Optimist Club of Calgary

2024 Optimist Club of Calgary Essay Scholarship Contest
2023-10-17 - 2024-01-08
Attention all Students – Here’s your chance to win a Scholarship!
The Optimist Club of Calgary is again sponsoring an Essay Scholarship Contest for the 2023-24 school year. The contest is open to students who are under 19 years of age on October 1, 2023. Students must write a 700-to-800-word essay on the topic “Optimism: How It Connects Us?” and submit it by January 8, 2024.
CONTEST APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED
Entries are now being accepted on a first-come basis until January 8th, 2024 using the contest application form in the link below. The contest will have a maximum of ten contestants. Entries for the contest should be submitted by e-mail to Bob Steele (Essay and Oratorical Contest Chair) at ironmanb@telusplanet.net with the Subject “Essay Contest”. The entry must include a completed application form, signed by the entrant and his/her parent, a copy of proof of age, and a brief statement of the school, and grade attended.
CONTEST APPLICATION FORM: Essay Contest Application 2024
CONTEST INFORMATION: Essay Contest Description 2024
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE OPTIMIST ESSAY SCHOLARSHIP 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 addition to developing skills for written expression, participants also have the opportunity to win a college scholarship.

CLUB LEVEL CONTEST: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place participants each receive a cash award. In addition, the 1st place participant’s essay is automatically submitted to the District Level Contest.
DISTRICT LEVEL CONTEST: 1st place participant receives a $2,500 scholarship.

For more information on the Essay Contest, check out our website at https://optimistyyc.org/contests/ or the Optimist International Website by CLICKING HERE.

Pictured above is Tony C., a high school student at Sir Winston Churchill High School in Calgary. He placed 1st in the 2023 Optimist Club of Calgary Essay Contest and then went on to compete in the Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana, and NW Wyoming District Contest where he also placed first and received a $2,500 scholarship.
Well done Tony!

Optimist Club Board Meeting September 19th
2023-09-19 18:00 - 20:30 (America/Edmonton) | Danish-Canadian Club, 727 11 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2R 0E3, Canada
During regularly scheduled board meetings, board members discuss business-related items for the club.
Club members are always welcome to attend and participate in the discussions. This is an in-person meeting.
Location: Danish Canadian Club
6:00 PM: Dinner (optional). Members can order from the Danish Canadian Club’s regular menu
7:00 PM: Meeting (agenda will be sent out in advance)

Optimist Club Monthly Meeting September 12th
2023-09-12 18:00 - 20:30 | Danish-Canadian Club, 727 11 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2R 0E3, Canada
Special Guest Speaker – Tony Snow
Our regularly scheduled monthly meetings give members and invited guests an excellent opportunity to socialize with each other and engage with fantastic guest speakers on current topics. Members can attend in person or via ZOOM. Free parking is available.
6 PM – Dinner and drinks are available from the regular menu
7 PM – 8:30 PM – Member Meeting (agenda to be provided in advance)
Join Zoom Meeting at 7 PM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85605238172
Guest Speaker: Tony Snow – Indigenous Minister, Chinook Winds Region, United Church of Canada
Biography: Tony Snow is a member of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation and grew up on Treaty No. 7 land at Morley, Alberta, where his father Dr. Rev. Chief John Snow Sr. attended the Morley Indian Residential School. Tony is a Day School Survivor who now works as the Indigenous Minister of the United Church of Canada’s Chinook Winds Region, and is part of the ministry team at Hillhurst United in Calgary. As a Traditional Knowledge Keeper, minister, and consultant, Tony has worked for decades in public engagement and government relations, bringing awareness and healing to communities of faith and Indigenous peoples, as a continuation of his father’s work and his grandfather’s work.
Discussion Topic: The Reconciliation Journey in Canada

Optimist Club Pub Night September 6th
2023-09-06 19:00 - 22:00 | Spot On Kitchen & Bar, 2 Richard Way SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3E 7M9
Drink, Be Happy … And Get Home Safely!
Attention all Optimist Members and Friends!
Join us for a beer or a glass of wine at Spot On Kitchen and Bar to celebrate life and “… talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.” And when you do, bring your spouse, friend, and/or neighbour with you!
Location: Spot On Kitchen and Bar, 2 Richard Way SW, Calgary
Time: Anytime from 7:00 PM to 10 PM
Menu: To view their menu, CLICK HERE.
Wednesday Night Specials: $10 for 1 lb of wings and HALF price Bottles of Wine
Note: We have reserved a separate section of the bar. When you arrive, ask for the “Optimist Club section”. Also, because we are a larger group with a reserved section, the restaurant will charge an 18% gratuity on each individual bill.
ABOUT SPOT ON KITCHEN AND BAR
Spot On Kitchen & Bar opened in March 2015 in the South West Calgary community of Garrison Green. They offer an inviting, experience driven by locally sourced, consistently amazing comfort food, craft beer and wine selection. They are known for their burgers, pizza, and chicken wings.
Any questions? Please email Bill Campbell at billcampbell001@gmail.com.
See you there!

