1
20
10
24
15
2
14
WHAT’S INSIDE
3
4
Governor Dwight’s Message
5
Governor Elect Lynden’s Message
6
Optimist Club of Constant Spring
6
Optimist Club of St. John’s
7
Optimist Club of Barbados Central
8-9
Optimist Club of Barbican Pines
10
Optimist Club of Manor Park
11
Optimist Club of St Thomas
12-13
Central Circle
14
Optimist Club of Anguilla
15
Optimist Club of Golden Lydford
16
Optimist Club of Falmouth
17
Optimist Club of Kingston Central
18-19
Optimist Club of Barbados South
20
Sunset Optimist Club of Kingston
21-22
Optimist Club of North St Andrew
23
Optimist Club of Spanish Town
24-25
Optimist Club of Mandeville
Governor Message from
Dwight Phillips
“Power of One” Optimists,
I
would like, on behalf of the Powerful Caribbean District, to thank all “Power of One” optimists for the tremendous work being done by the various clubs with and for the children of our region. Time and time again you continue to go above and beyond expectations in your service to the youth; a true sign of optimist character. The records show that we are not off to a quick start, as it relates to growth in terms of new club building and membership. I therefore implore all of us to pick up the PACE. In our various optimist endeavours, we need to apply;- Passion: Action: Commitment: & Energy. I believe in all of us, that we can continue to make a difference, and that we in short order will unleash all the explosive plans that are in gestation right now, to exhibit our true Caribbean style and uniqueness. Optimists, I am thanking you now for the tremendous rest of year that we are going to have. You are indeed, the BEST people I know. I am indeed proud to be an optimist at this time. I encourage all of us, to step up a notch in our optimist service, as we continue to allow our children to soar and shine. They need us now more than ever, so we cannot afford to fail them. I am really looking forward to the day when we do not need to plead to our optimist members to honour the financial obligations to both the district and OI. Members, the district is
4
haemorrhaging, so unfortunately, I have to plead with you once again;- PLEASE, PLEASE pay your dues in a timely manner, in order to keep the Caribbean District alive. As we converge on Montego Bay for our second quarter conference, I encourage us to network and fellowship, and learn from each other, as we plan our various joint projects, so that we can continue to support each other and strengthen each other, to achieve 100%, and then some. You absolutely cannot afford to miss the “Grammy” style awards ceremony planned by IPG Joe and PDST Sandi for the “Reach Out” Stars of 20102011. Also, as we welcome our International President Jack and First Lady Sue, I encourage us to give them a true Caribbean welcome and experience, so that they will never forget the hospitality of our people and the 2nd quarter Caribbean District “Power of One” conference and awards ceremony. Let us continue to provide hope and a positive vision for the children that we serve. Have a wonderful conference and awards ceremony and continue to Reach Out, Join Hands and Help our Children to Soar, Shine and experience the Power of One. Gov. Dwight B. L. Phillips February, 2012
Message from
Governor Elect Lynden Buchanan A
s we continue in the Power of One year, we see more and more the need for Optimists to come to the fore and create a positive impact. Our children across the entire District need us. It is therefore critical that we continuously get involved in meaningful projects and make that difference. For us to effectively execute such projects we NEED positive Optimists to step up to the plate. It is amazing to know that our work as Optimists is much appreciated and needed. Follow the Caribbean Optimists Facebook page and see some of the success stories so far. Then get jealous (good jealousy) and start a project of your own; read of others in our District Magazine. See also the numerous projects across Optimist International as published quarterly in the Optimist Magazine. Look among your members for persons with leadership potential and encourage them to take up the responsibilities of leadership. Great things happen when
5
dedicated leaders build effective teams and get things done. Be that Powerful One who will begin to make that change for our children. Team building is key and so while utilizing existing members, recruiting new members to your team is a must. New energy, new ideas, dynamic leadership and a sense of purpose will lead to great projects and the spread of Optimism. My message then is that we begin now to identify the upcoming leaders, and I guarantee that we will provide adequate training to equip those persons to be effective. Keep the Power going as we make a difference in the lives of our beautiful Caribbean children. Governor Elect Lynden Buchanan
OPTIMIST CLUB OF
Constant Spring Fundraiser – Movie Night with parents and children
OPTIMIST CLUB OF
St. John’s
The Optimist Club of St. John’s Spread Christmas Cheer to Children throughout December
T
