Optimist Club At UCSB - Camarillo Noontime Optimist Club

CAMARILLO NOONTIME OPTIMIST CLUB
Newsletter
January 12, 2016
Editor: Roger Ransom 484 2614
By providing hope and positive vision,
Optimists bring out the best in kids
Our Christmas Party For the Kids
On December 8th we had a really nice program for the needy families at PVSEA.
We had more than 200 people (other than Santa’s elves) come through to see Santa,
pick up new shoes, do arts and crafts, eat cookies and drink apple cider, and finally,
pick up Target gift cards. Thanks to the generosity of the club, our members extra
donations, the staff at PVSD headed by RaeAnne Michael, and Target, we were
able to give each family $100 gift card and each child in the family a $15 gift card.
And, thanks mostly to the unexpected gift of $500 in gift cards donated by Target,
we actually are considerably under budget for the event. In addition to money,
many members and friends of the club donated their time to make this a big success
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including Frank Roth (Santa), Pat Roth, Roger Ransom, Ron Klemann, Larry
Davis, Jennifer Conn, Marcy Nunn, Howard Hoover, Debbie Maki, Luci
Pommers, Shirley Seaver, Janna Visser, Shig Yabu, Mike Kroll, and my
favorite elf, Sean Roth. We also had help from Clara Finneran, PVSEA’s
principal, and Violet and Gregg Adams, the JOOI Club advisors at PVSEA. A
special thanks to Judy Crenshaw for her assistance, especially with the arts and
crafts and other unseen assistance to Jeannette and me. Mark Mehrali contributed
toothbrushes and tooth paste to limit the damage done by all the donated candy and
cookies. I know there may have been others that filled goody bags at Jeanette’s on
Monday and contributed cookies and drinks, and I thank you as well.
A special and tremendous thanks goes to Jeanette Bassett who, as usual,
went above and beyond to make this happen. She brings this all together and it is
not easy although she makes it look easy. It is an enormous effort to make sure that
30 families with 98 children all received a special evening. Several of them were
tearful in their gratitude. Thank you, Jeanette, we could not do it without you.
Please accept my appreciation for the amazing effort and a job well done.
This report from our Fearless Leader
Ada Lee Sullivan
And, another look at it: I wish I could have been there! You all need to feel very
special about what you've done for the community! Thank you so much for helping
our families! You have truly made their holiday special!
Rae Anne Michael
Superintendent, Pleasant Valley School District
And we had fun doing it too:
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President’s Message
Fellow Optimists:
Although December was a short month for our meetings, it was a very busy
productive month. We had a great speaker group from PVSD that brought
us up to date on many new programs in the schools. We had our first two
YWA students for the new school year. We had a very successful
Christmas for Needy Families at PVSEA (El Descanso) that we all
enjoyed. Some of us went to the Festival of Trees program that raises
money for the Youth Home. Then we had that wonderful potluck holiday party at Jeanette and
Bob’s. We were busy Optimist bees in December.
Let’s move into the New Year with high optimism that we can grow the Club and really
make even more things happen. January is the Walk For Youth. Let’s work together to make it
a really big success.
Happy New Year to all of you!
Ada Lee
Recent Programs:
Nov. 23 -Camarillo YMCA
Svenja Schulze, Membership and Marketing
Director, and Paige Harris, Community Program Director,
at the Camarillo YMCA shared some of the past and
current happenings and success stories helping kids and
families in the community. Svenja, who has worked in her
present position since 2012, and, who just got married this
fall, is finishing her Master’s of Business Admin at Cal
State Channel Islands. She invited everyone to the
YMCA Holiday Hiji 5k and 10k Run/Walk and Silent
Auction on Sat., Dec. 5th. She also encourages everyone
to visit the Y anytime for a tour of the facility and its many
features.