End of Summer Member & Volunteer Appreciation Barbeque August 26th
2023-08-26 16:00 - 20:00 | Mckenzie Lake Beach Club, 16199 McKenzie Lake Way SE,, Calgary, Alberta, T2Z 1L7, Canada
Attention all Optimist Members, Volunteers, and Invited Guests!
Join us for an afternoon and evening of fun, great food, and a chance to socialize with other Optimist members, their partners, volunteers, and other invited guests on Saturday, August 26th, 2023.
Location: McKenzie Lake Beach Club (16199 McKenzie Lake Way SE, Calgary). The Beach Club is a beautiful air-conditioned facility with a large deck overlooking a beach and the lake. There is plenty of free parking.
Cost: FREE to Optimist members and their spouses/partners, and invited guests
Dress Code: Casual
Schedule of Events: 4:00 PM – Happy Hour, 5:30 PM – Dinner, 7:00 PM – Socializing and Games
What will be provided by the club: Beach Club rental, hamburgers, hot dogs, buns, paper plates, plastic cutlery, drinking glasses, napkins, ketchup, relish, and mustard
What you need to bring:

Other meat to BBQ if you wish. A barbeque will be available
Your alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage to drink
Glass wine or drinking glasses if you wish
A ready-to-serve appetizer, salad, or dessert with serving utensil (allergy alert: please no peas, beans, or nuts)

RSVP by Monday, August 21st to: Robin Morris (Social Chair) via email (re.morris@outlook.com) with the names of people attending, and coordinate what appetizer, salad, or dessert you will bring.

Pictures from our 2022 Barbeque

Optimist Club Board Meeting August 23rd
2023-08-23 19:00 - 21:00 | Calgary, Alberta
During regularly scheduled board meetings, Club Executive and Board Members discuss business-related items for the club.
Club members are always welcome to attend and participate in the discussions.
LOCATION: This will be an in-person meeting. Please contact Bill Campbell, Club President for details

Introduction to Tournament Golf For Juniors Ages 6 to 12 on August 16th
2023-08-16 14:00 - 17:00 | Collicutt Siding Golf Course, Crossfield, Alberta, T0M 0S0, Canada
Attention Parents!
Are your kids (ages 6 to 12) learning how to play golf and interested in participating in a fun tournament?
Join us for the 2023 Optimist Introduction to Tournament Golf 9-hole Event at Collicut Siding Golf Course near Crossfield, Alberta (just north of Airdrie) on August 16th, 2023. This is a great opportunity for kids to play in the first golf tournament of their lives.
Contestants can have a family member as their caddie and/or coach. They will walk the course using pull golf carts and play from the forward tees using winter rules.
Boy and Girl Age Divisions
Each Division will be established with approximately the same number of contestants based on age and sex. Medals will be awarded to the top three players in each Division. Additional prizes will be awarded to the boy or girl: Closest to the Pin on Hole 7, Longest Putt on Hole 6.
Registration:
The registration Fee is $25. It includes a sleeve of golf balls, the greens fee, range balls, pop, and a bag of chips. Register by phoning the Collicutt Siding Pro Shop at 403-946-2343.
Registration Deadline: August 11, 2023
For More Information: please contact any of the following sponsoring Optimist Clubs in your area:

Lyndon King, 403-946-2343, Collicutt Siding Golf Club General Manager and Head Golf Professional
Steve Rutherford, srutherford21@hotmail.com, Optimist Club of Calgary
Mike DeNicola, mwdn@shaw.ca, Optimist Club of Calgary
Tim Bell, tim@tgbell.ca, Airdrie Optimist Club President
Denise Dolph, denisedolph@gmail.com, Calgary Dinner Optimist Club President
Amy Giroux, okotoksoptimist@gmail.com, Okotoks Optimist Club President
De Matthews, de.matthews@telus.net, All Nations Optimist Club, Medicine Hat
Pat Shorrock, patshor@telus.net, High River Optimist Club President

For more information on Optimist Sports Programs, CLICK HERE.
If you live in Calgary and are interested in learning more about the Optimist Club of Calgary and the benefits of becoming a club member, CLICK HERE. We are looking for people passionate about helping youth and our community!
Attention Optimist Members – if you are interested in volunteering at the tournament mentioned above at Collicutt Siding, please email Mike De Nicola at mwdn@shaw.ca

