Past Events

Sept. 6 - First Meeting Back after summer break.

Registration for Aug. 11-13, 2011 AMS&NW District Convention in Prince Albert (we are hosting) Birthday Party Theme

Past President Evening

OptiMart help needed

• Sun. Aug. 1 - 10 am-4 pm Set-up (Curtains, canteen , nevadas, 50-50)

• Mon. Aug. 2 - 10 am-4 pm - Vendor Set-up

• Tues. Aug. 3 10 am-2pm - Vendor Set-up

• Tues. Aug. 3 - Sat. Aug. 7 - help in our Canteen, 50-50 Draw, Nevadas, Vendor relations, Bounce "Pirates of the Carribean", and such.  Usually 4 hours shifts from 2 pm-6 pm and 6 pm-10 pm.  Call Optimist Stan if you can help.  764-1254

• Sat. Aug. 7 - after 10 pm-Midnight - Take down, we need to haul everything back and empty the armouries.

The District has a Blog

• Check out the AMS&NW Blog.

Victoria Hospital Foundation $12,000

• March 2, 2010 - We donated $12,000 to the Victoria Hospital Foundation.  We raised this money over many years under the Optimist International Childhood Cancer Campaign.  We had various presentations and possible uses for the money, but finally the right project came along that fit.

Rob Dalziel & Optimist George Lewko presenting the $12,000 donation.

• We also honoured our own Optimist Roger & Phyllis Williams as the 2010 Mr. & Mrs. Winter Festival.  Thank-you for your commitment.

Optimist George Lewko, Mrs. & Mr Winter Festival 2010 Phyllis & Roger Williams.

2010 Monty Spiel

• Optimists Bob McC, Kris, John T. & Roger did the club proud and represented our club at the 11th Annual Mont St. Joseph Foundation "Monty Funspiel".

2005 OK Hjertaas Memorial Golf Classic

• I found this old picture behind the bar.  Team Optimist: Bob F., John T., Gary & Jim N.

Sad news - we will miss you

• Optimist Myrna Sieben from the Border City Optimist Club of Lloydminster passed away March 18, 2010, at the age of 34 (I believe).  She had a brain tumor, and succumbed quickly.

• Myrna was a great Optimist and traveled to many District events, and many times shared a ride with members from our club.  She held the District office of Lieutenant Governor 2007-08, and had visited our club.

• From Curtis Sieben (brother), on facebook, "For those interested prayers will be in Unity Catholic Church at 7:30 on Tuesday (Mar. 23). The Funeral will be Wednesday at 10:30 AM (Mar. 24, 2010). On behalf of the family thanks for all your support."

Optimist Myrna Sieben

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Winter Festival 2010

• Optimist Roger & his wife Phyllis Williams are the 2010 Mr. & Mrs. Prince Albert Winter Festival 2010.

• They are quite busy for the last while, attending various events around the city, as part of the Prince Albert Winter Festival.

• I hope you two, have a great time.

From the Rural Roots Feb. 21, 2010

Burns Supper

• Jan. 26, 2010

  • A big Thank-you to members of the P.A. Highland Pipers: Blair Campbell, Michael McLaughin and Optimist Dave Monette.

  • We had a Selkirk Grace, Address to the Haggis (and translation), and the Haggis was quite nice, the short story of Robbie Burns and some Bagpipes with tunes from Scotland and Robbie Burns.

Past President Jim N's Ball

• Jan. 19, 2010

  • A great evening with a few awards from 2008-09

    • Treasurer - Optimist Vince

    • Secretary - Optimist Karen

    • Optimist  of the Year - Optimist John T.

    • Past President - Optimist Jim N.

  • Great entertainment from the P.A. Irish Dance Academy - Thanks.

Santa Anonymous Time 2009

• A huge thank-you to our Santa Anonymous team, lead by Optimist Jim N. & Optimist Vince.

• They repaired, painted, distributed and returned depots, collected toys (sometimes daily), and helped the Salvation Army with Santa Anonymous.  900 CKBI radio did an outstanding job promoting Santa Anonymous.

• Below are some pics of depots going out and the Raider Santa Anonymous Night on Dec. 15, 2009.

Nov. 24, 2009 - Green Night

• Thanks for dressing in Green to show support for our Riders.  Hopefully, they can win the Grey Cup this weekend.  Only the Leprechaun wasn't in green.

• We had a very moving thank-you (for our support) from Anna, Howard & Carol Darbyshire, on Anna's battle with cancer, that appears in remission.

Nov. 17, 2009 - Guest Night

• Lots of guests out tonight. 

  • JR Golf - Mel Kelly & Ron Stewart

  • High Noon O. C.: Ross Butterwick, & Bea Markowski

  • Hubcity O.C. of Saskatoon: Ralph Katzman, Phil Haughn, & Jim Yachyshen

• The Hubcity Optimists gave a presenation on the a new "Optimist Club Fund" at the U. of S. College of Medicine for Advanced Children Health Research.  The fund needs $5,000 to start, and they have a draw for a $1,000 bill, with tickets selling for $10 each.  We have 200 tickets to sell, with Optimist Phyllis coordinating or sales.  Draw date is Feb. 15, 2010.  Looks like the High Nooner might be selling some too.

