Optimist Club of Shelby, NC contributes $40,000 for universally accessible playground

Here is a big project that required using a lot of savings, but according to the Optimist Club of Shelby, NC, it was worth it. In conjunction with the Shelby Parks and Recreation Department, the Club has supported the Optimist Park which includes a ball field, recreation space, playground and picnic area.

Over the years, the equipment became worn and deteriorated so this year the ten-member Optimist Club decided it was time for renovations - $40,000 worth of playground equipment that is safer and more accessible for children of all abilities.

According to Optimist Club President Roger Wuest, the community could make a lot of improvements if other groups would dedicate themselves to similar projects. The Optimist Club performs annual fund raising activities and saves a little each year for a really big project like this, but it also required the club to dip into their savings. That savings is made up of kind donations given in remembrance over the years for and by past Optimist Club members.

With a 56-year heritage, the Optimist Club is seeking new members. They welcome the community to join them at the community barbecue held on the first Thursday of every month during the summer, 6:00 pm, Optimist Park where they can learn more and sample the park for themselves.

Optimist Clubs are always on the lookout for new members

In order to provide uninterrupted service in our communities, Optimist Clubs must replenish themselves. So while there are no bright young people that directly benefit from this activity, every child indirectly benefits when an Optimist Club holds a membership drive.

The Optimist Club of Steamboat Springs, CO recently had a nice article published about their membership drive. According to Rob McCarthy, a twenty year veteran member, he joined because his kids, now 21 and 25, enjoyed the club's activities. Ron Wendler has eight years of membership to his credit. He says that it is all about the kids and in order to keep their activities going, they need adults to ensure it happens.

Not every Optimist Club advertises that they are welcoming new members. I think that is such a mistake; it's almost like they forget to say they are open for business. But don't be afraid to seek out the Optimist Club in your town. I promise, they will welcome you with open arms.

Find a club near you with this directory.

More than sixty students participate in Optimist Oratorical Contest in Pensacola

The Optimist International Oratorical Contest has been challenging students for seventy-eight years, but this is absolutely the largest, youngest, and most optimistic group of orators that I have ever seen. More than sixty youngsters in grades 3, 4, and 5 from the Pensacola Beach
Elementary School were delighted to share their versions of "What Optimism means to me..."

The finalists were:

Third Grade: Macy Mateer, Abby Jacobs and Zosia Uszok
Fourth Grade: Starfish Holk, Reddon McLaurine and Kylie Finkbone
Fifth Grade: Lia Lampone, Lexi McNamara and Trey Wright.

Winning the competion were:

First Place: Macy Mateer,
Second Place: Abby Jacobs, and
Third Place: Kylie Finkbone.

All participants participated in a celebration following the event. Congratulations to the Optimist Club of Pensacola Beach, FL for a very successful Optimist Oratorical Contest. See the article in the Gulf Breeze News.

Three hundred young artists participate in Optimist Art Expo

More than 700 pieces of art designed by more than three hundred students made up the immense body of work at the Allegheny Valley Optimist Club's "Cultural Arts Expo 2009" on April 27.

This is the fourth year that the club has coordinated the event. According to Optimist Club member Rege Fleck it is a great way to teach, recognize and inspire children. The exposure and experience of displaying their artwork in a professionally designed setting gives them an appreciation they don't receive from earning a grade. It helps them learn the business, share their passion and accept praise.

In addition to helping children from preschool age through high school showcase their creativity, the Allegheny Valley Optimist Club of Tarentum, PA also awarded a $500 scholarship to Springdale senior graphics artist Tyler Tomasino. Tyler was recognized for his service to others, helping them create posters and advertisements for their clubs and projects. He also helped design a poster for this show.

Read more about it online at Pittsburgh Live or see a pdf version of the original story here.

Fishing for Families with the Sunrise Optimist Club of Columbia, MO

The Sunrise Optimist Club of Columbia, MO has a close relationship with the Coyote Hills Children's Home. The latest activity was new program for this year: Fishing for Families. The kids and Optimists shared a day of fun with all of the catch going to the Central Missouri Food Bank.

The Coyote Hills Children's Home is a recipient of the food bank, but according to Optimist sponsors and mentors, the activity let them learn that all could contribute by reaching out a hand to help someone.

Food Bank Director Peggy Kirkpatrick said this was a unique project. No group has ever "caught" their donation to the food bank.

I think you'll agree that the Columbia Tribune gave the project the right headline: "Catching Compassion." Read as a pdf file here.