4th Quarter Optimist District 13 Convention, Billings, Montana
2023-08-10 - 2023-08-12 | Billings Hotel and Convention Center, 1223 Mullowney Ln, Billings, MT, 59101, United States
Attention all Optimist Members!
Join us for the 4th Quarter Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana & NW Wyoming Optimist District 13 Member’s Meeting at the Billings Hotel and Conference Center in Billings, Montana on August 10th, 11th, and 12th.
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
If you are planning on attending, you are strongly encouraged to book a hotel room NOW using the attached booking instructions below. A block of rooms has been set aside for our convention. However, they are anticipating the hotel will fill up fast due to the large 2023 Air Show (with the Blue Angels) being held in Billings on the same weekend.
Booking a room online is easy. All you have to do is to click on www.billingshotelmt.com, select your dates and room type, and enter group code 1667. The room rate for Optimists is $119.00 USD until June 30th or until all the hotel rooms have been booked.
CONVENTION REGISTRATION

Early Registration: for members is $175 USD /$222 CDN if received & paid by June 30th.
Late Registration: for members is $200.00 USD /$255.00 CDN received and paid after June 30th

To register for the convention, please complete the registration form below and mail it along with your cheque to Debbie Ettleman, P.O Box 21160, Billings, MT 59104. Make cheques payable to “Optimist Club of Lockwood.” Please allow time for mailing to the US.
CLICK HERE for a fillable copy of the registration form.
TENTATIVE AGENDA

THURSDAY EVENING: “Meet and Greet” – fun, and games are afoot!
FRIDAY – All-day meeting
FRIDAY EVENING SOCIAL: Big Ski “Wild Country Event” at the hotel with a live band, redneck games, and a barbecue
SATURDAY MORNING – Meeting
SATURDAY AFTERNOON: Fun at the Billings Zoo (with lunch)
SATURDAY EVENING: Formal Banquet

The finalized meeting agenda will be posted as soon as it is available.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Nikki McFerran (District Convention Chair) at nikki@blscales.com or by phone at 1-406-690-0878.
Hope to see you there!

Southern Alberta Optimist Pre-Qualifier Junior Golf 18 Hole Tournament July 6th
2023-07-06 12:00 - 17:00 | Collicutt Siding Golf Course, Crossfield, Alberta, T0M 0S0, Canada
Attention All Junior Golfers!
Are you under 18 years of age and love golf? If so, here is your chance!
Join us for the 2023 Southern Alberta Optimist Pre-Qualifier Junior Golf 18 Hole Tournament for players aged 10 to 17 on July 6th, 2023 at Collicutt Siding near Crossfield, Alberta starting at NOON. The tournament requires contestants to walk and is governed by RCGA Rules.
Registration:
The registration fee is $70.00. It includes a sleeve of golf balls, the greens fee, range balls, a hot dog, pop, and a bag of chips. Please register by phoning the Collicutt Siding Pro Shop at 403-946-2343.
Registration Deadline: July 3rd, 2023
Please Note:
The winners with qualifying scores from the above tournament will have their $200.00 (CDN) registration fee paid for entry into the AMS&NW (Alberta, Montana, Saskatchewan, and NW Wyoming) District 13 Junior Golf Qualifier Tournament that will be held at the Riverview Golf Club in Redcliff, Alberta, on August 5th and 6th. This is a two-day, 36-hole tournament for players ages 10 – 18. The tournament requires contestants to walk and is governed by RCGA Rules. August 4th is a practice day.
The winners with qualifying scores from the District Tournament mentioned above will have their registration fee paid for entry into the 2024 Optimist International Junior Golf Championship that will be held in Florida in July 2024. That tournament is known as THE OPTIMIST and is one of the largest and best-known junior golf tournaments in the world. Each year, more than 600 golfers under the age of 18 participate in this tournament.
For More Information: please contact any of the following sponsoring Optimist Clubs in your area:

Lyndon King (Collicutt Siding Golf Club General Manager and Head Golf Professional), 403-946-2343, extension # 4
Steve Rutherford, srutherford21@hotmail.com, Optimist Club of Calgary Member
Mike DeNicola, mwdn@shaw.ca, Optimist Club of Calgary Past President
Denise Dolph, denisedolph@gmail.com, Calgary Dinner Optimist Club President
Tim Bell, tim@tgbell.ca, Airdrie Optimist Club President
Amy Giroux, okotoksoptimist@gmail.com, Okotoks Optimist Club President
Pat Shorrock, patshor@telus.net, High River Optimist Club President

For more information on Optimist Sports Programs including golf, CLICK HERE.
If you live in Calgary and are interested in learning more about the Optimist Club of Calgary and the benefits of becoming a club member, CLICK HERE. We are looking for people passionate about helping youth and our community!
Attention Optimist Members – if you are interested in volunteering at the tournament mentioned above at Collicutt Siding, please email Mike De Nicola at mwdn@shaw.ca

