What's New

   Our club, the New Academy JOOI Club & the McDonald’s Restaurant located near the corner of Roscoe and Topanga combined efforts on October 28^th for a very successful fundraising project.  We thank the McDonald’s Manager Angie for hosting the event and providing the bicycle for the raffle.  Our club and the JOOI Club each received $332.00 profits, not bad for about three hours effort!  The bottom line is that everyone had fun and the clubs will be able to do more community events as a result.

   The profits came from the combination of food sales, plus a raffle.  In the raffle, the bicycle was won by Andrew Arellano - pictured at right.  Also raffled off was a computer game and stuffed animal.

   Our members on hand to assist were Richard, Gary, Joey, Bill Sr., Ed, Jacquie, Ryan, Kathy and Bob.  Joey entertained the kids with his magic.

Club Installation is Set for Tuesday, November 17^th

   Make plans to attend our Club Installation, which will be held at Abe’s Deli on Tuesday, November 17^th.  Starting time is 6:30pm.  This year’s Installation will be dedicated to Jack Brewer.  Our 2009-2010 club officers will be installed, including President Richard and the club Board of Directors.  Our club Optimist of the Year will be named.  In addition, Lieutenant Smart of the LAPD will be given the Respect for Law award.  Other guests will be on hand.  If you plan to attend, notify Richard or Bill Sr. ASAP.  Cost will be $25:00 per person.  As you all know, the original date of our club Installation had to be postponed. 

New Club Jackets to be Ordered

   We are in the process of ordering new club jackets.  Grey was selected as the basic color.  The jackets will give us an identity – let everybody know we are part of an active group that gives to the community.  The cost will be $25.00 each.  If you would like to be included, notify Bill Sr., and let him know what size you need.  The order won’t be placed until at least 16 jackets are requested.     

New Meeting Location is a Possibility

   One thing we would like to do is increase attendance at our meetings.  We are contemplating a move from Abe’s Deli to a new place to hold our Board and General meetings.  If you have any suggestions, we would like to hear them!  Email your suggestions to Gary Hansen at garywhansen@yahoo.com or Bill Hadala at whadala@yahoo.com.

West Hills’ Optimist Club Calendar

November 10^th – Board Meeting.

November 11^th – Dads’ Day Dash Meeting – 6:30pm.

November 13^th – Haven Hills Spirits Rise Party – 6:30pm.

November 17^th – Club Installation dinner at Abe’s Deli – 6:30pm.

November 21^st – 2009 Children’s Day – A Salute to Kids – 9:00am to 4:00pm – Woodley Park, 6350 Woodley Ave.  If you would like to help with our participation in this event email Lydia Espinoza at Partywitme@aol.com.

November 24^th – No General Meeting due to Thanksgiving holiday.

November 26^th – Thanksgiving Day… Enjoy the holiday!

Jack Brewer

   Jack Brewer, long-time member of our club and lifetime member of Optimist International, passed away on October 6^th due to a heart condition.  He will be missed by everyone in the Optimist organization.  He is survived by his wife Carol June of 50 years.

   A donation will be made to the Optimist International Foundation “In Memoriam” in Jack’s name.

   Here’s what Ed Young had to say about Jack.  “When I became president of the Van Nuys Airport Club in 1988, I insisted that Jack be my secretary-treasurer.  He knew the job.  I did not want or need the distraction of doing that job.  He made all the reports on time.  I owe my Distinguished President’s Watch in part to his attention to detail.”

New Members Welcomed

   Since October 1^st, two new individuals have joined our club.  They are Andrew Wilson as a full-time member and Gracie Galvan-Perez as a Friend of Optimists.