Rider Pride Night

• Nov. 3 - Thanks to everybody for Greening up for the Night.  Very nice hair Dave Mon., the pope hat on Liz, great tattoo Laurie, and  thanks to everybody else in GREEN.

• Past Governor Norm Sagen and his wife Liz (current Zone 9 LG) came for a visit too.  Liz won the trivia contest too.  Thanks.

Winners

• Here are the winners from the 2009 OptiMart draws.  Thanks to everybody for supporting our club.

  • Robert Stewart won the $500 free Draw.

  • Don Hlewka Jr won the 50-50 ($333).

Left: Robert Stewart receiving $500 from Pres. Optimist George.  Right: Don Hlewka Jr receives his 50-50 win of $333, from Pre. Optimist George.

Found a nice Zone 5 website

• Our new District webmaster set up a Zone 5 web page, Gord Welling.  It's very nice.  They call Zone 5, "Alberta Capital Region".  www.acr-optimists.org

• Below is our District map.  We are one of only a few International Districts.

Induction of New 2009-2010 Board of Directors

• Sept. 29, 2009.  It was our induction night for our new 2009-2010 Board of Directors by our own Optimist Lieutenant Governor (LG) Vince Parker.

• It was a spousal night too, with great fall decorations and entertainment by a young Grade 10 student, who sang a few songs.  Wonderful supper by Optimist Stan too.

$15,000 to the John Diefenbaker School Playground Improvements

• Sept. 9, 2009 - Optimists Jim N., Roger & Stan presented John Diefenbaker School with $15,000 at their Back to School BBQ.

Optimist Roger (2nd from the left) & Stan (left)

Fall BBQ & Corn Roast

• Sept. 1, 2009 - Corn Roast & BBQ at Paintball Paradise Prince Albert or Optimist George's farm.

• Good turn-out.  Optimist Kris has everybody scared of playing horseshoes.

• Optimist Dave & Garry played their bagpipes and drums.

The OptiMart 2009

• A huge thank-you to Optimist Stan, & Optimist Bob McC, for working so hard on this project.

• The Amouries looked very good.  We had a number of new booths including some draws: Boat, Canoe outdoor camping health package, and a Hummer Golf Cart.

And the Winners are...

• April 28, 2009

  • Thank-you to all our Sponsors and ticket sellers of our Annual Elimination Draw.

  • The Results can be found on our "Boat" Draw page.

Optimist Dave Monette (L)

Optimist Centre Fix-up

• Mar. 31, 2009 & Mar. 17, 2009

  • The Optimist Centre is really starting to look good.  A second coat of blue on the trim, more chair guards & corners up, and the Optimist Hall will be in great shape.

  • Thanks to everybody for all their hard work and help.

  • The Hall is now looking much "Bluer" (trim) with chair guards and corners coming along.

  • The new Optimist Centre signs are up.  They look great.

  • A couple of more Work Bees, and the main hall will be finished.  The restrooms will be next.

Optimist Topper Volleyball presentation

• Feb. 25, 2009

  •  Optimists Marvin, Laurie and Phyllis present the P.A. Optimist Toppers Girls Volleyball Club a cheque for $3,000.00 as our support of their organization for this year.

  • We have supported the Toppers for years, and continue to do so.

  • There are over 150 players in the club, plus many volunteer coaches.

Above the cheque: Optimists Marvin S., Laurie L, & Phyllis M.

Optimist Centre Hall Fix-up

• Dec. 29-30, 2008

  • Thanks to everybody that came down and helped clean, paint and attach corners and chair guards. 

  • The Hall is almost all painted. 

  • And we've made progress on the corners and chair guards. 

  • It's looking great.

  • We still need to paint a bit, and to contact cement the chair guards and corner another evening.

Optimist cleaning, painting and cornering.  Thanks to Optimists: Kathie, Dave Monette, Bob McC., Rhonda & George L.

Santa Anonymous Raider Night

• Dec. 17, 2008

  • Thanks to everybody who volunteered their time collecting toys for Santa Anonymous at the Raider Hockey Game.

  • Santa Anonymous is one of our first projects that started back in 1961.  Our club collects unwrapped toys (for children between 0-12 years old) from groups, our depots in Stores, Christmas Parties, and such.  Sometimes we buy what the donations are short of (many time batteries).  The Salvation Army distributes the toys through their excellent Hamper Program to needy families.

  • Special Thank-you to Optimist Jim & Optimist Vince who have run this program for a long time and collect all the toys.  Thanks to everybody who helped putting the depots out and bringing them back in.

Left: Optimist Ray & Optimist Laurie gather toys. Right: Optimists Jim N., Ron E and Bob McC. on the Ice

Left: Optimist Stan & Optimist Cathy collecting toys Right: Optimists  Ron E and Bob McC. collecting toys.

Past President Optimist Dave Monette

• Dec. 9, 2008

  • Past President Optimist Dave Monette was roasted by Optimists and friends.

