Blues, Barbecue and Optimism

I could have chosen a picture of a musician or some fine looking barbecue, but I chose this picture to depict the Blues Festival organized by the Optimist Club in Lebanon, Ohio because it is what a festival is all about: community. Any time you can bring your community together to celebrate music, arts, or just living life to the fullest, it is a wonderful thing.

The Optimist Club of Lebanon is often asked, why host a blues festival? The organizers are quick to reply, "It brings so many aspects of Lebanon together. People who like barbecue and blues bring a great atmosphere.”

In addition to music and food, the event also offers a 5K Run, a Classic Car Show and evening events for children. But the centerpiece is the music and the good news is the music is free. It's no wonder they drew 15,000 attendees last year and are expecting at least that many again this year.

Don't miss it - August 1, 11 am to 11 pm, Broadway and Mulberry Streets, Lebanon, Ohio.

Check out the 2008 Photo Gallery from the Dayton Daily News.

New Optimist Club meets at Grumpy's

Life is about the small things that make you smile. When I discovered that the brand new Optimist Club of Marana, Arizona was meeting at a place called Grumpy's; well, I just had to smile. I also had to share that little tidbit with you.

Marana lies northwest of Tucson. The new club joins sixteen other Optimist Clubs in the Tucson area in fulfilling the mission of bringing out the best in children. Although the clubs are made up of many business owners, the organizers emphasized that this is not a business networking group. The mix is a good cross section of employers, employees and residents. Mayor Ed Honea and Councilwoman Patti Comerford are members of the new club.

Newly elected club president John Coppin shared his vision, "We want to make sure every child doesn't ever have to worry about feeling alone in this world."

Congratulations on organizing. We wish you much success as you provide friendships, smiles and service to your community.

The Marana Optimist Club meets at 7 a.m. the second Wednesday and at 8 a.m. the fourth Saturday of each month at Grumpy's Jr. Bar & Grill, 8235 N. Silverbell Road.

Optimist Club collects Tools for School

Already? That's what I thought when I saw that the Optimist Club of Fort Payne, Alabama was already preparing to send students back to school with the annual Tools for School supply drive. But it is that time of year and with school beginning in only one month, the Optimists are looking for school supplies or any other things that a student might need.

Each year, more than forty students are helped directly through the Childcare Resource Network. With a nod to the unemployment rate, club president Brian Baine explained that this year they also plan to have supplies available at the Fort Payne Career Center for parents who may have recently lost their job.

The drive officially kicks off on July 23 and runs through August 10. Supplies may be dropped off in DeKalb County at Wal-Mart, Foodland, the Career Center, Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce and Timesaver on DeSoto Parkway.

School supply drives are an easy and meaningful project for any Optimist Club to perform. If you are not sure where or how to donate, contact a school or school district in your local community and offer to adopt a class or spearhead a program. They will give you tips on what's needed, where it's needed, and how to be successful.

Imagine the energy of a college Optimist Club

The University of California, Santa Barbara proudly hosts an Optimist Club. It's made up of students, alumni, faculty and staff. What I find most interesting about this club and what I hope to share with you today is a glimpse into their energy.

First, take a look at the banner. It is simple and vibrant with bright yellow and red colors. The block letters declare that the focus is on being an Optimist and the fresh, young happy face lets you know the club is about kids. The @ UCSB reminds us that the members are probably young and have grown up in a technology driven world.

For the next look, you have to visit the members section of their website. Go ahead - click it - it's worth it! Have you ever seen a president more excited about leading her cause? While you are there, click on the other members photos and find out more about them. For this generation, transparency is the new black.

Finally, while you are still on their website, take a look at what they are about, what they have accomplished and who they partner with to carry out their mission.

Optimist Clubs began forming on college campuses a little over ten years ago. With this much energy to share, I am sure happy that they are a part of the extended Optimist family.

It's worth the look: Ankenny Optimist 5K Walk/Run

Yes, a picture is worth a thousand words. That means this twenty-picture photo gallery must be worth 20,000 words. Please click on the link to take you to the Des Moines Register Online where I promise you will enjoy the Ankenny Optimist Club 5k 1 Mile Walk/Run. This is the fourth year for the event. Young, old, male, female, able-bodied and those in wheelchairs enjoyed the day. Ankenny Optimist Club photo gallery.

Calling all youth-serving organizations in Tigard, Oregon

Fundraising! Every club does it, but some clubs help others with their fundraising efforts as well. The Optimist Club of Tigard, Oregon is one of those kind of clubs. Every year, they invite other community serving causes to join in the Annual Florence Yoder Friend of Youth Memorial Walkathon. The Optimist Club provides the venue and administration for the event. Everyone provides the enthusiasm, energy and sponsors to their unique causes.

According to event coordinator Carla Mito, the Tigard High School Snowboarders, Equestrians and the Cross Country Team have committed to participate. Mito hopes other youth organizations will take advantage of the opportunity. The event runs from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 1. Want to know how it's done? Contact Mito at carla.mito [at] gmail.com.

PDF version of original article from Oregonlive.com.

The Sanibel~Captiva Optimist Club’s 30th Annual 4th of July Road Rally

I've seen show and shines, poker runs and road rallies before, but something about the Sanibel-Captiva Optimist Club's activity just hit my fancy. It might be the location - Florida - with the beach colors in the background. But more likely, it was the happy road racers in the red convertible. You can tell they are having fun being part of their Optimist Club. Optimist Club members perform a lot of projects that make their communities a better place to live. Enjoying themselves is a pleasant and appreciated bonus. Please click on the link for a full description of the event.

The Sanibel~Captiva Optimist Club’s 30th Annual 4th of July Road Rally

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