It's all about our friends

The Middleton Area Optimist Club is celebrating the New Year with  a friends-themed BINGO this Saturday, January 4, 2014. 

We sure hope that you will join us!

One of the highlights of Optimist BINGO, in addition to the cash prizes of course, is that we like to encourage people to dress up in theme night apparel. This week the theme is BINGO FRIENDZY. From Tom and Jerry to Bert and Ernie, all the way to Sheldon and Leonard and beyond, who are your favorite friends? Show us your style on Saturday, January 4. Doors open at 5:00 p.m.; early bird games begin at 5:30 p.m. and regular games start at 6:00 p.m.  Must be 18 years old.

Bring  your friends because you never know who might get to say the magic word. 

BINGO FRIENDZY

Celebrate the new year with your friends at BINGO FRIENDZY on January 4, 2014. 

Until then, have a wonderful holiday season. 

Santa's Workshop will open on December 14

One of the greatest pleasures of being part of the Middleton Area Optimist Club is being able to create new traditions in our community. That's why we are happy to support our partner, the Greater Middleton Parks and Recreation District, in its new holiday tradition, now in it's second year: Santa's Workshop.

Come on down to the Middleton Fire Station on December 14, 2013, 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and build a toy. We're inviting little elves and big elves. All are welcome! Following the toy construction, we'll head on over to the parade and tree lighting. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Middleton.

Post by Middleton Area Optimist Club.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Bingo set for December 7

Oh my goodness! 'Tis the season - already! It's time to pull out your least favorite ugly Christmas sweater and get ready to BINGO. 

Your next opportunity to play with the Middleton Area Optimist Club will be here before you know it. Watch for more details soon and save the date: December 7, 2013. 

Oh Hap-pay Day!

You're invited to get your beard on and be hap-pay! It's Duck Dynasty theme night bingo this week at the Middleton Rural Fire District

Doors will open at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2013. Willie and Si may not be there in person, but they will be there in spirit. They'll help us give away hundreds of dollars in cash prizes! See you there.

Buy Schwans and we'll build a playground!

The Farmstead @ Foote Park is entering a new phase of fundraising today. When you make a purchase from Schwans from today until November 30, 2013, they will donate 20% to our playground campaign. What a great opportunity to stock-up your freezer and make a difference at the same time.

Campaign ID 2617 / Fundraising ID 4827
http://goo.gl/JNfa4n  

It's never been easier to donate!

Please click here to visit the Middleton Area Optimist Club Campaign.  

In the right hand column, choose "Support Now." You will then be able to purchase a gift card or to continue shopping.

You can also shop via the telephone by calling 1-855-870-7208. Please tell the representative that this order is for CAMPAIGN ID 2617 and FUNDRAISING ID 4827 (the Middleton Area Optimist Club).

There are a couple of really good things to know about this campaign. First, if you are already a Schwans customer, your regular route salesman gets credit for your purchases. You are not taking any commission away from him or her by supporting this cause.

Next, you don't have to be a Schwans customer. Just enter your address and they will set you up for a one-time delivery wherever you live!

We thank you in advance for your support.

Let's build a playground

What's the next big idea from the Middleton Area Optimist Club? A playground!

That's right - in conjunction with the Greater Middleton Parks and Recreation District, the Middleton Area Optimist Club has begun fundraising for new playground equipment. It will be installed in Foote Park as part of the overall vision for developing the park as one of Middleton's favorite recreation spots.

Keeping with the rural heritage of the community, the Farmstead at Foote Park will begin with this dream in mind.

The project has started with an initial contribution from the Optimist Club of $2,400, but that's just a drop in the bucket of the $150,000 we need to raise. To that end, the club will be looking for fundraising and grant opportunities and it also hopes to find a number of benevolent community supporters to help make the dream a reality. You can help jumpstart the project by voting today in the Idaho Power Powering Lives project on Facebook. With enough votes, we just might add another $1,500 to the pot.

Here's the link. Please vote for the Middleton Area community now.

"Paranorman" is the end of the season for Free Movies in the Park

It's October and time for the last Free Movie in the Park of the season. Please join us at dusk, Saturday, October 5 in Foote Park for "Paranorman."

It's a little scary, but mostly it will be a lot of fun! Bring the family, a lawn chair, blankets, sweatshirts, and enjoy. Concessions will be available. See you there!