  • Dave & Jan were bagpiped into the Optimist Hall.  Thank-you to the pipers.

  • Michael Mc. gave a PowerPoint presentation on Dave's musical background from history.

  • A list of "Dave's Stories of the Week" was circulated.  Love the story on his Winnipeg trip involving the sister-in-law's  alarm, little dog "Jaz", and setting it off in the middle of the night, and  asking "Can anyone please help me??".

  • The Executive received some nice Optimist clothes.

  • The Optimist  of the Year was Stan.  Congratulations.

Left: Past President Dave & Jan being piped in.  Right: Optimist Stan as Optimist of the Year.

A&W Bears AAA Female Hockey team

• Oct. 30, 2008

  • Optimist Rhonda and Optimist Tammy made a presentation of our $2,000 sponsorship for the upcoming year. 

  • The Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA Hockey league has been around for only a couple of year in the province.

Optimist Rhonda (L) and Optimist Tammy (R) presenting our $2,000 sponsorship cheque to the A&W Bears Girls AAA Hockey team (M).  Our logo appears on the center back of all their team jackets.

Grand Opening Ceremony Queen Mary Community School Paved Walking Track

• Sept. 24, 2008

  • This project was submitted as a CPA (Community Project Awards) to our District (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Montana and Northern Wyoming), which it won.  It now competes at Optimist International level.

  • We donated $10,000 (in 2008) to help get this $35,000 project completed.  Plus our club helped with $25,000 last year, to pay for their entire Playground Improvements.

  • The Paved Walking Track is located on the East side of the School, and surrounds their soccer fields.

Green Night - Optimist Presidents Jim N. 1st Meeting

• Oct. 7 - Optimist Presidents Jim N. 1st meeting as President, and it was a nice green meeting.

  • We received a plaque from the Boxed Lacrosse League for our donation of $7,000 towards uniforms and a storage shed.

  • Junior Golf presented us with a thank-you plaque for our support in 2008.

  • Plus we presented a cheque for $550 to our 50-50 Draw winner from the OptiMart at the PA EX.  Kelly Lintek.

Left: Optimist Jim N. receives a plaque with all 10 teams from the Boxed Lacrosse Association.  Right: Optimist Tammy receives a plaque from Junior Golf for our support in 2008.

Presentations

• Sept. 23, 2008.  Lots of Presentations

  • Rivier Academy Foundation made a presentation on improving their gym

  • JR Golf & John Diefenbaker School made presentations.

  • Optimist Henry Hanson received a numbered Christian D. Larson Optimist International Foundation plaque.

  • Presented $500 Cash draw from the OptiMart.

Left: Optimist Henry Hanson receives his Christian D. Larson Plaque from Optimist President Dave Monette Right: Rivier Academy Foundation representative make their presentation to our club.  Optimist Dave's mouth was open much of  that night.

Meeting Wind-up Golf & Steak Supper

• June 26, 2008.  Thanks to optimist Jimmy N. for organizing our annual Golf Supper at Silver Hills Golf Course.

  • We had some guests from the High Noon Optimist Club, and had an Interclub visit.  Glad to see you all.

  • The Golfers won some prizes.  I believe there were 4 groups golfing.

  • Big Steaks, mushrooms and onions, baked potatoes and Caesar salad, with chocolate cake.

  • Optimist Dave piped and Optimist Gary drummed for a while later.

Election Results

• May 13, 2008 Here are the Election Results for our club.  Offices will start Oct. 1, 2008 and run until Sept. 30, 2009 (unless you have a two year term)

  • President - Jim N. (he will be attending the International Convention in Grapevine TX)

  • Past Pres. - Dave Monette

  • Vice Pres. - Steve N.

  • Vice Pres. - Stan D.

  • Director 2010 - Dave Markling, Phyllis M, Laurie L.

  • Director 2009 - Ray P, George L, Donna B.

Annual Elimination Draw Winner 2008

• May 6, 2008.  We presented Jane Schneider with a cheque for $4,000 Cash, as her choice of 1 of 4 prizes.

• Here's a link to our Boat Draw page with a complete list of prizes and winners.

Optimist Bob Faul (seller), the 2008 Winner Jane Schneider, and Optimist President Dave Monette (Annual Elimination Draw Chairman 

Chris Clinton "Never Give Up" Bahir Dar School Reno Project in Ethiopia

• May 6, 2008.  Chris Clinton presented to our club a beautiful plaque. 

  • Last year he helped raise over $8,000, for a school in Ethiopia. 

  • The money was used for: a new pit latrine, repair classroom windows, pencils, chairs, and much more. 

  • 70 of the 500 students are orphans from HIV. 

  • The is a fundraiser on May 23 at the Travelodge, Dine & Auction with guest speaker Ted Jaleta "Never Give Up" to support Bahir Dar School Reno Project. 

  • Our club will purchase a table for $360 and donate another $500 towards this worldly cause.

Optimist President Dave Monette receives a special plaque of appreciation from Chris Clinton for our support

Vanessa Numedahl's Carepage

• Our Vice-President Steve Numedahl's daughter Vanessa has undergone surgery in Edmonton. 