he month of December was one filled with Optimism as the members of the Optimist Club of St. John’s partnered with various businesses to share the spirit of Christmas this season. First, the club partnered with Big Banana to host its annual Christmas Party with the residents of the Boys Training School. The club was grateful for the generousity of Big Banana, who sponsored the food and drink of the party while hosting the boys at their Redcliffe Street location. Members of the club provided gifts. At the end of the evening, a representative of the School expressed his sincere thanks on behalf of the residents. Next, the club joined with the management and staff of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) to host a Christmas party for the students associated with the Unit for the Blind and the School for the Deaf. The gifts this year were once again provided by PwC. The guests were entertained by the Party Monarch King 2011 Joel “Hard Knax” Lewis as he entertained with his famous “Kentucky” song. . The party ended with a dance-off to the Kentucky song and a vote of thanks by the teachers. The Club also donated furniture to a needy family and contributed gifts to the 3H foundation under their “Make My Wish Come Through This Christmas” program. The members of the Optimist Club of St. John’s wish one and all a very Merry Christmas and look forward to forging more partnerships which will assist them in spreading goodwill in 2012. 6
OPTIMIST CLUB OF
Barbados Central
Oh Christmas Tree!!! POOR CHRISTMAS TREE! By Optimist Merlene,
Optimist Club of Barbados Central
O
nce upon a time in the land of the flying fish and coucou, there lived an Optimist President. He was tall and comely and his house commanded a beautiful view of the valley below. But he had one passion and that was a dried, dried, dried Christmas tree. He acquired that tree in December 2008 and lovingly decorated it and it kept his house smelling of pine and he conversed with the tree daily. 2009 came and the tree was still in its place, losing some of its colour, but still smelling of pine.
light up like a tinder box with one spark. A friend of his decided to put some silver decorations on this tree.....Now fast forward to December 2011, the tree was still standing, not shedding any of its pines, but by now the brown pine needles on its branches looked more red than brown...it still smelled like pine, or so he says....what a nose that man has!
It was looking a little sorry for itself when a group of optimists visited it. So they decided that it was time to give the tree a decent burial. So they decided to draw up a petition and December 2010 came and his love affair with the tree have everyone sign it. We decided that it was time for continued. By now it had lost most of its colour but a change. We pleaded with the owner, he laughed and maintained some of its smell. So he kept it in its place. said perhaps next year... Mind you, he never covered it up. He was smart enough Friends join me in signing this petition not to put any lights on his tree knowing how it could I......�..�............wish to plead for the decent burial of the Christmas tree of 2008. Signed: Merlene, Kasen, Monica, Vernese, Dionne
7
8
OPTIMIST CLUB OF
Barbican Pines
9
OPTIMIST CLUB OF
Manor Park Optimist Club of Manor Park In Celebration of Youth Appreciation Week (YAW)
O
n Sunday, November 13, 2011, six (6) members of the Optimist Club of Manor Park along with the girls from the Wortley Girls Home shared in the worship service at the Good Shepherd Anglican Church, Constant Spring Road. The scripture lessons were read by two (2) members of the Club. The objective of the church Service was twofold, to launch the Club’s Youth Appreciation Week Programme and to invoke God’s blessings on the Club. On Monday, November 14, 2011, President Monica, IPP Reginald and S/T Diana visited North Street Primary School to launch the following competitions: Boy and Girl of the Year (Trophy to be presented at the School Leaving Ceremony in June, 2012). Grade 1 Boy and Girl of the Year (Tokens to be presented in May, 2012during Childs’ Month).
10
Grade Six Achievement Test (GSAT) text books were presented to Shanike Lewis, a student at North Street Primary, who lost all her books in a fire. Eleven students, from Kingston College, Jamaica College and Holy Childhood High School participated in the “Day on the Job” project. Four (4) students were placed at the Houses of Parliament, two (2) at the Jamaica National Heritage Trust, two (2) at the Ministry of Justice and three (3) at the Scientific Research Council. The feedback on the project was very positive. The students found the day on the job to be an enlightening experience and the teachers lauded the project and expressed the hope that it will be an annual event.
St. Thomas OPTIMIST CLUB OF
Youth Appreciation Week
Members of the Optimist Club Of St. thomas showing some love to this little girl.
Director Sherie presenting the cooks with a gift basket
11
Secetary – treasurer Annesha handing out certificates of appreciation to a group of students at the Loving Hands Preparatory school.
Christmas Treat for the children at the Winchester Primary School
OPTIMIST CLUB OF
Central Circle
12
Christmas is a time of sharing and in doing so, we visited The Wortley Home for girls at 193 Constant Spring Road on December 22, 2011 with gifts for 19 girls – ages 10 to 18 years.
