CURRENT MEMBER NEWS               

 Do you know a person who would make a wonderful member?    Bring them to a weekly breakfast meeting or any of our other activities and introduce them to the rest of the membership.    This is easy, free and it’s a great way to recruit new members. If any member has anything to add to these comments about what happened at these meeting, please email me and I will insert them.  Norm Smith

Aug 17, 2008 -                       "Sandcastles was a rousing success once again.  The weather was wonderful.  In spite of some confusion on the part of the Camp with timing and location, the Optimists came through and served 300 hungry people.  We had 18 volunteers - 12 Optimists, 3 Optimist spouses, 2 new Optimist members yet to be sworn in and even a daughter, a record!!  I cannot thank you enough for all the help.  Many hands make light work.  Phyllis Zimmerman"  Thanks Phyllis you did a good job.  Pictures to follow. 

Aug 16, 2008 -                        Dream Cruise

Aug 14, 2008 -                      Andrew Corwell, Coast Guard Academy Cadet speaking on the Coast Guard and his summer adventures.  He is 3rd class and is in his 2nd year in a Mechanical Engineering curriculum.  He described his experience working the Coast Guard cutter "Eagle" along with pictures of other activities such as pepper spray training.  It looks like an exciting career.  Look them up at http://www.uscg.mil/

Aug 7, 2008 -                       Justin Fisette, from the Executive Management Team, speaking on the Dream Cruise.  A new development this year is a juried display of 50 of the elite classic cars at the 13 mile and Woodward lot.

July 31, 2008 -                    We had Fern Garcia was a no show because of business needs and so Bob Dempster filled in with a further discussion about the new dream cruise CD.

July 26, 2008 -                 We had 405 participants and exceptional weather for the race. It appears that all participants thought the event was a very positive one. Again this year we had over 70 volunteers that really made the run very organized and a good experience for the runners. We have set the date for next years race, it is Saturday, July 25.  Another successful event.

July 24, 2008 -                 Miss communication with our guest speaker Justin Fisette caused a no speaker day, but there was plenty to discuss about including the Dream Cruise (and the CD sale), The DeLosh golf outing which netted about $12,000 for Mike DeLosh, the Sand Castles August event and other items.  We had one new member and a guest who is a potential member.  Amazingly, we had 21 members and guests present, which is a record for July.  Mr. Fisette will attend next week.

July 17, 2008 -               Scott Myers, Mktg. & PR Dir., for the Gem Theater spoke to us about the “Gem” in Detroit.  It was a very interesting presentation.  The theatres are available for group rentals and can be used for fund raisers.  Their website is www.gemtheatre.com. Some pictures are available here.

July 10, 2008 -             The July board meeting covered the Heart of the Hills Run which was being run by Mike Cowdry and the Recreation department and discussed Sand Castles. We also reviewed preparations for the Dream Cruise.

June 26, 2008 -            Assistant Oakland County Prosecutor Robert Giles came and talked about his campaign against child sexual assualt.  He is running for Oakland County Circuit Judge.  His web site is www.gilesforjudge.org and his email is gilesforjudge@yahoo.com

June 19, 2008 -             With no speaker today, we had a talk around wherein everyone had 4-5 minutes to talk about themselves.  All being bashful, we ran over the end of the meeting by several minutes even with efforts to close down.  It was announced that the Delosh outing has raised about $9,000 so far.  We need more golfers.  See the "Delosh" button on the mail page.

June 12, 2008 -           The board meeting reviewed the up coming events.  President MacKenzie will be up north for the summer and will hand off the reins to Tamara Tazzia, vice President, who will take over.  The golf outing netted about $12,500 for the Foundation.  We also raised about $600 for the childhood cancer drive.  The Bloomfield Fire Department Charities raised a similar amount for their causes.