• She has Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC) which is a genetic condition that affects the liver.  She has undergone a liver transplant on April 21, 2008, now that she is 2 years old and a suitable donate could be found. 

• There is a good story on the P.A. Daily Heralds website from Feb. 28, 2008.

• Vanessa has a Carepage in Edmonton.  It can be found under FriendsofVanessa too.  There is a short login or registration procedure.  Steve and Jackie (Mom) keep daily updates on the website.  You can post personal messages.

Elimination Draw April 22, 2008

• April 22, 2008.  Thank-you to everybody who supported our annual Elimination Draw, with purchasing tickets, selling tickets and/or sponsoring a prize. 

• Congratulations to our Winner: Jane Schneider who will be taking the $4,000 cash option. 

• A big thanks to our Chairman Optimist President Dave and his committee with this great and long running fundraiser.  The results can be found on the Boat Draw Webpage.

St. Patrick's Day early

• Mar. 11, 2008.  Optimist Jimmy N. got some early green on for St. Patrick's Day.

Optimist Jimmy N. preparing for St. Patrick's Day

Vanessa's Fundraiser

• Mar. 8, 2008.  Our club helped at the Fundraising evening for Vanessa (daughter of Optimist Steve N.).  She will need a liver transplant ASAP.  The surgery can only be done in Edmonton, and she need nutrition supplements to live.

• Thanks to all the Optimist that helped make the evening great.  We donated/supported/helped with ~$1,200 to help out.

Picture 1: Vanessa.  Picture 2 & 3: Optimists helping during the evening.

Valentines Evening

• Feb. 12, 2008.  We had an excellent roast beef supper prepare by Optimist Carol.  Our evening entertainment was singing by Andrea Lett, accompanied by her father Rick on the guitar.  What a great voice!  An assortment of goodies were given away, including Roses for the ladies.  There was a contest later the pitted the men vs. the women, in coming up with "Terms of Endearment" in less than 3 minutes.  The men had a short list, the women much longer, but one entry did standout for the women, and had to be in reference to one of our short, loud members "%ickhead".  The next time, we'll see who can name the most tools in 3 minutes.  Or the proper name of the screw heads, example not the square thingie.  Great night.  Thank-you to Optimist Jimmy for the pictures.

Left picture: Our entertainment Andrea & Rick Lett, Middle: The Men losing, Right: The Women winning

Burns Supper Jan. 2007

• Jan. 29, 2007.  The Optimist Club of Prince Albert held a Burns Supper.
  • Burns Supper

  • A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns, author of the version of the Scots song Auld Lang Syne, which is generally sung at Hogmanay and other New Year celebrations around the English-speaking world. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, January 25, sometimes known as Burns Night, although they may in principle be held at any time of the year.

• Special thanks to Optimist Dave Monette, Optimist Kris  and Michael McLaughlan, for the Entrance of the Haggis and Michael's for the Address to the Haggis.  And Dave for the Selkirk Grace.  Michael gave a wonderful PowerPoint presentation on Robert Burns, and both he and Dave played a song "Boonie Doone", "Man's a man for all that", on their small shuttle pipes.

Left: Michael McLaughlan giving the Address to the Haggis.  Right: Optimists Kris E. (with Haggis) & Optimist Bagpipes Dave, bringing the haggis.

Club Bylaws 2008

• Jan. 29, 2008 - had approval for our new Club Bylaws.  They can be found in the Members Only Section, under the Member Login Tab.  If you need the password, please email or call Optimist George 764-9444.

School Safety Patrollers and Thank-yous

• Jan. 15, 2008.  Lyle Karasiuk (from Parkland Ambulance) gave a update on the School Safety Patroller Program.  New vests are coming in the older, orange (and better) style.  Our club presented him with $2,500.00 as our commitment for this school year.  We are in partner with the High Noon Optimist Club of Prince Albert and MacDonald's Restaurants of Prince Albert.

• Thank-yous were give out to a couple of outstanding Optimists: Stan and Vince.

First Picture: Lyle Karasiuk receiving a cheque for $2,500 from Optimist President Dave Monette, Picture 2: Optimist Vince's thank-you, Picture 3: Optimist Stan's thank-you.

Notice of Bylaw Change Jan. 29, 2008

• Jan. 29, 2008 will be the meeting to vote on the proposed Bylaw change.  The proposed changes can be found in our Member Only Tab, they have been circulated at the last few meeting too.

Optimist Christmas Party

• Dec. 11, 2007.  An excellent turn out from our membership and lots a excited kids, eager to see Santa Claus.  Optimist Stan and Carol did a fantastic on the meal.  Thank-you.  Optimist Dave Monette entertained the children with his guitar, songs, and a box of musical noise makers.  Thanks to everyone that helped make this a successful evening.

P.A.C.I. Student Leadership Council receives Optimist Award

• Dec. 4, 2007.  Congratulations to the P.A.C.I. Student Leadership Council receiving the Optimist Youth Leadership Award.  They had a great turn out of 12 members and a couple of teachers.  They gave an interesting and informative presentation.  Our President Dave Monette presented them with their Award and a cheque for $200 for their future endeavors.