2023 Optimist International Convention
2023-07-01 16:00 - 2023-07-05 18:00 | Hyatt Regency Crystal City at Reagan International Airport, 2799 Richmond Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202, United States, Arlington, VA, 22202, United States
Attention all Optimist Members!
Registration for the 2023 Optimist International Convention from July 1st to 5th at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City (Arlington, Virginia) is now open.
ACCOMMODATION:
The nightly room rate at the Hyatt Regency is $129.00 (USD) plus taxes. This rate is available for check-in as early as June 29th with check-out as late as July 6th. The hotel is one of the closest hotels to Ronald Reagan Washington International Airport (DCA) and has a shuttle service to and from the airport (5 minutes away).
REGISTRATION:
Full conference EARLY BIRD registration for members is $384.37 (CDN) if paid for by May 1st, 2023. Note, this does not include add-ons like the formal banquet.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
The keynote speaker for this convention is Amy Downs (Oklahoma City Bombing Survivor and Motivational Speaker). She began her career as a teller 32 years ago working for the Credit Union located in the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. In 1995, she was one of the last survivors to be pulled from the rubble following the Oklahoma City bombing which killed 168 people including 18 of her 33 co-workers at the credit union. Embracing her second chance at life, Amy launched a campaign of self-improvement and empowerment. She went from a 355 lb couch potato to completing a full Ironman Triathlon. From a teller who couldn’t pass a math class to the CEO with a master’s degree in business administration. Amy still works for the same credit union which also survived the bombing, now called Allegiance Credit Union, serving as the president and CEO. For more information about Amy, please read the People Magazine article about her by CLICKING HERE.
Because the Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel is just across the Potomac River from Washington DC, there will be a great opportunity to watch the Fourth of July Fireworks.
For more information on the convention, how to book a room, or how to register, please CLICK HERE
Last year’s Convention in Reno was a great learning opportunity and a lot of fun. We are sure the conference in 2023 will be even better!

June 19th Board Meeting
2023-06-19 18:00 - 21:00
During regularly scheduled board meetings, Club Executive and Board Members discuss business-related items for the club.
Club members are always welcome to attend and participate in the discussions.
This will be an in-person meeting.
Location: TBD

June 13th Optimist Club of Calgary Annual General Meeting
2023-06-13 19:00 - 20:30 | Danish-Canadian Club, 727 11 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2R 0E3, Canada
Our regularly scheduled monthly meetings give members an excellent opportunity to socialize with each other and engage with fantastic guest speakers on current topics. Members can attend in person or via ZOOM. Free parking is available.
6 PM – Dinner and drinks are available from the regular menu
7 PM – Meeting starts
Join Zoom Meeting at 7 PM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89532957484
Meeting Agenda

Financial Update from Club Treasurer
President’s Annual Update Report
Nominations Accepted for Executive and Board Positions
Election of 2023/24 Executive and Board Members
Closing Comments

2023 Optimist Family Day in the Park June 3rd
2023-06-03 10:00 - 15:00 | Optimist Athletic Park, 5020 26 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T3E 0R4, Calgary, Alberta, T3E 0R4, Canada
Attention all Calgarians! Looking for something to do?
Join us for the “2023 Optimist Family Day in the Park” on Saturday, June 3rd from 10 AM to 3 PM at Optimist Athletic Park in the Glenbrook Community of southwest Calgary.
There will be plenty of FREE food, activities (bouncy castle, obstacle course, miniature golf, curling, bean toss, and a whole bunch more), a marching band, and fun for everyone.
Bring your lawn chair, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and make a day of it!

Attention Volunteers! Interested in helping out? If so, signup for a volunteer shift by CLICKING HERE

For more information about our other Optimist Youth and Community Programs and the benefits of becoming a member, check out our website at www.optimistyyc.org.
This event is hosted by:
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May 30th Optimist Club Pub Night
2023-05-30 19:00 - 22:00 | Limericks Traditional Public House, 7304 Macleod Trail, Calgary, Alberta, T2H 0L9, Canada
Eat, Drink, Be Happy … And Get Home Safely!
Attention all Optimist Members and Friends!
Join us for a beer, glass of wine, or cocktail to celebrate life and “… talk health, happiness, and prosperity to every person you meet.” And while you are at it, bring a friend or family member with you!
Location: 2nd Floor, Limericks Traditional Public House – 7304 Macleod Trail, Calgary
Time: Anytime from 7 PM to 10 PM
Limericks Tuesday Specials and Menu: CLICK HERE

$12.99 Steak Sandwich – 2 PM to close
$7.25 Select YYC Local Draft – 18oz

See you there!

