How to share your optimism: a fish story

My home Optimist Club in Jerome, Idaho hosts a special needs fishing derby every year. It is scheduled on a school day so that transportation can be provided by the school district. With it being a weekday and several hours away from where I work, I usually don't get to attend; but I am so appreciative of my friends, loyal Optimist Club members, and the community for stepping up to this important and empowering activity.

The pictures always show the pure joy, wonder, and accomplishment of the fishermen and women and I get a little giddy in their happiness.

Today, on Father's Day, Steve Skodak, Executive Director of the Optimist International Foundation shared his own fishing story via a newsletter to Optimist Club members and Optimist International Foundation donors. Father's Day seems like a perfect time to share a fishing story; don't you agree?

My heart was warmed even more to see his fishing story was about a special needs fishing derby with his home club in St. Charles, Missouri. Unlike me, he was able to attend and he snapped this great picture of his fishing buddy for the day, Alex.

Steve explained in his note that the local Optimist Club provided baited poles, angling lessons, buddies to fish with, and lunch. There were awards for the biggest fish, smallest fish, and most fish caught, among other things. Steve wrote, "Everyone went home with a medallion around their neck, a full tummy and memories of the 'big one' that got away."

But it's his next line that makes every Optimist Club member do what they do time and again. Steve reported, "Each of us went away with something more amazing than a trophy or medallion. Remembering Alex’s face as he reeled in a fish will make me grin for some time."

Steve, thanks for sharing your optimism and your story. It made me grin too and I hazard to guess that it will make others grin as well. 

Photo courtesy of Steve Skodak. 

Summer fun in Tucson means a trip to the pool

The Foothills Optimist Club of Tucson has donated more than $15,000 to the youth swimming program with the Marana Parks and Recreation District. Their giving continued yesterday, June 13, 2013, when they gave away 100 summer swim passes to area youths.

The kids began lining up early for a chance to claim their ticket to summer fun. The award was made official with a presentation to Mayor Ed Honea.

But the Foothills Optimist Club's support of swimming and the children of the Tucson area doesn't stop there. On July 20, 2013, the club will return for a fund raiser at Breakers Water Park. For a donation, adults can participate in an evening of dancing, gambling, and yes, swimming, should they so choose.

Find out more and register here to attend Splashjack Tournament 2013.

I think this sounds like fun. Perhaps a trip to Tucson is needed!

Kids, pets and pirates on parade

The Optimist Club of Mason County, Washington recently participated in the annual Forest Festival celebration. The festival recognizes the logging heritage of the area, gives a nod to Paul Bunyan and encourages sustainable uses of our forests. It also serves as one of the biggest community events, giving residents a fun weekend to share with their families and friends.

The Mason County Optimist Club produced and coordinated the annual Kiddie and Pet Parade, a precursor to the larger than life Paul Bunyan parade that takes place later in the day.

The theme this year was fairy tales and there were Paul Bunyan look-alikes, medieval warriors and princesses, and my favorite, pirates! As you can see, this whole family got in the spirit, but I have to say, my favorite pirates are the ones in the bottom photo - all four of them!

Good job Mason County. Thank you for sharing your photos. See more on Facebook at the Mason County Forest Festival Parade.