Santa Anonymous Campaign is kicking into High Gear

• Dec. 2, 2007.  Santa Anonymous Raider Night.  Thank-you for all the Raider Game patrons who donated toys to Santa Anonymous.  A big Thank-you to all the Optimists on short notice, came out and help collect toys at the gates.  Members of the P.A. Fire Department donate a pile of toys that evening too.

Pictures from Dec. 4, 2007 Raider Games at the Art Hauser Centre.  Raider Santa Anonymous Night.

• Dec. 1, 2007.  We would like to thank all the businesses from our community that donate space for Santa Anonymous Depots, and to everybody who donates toys to the huge campaign.  Many staff functions at this time of year now have become regular contributors to Santa Anonymous, instead of a gift exchange.  Every year, since 1961 (this is our clubs first project) we have helped the Salvation Army collect and distribute toys in their Christmas Hamper Program.  900 CKBI has generously helped the entire time too, and have been doing the Christmas Cheer broadcast even longer than that.

• Thank-you to the following 9 businesses for hosting a Santa Anonymous Depot.

  • Walmart

  • The South Hill Mall

  • The P.A. Coop on Central 

  • Zellers

  • The Gateway Mall

  • Superstore

  • Sears

  • Canadian Tire

  • Today's Country 900 CKBI, 1316 Central avenue (2nd floor of the Broadcast Centre)

      

Presentation from Vincent Massey Community School

• Nov. 27, 2007.  We had a large contingent out from Vincent Massey Community School Parent's Council, plus Principle Darcy Sander & Vice Principle Devona West.  They have a new school but old playground equipment.  The latest playground equipment is 10 years old.  They want to make ~$22,000 worth of improvements and have raised some ~$5,000 already, but need more.

Some of the contingent from Vincent Massey Community School.

Optimist Vince's Past President Evening

• Oct. 30, 2007.  We were entertained by McKenzie Matice on the violin accompanied by our own Optimist Dave Monette on the guitar.  Dave also Emceed the evening.  A number of plaques were handed out.

  • Past President Vince Parker

  • Optimist of the Year: Dave Monette & Stan Danbrook

  • Life Membership: Jim Nicholson

  • Past Secretary: Tammy Eliason

  • Past Treasurer: Kendra Brown

  • Faithful helper at the Art Hauser Canteens: Roger Williams (and Phyllis)

• A few memories with Vince were told.  Jimmy a "lack of work" story, Tammy the van incident, plus Henry's fishing story.  Thanks for telling a story or two.

Optimist Dave presents Optimist Past President Vince with his plaque      Optimists of the Year Dave Monette and Stan Danbrook

Optimist Vince presents Optimist Jim Nicholson's Life Membership     Optimist Kendra receives her Past Treasurer plaque

Optimist Tammy receives her "Past" Secretary plaque   Optimist Roger gets the faithful helper @ the Art Hauser Canteen.

Welcome to our new members and new 2007-08 Board

• Oct. 16, 2007.  We inducted 6 new members into our club.  Welcome.  Our 2007-08 Board of Directors were installed by Lieutenant Governor Myrna Sieben from the Lloydminster Optimist Club.

(Left) New member induction                                                            (Right) 2007-08 Board of Directors

(Left) Optimist President Dave playing a set of pipes, that were in a secret bag, later at the meeting.

Happy Birthday Optimist President Dave

• Optimist Presidents Dave's first meeting was his 56th Birthday.  Congratulations.  And from the pictures, he worked hard.  Happy Birthday.

Birthday Boy Optimist Dave and Secretary Tammy working hard handing out cheques.

Queen Mary Playground Ribbon Cutting

• The Official Grand Opening Ribbon Cutting was Tuesday Sept. 25, 2007

•  Our Club members were the Guests of Honor, with a special reception in the Teacher Lounge, and we had many members out.

• There were 200 or more kids plus parents to a Community BBQ

• We were presented with a piece of framed art from a student, a huge Thank-you card that all students signed and water bottles for all members.

• The Mayor Jim Scarrow gave a brief speech along with a prayer from Ms. Florence Anderson, and comments from the School Division Superintendent Mrs. Cathy Mills.  Mary Lou Ryder and Marvin Sanderson gave thanks from the School Parent Council.  Principal Kevin Mugford emceed.  President Vince had a chance at the podium too.  Plus he got to cut the ribbon.

• The School Parent Council raised over $22,000 themselves and we added another $25,000.

Tour of the new Aquatic Snoezelen Room

• We donated $5,000 to the Original Snoezelen Room and we have helped with another $5,000 towards the Aquatic Snoezelen Room.

• The Grand Opening was Sept. 18, 2007.  A number of Optimist attended it’s opening.

Thanks to everybody for helping at Bingos

• I would like to thank our Bingo crew for their help all year long.  They have pulled extra duty.  Midnights, short notices, etc.  Pictures from Sept. 20, 2007 Midnight Bingo.