Paige Harris, who moved to Camarillo in 2006
and began her studies in Child Development and Learning at Cal State University Channel Islands, oversees
After School Childcare, Birthday Parties, “Parent’s Night and Day Out,” and Adventure Guides programs. She
began working as a summer camp counselor at the Y almost four years ago. Her passion for working with
youth and families is what brought her to the YMCA. She noted that, although the programs children and
adults enjoy require fees, no one is turned away for an inability to pay! Using a sliding scale designed to meet
the financial needs of families and individuals, she says anyone can apply for “Open Doors Financial
Assistance.” She noted that of the 255 kids that participate in “Summer Camp” 58 receive “scholarships”
because of financial need. Both Svenja and Paige believe the programs the Y provides to families allow
children to grow and have fun in a safe environment. They encourage anyone who would like more information
to visit their website: ciymca.org
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Nov. 30 - No Meeting - Thanksgiving Holiday Break
7 Dec. “Walk for Youth 2016 Kick-off Day”
Many thanks to all our members and friends for being Silver to Platinum sponsors of
this event in past years. We look forward to another successful fun fundraiser walk on
Saturday, January 30, 2016.
December 7
Recalling the “Day of Infamy” Dec. 7 , 1941
Our program today was watching a video of that fateful
day, exactly 74 years ago, when 353 Japanese planes
attacked military targets on the island of Oahu in what
was then the Territory of Hawaii, killing 2,390 American
servicemen and civilians and wounding 1,282. The
attack sank or damaged eight battleships, three cruisers,
three destroyers and one minelayer and destroyed 188
aircraft. The phrase “Day of Infamy” was coined by
President Franklin D. Roosevelt in his address to
Congress the following day, in which he asked that they
declare that a state of war had existed between the USA
and Japan since the beginning of the attack.
Our forces were taken by complete surprise which
allowed the Japanese to achieve the virtual complete
elimination of the power of our Pacific Fleet based in
USS Arizona burning in Pearl Harbor
Pearl harbor. Our relations with Japan had been
deteriorating for months. Our naval and military forces were already on a war footing and we anticipated an
attack by Japan at any time. But, available intelligence led us to believe that the attack would occur in the FarEast. Bad as it was, it could have been far worse: Repair and fuel storage facilities in Pearl Harbor were not
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damaged and our aircraft carriers were at sea and unharmed. Japan achieved a brilliant tactical victory with
their “sneak attack” raid. But, from a strategic standpoint, it was a colossal blunder for them. Nothing else could
have so effectively unified the American people and solidified our resolve to avenge this humiliating defeat.
Also on Dec 7: Dr. Howard Hoover turns 90
All of you at the Monday Club Meeting were
so good to me with cards, a gift and a
delicious cake for everyone, but in my
honor. John gave me a very fine tribute
which was appreciated. Thanks to all of you
for such a thoughtful welcome into the super
senior phase of life. You are a very special
group.
Handshakes and Hugs to all of
you.
Howard
Dec. 14 A District’s Tech Journey in the 21st Century
We were fortunate to have three guest speakers—
RaeAnne Michael, Superintendent; Jamie Alvarez,
Teacher on Special Assignment; and Dr.
Kris Devillers, Asst. Superintendent of Curriculum; -from the Pleasant Valley School District share an
overview and the vision the district has to bring
technology to the classroom and beyond. They stressed
ways that technology use in class can enhance student
learning. They cited studies that show "the more
experience teachers have with technology, the more
likely they are to have positive attitudes towards
technology and its educational value." Because of these
findings PVSD asked its teachers what they would like to
learn as part of their training rather than dictate topics.
For students the classroom and homework scene have a whole new look. Instead of reading books
checked out from the school library, kids “borrow” books from a “Digital Library” in the same way local
residents can download digital books from the local public library. Homework assignments can be accessed on
laptops and students are encouraged to collaborate online with classmates! In addition to students learning
typing skills, they are asked to develop multimedia presentations for reports. Many more classroom hands-on
activities using technology are visible around the district. For a complete report on all PVSD is doing this year,
interested parties are directed to download information at: http://bit.ly/CSBA2015PVSD
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19 Dec. Our thanks to Jeanette & Bob for hosting the club’s Christmas Party
Dec. 28 - No Meeting - Christmas
Jan 4, 2016 No Meeting - New Year's Day
January 4 - Pleasant Valley Historical Society and Museum
Max Copenhagen, President of the Pleasant Valley Historical
Society and Museum spoke to us. He stated that the primary mission of
the Society was to identify, collect and preserve historical artifacts,
buildings and landmarks in the greater Camarillo area. The Society was
started in 1964 and celebrated their 50th Anniversary last year. He
generally describe the various activities that the society conducts each
year and what special things are being planned for this year. One of
which is a Mural to be painted on the outside wall of the Museum and he
stated that the community has been requested to submit designs and
comments regarding what should be depicted in the Mural. One other
effort that has also been conducted for the past 50 years is to recognize
local residents that have made a significant contribution to the historical
development of the area. These people are nominated by people in the
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community and are selected by the Society and given the title of "Don or Dona" which is one of the highest
honors that one can receive in the community and is in honor of Don Camarillo and his wife. They have a
"Living History Day" event in May each year where many children attend to see the many day to day
activities that were done in the homes of our Grandparents and Great-Grandparents many years ago.