Any questions? Please email Bill Campbell at billcampbell001@gmail.com.

Elbow River Casino Club Fundraising Event May 17th & 18th
2023-05-17 11:00 - 2023-05-19 03:00 | Elbow River Casino, 218 18 Ave SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 1L1, Canada
Attention Optimist Volunteers!
The Optimist Club of Calgary is hosting a casino at the Elbow River Casino on May 17th and 18th, 2023. This is an important fundraiser for the club and members have the opportunity to volunteer to fill a variety of positions including General Manager, Banker, Cashier, Chip Runner, and Count Room.
There are two shifts each day with the following volunteer shifts still open as of April 17th, 2023:

Wednesday, May 17th – 6:30 PM to 3:30 AM – Backup Count Room Staff (1), Backup Cash Cage (1)
Thursday, May 18th – 11 AM to 7 PM – Chip Runner (1)
Thursday, May 18th – 6:30 PM to 3:30 AM – Count Room Staff (2), Backup Count Room (1)

Training will be provided to those who have never worked at a casino. The dress code is casual. One meal will be provided per shift. Parking is available outdoors on the south side of the building, or in the underground heated free parking (enter on the south side of the building).
Interested in volunteering? Please check out the shifts that are still available and sign up by CLICKING HERE.
For more information, please email Casino Chair, Allen Radomski at AllenR@amrdesignworks.com.
See you there!

May 15th Board Meeting
2023-05-15 19:00 - 20:30
During regularly scheduled board meetings, Club Executive and Board Members discuss business-related items for the club.
Club members are always welcome to attend and participate in the discussions.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85864170103

May 9th Member Meeting
2023-05-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Danish-Canadian Club, 727 11 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2R 0E3, Canada
Join us for our monthly club meeting with one of our favorite guest speakers!
Our regularly scheduled monthly meetings give members an excellent opportunity to socialize with each other and engage with fantastic guest speakers on current topics. Members can attend in person or via ZOOM. Free parking is available.
MEETING AGENDA

5:45 PM – Dinner and drinks are available from the regular menu
6:45 PM – Meeting starts
6:45 PM to 7:15 PM – Optimist Park Society AGM
7:15 PM to 8 PM – Presentation by Lori Williams (Guest Speaker)
8 PM to 8:30 PM – Optimist Club of Calgary business and updates

Join Zoom Meeting at 6:45 PM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82435216302
Guest Speaker: Lori Williams – Political Scientist, Professor, Journalist, and TV Commentator.
Discussion Topic: “Everything Politics and the Upcoming Provincial Election”
Lori teaches in the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University. Her research and teaching interests include Canadian politics, women and politics, law, Charter rights, political philosophy, ethics, power, and technology, including social media. She also engages in media commentary on municipal, provincial, and national political life. For more information on Lori, CLICK HERE.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear her speak and gain some insight into the political party platforms for the upcoming Alberta Provincial Election on May 29th. See you at the meeting!
Attention Members: If you know someone who may be interested in listening to Lori and/or joining our club, invite them to the meeting!

3rd Quarter Optimist District 13 Meeting May 5th and 6th
2023-05-05 16:00 - 2023-05-06 23:30 | Medicine Hat Lodge, 1051 Ross Glen Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3T8, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 3T8, Canada
Attention all Optimist Members!
Join us for the 3rd Quarter District 13 (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana & NW Wyoming) Meeting on Friday, May 5th, and Saturday, 6th, 2023!
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION
IMPORTANT UPDATE – All rooms at The Medicine Hat Lodge are now COMPLETELY SOLD OUT. However, we have negotiated a really good rate at Comfort Inn & Suites, located at 2317-Trans-Canada Way SE (directly across the road from Medicine Hat Lodge).
The rate is $124 plus taxes. (2 queen beds or 1 king bed) This rate includes a hot breakfast. To book a room call the hotel at 1-403-504-1700 and mention it is under a group reservation for “Optimists”. All rooms MUST be booked before Sunday, Apr 30, 2023. After this date, the group room block is released to the general public and you will no longer have access to the special group rate.
If you have any problems give De Mathews (District Meeting Chair) a call at 1-403-979-2734.
MEETING REGISTRATION
To register for the meeting, please CLICK HERE to fill out the registration form and email it to Meeting Chair De Mathews at de.matthews@telus.net. Early bird registration fees are $185.00 if paid by April 15th. You can e-transfer the registration fee to the same email address.
UPDATED AGENDA – as of April 26th
NOTE: All of the activities below will now be held at the Medicine Hat Lodge. We will no longer be using Medicine Hat College.