New Board of Directors Oct. 1, 2007 - Sept. 30, 2008

• President - Dave Monette

• Secretary & Treasurer are appointed at the First Board Meeting (Tammy Eliason  & Kendra Brown had been asked to stay on)

• Past President - Vince Parker

• Vice President - Steve Nemedahl & Stan Danbrook.

• Directors: End 2008: Dave Markling, Phyllis Markling, John Truba

• Directors: End 2009: Donna Busch, George Lewko, Ray Preston

Queen Mary Playground Improvements

• I drove by Sept. 18, 2007.  Here's a few pics

Welcome back BBQ

• Sept. 11, 2007.  Welcome back with a fall BBQ at Optimist George's Paintball Paradise.  Nice evening with a big fire, BBQ burgers and such.  Horseshoes were played, kids running all over and Optimist Dave (Bagpipes) and Optimist Gary G. (on drums), finished off the evening.

• Thanks to everyone who came out and enjoyed wonderful fellowship (with kids over 40 present).

Thanks to all the Optimists that helped during the OptiMart

• July 31 - Aug. 4, 2007 - The official dates of the OptiMart.

• Things ran pretty well, considering 6 booths that cancelled just days prior to the OptiMart.

• Optimist Bob McC and Optimist Stan worked extremely hard, and I would like to thank them.  Thanks to everybody that helped make the event great.  Hopefully, next year we can fill the amouries.

• It looks like the OptiMart Project will make $2,000 more than last year.  The final report hopefully will be ready for our first meeting back Sept. 4.  The Canteen was improved, 50/50 Draw up, Nevadas up, Cash Bingo up, Puff 'n Bounce down a little, so a bunch of little things improved our bottom line.

Fiddle playing by Braden Bernier

• Braden Bernier put on a talented display of fiddling, for our spousal evening May 29, 2007.  His dad Dean, accompanied on guitar.

• Stan had an great supper.  Thanks.

Art Hauser Centre Canteen

• Check out the new pictures from the Canteen on the Art Hauser Canteen webpage.

• Thanks to everyone who has helped make this a terrific fundraiser for us, various groups that helped, the City of P.A. and the extremely hard working Committee members.  This enabled us to donate $25,000 to the Queen Mary Community School Playground Improvements, and to continue to make a difference in kids in and around P.A.

$25,000 to Queen Mary Community School Playground Improvements

Left Picture: Marylou Ryder, Optimist President Vince Parker and Marvin Sanderson   Right Picture: Marylou Ryder, Marvin Sanderson and Principle Kevin Mugford

• The Optimist Club of Prince Albert is contributing $25,000 to the Playground improvements at Queen Mary Community School.  The total project will cost over $30,000, with the Community Board raising the difference themselves.

• The improvements will be made this summer, by the School Board.

$500 presentation to the P.A. AAA Midget Mintos Hockey Team

• Optimist Vince Parker presents a cheque for $500 to the P.A. AAA Midget Mintos as they go on to the National Championship Telus Cup (in Red Deer AB), to defend their National title from last year.

Boat / ATV / Snowmobile Draw April 17, 2007

• Check out our Elimination Draw page for sponsors and the results.

B Company Chief Warrant Officer Allan Rishchynski deployment to Afghanistan 2006

• Nov. 28, 2006.  C.W.O. Allan Rishchynski gave a presentation to our club.  What a soldier on the ground and the Canadian media talk, are different stories.  He is extremely proud of the Mission in Afghanistan that the Canadian Forces are accomplishing.  "Canadian Forces are making a difference."  He co-wrote an article in the Canadian Forces Newsletter about a aid mission in May 2006.   Here's another version of the B Combat Team Village Medical Outreach story.

Presentation to the Midget Girls A&W Bears Hockey Team

• March 19, 2007.  Optimist President Vince presenting a cheque for $700.00 from our club to cover some unexpected expenses (over night stay from the Blizzard 2007) for the Prince Albert A&W Bears Midget Girls Hockey Team.  Our club works in the canteen at the Art Hauser Canteen, for the Bears league games.  This is the first year for this competitive Saskatchewan Female Midget AAA Hockey League.

St. Patrick's Day Celebration

Mar. 13, 2007.  A fantastic evening with an excellent ham supper served by Optimist Carol and then terrific entertainment.

Thank-you to the Prince Albert Irish Dance Academy for a wonderful performance.  They now have 28 dancers, an increase from the last time they performed for us.  Plus they have been to Ireland too.  Thanks to Optimist Dave "Bagpipes" for accompanying the dancers on a few songs.  His warm ups of the Star Wars Theme and AC/DC's "Thunderstruck" on the Bagpipes were entertaining in itself.  This was a practice for their St Patrick's Day performance on Mar. 17 (Saturday).

Aquatic Snoezelen Room at Ecole Vickers

• Snoezelen Room link

• We are very proud to announce. 