The Museum and Botanical Garden are located on Las Posas Road and Max welcomed everyone to visit and
see the various collection of artifacts including hundreds of photographs and books. The Garden is a collection
of all kinds of native plants and has a Gazebo where small events can be held.
January 11 - Historical Information on Gettysburg & the Civil War
Our presenter today was Lee Truman, a retired minister
and a Civil War Buff. In the limited time available to him, he
could only barely touch on a few topics, but what he offered
was fascinating. He had brought a number of weapons from
that era. All were non-functional replicas. First was a three
barreled pistol. The barrels were mounted non-parallel to
each other such that the shot would be projected in a fan-like
pattern. He explained that its intended use was to threaten a
group of adversaries like some mutineers. He told that a
similar weapon with five barrels was also made. With one in
each hand, one could hold off quite a mob. Another was a
“Horse pistol” which he passed around to us listeners. The
thing must have weighed 10 pounds. Another unique gun was
a sniper’s rifle. It was at least five feet long, with a barrel
which was octagonal in shape, both externally and internally.
Of course, it would have to fire octagonal bullets. Another unusual feature: It had two triggers, one of which
was a “hair trigger”; the slightest touch of this trigger would fire the gun. He said that its effective range was 1
½ mile. The British supplied these to the Confederates. He had a couple large charts displayed, showing the
placement of the opposing forces in the battle for Gettysburg. With these he told a little of the significance of
the fighting for the high ground at “Little Round Top”. Here, 200 Union troops commanded and inspired by an
officer named Chamberlain, repulsed 800 Confederates who would have otherwise changed the outcome of
that battle and the war itself to a Confederate victory.
Youth We Appreciate
December 7th A Modest Quiet Helper Appreciated
The Camarillo Noontime Optimist Club honored its
first Youth We Appreciate recipient of the new school year—
Ezra Godin, a fifth grade student from Dos Caminos School—
on December 7th. Ezra Dobes was described by his teacher,
Amber Abraham, as a very bright student receiving straight A’s
and being a member of the GATE program for the gifted and
talented students. She noted, too, he is a classroom
representative for the student council and helps with running the
student store. Of most significance she stressed that Ezra is an
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extremely caring student who is willing to help other classmates in his free time with lessons or assignment they
do not understand. His after school activities include playing goalie for his CYSA Gladiators team, playing the
drums and working at his Calvary Nexus church. His parents, Jennifer and Mike Dobes, enjoyed lunch as
guests of the Optimist Club at the Round Table Pizza, and witnessed the presentation of the award.
December 14th An All-around Top Student
Allison Reiman, an 11-year-old sixth grade student from
Pleasant Valley Christian School, was honored by the
Camarillo Noontime Optimist Club as the Youth We
Appreciate recipient on Monday, December 14th at
Round Table Pizza. Allison was described by
her teacher, Cindy Adams, as an excellent hard-working
straight ‘A’ student that is admired by her peers and who
finds time to read to 1st grade students daily, play
volleyball, basketball and soccer for her school team as
well as CYBA basketball. For several years she has
helped in her community through the 4-H Program by
raising animals, participating in beach clean-up days, and
canned food drives for needy families. Susan’s parents,
Bill and Christy Reiman, and principal, Susan Wilson, were in attendance to witness the presentation of the
YWA Award and a $100 gift for the school by Chantelle Limon from the Optimist Club
l-r: Mrs. Cindy Adams, teacher, Allison Reiman, YWA Award Winner. Below: Susan Wilson, PV
Christian School Principal; parents, Christy and Bill Reiman; teacher, Mrs. Cindy Adams; Allison
Reiman; and Chantelle Limon, Optimist Club YWA presenter
11 January Youth Has Lots to Smile About
Livya Brumage, a 6th grade student at Los
Primeros School of Science & Arts, is described by
her teacher, Miss Samantha Sontag, as a
very active and high achieving student that is always
smiling. Among this 12 year old’s awards are
Student of the Month, Perfect Attendance,
Sportsmanship and Honors Math. Her school service
and community activities include Yearbook Club,
Builder’s Club, Drama Club, Church Youth Band,
AYSO Soccer and piano lessons. Livya was selected
by her school to receive the Camarillo Noontime
Optimist Club Youth We Appreciate Award at their
regular Monday meeting, Jan. 11, 2016, at Round Table Pizza. Her parents, Doug and Aimee
Brumage, attended her recognition.
