Optimist Club receives the Golden Milkbone Award

In a bit of a role-reversal, students from the Maryville, Missouri Middle School recently recognized the Maryville Optimist Club for their community service.

The Community Recognition Action Team bestowed the Golden Milkbone Award to the Optimist Club following the 2016 Optimist Oratorical Contest.

According to the Action Team, the Optimist Club lives their motto Friend of Youth by maintaining great relationships with all Maryville schools and involvinvolving the students in many contests, activities and events.

Optimist Clubs pride themselves on recognizing students during Youth Appreciation activities, among other things. Receiving an award from the very students they serve is indeed an honor. Congratulations to all.

To find out more about the Golden Milkbone Award, please visit the Maryville Middle School website.

Photo credit: Maryville Middle School

Leadership and involvement across generations

It is that time of year when Optimist Clubs install new officers for the administrative year that runs from October 1 to September 30 every year.

This photo from the Optimist Club of West Plains, Missouri caught my attention for several reasons. First, the traditional model of passing the bell and gavel doesn't happen all that much anymore. Many clubs have given up their bells because they are bulky and difficult to store and carry around.

I also like that the Optimist Creed is visible in the background. It reminds us of our purpose of sharing optimism in order to make the world a better place to live. It unifies Optimist Clubs around the world.

But most of all, it caught my attention because it was one lady passing the gavel to another lady. Women need to seek more leadership positions in all service clubs and for Optimist International, the first step is the club level. I was gratified to see that the gavel was being passed between generations, and I have to say, somewhat thankful when I read that the gavel was going back instead of forward.

As much as we talk about engaging younger generations in our service organizations, our clubs will thrive only when all are involved. The culture must encourage a true mix of ideas and service among a diverse membership whose primary purpose is to make their community a better place to live. That's optimism. Share optimism today.



Photo credit: Optimist Club of West Plains. In the photo: Caryn Lacey (L) and Judy Eastman (R). 

O2GO

Many Optimist Clubs have taken to holding meetings at different times of the day in order to meet the schedules of their busy members. Clubs that typically meet in the morning or at noon will host an evening gathering and attract not only members, but also their spouses and perhaps a guest or two. 

I recently had the pleasure of dropping in on the Optimist Club of St. Charles, MO at their evening event, or as they call it: O2GO. 

I have to say, I love the branding. Just like a take-out order at a restaurant, it's optimism to go, road-ready and member approved! 

Evening meetings can take a traditional format or follow the model of this one and be purely a social gathering for building friendships around the mission of optimism. When you are open and welcoming to new people and ideas, your Optimist Club will be successful.  Have a few members that you haven't seen recently? Try O2GO and see if they won't try to make it to see their friends. 

News Flash: Optimist Club meets in Marshall, MO

According to the US Census Bureau, in 2012 there were 13,003 people in Marshall, Missouri. I find it heartwarming that the Marshall Democrat-News thinks that even in a town of their size, the happenings within the Optimist Club are worthy of print. And because of that, they even choose to publish the club's minutes as recorded by the club scribe.

From their minutes of April 5, on that day the Optimist Club of Marshall came together with an invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, heard from a community group, the Fairy Prom Mothers; reported on a club program with the school district, planned to participate in two city-wide events in April, reported on the progress of the fish fry fundraiser to be held on April 18, and celebrated life events with their club members that included a 95th birthday, 65th wedding anniversary and an engagement.

Of course, after all that goodness packed into a short 1-hour meeting, it concluded with the Optimist Creed.

This meeting describes a traditional meeting style, one that I, growing up in the Midwest, came to know best. Traditional meetings give ample time to be informed, productive and social. Many find that there is comfort in structure and guests will often comment that they especially appreciate that the club says the pledge. They always enjoy the Optimist Creed.

And this compact, 206-word summary tells me, and all of Marshall, Missouri, that the Optimist Club is alive and well and doing great things in the community.

Are  your Optimist Club's minutes worthy of print? If your answer is yes, then don't be afraid to share them with the world!

Deaf students find joy in public speaking

Being affiliated with Optimist International gives Optimist Clubs the ability to participate in the Optimist International Scholarship programs where there are contests for public speaking and essay writing. There is also a competition unique to Optimist Clubs and that is the Communications Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH). Allowing students who speak in a different manner than most to have the opportunity to share their thoughts, the CCDHH provides a level playing field for participants and awards the winner of each district a $2,500 scholarship.

Students from the Missouri School for the
Deaf and Blind speak in the Communications Contest
for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. (L-R) Melissa Davis,
Delanzia Hayes, Jayman Washington, and Pat Brauner.

This year the topic is "How My Passions Impact the World."

Sadly, fewer Optimist Clubs participate in this program than in the traditional communications programs. Some cite that costs related to translation is a barrier for them while others say that the deaf and hard of hearing population is small and that they would rather focus their attention on causes that reach more children.

One thing is for sure, any club that takes on the challenge is rewarded with inspiration from youngsters who are differently challenged every day and yet these remarkable students overcome their impairment and live with joy and achievement.