She be left out. to t o n is e This little on la on the trip. ho mother Nic
nied her
accompa
In preparing for the visit the gifts were sorted by, from left Nichola Patrawala – Member. Daun Williams – Director, Jacqueline Ross-Harris S/T, Delrose Hemmings – President.
Omar Lemonious is so proud of his handy work. He took the task to source the bags and created the art work. 13
ich, nt, after wh y e d si re p e e th ressed by to them. Th s were add presented in irl g re m e e e w th th d t re e is He ist Cre to ass m ts ti n p te O n o e c th copies of ractice the raged to p u o c n e ily lives. re we of their da t n e m e v the impro
G O
ENEROUS GIFT ALLOWS OPTIMIST CLUB of ANGUILLA TO ASSIST VULNERABLE FAMILIES
n December 23rd 2011, the Optimist Club of Anguilla was contacted by a visitor to the island and guest at one of our leading hotels. The visitor, who has frequented Anguilla and wishes to remain anonymous, wanted to make donations of food and toiletries to needy families on the island, all in the spirit of Christmas. What may have seemed like a daunting task for most was a welcomed challenge by the Optimist Club of Anguilla and notably Food Drive coordinator Optimist Emma Ferguson who went to work immediately. Showing her true optimistic spirit, she contacted the Department of Social Development to garner names of individuals and families in need. Armed with a target number, she went shopping. Showing good faith in the cause, Merchant’s Market and Ashley & Sons Supermarket responded to Optimist Emma and the visitor and in some cases allowed them to purchase close to US 3000.00 on Credit. The next task was finding a location where the food and toiletries could be separated and put into packages for distribution. Albert Peters of Peters Agency came to the rescue. Not only did he allow the club to use his office for organization and distribution, he also assisted in transportation of food from stores. Optimist members and friends gathered at the Caribbean Commercial Centre and created packages for distribution. From 12:00pm – 6:30pm persons were invited to come to collect parcels. The parcels included
14
sugar, flour, rice, tinned and fresh vegetables, water, Capri-sun juices, dish washing liquid, Clorox bleach, toilet paper and soap. Starting with a list of 40 names, Optimist members distributed 48 full packages and several smaller parcels for a total of 62 packages. Impressed with what the club was able to achieve in a day, the visitor committed to give another US$10,000 to the club to do further work. The second stage of the Food Drive took place on Thursday, 02 February 2012 in collaboration with AXA Cares Food Bank. This initiative was identified as one means of using the funds as they already have a system in place to indentify and cater to the needs of vulnerable families. Food items purchased, valued at close to US$4,000 were handed over to organizers of the AXA Cares Food Bank by the Optimist Club of Anguilla. In addition, thirteen other families who were not identified by AXA Cares were also given gifts of food by the Optimist Club. The shopping was done at Merchant’s Market, Ashley and Sons, Lake’s Market Place and J W Proctors. The Optimist Club of Anguilla is a not for profit organization whose motto is ‘Friend of Youth.’ The Club would like to thank the generous donor for his financial gift which so far has amounted to close to 20,000US dollars and has benefitted numerous vulnerable families in Anguilla. We are also grateful for the cooperation of the mentioned supermarkets which have also assisted in the success of the Food Drives.
OPTIMIST CLUB OF
Golden Lydford
The occassion was the Golden Optimists celebrating with Ms. Winnifred James (Sis. Winnie) her 104th birthday. Optimist Dehilia Minnott -VP presenting gift basket to Sis Winnie with optimist LTG Mitzie Somers- Hutchinson along with optimist Carvel Stewart and Alvis Watson enjoying the moment with Sister Winnie.
15
OPTIMIST CLUB OF
Falmouth 1. Children treat done by the Optimist Club of Falmouth to the children the Salvation Army Basic school in Falmouth
2. Installation held on December 10th at the Glistening Waters.
16
OPTIMIST CLUB OF
Kingston Central
O
n December 9, 2011, the Optimist Club of Kingston Central (#78025) was officially installed in the foal of the Optimist International Caribbean District and received Charter membership. This took place at Shirley Retreat Hotel off Hope Road. The function was a successful one under the chairmanship of optimists Hugh Martin and Al Johnson. A total of 43 persons including 19 members attended. We would like to take this opportunity to thank once again persons from the Portmore Chapter and other distinguished guests for their continued support to ensure our successful development. The guest speaker was Ms. Andrea Campbell, Regional Behavioural Change Coordinator from the Ministry of Health, who spoke on HIV and its effect on Children and Young people. Thanks again to past LtG Margaret, LtG Patrick and Governor Dwight for their participation in the event. Musical presentations were made by TOISIS and a Church sister, Rushane Watson.