  • "On Friday, March 2/07, the Prince Albert Optimist Club presented the Vickers School Developmental Education students with a cheque for $5000.00 to build an Aquatic Snoezelen Experience...With the very generous donation from the Prince Albert Optimist Club, we are now able to transform the hot tub room in the Developmental Education class at Vickers School, into a multi-sensory Aquatic Snoezelen Experience for the use of our students.  We look forward to a grand opening ceremony this spring or as soon as the room is ready for student use. "

    Yours sincerely,

    Ellen J. Montour, Developmental Education Consultant

    

    Back Row: Ellen Montour (Consultant); Cathy Mills (Superintendent); Donalda Hansen (Principal); Michelle (student), Briana (student) , Linda Mackie (Teacher); Delvin (student).

    Middle Row: Students; Jordan, Katie, William, Colton, Chase, William

    Front Row: Holding the cheque Optimist Dave Monette and Optimist President Vince

     

Profile of our Thank-you Page

• Please click the link to our Thank-you page.  There are a number of Thank-you's that we have received in the past.  Just click on the thumb nail picture to get an enlargement below.

Chris Clinton Tour of "East Africa - 2006"

• Thanks to Chris Clinton for his presentation on his and Ilene's tour of "East Africa - 2006" of Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.  Chris had a DVD presentation with 500 pictures and a book with beautiful pictures.

• They are trying to help a Orphan School  and are trying to raise $15,000 USD to help out.

• Many of the children have River Blindness or the early stages or it.

• We have contributed $200 to help.

Added some pictures of our Board of Directors

• Check out Executive page.

Check out the Member Login

• To find out more about our Attendance / Membership Draw.

Valentines Supper Feb. 2007

• Feb. 13, 2007.  The Optimist Club of Prince Albert held a Valentines Spousal evening including roses for the ladies. 

• A fine Roast Beef supper from Optimist Melissa & Optimist Jim.

• A Valentines Day Trivia Contest.

• Great violin playing from MacKenzie Matice and accompanied by her father Byron on the guitar.

Burns Supper Jan. 2007

• Jan. 23, 2007.  The Optimist Club of Prince Albert held a Burns Supper and spousal evening.
  • Burns Supper

  • A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns, author of the version of the Scots song Auld Lang Syne, which is generally sung at Hogmanay and other New Year celebrations around the English-speaking world. The suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, January 25, sometimes known as Burns Night, although they may in principle be held at any time of the year.

• Special thanks to Optimist Dave Monette, Bill Stewart, Bill Kerr and Optimist Gary Greenshields, for the Entrance of the Haggis and Bill Stewart for the Address to the Haggis and the Selkirk Grace.  Optimist Dave helped make the Haggis and this one was very good.
• Optimist Carol made a fine supper to have with the Haggis including; Cock-a-Leekie soup, mashed potatoes, mashed neeps (turnips), roast beef and trifle desert.
• Thanks to Alexandra Scott (who sung a few Burn’s songs plus a few others on her guitar) and was accompanied by Janelle Matice on the piano.

Games Night Jan. 2007

• Jan. 9, 2007 was the start of the New Year.  We had various games, including an race game with a few familiar faces.

Snoezelen Room Project

• Here's a project page on the Snoezelen Room.  You can find a list of most of our Projects here.

The Christmas Party 2006

• Dec. 12, 2006 had a wonderful turnout.  Thanks to Optimist Dave Monette for entertaining everybody.  Santa made an appearance later.  Great meal from Optimist Carol.

Our Halloween Party 2006

• A big thank-you to the decorating committee.  The costumes were great.  Optimist Jim, Melissa and Emily won the costume contest.  Optimist Bob F. won the "Guess which music from movies" Contest.  A great meal from Optimist Carol.

• Why did the calf cross the street?
  • To get to the udder side.
• What do you call a cow murder mystery?
  • A moo-done-it.

Some details from the 2006 AMS&NW Annual Convention in P.A.

• A special thanks to Optimist Tammy and all our members who helped organize and put on a great convention.  Big thanks to the High Noon Optimists of P.A. who helped make this a successful event.  It was a joint committee from both clubs, with Optimist Tammy as the chair.
  • Thursday  - English Pub Night.
    • Fish & Chips for supper.
    • Optimists tossed a few darts.
  • Friday - Sock Hop
    • Build your own Burger.
    • We had a excellent DJ from Cloud 9 Music and danced the night away.
    • Myself (Optimist George) & Optimist Nick M. (High Nooners) dyed our hair.
    • A surprise visit from Elvis's twin.
    • The Optimist International President Dr. Michel Listenberger had a ride in the basement of the Travelodge on a motorcycle.

• Saturday - Governor's Banquet
  • Lots of speeches and introductions.
  • Some great entertainment from the St. Michaels Hoop Dancers and by the Barveenok Ukrainian Dancers.
  • Our Optimist President Cathy won a handmade Optimist pendant that was Chinese Auctioned and then Auctioned, and then given away (with all women in the room having a chance to win).  It raised $1263 for the Optimist International Foundation.
• If you would like to add a comment or pic, please email me @ glewko@imagro.net

A very successful OptiMart Aug. 1- 5, 2006

• A big Thank-you to everybody who chaired, set-up, cleaned-up, got more vendors and helped make this OptiMart very successful.  The final numbers will be in a a few weeks.  Being full and lots of patrons will make selling booth next much easier.  Most vendors were very happy with a number paying deposits for next year.