June 5, 2008 -             Paul Good, Community and Government Relations Manager for the Detroit Zoo spoke about how great the Zoo is and how it ranks nationally with is in the top 5 zoos.  For a great deal of information go to www.detroitzoo.org.  Volunteers welcome.  The big issue is the millage election coming in August of 1 mil which would be about $10 per $200,000 house.  It is very badly needed. 248-541-5717 x 3234  pgood@dzs.org

May 29, 2008 -            Connie Sidor, Deputy Director for Grantee Programs at OLHSA, was our speaker. She told us the history of Head Start and it's objectives and you can contact her through the Oakland Livingstone Human Service Agency.  Her story was too complex to relate here but they perform a very important function for the growth of our children and their future success.

May 22, 2008 -            Crystal Thomas, Docent, gave us a wonderful history of the  History of the Kirk in the Hills Church and how it was founded.  See the following link for all you want to know.  http://www.kirkinthehills.org/templates/cuskirkinthehills/default.asp?id=25103

MAY 19, 2008  -          First and foremost - congrats to Leo and all his helpers for making this another fabulous Golf Outing.  For those members and friends who were there, what a great time we all had.  For those who missed it, sorry you missed a great day.  Thank you to all who participated.  Special Kudos to Ted Wilson and Fern Garcia, over $600 was raised from the sale of the special pins for the Childhood Cancer Campaign.  We had 144 golfers and at dinner about 180.  It was windy and cool but everyone had a great time.  The filet was done to perfection and there were prizes for all participants.  There are too many contributors to list all of them here but a special thanks to Carl's Golfland for their contributions and Dempster Designs for his t-shirt designs.

MAY 15, 2008  -            Jim Tuman, Don’t Postpone Joy – The Size of Your Funeral will be Dependent on the Weather.  Jim's message was live for today to the best of your ability for tomorrow may not come.  Ten minutes after you die, you may be forgotten so make an impact on others today and live your dreams.  Particulars -- MSU grad.  Director -- Positive School Support Program.  Developed 3 nat’l programs about youth, women & returning vets.  14 world leaders invited him to talk about the breakdown of families.  Featured in all nat’l weekly news magazines and daily papers & recently named by Det. News “Michiganian of the Year”.  Seeks balance in his life with diverse activities:  famine relief worker in Ethiopia, roadee with Journey, circus clown, rodeo rider, symphony musician, cake decorator, parade enthusiast.  Spoken to 2M+ students in 1300+ schools nationwide.  Appeared on all major networks including The Today Show, Nat’l PM Magazine and Oprah Winfrey

MAY 8, 2008  -           The board meeting covered a very large agenda including the golf outing, the Heart of the Hills Run, the Mike DeLosh Golf Outing, The Dream Cruise, Sand Castles, the By Laws update, Empower Mind program, various donations from the foundation and the Cranbrook Meeting Room.  It has been determined that we cannot afford to accept the Cranbrook invitation but will be open in the future to cooperation with them in various community projects.

MAY 1, 2008  -          Respect for Law, Officer Jermaine Bolden, BTPD, Andover School Liaison Officer has been with the Bloomfield Township Plolice Department for 8 years.  His job is to represent the Department in a positive light within the education community.  His dedication and skills, as both a trainer of young officers and a mentor to young people, are valuable to this community.  He is married to a Troy teacher and his father is a retired State Police chief.  In 2004 he was officer of the year in the Township Department.  He graduated from Eastern Michigan University in 1995.

APRIL 24, 2008  -   "Respect for Education" was the order of the day and there was no better honoree than Dr.Todd Evans from the Pontiac Academy for Excellence.  He has taken the Academy from a few students to 12 grades with 1100 students.  This year they will graduate 45 Seniors, all college bound and no drop outs.  The Academy does not have "drop outs" but rather "drop ins".  There is not room here to list all the Doctor's accomplishments and the honors he has achieved since being born into a poor family in North Carolina.  Enough said!

APRIL 17, 2008  -  We had the usual breakfast at the Marriott and adjourned at 8 AM to the Cranbrook Institute of Science to tour their meeting rooms.  The possible move will be discussed at the next board meeting.  We also discussed alternatives at the Marriott which does have possibilities if we need more room.