Friday – Hotel check-in (anytime after 4 PM)
Friday – Meeting Registration (4 PM to 7 PM) – adjacent to Lobby Ballrooms
Friday – 7 PM – Cocktails and Socializing (Appetizers at 8:30 PM)
Friday – 7:15 PM – Bob Wilkie (Former NHL Hockey Player and Motivational Speaker) – Topic: “The Power of Attitude”
Saturday – 8:00 AM to 4 PM – Meeting, Training Sessions, and Speakers – Ballrooms C & D (doors open at 7:30 AM)
Saturday – 10:30 AM – District Oratorical Scholarship Contest
Saturday – 6 PM – Cocktails and Socializing
Saturday – 7 PM – Formal Banquet, Speeches, and Socializing
Sunday – 11 AM – Checkout and head home

INFORMATION ON THE DISTRICT ORATORICAL SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION
The meeting on Saturday will include the 2023 District Oratorical Scholarship Competition, where the top two participants from each of the Regional Contests in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Montana will be invited to participate. This event will be held on Saturday, May 6th starting at 10:30 AM at the Medicine Hat Lodge. The person who places first in this Contest will be invited to compete in the “Optimist International Oratorical Contest” later this summer. For more information on who the winners were from the 2022 Regional and International Oratorical Scholarship Contests, CLICK HERE.
Hope to see you there!

The famous Saamis Teepee in Medicine Hat, Alberta. The image was taken at Sunrise.

Limited Time Offer - Optimist Club of Calgary Polo Shirts
2023-04-26 00:00 - 2023-06-23 23:59
Attention all Optimist Club of Calgary Members!
Are you interested in buying an Optimist Club of Calgary branded polo shirt? If so, here’s your chance!
DON’T MISS OUT ON THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY! THE FINAL DEADLINE TO ORDER A SHIRT IS JUNE 23RD, 2023 AT MIDNIGHT!
From now until Friday, June 23rd, 2023, you can buy ONE shirt identical to the one below for a special subsidized total price of $25.00. Normally, these shirts actually cost around $55.00 (including branding, delivery, and GST). For your information, the board has approved paying the difference between the above price and the actual cost as a member appreciation benefit.

Shirt Description:
Fabric:

6.5 oz./yd2 / 225 gsm
100% polyester Snag Protection Plus jersey
Moisture-wicking and anti-microbial
UV 15-39 protection

Feature:

Three-button placket with contrasting inner detail
Self-fabric collar with integrated collar stays
Contrast pearl buttons
Contrast piping and color-block detail
Side vents

Men’s Sizes

Men’s sizes are S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Men’s sizing is very accurate to what the person would normally wear

Women’s Sizes:

Women’s sizes are XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL, XXXL
Women’s sizes run narrow. It is recommended women order one size larger than what they would normally wear

NOTE: A select number of shirts will be available in men’s and women’s sizes for members to try on at our June 13th Monthly Club Meeting.
TO ORDER A SHIRT: click on the following link ===> ORDER SHIRT
Note, if you are ordering for more than one member in your family, you need to complete a new form for each person using the link above. This offer is available ONLY to current Optimist Club of Calgary members (1 shirt per member).
Questions? Please email Bill Campbell at billcampbell001@gmail.com

2023 Alberta Regional Optimist Oratorical Scholarship Contest
2023-04-23 13:00 - 15:30 | Country Hills Library, 11950 Country Village Link NE, Calgary, Alberta, T3K 6E3, Canada
Join us for the 2023 Alberta Regional Oratorical Scholarship Contest in Calgary on Sunday, April 23 from 1 PM to approximately 3:30 PM in the “Program Room” at the Country Hills Library in Calgary. Participants who placed 1st and 2nd place in each of the local Optimist Club Oratorical Contests across the province will research, write and deliver a four-to-five-minute speech at this event on the topic “Discovering the Optimism within Me.”
Family, friends, teachers, and fellow students are welcome to join us and watch the competition.
Information about the upcoming Optimist District 13 and Optimist International World Oratorical Contests:
The 1st and 2nd place winners from the above-mentioned Alberta Regional Contest will be invited to compete at the 2023 District Oratorical Scholarship Contest on Saturday, May 6th, 2023 at Medicine Hat College Theatre starting at 1030 AM. At this District Contest, there will be a total of six participants – two each from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Montana. The 1st place winner from this District Contest will then be invited to compete in the 2023 Optimist International World Oratorical Contest on July 20th and 21st at Saint Louis University St. Louis, Missouri, USA.
History of the Optimist International World Oratorical Scholarship Contest
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 have the opportunity to provide a first-place scholarship of $2,500, a second-place scholarship of $1,500, and a third-place scholarship of $1,000.

For more information about our other Optimist Youth and Community Programs and the benefits of becoming a member, check out our website at www.optimistyyc.org.

