to participate and to capitalize on the 5USD savings available at this time.

CP Sonia Barr is reminding us of preparations for the Oratorical Contest. Remember club run-offs should be completed by Friday, February 10, 2012.

Club Happenings:
Had a great time with West Portland on Monday November 7.  Looking forward to seeing them at Q1 Zone meeting.

On Wednesday, November 9, Scenic Castleton will have their installation exercise.  

Sunset Liguanea is conducting YAW 2011 November 8 - 11.  Activities will involve the Marie Atkins Basic, Rousseau Primary, and The Queen's High schools as well as the Gleaner Company 

LTG Patrick
One one coco full basket - Harnessing the power of one

Updating the family Oct 31 -Nov 6
31 October 2011

Leaders of the OI-7804 Family:
First let me thank the clubs for supporting the District Fundraiser on Saturday October 29.  I am sure that for those members who made it to the Pantry Playhouse for the production of "If Walls Could Talk"  it was a good evening out in support of our children. Special big-up to OC Scenic Castleton who as usual made it down from the hills in their numbers.
I also want to make special mention of Optimist Club of Kingston Central (OCKC) whose follow-up programme is in full swing.  Past DST Rose Medley delivered a much appreciated Orientation session on Friday evening at Coke Methodist and from all indication the members of the newest club in zone 4 are having a blast of a start. Congrats to Charter President Janette and the OCKC team. Big ups to GA Al and PLtG Margaret for their steady guidance of the process.
Some members have made good on their promise to catch the Early Early Bird Registration for the Q1 District Conference.  For those who missed saving 10USD there is still a chance to save 5USD so look out for that call.  Remember Conference is set for November 25-27 @ Knutsford Court Hotel.  The target is to have full representation from all clubs both in leadership and members.

Reminders:
The OI-7804 Leaders Breakfast Meeting for Presidents and Secretary-Treasurers or Vice Presidents is Saturday November 5 at District Secretariat, 361/2 Lyndhurst Road, Kingston 5 on the grounds of Jamaica Electrical Technologies. The meeting begins at 8:30.

Q1 Zone Meeting on Sunday November 13  at The Mayfair Hotel, 4 West Kings House Close, Kingston 8.  This promises to be a dynamic meeting so please bring out the membership and remember of course, there is the traveller's award for the club with the most attendees.  Presidents, you also need to send me a short report over the coming week on what are your plans for the coming year covering key areas of membership, new projects, fund-raising, new club building, fellowship initiatives, publicity, public relations, youth clubs, projections for awards and achievements.

Have a positively productive week.

LtG Patrick
Harnessing the power of one

Updating the family Oct 24-30
24 October 2011

Leaders of the OI-7804 Family:
Some of our clubs are off to a fantastic start settling on their club officers, making projections for the important activities, events and dates, and conducting ACPC and installation.  Congrats! We still have a week in which to make good on completing our ACPCs and I encourage us all to try and make the October 31 date.  Also installations need to be done before Q1 District Conference so let's get cracking on that too.
Here are some important reminders:
    The OI-7804 Leaders Breakfast Meeting is set for Saturday November 5 at District Secretariat, 361/2 Lyndhurst Road, Kingston 5.  Remember to RSVP 833 8645 or Email: prendergast.patrickw@gmail.com
Note also that this event does not attract a cost except to get there.  Presidents and STs are invited.

    Q1 Zone Meeting is scheduled for Sunday, November 13. We want to kick off with registration at 2:00 p.m. Location is still to be announced but I hope we are all getting ready to make our first gathering of the family a tremendous blast.

     Membership Dues: We should have all by now received the Q1 invoices for OI and District dues.  Please make every effort to settle soonest.  Remember that for District dues we do not pay for DLMs (my short for District Life Members). Do we know who the DLMs are in our clubs?

Now to the General Notes:

YAW2011 - Youth Appreciation Week November 6 - 11. Power up folks!

JOOI Meet and Greet with Gov Tidjan 10:00 a.m. on Saturday October 29 @ Merl Grove High School.  Please encourage the JOOI members to be a part of this activity and have your adult members go out and support the young people.  Our zone is very much a big part of the leadership of the movement with two JOOI LTGs.

District Fundraiser: Please please please...support the benefit performance of the play If Walls Could Talk Saturday October 29, 8:00 p.m. @ Pantry Playhouse. 
Q1 District Conference: November 25 – 27 @ Knutsford Court Hotel, New Kingston.  Remember, we can save up to 10USD by catching the EARLY EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION OF USD45.00 BY OCTOBER 31. Also, if we apply the "no empty beds" approach and share with a club member, we would not only reduce individual cost but also increase the participation rate of our clubs. Check the per room rates. Our own regional IVP Rose Kohler will be the OI Representative so we have an added reason to go out and represent.

Thanks a lot and do have a powerfully positive and productive week.

LTG Patrick
One one coco full basket - Harnessing the power of one

One one coco full basket - Harnessing the power of one
1 October 2011

Leaders of the OI-7804 Family:
Let me take this opportunity to welcome you to the new OI year and wish for you nothing but the best as we work towards improving the welfare of our beloved children and young people. I know this is going to be a fulfilling year because all of us believe in what we have set out to do.  We all are keen on the value of Optimism and the critical role we Optimists play in promoting hope and positive thinking across the region and the world.
Last year, PLtG Margaret and her leaders did an excellent job at building on the rich tradition of outstanding work done by other past leaders of our Zone and for that I would like us to extend our deepest gratitude to her as we ourselves seek to carry on that tradition of service beyond the call of duty.  PLtG Meg, nuff love and respect for an awesome 2010-2011. Immediate past presidents, great job!
This year has to be another great year for District # 78 Zone 4.  This year we have another opportunity to demonstrate in earnest the quality leadership that continues to emerge from our zone.  Our Governor is a member of Breakfast Kingston and our DST is a member of Sunset Liguanea and a few of our most outstanding chairpersons in recent years remain in charge of critical areas of our District (that's a question that could appear on the quiz competition I intend to start as a way of improving our awareness about the movement...so get ready...lol). We have no choice but to shine.  We have no choice but to harness the power of one!
In the coming week I will start making visits to each club, calling each President and ST, and establishing the best platforms on which to share our goals and objectives for the year.  We are reminded that we have ACPCs to complete in October, Zone meeting coming up on Sunday November 13 and installations to be done before Q1 conference over the weekend of November 25-27.  In between we have lots of other little details to settle but I am confident that together we will become stronger in the delivery of quality service to our children, our members, our District and the optimist movement.
Thank you for the support so far and I look forward to us doing great things one by one yet together - after all, one one coco full basket. Again, welcome to the new year and congratulations on becoming leaders of the OI 7804 Family.
LtG Patrick