Optimist Club dedicates to Halloween BINGO to a special cause

The Middleton Area Optimist Club has dedicated its October BINGO fundraiser to Anthony Moretti.

Anthony is 10 years old and has been diagnosed with multiple inoperable brain tumors. Currently he is undergoing aggressive chemotherapy. The proceeds from the BINGO fundraiser will go to the Moretti family to assist as needed at this terrible time.

Optimist International has adopted pediatric cancer research as an area of great interest and has given more than $7 million to Johns Hopkins Research Hospital for this cause. The motto of all Optimist Clubs is "Friend of Youth." Giving to Anthony and his family at his time of need is one way that we hope we demonstrate that the Middleton Area Optimist Club is indeed a Friend of Youth.

Please join us for the Halloween BINGO on October 26. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Early bird games begin at 5:30 p.m. and regular games begin at 6:00 p.m. Cash prizes are awarded for every game plus there is a special prize for the best theme night apparel. Bring your friends and have fun doing good. You must be at least 18 to attend.

Meet Mr. Bingo

We're pleased to introduce you to Rich Ferneau, known by his friends as Mr. Bingo. You see, Rich got to yell BINGO twice on Saturday, September 14. Yes, that's right, he double-dipped and went home $100 richer.

You just might too when you join us for Optimist BINGO. Save the dates: October 26 and November 9, they've been chosen to NOT interfere with Boise State football. Watch for more details soon.

Post by Middleton Area Optimist Club.

See more pictures at the Middleton Area Optimist Club Facebook page.

Thanks for all your support. 

Football BINGO

We're looking forward to our next BINGO fundraiser on September 14, 2013. As always, doors open at 5:00 p.m., early bird games are at 5:30 p.m. and regular games start at 6:00 p.m. The theme this week is "Football" so come in your favorite team apparel or be a crazed fan and see if you can win the prize.

Minimum buy-in for BINGO is $10 and the most popular package runs $20. Since it is gambling, no one under 18 is allowed, but we do encourage you to bring your friends and adult family members. The more cards we sell, the more money we give away!

Are you ready for some FOOTBALL BINGO?

See you soon.

It's a party and you're invited!

It's our third birthday and we want to say THANK YOU to our great community for your support. Please join us Saturday, September 7, 2013 at Foote Park for a pizza party. We'll have bounce houses for the kids beginning at 5:30 p.m., free pizza* at 6:30 p.m. and a free movie at dusk.

It's going to be fun! And it's just a simple way to say how much we appreciate the Middleton area. 

See you there!

*There will be 100 Garbanzo's Pizzas, while they last.

Next bingo night is September 14

Our next bingo night is September 14, 2013! Save the date now and we'll follow up soon with more details.

May I have your attention please!

We can't wait to see you on Saturday, August 24, 2013 for Back to School Bingo. The Middleton Rural Fire District is hosting this fun evening and the Optimist Club will be playing with our guests. How fun is that?

This is a "Parent's Night" event; no one under 18 is admitted. Cash prizes will be awarded for every good bingo and if you bring school supplies for the Optimist school supply drive, we'll give you a card for a special game. 

See you on Saturday!

As always, doors open at 5:00 p.m. Early bird games start at 5:30 p.m. Regular games start at 6:00 p.m. Minimum buy-in is $10. Because this is a fund raising activity, the minimum buy in of $10 is considered an entry fee.

"Escape from Planet Earth" this Friday, August 16

Free Movies in the Park return this Friday, August 16, 2013 to Foote Park featuring "Escape from Planet Earth."

In this animated adventure/comedy, Astronaut Scorch Supernova finds himself caught in a trap when he responds to an SOS from a notoriously dangerous alien planet.

The story takes place on planet Baab where admired astronaut Scorch Supernova (Brendan Fraser) is a national hero to the blue alien population. A master of daring rescues, Scorch pulls off astonishing feats with the quiet aid of his nerdy brother, Gary (Rob Corddry), head of mission control at BASA. 

Come pull off an astonishing feat of fun with your family this Friday at dusk. See you soon. 

Two times the fun!

During the month of August, bingo fans will have two opportunities to get together and win. Both bingo events are being hosted by our partners, the Middleton Area Rural Fire District. The bingo proceeds will benefit causes that the firemen support.

On Saturday, August 10, the theme is Disco Party BINGO "Make a Muscle" to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association. 