Livya earned a $100 gift for her school along with the award
certificate.
l-r Miss Samantha Sontag, teacher; Livya Brumage, YWA Award Winner; Miss Chantelle Limon,
Optimist Club presenter
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Coming Attractions:
January 18 - No Meeting _ Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
January 25 - Val Rains - Portraying the life of Lena Lewis (Pioneer family of the
Community)
February 1 - David Moe (Assistant Director of Community Development) - City Planning
February 8 - Bob Diehl - Photo Tour of Cuba
February 15 - No Meeting - President's Day Holiday
February 22 - Speaker ? - Casa Pacifica
February 29 - Monica McGrath - Camarillo Police Chief
March 7 - TBD
March 14 - Roger Pichardo - City Recycling Manager
March 21 - TBD
March 28 - No Meeting - Easter Weekend
Jan. 30, 2016 Walk for Youth
Mar. 10, 2016 - Youth Banquet
May 13, 2016 Golf Tournament
www.camarillooptimistclub.org
Remember our web site
An appeal from Frank R.
I am still looking for volunteers to schedule speakers for the months of April,
June, August, September, October, November & December. Let me know which
month you would like to have.
Filler
A Husband and Wife had a fight.
Wife called her Mom: “He fought with me again, I am coming to you.”
Mom: “No dear, he must pay for his mistake. I am coming to stay with you!”
A man goes swimming in the ocean but gets sucked out to sea. A boat passes by him and tells
him to climb aboard, but he says "I have faith, God will save me."
The Coast Guard comes by with a rescue helicopter and tells him to climb the ladder up, but he
says, "I have faith, God will save me."
The man is now getting tired but thankfully a dolphin swims under him and starts to carry him to
shore, but the man pushes the dolphin away saying "I have faith, God will save me."
The man dies and goes to Heaven. He asks God, "Why didn't you save me?"
God replies, "I tried! I sent a ship, a helicopter and a dolphin!"
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Ol' Fred had been a faithful Christian and was in the hospital,
near death. The family called their preacher to stand with them.
As the preacher stood next to the bed, Ol' Fred's condition
appeared to deteriorate and he motioned frantically for something
to write on.
The pastor lovingly handed him a pen and a piece of paper, and
Ol' Fred used his last bit of energy to scribble a note, then
suddenly died.
The preacher thought it best not to look at the note at that
time, so he placed it in his jacket pocket.
At the funeral, as he was finishing the message, he realized that
he was wearing the same jacket that he was wearing when Ol' Fred
died. He said, "You know, Ol' Fred handed me a note just before
he died. I haven't looked at it, but knowing Fred, I'm sure
there's a word of inspiration there for us all."
He opened the note, and read, "Please step to your left -- you're
standing on my oxygen tube!"
Mr. Norton was in the hospital recovering from an operation when the nurse on duty received a
call from a man who asked how Mr. Norton was doing.
"Oh, quite well. We expect he'll be released in the morning."
"Very good, thank you."
"May I ask who is calling so that I can tell Mr. Norton?" inquired the nurse.
"This IS Mr. Norton. The doctors don't tell me anything!"
Answering the phone, the priest was surprised to hear the caller introduce herself as an IRS auditor.
“But we do not pay taxes,” the priest said. “It isn’t you, Father, it’s one of your parishioners, Sean McCullough.
He indicates on his tax return that he gave a donation of
$15,000 to the church last year. Is this, in fact, the truth?”
The priest smiled broadly. “The check hasn’t arrived yet, but I’m sure I’ll have it when I remind dear Sean