April 17th Board Meeting
2023-04-17 19:00 - 20:30
During regularly scheduled board meetings, Club Executive and Board Members discuss business-related items for the club.
Club members are always welcome to attend and participate in the discussions.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88556501798

April 11th Member Meeting
2023-04-11 18:00 - 20:30 | Danish-Canadian Club, 727 11 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2R 0E3, Canada
Join us for our monthly club meeting with a very special guest speaker!
Our regularly scheduled monthly meetings give members an excellent opportunity to socialize with each other and engage with fantastic guest speakers on current topics. Members can attend in person or via ZOOM. Free parking is available.
6 PM – Dinner and drinks are available from the regular menu
7 PM – Meeting starts
Join Zoom Meeting at 7 PM: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86210762679
Guest Speaker: Louis B Hobson – Movie and Theatre Critic, Television and Radio Personality, Journalist, and Author.
Discussion Topic: “What’s New in the World of Arts and Entertainment”
Biography: Louis B Hobson has been covering the theatre and film scene in Calgary for almost five decades. He began reviewing theatre and film for the Calgary Albertan while he was still a teacher at Central Memorial High School. The Calgary Sun asked him to cover the arts scene for the 88 Winter Olympics after which Louis became a full-time employee of the Calgary Sun. His celebrity interviews were published in the Sun chain across Canada and were picked up by publications in Britain, the US, and Australia.
After 20 years, he retired but Postmedia asked him to continue reviewing theatre for the Calgary Herald. He is currently the only full-time theatre reviewer in Calgary. Louis reviewed films for the Don, Joanne, and Coach Show on LITE96 FM Radio for more than 20 years and has been reviewing films for CTV Calgary News at NOON for 15 years. He reviews films each Friday for the Ottawa radio station 88.5 LIVE FM.
He is a playwright and director and has been directing for community theatre in Calgary for more than 50 years. He is currently rehearsing the Agatha Christie thriller A Murder is Announced for Workshop Theatre for a run at the Pumphouse Theatre from March 10th to 18th, 2023. His children’s play A Dinosaur Tale is currently on a Canadian tour that kicked off in Winnipeg on February 4th, 2023.

March 20th Board Meeting
2023-03-20 19:00 - 20:30
During regularly scheduled board meetings, Club Executive and Board Members discuss business-related items for the club.
Club members are always welcome to attend and participate in the discussions.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83617250843

March 18th Club Oratorical Scholarship Contest Competition
2023-03-18 13:00 - 15:30 | Fish Creek Library, 11161 Bonaventure Dr SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2J 6S1, Canada
Looking for something to do this coming Saturday afternoon? Here’s your chance to show your support for young, aspiring students!
Join us for the Optimist Club of Calgary’s 2023 Oratorical Scholarship Contest competition on Saturday, March 18th from 1 PM to 3:30 PM at the Fish Creek Library (across the street on the east side of Southcenter Mall).
Under 18 participants who have already pre-registered will research, write and present a four-to-five-minute speech on the topic “Discovering the Optimism within Me” The top two winners from this contest will then be invited to compete at the 2023 Alberta Regional Optimist Oratorical Contest in Calgary on Sunday, April 23rd from NOON to 3 PM.
Fellow Optimists, family, friends, teachers, fellow students, and the general public are welcome to join us and watch the competition. It is free.
For more information, click on the following link: https://optimistyyc.org/event/optimist-oratorical-contest/

For more information about our other Optimist Youth and Community Programs and the benefits of becoming a member, check out our website at www.optimistyyc.org.

March 14th Member Meeting
2023-03-14 19:00 - 20:30 | Danish-Canadian Club, 727 11 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2R 0E3, Canada
Our regularly scheduled monthly meetings give members an excellent opportunity to socialize with each other and engage with fantastic guest speakers on current topics. Members can attend in person or via ZOOM. Free parking is available.
6 PM – Dinner and drinks are available from the regular menu
7 PM – Meeting starts
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88231932381
Guest Speaker: Ryan Hancock, Calgary Stampede Foundation
Discussion Topic: “Calgary Stampede Foundation and Program Updates” – including an update on the foundation’s vision for the Youth Campus and Stampede School

February Board Meeting
2023-02-27 19:00 - 20:30
During regularly scheduled board meetings, Club Executive and Board Members discuss business-related items for the club. Club members are always welcome to attend and participate in the discussions.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86999894111

Feb. Member Meeting
2023-02-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Danish-Canadian Club, 727 11 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2R 0E3, Canada
MEETING CANCELLED DUE TO POOR WEATHER CONDITIONS
Our regularly scheduled meetings give members a great opportunity to socialize with each other and engage with fantastic guest speakers on current topics. Members can attend in person (with dinner available starting at 6 PM), or via ZOOM. Free parking is available.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84551737999
Guest Speaker: Louis B Hobson – Movie and Theatre Critic, Television and Radio Personality, Journalist, and Author.
Discussion Topic: “What’s New in the World of Arts and Entertainment”