On Saturday, August 24, the theme is Back to School BINGO "Parents Night." Players are encouraged to bring back-to-school supplies for area children.

As always, doors will open at 5:00 p.m., early bird games begin at 5:30 p.m. and regular games start at 6:00 p.m. Buy-in is $10.00, extra packets are $5.00 and special games cards are $1.00 each. Cash prizes are awarded for every bingo.

These are adults only events to benefit the community. For more information on this and other community activities, please follow the Middleton Area Optimist Club and Middleton Rural Fire District on Facebook. 

Here Comes the Boom

It's movie time again! We'll be showing "Here Comes the Boom" this Friday, August 2, 2013. As always, the movie will begin at dusk in Foote Park. Concessions sales start about 7:30 p.m. and include hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, ice cream, candy and more.

This movie shows how a teacher uses his mind and brawn to help keep extra-curricular activities alive and well in his school. Does it make him the world's best teacher? Maybe so! Join us and find out.

This comedy is rated PG because of the mixed martial arts, but we think it's appropriate for all ages. See you at the park! Your popcorn is waiting.

Watch "The Blind Side" this Friday, July 19

Aloha Bingo was fun! We proved that we can cool down the Fire Department bays and our loyal players were there to agree. Many thanks to all and congratulations to our winners.

Next up on the Middleton Community Calendar is Free Movies in the Park. This week we're showing The Blind Side with Sandra Bullock. This heart-warming story of Big Mike's acceptance into an unlikely family and scholastic achievements that led to a college scholarship and NFL career for Michael Oher, is optimism at its best. 

Please join us on FRIDAY, July 19 at dusk in Foote Park. As always, we'll have concessions available. This week we'll also have Maui Wowee smoothies for sale. 

See you soon!

Say aloha to bingo

We're looking forward to our next bingo evening. Taking place this Saturday, July 13, 2013, this time we encourage you to don your favorite Hawaiian shirt and head on out to the Middleton Rural Fire District Station No. 1 for the fun.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Early bird games start at 5:30 and regular games start at 6:00 p.m.

Bring your friends. When we have more people, we give away more money! See you there.

Meet the Angels T-Ball Team

We're proud of our 2013 T-Ball team, the Angels. This tough little team was coached by Optimist Club members Steve Thompson (l) and Tyson Sparrow (r). Good job guys! 

We love our Free Movies in the Park advertisers!

Thank you so much to all of our Free Movies in the Park supporters. You are our Friends of Optimist! 

It's movie time!

Join us at Free Movies in the Park this Saturday, June 22, 2013 and you'll see "The Odd Life of Timothy Green." It's magical. Check out the trailer here.



See you Saturday in Foote Park, Middleton! Movie starts at dusk, but show up early and enjoy your friends, family and the concession stand.

A new 4th of July tradition

The Fourth of July is always special in Middleton. From the parade to the fireworks, there are activities all day long to help you celebrate the USA's birthday. One of the newer events of the day is brought to you by the Greater Middleton Parks & Recreation District.

It's the PUSH CART DERBY! Returning for the third consecutive year, it's one you don't want to miss. Build your own push cart and race down the hill at Old Middleton Road and N. Dewey Avenue. Ages: 8 to adult. Enlarge the photo to print. Get your rules and sign up to participate at the GMPRD office, 310 N. Hawthorne.

We were tickled pink at bingo!

Regular bingos were worth $100 at the last bingo of the season and our lucky HOT BALL pot winner (above) took home $630!

What a great way to end our bingo season. All proceeds raised at the PINK OUT bingo are to benefit individuals with cancer and thanks to the generosity of our players, a Middleton woman will receive help with her travel and associated costs for treatment.

Ladies and gents showed up in pink to help us celebrate the theme.

And one went home with a prize for being pink!

We gave a 50/50 prize.

And thanks to our special jeweler friend, we gave away a lovely necklace too!

We love our bingo players and our community. Thanks so much for having fun and helping us make Middleton an even better place to live. 

Bingo supports Free Movies in the Park and plans will soon be announced about our next project: a new playground for Foote Park! 

We hope to see you back at bingo soon. Watch this site and our Facebook page for announcements.  

Thank you!

HOT BALL to be given away at June 1, 2013 Optimist Bingo

Tying in with one of  Optimist International's objectives to raise awareness for the eradication of childhood cancers through the Childhood Cancer Campaign, our bingo for June is a benefit for those fighting cancer here in the Middleton Area.