17
In December also, we had our Christmas Treat for the children of the area and 73 children ranging in age from 3 – 16 years attended with parents or older siblings. They were fed, feted, and entertained as they played games and participated in quizzes and received toys. Since then, a few of the children have attended Church School. As we move into this quarter, we are trying to partake in the oratorical quiz, essay competition and to implement our project for the year. This will take the form of support to a Basic / Primary school in the area and is being pursued with alacrity. In addition, we will be embarking on a homework and reading programme, as an outreach activity emanating from the Christmas treat. Plans are in place for this to begin in April, coinciding with the beginning of the summer school term. We are also seeking the donation of a laptop from one of the following entities: Flow, LIME or Digicel to assist one of the students, who attends a prominent Secondary school and needs the facilities to complete assignments and SBAs.
Barbados South
OPTIMIST CLUB OF
Barbados South T
The Optimist Club of Barbados South presents: The Child Care Board with 27 Christmas Hampers of food and toiletries.
he Optimist Club of Barbados South, with the help of its sponsors and friends of Optimists presented the Child Care Board with 27 Christmas hampers that were packaged and wrapped with love and joy by its club members for the 2011 Christmas season. Club President Michael Jules together with Vice President External; Carolyn Yearwood-Bradshaw presented the hampers to Denise Nurse; deputy director of the Child Care Board on Tuesday December 13th, 2011. Ms. Nurse expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the club’s members for its annual contribution. Ms Nurse also stated that the Optimist Club was the first charity out of the box with contributions this Christmas and encouraged the President and members of the club to visit with them when the presentations 18
are made within the communities. She added that there is still a lot of goodwill in Barbados in spite of recession; in fact the board received more donations last year than in previous years. During the delivery and presentation of the Christmas Hampers, Club President Michael Jules stated that this annual contribution to the Child Care Board is one of the Club’s Flag Ship projects and was very pleased and encouraged to learn of the positive responses to the club’s initiatives. The Optimist Club of Barbados South is a Children’s Charity with a mandate to create innovative projects and services that will “Bring Out the Best in Children”.
Optimist Club of Barbados South launches the “Sol Optimist Love Walk”
T
he Optimist Club of Barbados South a civicminded group of people who have responded to the call to promote a philosophy of optimism entered into partnership with Sol Caribbean Limited on January 11th 2012 to host a fund raising 5k Walk on February 12th, the walk is to start and finish at the Bay Street Esplanade. All proceeds from this venture will be donated towards Optimist Childhood Cancer Campaign which is a global mandate by Optimist International and the Caribbean District. The recipients of the donation will be announced in the press after the completion of the event.
At the launch, major partner of this cause Sol Caribbean Limited echoed, “Our interest has always been to give-back to the communities where we do business, in a meaningful way. This year as we acknowledge our 7th year of operations across the region, we will be partnering with similar groups to support: environmental, energy and community related
projects. This support will continue all throughout the year across 15 countries where we operate and it is Sol’s way of saying Thank You for choosing Shell, Shell V-Power and Sol’s extensive product line. On February 12th, we encourage all of our customers, partners, and all Barbadians to come out and support the Sol Optimist Love Walk as we work together to assist these very deserving children”. Also present at the Launch was Honorary Secretary of The Barbados Cancer Society; Dr. Dorothy CookeJohnson, Chief Medical Officer in the Ministry of Health, Barbados Dr. Kenneth George. President of the Optimist Club of Barbados South, Mr. Michael Jules in his address reminded all in attendance of the Club’s mandate to deliver to the Children of Barbados, the Region and to Optimist International, he also assured all of the Club’s commitment to deliver what was promised from this fundraiser and especially this year as we celebrate of 20 Years of Optimism in Barbados!
Hindsbury Primary School Optimist Alpha Club, BARBADOS Presents the QEH Pediatric Ward with Shoe Boxes of Gifts
T
he newly formed Hindsbury Primary School Alpha JOOI Club delivered 15 shoe boxes of gifts containing toys and books for children of the QEH Pediatric Ward. The boxes were packaged and wrapped with love and appreciation by its club members to spread the joy and love for the Christmas season.
to Sister Esther Nelson of the Pediatric Ward on behalf of the children. Sister Nelson expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the club members for the wonderful gift boxes and encouraged the President and members of the school’s club to make their visits more often wherever possible to the children of the Ward.