• Our $500 free patron draw attracted many entries that had to punch 5 of our projects to qualify.

  • The OptiMart

  • School Safety Patrollers

  • Santa Anonymous

  • Youth Sports

  • Childhood Cancer Campaign

• Our own booths turned out good..  Thanks to these chairs:

  • Registration - Optimist Bob McC.

  • Canteen - Optimist Phyllis M.

  • 50/50 - Optimist Henry

  • Nevada - Optimist Stan

  • Long Putt Contest - Optimist Jim N.

  • Cash Bingo - Optimist Judy P.

  • OptiMart - Optimist Bob F. & Optimist George

  

Winners of our Annual Elimination Draw April 25, 2006

• Here's the complete pdf list of the 2006 Winners.
• Congratulations to our 2006 Grand Prize winners (a shared ticket): Jeff Finch & Brenda Lawson.
• Thank-you for supporting our club & draw.  Thanks Optimist John T. for chairing this important project, and all the Optimist who sold tickets.
• Thanks to our prize sponsors:
  • Paintball Paradise Prince Albert Inc.
  • Adcom Printing & Computers
  • Joyce Middlebrook
  • Gateway Quality Press
  • Northern Lights Casino
  • Conexus Credit Union
  • P.A. Comfort Inn
  • Super 8 P.A.
  • Marlboro Inn
  • Grey Cab
  • Checker Cab
  • Connie Lamberty
  • SaskTel
  • CIBC
  • Bank of Montreal
  • Bank of Nova Scotia
  • Royal Bank
  • Davidners Western Wear
  • Four Seasons Janitorial
  • Twilight Framing
  • Travelodge
  • Ed's Inn
  • P.A. Co-op Association
  • Fast Stamps

Our Annual Elimination Draw April 25, 2006 @ 8 p.m. at the P.A. Optimist Centre under the Grandstand PA Exhibition Grounds.

• Only 500 $20 ticket are being sold. License # L05-0621
• Your Choice of one of the following items:
  • Boat, Motor, Trailer (14' Lund Boat with 15 hp Yamaha motor and e-z load trailer) - supplied by Leisure Sports
  • Artic Cat 250 cc ATV - supplied by Riverside Artic Cat
  • Yamaha Bravo 250 cc Snowmobile  - supplied by Leisure Sports
  • $4,500 Cash
• Contact Optimist John T. if you need more tickets.

Congratulations to our new Executive for the 2006-07 year, starting Oct. 1

• President - Vince P.
• Vice President - Penny S.
• Vice President - Steve N.
• Past President - Cathy P.
• Directors (2 year term)
  • Dave M. (3 boys in 2 years)
  • Dave M. (Bagpipes)
  • John Truba
• Directors (1 year left on term)
  • Tammy E.
  • Melissa H.
  • George L.

Prince Albert Irish Dance Academy

Mar. 14, 2006 - Our club hosted a spousal night.  Our entertainment for the evening were 6 dancers from the Prince Albert Irish Dance Academy.  Optimist Dave Monette helped out with a couple of jigs, playing his bagpipes.  Thanks Optimist Dave & the Prince Albert Irish Dance Academy members.

Counterfeit Currency Prevention

Jan. 24, 2006 - Corporal Colleen Lyons (from the RCMP Commercial Crime Section Saskatoon) gave a presentation on Counterfeit Bank Notes.  We saw samples of forgeries and learnt who to spot them.  The High Noon Optimists of Prince Albert were out for an Interclub visit too.

Mock Casino & Horse Racing Spousal Night

Jan. 3, 2006 - Fun was had, along with a great Beef on a Bun served up by Optimist Carol.  A new experimental Horse Race Game was introduced, thanks to Optimists George & Wyett.  Optimist Penny & Wayne Gouldhawke dealt out some great Black Jack hands.  Next time maybe we'll try some Poker or Texas Hold'm, and more Horse Racing.  Thanks to all the volunteers on the track.

Santa Claus came for a visit

Dec. 13, 2005 - Our annual Santa Claus supper was well attended by members, spouses, guests, boys & girls.  Special THANKS to our entertainment: Optimist Dave Monette and his music ways of the piper.  Plus Roger Boucher Jr.'s balloon magic (courtesy of Optimist Penny S.)

Our members brought toys to help our Santa Anonymous Campaign.  Supper was a tremendous buffet from Optimist Carol Markling.  Santa made an appearance later and handed out toys & candy to all the good girls & boys. 

Thanks to our own member: Optimist Barry Salmond

Nov. 29, 2005 - Optimist Barry gave a informative presentation on his involvement with the Red Cross's relief effort after Hurricane Katrina.  He helped in Houston Texas, running one of many Disaster Shelters.  He has helped with many disasters with the Red Cross.  We are proud to have Optimist Barry in our club.  Thank-you.

Optimist Barry S. with Optimist President Cathy P.

Send mail to  paintballpa@inet2000.com with questions or comments about this web site.