We'll offer the same cash prizes and the same fun activities, but your mission is to dress in pink and have a great time. Yes, that apparel request goes for the guys too.

This bingo will feature an extra special bonus!! 

The HOT BALL POT, NOW OVER $500, 

will be given away on June 1, 2013. 

HOT BALL rules are: 

• Must contribute $1 to the pot as you purchase your cards.
• Must sign in on the HOT BALL sheet. 
• First number called at the first regular bingo game of the night becomes the HOT BALL.
• Bingo on that number and you win the HOT BALL. 
• If the HOT BALL is not won during regular play, the HOT BALL POT will be given away to the lucky winner or winners of the final coverall bingo on June 1, 2013. 

Join the Middleton Area Optimist Club and the Greater Middleton Parks and Recreation District at the Middleton Rural Fire District on June 1, 2013. Early bird games at 5:30 p.m., regular games start at 6:00 p.m. Minimum buy-in for all attendees is $10.00. 

"Brave" is the first Free Movie in the Park

Free Movies in the Park start tonight, May 25, 2013. All movies are shown in Foote Park at dusk.

Bring your lawn chair, blanket and the whole family and enjoy concessions and music before the show. We can't wait to see you there.

Many thanks to our 2013 Free Movies in the Park Sponsors:

Kardia Group - At the Heart of Your Real Estate Needs

Burgess Pump

Jim's Pawn Shop - Adventureland Movies

Colby J. Lampman - Homes of Idaho Real Estate

Pioneer Federal Credit Union

Larry Blackburn Insurance 

IDADIV Credit Union

Greater Middleton Parks and Recreation District

Middleton Rural Fire District

Let's go to the movies in Foote Park!

We're excited to announce the Free Movies in the Park will return to Foote Park beginning on May 25. As always, the movies start at dusk. Bring your blanket, your family and friends, and a little extra cash for popcorn! Concessions will be available.

Free Movies in the Park are a project of the Middleton Area Optimist Club and the Greater Middleton Parks and Recreation District. We are joined in service by the following movie sponsors:

Colby J. Lampman - Homes of Idaho Real Estate

Pioneer Federal Credit Union

Larry Blackburn Insurance 

IDADIV Credit Union

Please click on the photo to enlarge and print.

Your business can support Free Movies in the Park with on-screen advertising. Click here to learn more. 

Middleton Rural Fire District receives Friend of Youth Award

On May 4, 2013, the Middleton Area Optimist Club took a few minutes away from bingo to honor the Middleton Rural Fire District.

President Russ Nelson explained that the Middleton Rural Fire District was instrumental in the club's ability to host bingo nights and fundraise for family-friendly activities in the community. With their support, the club has been able to reach out and do even more. Because of their willingness to partner with the Middleton Area Optimist Club and the community at large they were awarded the "Friend of Youth" award.

Congratulations! And thank you.

Please click on the photos to enlarge.

Optimists to hold a FIESTA on May 4

It's time to FIESTA with the Middleton Area Optimist Club!

FIESTA BINGO features the same fun as we always enjoy at our bingo nights with a Mexican twist. There will be tacos at the concession stand and as always a prize for the best theme night apparel. Of course we know that you come for the cash prizes. Bring your friends so that the bingo winnings are bigger!

"Vamos a ver que muy pronto en Fiesta Bingo." - We'll see you real soon at Fiesta Bingo!

Like us! Really, really like us!

Like the Middleton Area Optimist Club on Facebook and you might win a free bingo package! 

If the Middleton Area Optimist Club reaches 150 "likes" on Facebook by bingo night on May 4, the club will give away one free bingo package. The package includes six cards for 10 regular games, one for each of the specials and an entry to the hot ball drawing. 

All persons who like the page will be eligible for the drawing. Please tell your friends about us and bring them to the next bingo fundraiser. The more people we have there, the more money we are able to give away! 

Thanks for supporting the Middleton Area community with the Optimist Club. 

Busy Optimist Club times

It's been a busy seven days for the Middleton Area Optimist Club and the Middleton community.

Spring fun began last Saturday with the annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by the Middleton Gazette and the

Middleton Parks and Recreation District. Of course, your Optimist Club friends were on hand to lend a helping hand. We "laid" eggs, played games, and helped hand out prizes. Our Junior Optimist Club (the JOs) got in on the action chaperoning the bounce-houses and drawing their BSU Football basket raffle at the close of the event.