APRIL 10, 2008  -  There was a crowded docket for the board meeting including the By Law revisions, Respect for Education, Respect for Law, the Golf Outing, Woodward Dream Cruise, support for the Mike DeLosh Charity Golf Outing, support for Kimberly Kassner's Empower Your Mind and the tour of the Cranbrook Institute of Science  meeting rooms.  Next meeting May 8th.

APRIL 3, 2008  -  Kimberly Kassner, "Empower Mind" Empowering the minds of youth.  It may be simplistic to say we all learn either left or right brain or perhaps a combination of the two but Kimberly's methods involve identifying children who are having difficulty learning because their learning does not match the teaching style they are experiencing.  Our club will finance a workshop for students from Pontiac Academy and Star Commonwealth.  See Empower Mind or www.empowermind.com Click cancel on the password request. See her you tube story at http://www.youtube.com/empowermind  You may have to paste this into your brower.

 MARCH 27, 2008  -  Chuck Moss, State Representative, Talking about our state legislature and the "insanity" that goes on there.  He covered many subjects including taxes and business development.

MARCH 20, 2008  -  Jim Berline, "The changing face of advertising.  The Berline Group located on Long Lake across from the post office is a $100 million dollar agency dealing primarily in non-automotive companies.  There is apparently no web site available.

Three new members were inducted. Susan Csernits, Diane Reis-Harnisch and Jayne A. Hammond.  Give them a big welcome.  See the Picture Index for an Installation Picture.

MARCH 13, 2008 -  Our annual Oratorical Contest March 13-2008 was a big success with 8 students from 2 schools giving presentations. We want to thank both Detroit Country Day and Cranbrook for their participation and congratulate all of the students on their presentations. Special congratulations to the winner, Michael Gunawan of Detroit County Day.

MARCH 9, 2008 -   The Tri Star Basketball Tournament was held at the Bloomfield Hills Middle School with Mike Cowdrey as chairman.  Attendance was a little light this year, perhaps because of the Sunday date.  A good time was had by all and we will have a even better time next year.

MARCH 6, 2008 -  A lot of future planning was discussed including elections, the golf outing, respect for education and law, etc.  We approved 2 new members, Diane Harnisch and Jane Hammond.

February 28, 2008 -     Rick Bayliss, CEO of Oakland Hills Country Club, gave us great detail for the upcoming
PGA Championships in August, and presented the storied tradition of OHCC as not only a part of the
history of golf, but with a quest statement to continue to lead and be a part of the history of golf.  He
mentioned that the club is vital, and with tough times, the waiting list, which is down to two years,
has more interested prospective members given the shorter time to approval. There are more than
1,000 current members.

February 21, 2008 -  The Essay Contest was held with three excellent winners. Pictures.  More details to follow

February 14, 2008 -  Board Meeting.

February 7, 2008 -  Robert Greenstone of Greenstone Jewelers spoke about owning and buying jewelery.

January 31, 2008 - Wendy Evans (DIA Speakers Bureau) speaking to us about the “New” DIA.  Wendy gave a great presentation complete with photos.  Everyone should go!

January 24, 2007 - Approximately 70 Optimists and friends celebrated a very successful Holiday Wish Program for 2007.  President Brian MacKenzie introduced honored guests Ron Borngesser, CEO of OLSHA-North Oakland; Pam McLean, Assistant Director of Family Services (Head Start) of Hazel Park and Pontiac Head Start Teachers; Dr. Todd Evans of the Pontiac Academy of Excellence and Jason Elliot, Kindergarten Teacher at the Pontiac Academy.  Many of the Sixty Nine organizations as well as many individuals and  volunteers were honored.  In addition, the Eagle Scout who earned his Eagle Scout Badge helping us assemble 70 bikes was introduced.  It was a fitting end to the 2007 season and now we start thinking of 2008. Visit PAE's Website for more pictures.  http://www.pontiacacademy.org/  Pictures of the kids. 