January 10 Monthly Club Meeting
2023-01-10 19:00 - 20:30 | Danish-Canadian Club, 727 11 Ave SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2R 0E3, Canada
Our regularly scheduled meetings give members a great opportunity to socialize with each other and engage with fantastic guest speakers on current topics. Our next monthly club meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 10th from 7 PM to8:30 PM. Members can participate in one of two ways:
* Attend in person at the Danish Canadian Club (727 11 Ave SW, Calgary). There is plenty of free parking. For those interested in having dinner off their menu, it will be available starting at 6PM.
OR
*attend via ZOOM starting at 7:00 PM. Please find the ZOOM link below.
ZOOM LOGIN INFORMATION
JOIN VIA WEBLINK:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85082298013
JOIN BY PHONE:
Dial locally (Calgary): 1-587-328-1099
Meeting ID: 850 8229 8013
Find your local number:
https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbJncVjA0d
We have a very special guest joining us for the meeting His name is Barry Luft and he is a well-known raconteur, folksinger, musician, recording artist, and educator. His singing has woven rich, colorful threads into the fabric of folk-style music in Alberta for more than fifty years.
Barry presents Canadian, British and American songs and ballads with instrumental accompaniment or cappella arrangements. He engages his audiences in these musical performances and gives a healthy lift to minds, hearts, and voices. Good times leave good memories!
If you like to listen to music and someone who is a great storyteller, you will not want to miss this meeting.

Optimist Oratorical Contest
2023-01-07 08:00 - 2023-02-24 17:00
Accepting Applications from now to February 24th, 2023
The Optimist Club of Calgary is again sponsoring the Optimist International Oratorical Scholarship Contest for the 2022-23 school year. The contest is open to students who are under 19 years of age on October 1, 2022. Speakers will research, write and present a four-to-five-minute speech on the topic “Discovering the Optimism within Me” at a date and location in Calgary yet to be determined. We encourage students who have public speaking experience through school, church, Guides and Scouts, 4-H, Air Cadets, and other organizations and training programs to enter.
An Oratorical Contest Application containing all rules and other information can be found by clicking on the following link:
https://www.optimist.org/documents/2023/programs/22-23_Oratorical_Application.pdf
For more information on the Oratorical Contest, check out our website at https://optimistyyc.org/contests/ or the Optimist International Website by CLICKING HERE.
Entries will be accepted on a first-come basis until February 24, 2023. The contest will have a maximum of ten contestants. The actual speaking event will be held in Calgary sometime in mid-March, with a date yet to be determined.
Entries for the contest should be submitted by e-mail to Bob Steele (Essay and Oratorical Contest Chair) at ironmanb@telusplanet.net with the Subject “Oratorical Contest”. The entry must include a completed application form, signed by the entrant and his/her parent, a copy of proof of age, and a brief statement of the school, grade attended, and previous speaking experience.
The Optimist Club will judge the local students’ speeches based on content and presentation to determine the top winners. Winners will receive AWARDS and the winning speeches will be sent to the Zone level, and possibly the District level for the opportunity to win college scholarships. Winners of the District level will be eligible to compete in a regional competition in St. Louis, Missouri, at Saint Louis University.
Winners of the regional contests will compete in the World Championship also held at Saint Louis University. Students could possibly win up to $22,500 in scholarships!

Optimist Club of Calgary Club Christmas Party
2022-12-05 18:00 - 22:00 | The Manor at Fish Creek Park, 23 Shawnee Hill SW, Calgary, AB, T2Y 0E1, Canada
Join us for an evening of fellowship, fun, and a chance to reconnect with other Optimist Club members and their partners!
Location: The Manor at Fish Creek Park, 22 Shawnee Hill SW, Calgary. Free underground parking is available.
Cost: $39.00/person, $78.00/couple
Menu:

Appetizer: Choice of daily soup; or Heritage Holiday Greens with Berries, Mandarin Sections, Candied Pecans, and Raspberry Dressing
Main: Free Range Traditional Roast Turkey, Sage Stuffing & Scottish Stuffing Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Pave Scallop Potato, Crispy Onions & Bacon Brussel Sprouts, Mashed Rutabaga
Dessert: Sticky Toffee Pudding & Warm Carmel Sauce
Beverages: Coffee or Tea. Alcoholic drinks will be available for a fee.

Payment:

Please send an e-transfer to Lyle Bennett (Treasurer). The deadline for receiving payment is Sunday, November 27th. No cash payment will be accepted at the door.

NOTE: Please consider bringing an unwrapped Christmas gift for a child or youth
See you there!
