Well, another administrative year ended, and for me my term of being president is over. Taking the reins is my dearest friend Cathy McCutcheon. Cathy will bring to the office a lot of fresh ideas and a continuation of all that we have done in the past. She is a leader from the get go and is well liked and respected by all in the club and district.
Our 21st installation of Officers and Board of Directors was held recently at Le Chene Restaurant and a great time was had by all. The event was attended by our new Pacific Southwest District Governor John Profant, his first lady Michelle, Governor Elect Jim Morack, his future first lady Carol, and our new Lt. Governor for Zone 1, Lorra-Lea Barlett with her companion Ron Villichica. The 2007-2008 officers and board members were retired and the new ones for the year 2008-2009 sworn in. We also had the pleasure of having Steven Peterson (La Mesa Junior Optimist Club President) and Gail Gan (Valencia High School Octagon Club President) join us and were installed in their respective offices.
One of the key activities for the past administrative year was the chartering of our two new Octagons clubs in Canyon High School and Valencia High School. A special thanks to Ceidre Smith (Canyon High School Charter Octagon Club President) and Gail Gan (Valencia High School Charter Octagon Club President and Sarah Eagan for their help in getting the club established and off the ground. Both of these clubs along with La Mesa are off to a good start and will be involved in many community activities.
With the New Year our club is busy, busy. We will have done the Sheriff’s Haunted House, spent a weekend at Lombardi Ranch, helped sell adoption papers for the Rubber Ducky Regatta to help raise money for the Samuel Dixon Medical clinic. “Light the Night” and kid fingerprinting. Up and coming is our annual “Food and Toy Drive,” (watch for out baskets in the stores throughout the community), our annual essay and oratorical contests are in the works, Santa’s Magic which will find us once again giving toys and food to needy families right here in our own community, and much, much more.
Our 56th annual “Festival of Tree’s benefiting the Optimist Youth Home & Family Services will be held on December 1, 2008 at the Burbank Marriott Hotel. The event will be hosted by our very own Rick Chambers, and special guest Kate Linder (Young and Restless) will be there as well to host our fashion show. Until next month.
For details call Dee at 661-252-7313.