January 17, 2007 -  Mike Stafford Ph.D., Director of the Cranbrook Institute of Science, had pictures of the excavation of the Mastadon found by constuction contractors at a location which is now under the parking lot of the Walmart at Adams Road and M59.  He talked about the Archeology dig summer classes sponsored by Meijers in the Greenville area.  The science institute has about 200,000 visitors each year.  Call and arrange for a group.  Email mstafford@cranbrook.edu website http://science.cranbrook.edu/

January 10, 2007 - The usual subjects were discussed and details of future events are available in the Winter Newsletter.  See the link above.

DECEMBER 20, 2007 -  Good cheer and congratulations were all around.  We had a record crowd in attendance at the meeting.  A special treat in the form of a performance of "The Archers", a quartet of young men from Cranbrook Kingswood, was presented.  They sang 6 or 7 Christmas and seasonal songs.  A standing ovation all around.  A standing "O" for our Holiday Wish.

DECEMBER 12, 13, 14, 15, & 17 -   A wonderful time (?) was had buy all participants as we picked up and delivered 2700 presents to Head Start, the Pontiac Academy for Excellence and Starr Commonwealth.  Saturday was spent shopping and wrapping the few presents our corporate sponsors did not cover.  A record and a job well done.  There were smiles all around at our sponsors and in the club.  The Thank You Breakfast is scheduled for January 24th.  There were just too many special jobs done by individuals and organizations to list here but everyone knows who they are.

DECEMBER 6, 2007 -  Two new members were installed at recent meetings.  Jay Cravens the new City Manager for Bloomfield Hills who gave a report on happenings in the city and Scott Suomela a returning member who had moved to Traverse City a few years ago and has returned.  Scott works for UBS in Birmingham and is a past president of the club.

NOVEMBER 29, 2007 - Bill McElhone, Exec. Dir. Birmingham Museum & Park. History of Birmingham, A history of Birmingham is available at the Hunter house at 500 W. Maple in Birmingham.  The first owners of land were Messrs Hamilton, Willets, Peirce and Hunter, each buying a quarter section (160 Acres) meeting at Pierce and Maple Streets in downtown Birmingham.  There is no Website available that I can find.  The name of Birmingham came into use around 1830.  The section around town known as Woodward now was a diversion for the railroad so it did not go down Old Woodward.

NOVEMBER 15, 2007 - Our speaker today cancelled.  There was continued discussion concerning the logistics of the Holiday Wish program.  We have run out of names and are reaching out to our sources.  Last years sponsors are all warmly enthusiastic and Brian is receiving a lot of hugs.  Tamara and Brian reported on the Motown Conference at the St. Regis.  AWESOME.

NOVEMBER 8 2007 -  Our guest today was Lance Waldorf who has served his country for twenty years as a commissioned officer (Major) in the United States Army and Army Reserve.  He has had two tours in Afghanistan as a civil affairs officer coordinating humanitarian assistance and as a diplomat to the Afgan government.  One of the difficulties "we" have in Afghanistan is getting the true story about our role there out to the U.S. public.  Lance was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service for his accomplishments.  Lance's civilian occupation is as a Chartered Financial Consultant with Merrill Lynch's Auburn Hills office.  He can be contacted at 800-333-9167 or lance_waldorf@ml.com .

NOVEMBER 1, 2007 - Today was a board meeting where the principal focus was on the up coming Holiday Wish.  We are winding up to speed and we need help.  Contact Brian MacKenzie at 248-505-8400 for information.  President MacKenzie reported on Children’s Holiday Wish.  This year’s target is approximately 2,700, of which 1,700 are already committed, with an additional 700 to be confirmed.  The Club has a combination of 175 bikes/Barbie Dolls in inventory leaving approximately 125 to 150 children to cover.  Volunteers for pick up and delivery for 12/11-12/15 are necessary.  Ted Wilson reported that Leap Pads are on sale for $20 and at least 30-40 could be obtained at that price as well as Pound Puppies which he believes to be a requested item this year.  The Club approved Ted’s purchase of the Leap Pads and Pound Puppies.  Ted also reported that 75 bikes will be available for pick up following the meeting on 11/15 and requests volunteers to pick up and deliver to Organic for assembly by the Boy Scouts. 

Link to older news items. Here.