On Monday, we headed out to the first Middleton Unplugged activity: Open House at the Fire Station! It was fun to meet with the community and share fire safety tips along with our bingo and great community partners, the firemen that make up the great Middleton Rural Fire District. Of course, the little firemen in training might be the best of all. It's always fun to be involved in a project that helps bring out the best in kids!

Tonight, we head out to the Fire Station once again for another bingo fundraiser. While this activity is aimed at adults (it's gambling; you have to be 18 years or older), the money raised benefits our community.

Through bingo, we are able to bring Free Movies in the Park to life in the summer months and we are also planning on even more ways to support the community! Come on out and get involved. Play bingo or join the Optimist Club. Your community will thank you.

Please click on the pictures to enlarge. 

Bingo on April 6: Sweet!

Let's go on an Easter Egg Hunt!

The Middleton Area Optimist Club will be at the park to help with the Easter Egg Hunt on March 30. We sure hope to see you there!

Sponsor an ad at Free Movies in the Park this summer

With spring on the way, it's time to start thinking about our big summer event! Free Movies return to Foote Park on May 25, 2013. It's a great opportunity to stay close to home for family fun.

Free Movies in the Park is also a great opportunity for businesses to support a community activity and reach their customers with advertising. If you want your business to be one of only fifteen businesses or organizations that are seen on screen advertising this summer, please complete the Advertising Agreement and return to the Middleton Area Optimist Club as soon as possible.

Remember, there is space for only 15 advertisers. Hurry!

Lucky leprechauns in the house!

On Saturday, March 2, 2013, Middleton area residents enjoyed another fun night of bingo with the Optimist Club and shared in over $1,000 in prize money.

Many dressed up in theme night apparel and a few leprechauns went forward for the contest.

We had two lucky winners in the 50/50 drawing. One received a cash award and one received a lovely shamrock necklace made from watermelon tourmaline gemstones and donated to the club for the occasion.

The next bingo will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2013. Mark your calendars and don't miss "Candyland Bingo." More details to come, but we always start our early bird games at 5:30 p.m. and regular games at 6:00 p.m. at the Middleton Rural Fire District.

The Middleton Rural Fire District, Middleton Parks & Recreation District and the Middleton Area Optimist Club partner to bring bingo and Free Movies in the Park, among other things, to our community. We invite you to get involved by joining the club.

See more photos and like us on Facebook. 

Did someone say bingo?

Yes, the Lucky Leprechaun said, "Bingo, this Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the Middleton Rural Fire District. See you there!"

Bingo supports our community

The Middleton Area Optimist Club gave away more than $1,000 in prize money at February "Date Night Bingo."

Shown here is our lucky 50-50 winner who went home with an extra $186.50 in his pocket.

February 2 was one of our best attended bingo events. With more people, we are able to give away more prize money; this time, regular bingos paid $72!

We sure hope that you join us for our next bingo night on March 2.

Bingo supports the Free Movies in the Park project. Working with the Greater Middleton Parks and Recreation District, through our bingo sales, we will be able to bring 6 free family-oriented movies to Foote Park this summer.

We appreciate the community support to help make this happen.

Make it a date!

It's that time again! Maybe you can be one of the lucky ones who get to yell, "BINGO!" this Saturday, February 2, 2013 at Middleton Area Optimist Club Bingo.

Since it is Date Night Bingo, Fireman Victor is cooking up a special treat for you. For only $5 you can get baked spaghetti, salad and garlic bread. Sounds like a date to me!

Details follow. See  you Saturday. 

Optimist Club gives away $700 prize money at bingo night

There was a full house at the Middleton Rural Fire District last evening for Brrr...BINGO. The theme night prompted guests to bundle up because, baby, it was cold outside!

Our theme night winner, chosen by the audience, was a well dressed Boise State fan. She's shown here busy marking her bingo cards. 

More than $700 in prizes was given away at the latest bingo fund raiser. 

The money raised through the bingo events are earmarked for community service projects, specifically Free Movies in the Park, held throughout the summer in conjunction with the Greater Middleton Parks and Recreation District.

Plan to join us for the next event on Saturday, February 2, 5:00 p.m. The theme night is "Date Night Bingo." Make a date and bring a significant other or friend with you because when there are more players, we can give away even more money!