Club President Shakiyah Kirton together with Teacher/ Advisor; Rosamund Payne-Harewood and Launagene Bascombe; a representative of the parent club The Optimist Club of Barbados South presented the gift boxes
The Club is a Children’s Charity and Youth Arm of the Optimist Club of Barbados South, with a mandate to create innovative projects and services that will bring out the Best in Children.
19
Charter Members at Sunset Optimist Club of Kingston 15th Anniversary Dinner (l-r Cecille Hale, Janette Stewart, May Lawrence-Evans, Dr. Marcia Magnus - Charter President)
OPTIMIST CLUB OF
KINGSTON S
aturday December 03, 2011, was a day filled with Optimism, enthusiasm, fun and enlightenment! As part of the Sunset Optimist Club of Kingston’s Youth Appreciation celebrations, twenty-one (21) students from the Mountain View Primary School were taken to the National Gallery of Jamaica. We embarked on a guided tour to peruse the historic and monumental art work being showcased. The students actively participated in question and answer sessions while viewing pieces on slavery, colonialism, emancipation, heroes, culture etc. done by Edna Manley and countless other 20
artistic greats. It was was a stimulating exercise that offered the brilliant balance of fun and education. This was followed by a pleasant picnic on Kingston’s Waterfront . In our 15th year, Sunset Kingston is proud to still have Charter members inspiring and motivating Optimists old and new to the movement. As we celebrate our Youth, so too do we hail and recognize the immeasurable contributions of our foundation members.
OPTIMIST CLUB OF
NORTH ST. ANDREW COMMUNITY PROJECT - 2nd QUARTER
“I cannot run, sing, or dance. My world has no melody or rhythm yet I can smile and laugh. I sit and dream about butterflies and fairies and think how different your world is to mine.” This is the story of Jonathan Blackwood.
J
onathan Blackwood is a nine year old boy who suffers from Cerebral Palsy, a disorder that affects the brain and nervous system functions such as movement, learning, hearing and seeing. A student of The School for Therapy, Education and Parenting (S.T.E.P.)*, needed a specialized wheelchair as he had outgrown his present one. His need was brought to the Optimist Club of North St. Andrew’s attention. Immediately, our Immediate Past President Valerie Vassell went to work to secure a wheelchair for Jonathan. Her search led her to Roc Wheels in Montana, USA, an organization that develops, manufactures and delivers wheelchairs and other mobility devices for people in developing countries. Roc Wheels then directed her to the Rotary Club of Montego Bay. Following discus-
sions, the Rotary Club of Montego Bay agreed to donate the wheelchair and arrangements were soon made for delivery. Having heard Jonathan’s story, STEP contacted The Optimist Club of North St. Andrew about another child, five year old Derissa Campbell, who also had a similar need. Derissa also suffers from Cerebral Palsy. On February 7, 2012, the dreams of two young children were realized as they were presented with new wheelchairs courtesy of the collaborative efforts of the Optimist Club of North St. Andrew and the Rotary Club of Montego Bay. *The STEP Centre – the School for Therapy, Education and Parenting is an institution that caters to children with multiple disabilities. Since 1992, it has given a near-normal life to children with these disabilities.
Community Notice As part of the Childhood Cancer Campaign (CCC), the Optimist Club of North St. Andrew will be hosting a blood drive at the National Chest Hospital grounds on Saturday, March 3, 2012 between the hours of 9am to 5pm. This is a collaborative effort with the National Blood Transfusion Services and supported by GlaxoSmithkline and T Geddes Grant Distributors Limited. Donations will go towards the Bustamante Hospital for Children Cancer Unit. North St. Andrew is seeking 150 units from the drive. Please do your part and donate to this worthy cause.
21
OPTIMIST CLUB OF
NORTH ST. ANDREW
22
OPTIMIST CLUB OF
SPANISH TOWN
Treat held on Saturday January 14, 2012. We fed over one hundred children from Cromarty Early Childhood Learning Centre, Cromarty Grove, Spanish Town and the adjoining communities. Each child received books, pencils etc. Bags and hair accessories were given as prizes for children who answered questions correctly.
23
24
Optimist Leigh Cean adding colour to the New Hope Childrens home
optimist sylvia@ the bo
President Mel doing some painting to the children’s home
Optimist Shari giving N coat of paint
optimist Omar on hand to do some plumbing work at the children’s home
optimist Melione & Sy 28th,2012
ook sale on Bascho Plaza -Mandeville
Optimist Shari giving a paint to the new hope children’s home
New Hope Chrildrens Home a fresh
optimist Paula making a presentation to principal of Villa rd primary and junior high school during youth week.
ylvia selling books on sat jan 25
optimist Matthieu had fun painting.
26