That's what optimism is all about: helping others find their joy. The bonus is you may also find your own along the way.

Photo credit: Dean Asher, Fulton Sun.
Read about the Fulton Breakfast Optimist Club CCDHH program here.

Car show for Optimist International Childhood Cancer Campaign

The Midtown Optimist Club in Independence, Missouri supported the Optimist International Childhood Cancer Campaign today by hosting a car show. Better yet, the proceeds from the annual event will benefit one particular three-year-old resident of their community: Gabriel Huffman.  Watch to learn more.



The Childhood Cancer Campaign was started to help eradicate childhood cancers through research at Johns Hopkins University. Over the years, meeting the needs of individuals has become equally important to members in local Optimist Clubs. To that end, specific fundraisers are held in communities across the US that stay right at home to help families as they care for loved ones stricken with cancer.

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. 

Deaf students discover they have a voice

In Fulton, Missouri, 17 middle school students recently participated in a speech contest to explain "Why My Voice is Important." It was unique because these students represented the Missouri School for the Deaf. Their voice was their hands.

Jennifer Dignan, Chair of the Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH) and a teacher at the Missouri School for the Deaf explained that at first, she was taken aback by the topic, but upon reflection, she realized it was perfect. "We do have a voice, but its a different kind, so I had to make sure my students understood," she said.

Responding to concern raised by some clubs, Optimist International modified the topic for CCDHH students to be "Why My Opinions are Important;" however, the original topic remains acceptable.

Dignan explained further, "When I first told them they said, 'my voice? That doesn't apply to us,' but I explained it's how you express your thoughts, your feelings, and make yourself heard, and they really got that."

As hearing persons, we sometimes forget how slight wording can make all the difference in how something is perceived by the deaf community. I applaud Ms. Dignan for using this opportunity to help her students learn that a voice can be heard in many ways.


Photo courtesy of the Fulton Optimist Club. From left, Elizabeth Harrison, first place; Tyra Rogers, second place; Cheyenne Dickerson, third place; and Pat Brauner with the Optimist Club.

Columbia Downtown Optimist Club celebrates 75 years

The Downtown Optimist Club of Columbia, Missouri has invested more than $1 million in its community. And if that's not worthy of a celebration by itself, this certainly is. This year, the club is also celebrating its 75th Anniversary.

Over the years, the Downtown Optimist Club has sponsored many activities including the annual Soap Box Derby, bicycle safety event and essay contest. On a large scale, the club was instrumental in the creation of Rock Bridge Memorial State Park.

Like all Optimist Clubs, the Downtown Optimist Club of Columbia gives special attention to projects that help children. "We focus on children because we feel like if we can help them early, they won't have problems later," said Gary Anderson, board member. "They will have a sense of who they are and what they're doing if we support them."

Additionally, the club gives attention to its members and the community by encouraging them to live by the Optimist Creed. For 75 years, they have always endeavored to be strong, optimistic, cheerful, and to bring those feelings to everyone they meet.

How to sell goodwill

Henry Graham, Sr. says that the secret to selling charitable Christmas Trees is snow and since the Optimist Club of Clayton, Missouri has bee hosting this fundraising activity for 64 years, I'm inclined to believe that he knows what he's talking about.

However, tucked inside this story from KSDK.com is what I believe is the true secret: goodwill. The Clayton Optimist Club connects with their patrons by snapping a photo of them one year and then giving it to them the following year as a "remember when" gift. What a cool idea.

The Clayton Optimist Club charitable Christmas Tree lot is at the corner of Forsyth and Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, MO. Stop by soon to have your picture taken and know that your purchase will help children year-round. That's pretty cool too.

Click to play video. Clayton Opimist Club on KSDK.com. 

Getting dressed for school

"We do whatever it takes to ensure all students realize their potential." - Mission statement of the Rockwood School District 

High school and middle school principles in Fenton, Missouri have identified a need shared by many of their students and have enlisted the help of the local Optimist Club to fulfill that need: With tighter budgets and growing children, it's harder and harder for parents to keep their children dressed appropriately for school.

According to Vera Hogan, President, Fenton Area Optimist Club, members of the club will reach out to the community in order to launch the "Threads for Kids" program within the school district.

Not only will they provide new and gently used coats in the winter, the program will offer other items such as tennis shoes, socks, t-shirts and jeans for boys and girls in 5-8 grades. The club has also established a fund that school administrators can access privately as special needs or situations arise.

"Any and all donations will be greatly appreciated by our club membership and the young recipients of your generosity," Hogan told the Fenton Patch.

Meeting local needs and helping children are the main focuses of an Optimist Club. By reaching out and starting the conversation with school administrators, your Optimist Club might find how they can assist more children in a meaningful way and open up the lines of communication to involve even more children in the traditional programs of the organization.

Among other things, Optimist Clubs also conduct scholarship contests, youth appreciation events and encourage the respect for law and good citizenship, always with emphasis of hope and optimism. If you would like to open your life to optimism, find out more by visiting an Optimist Club near you.

Off to a great start

Installing officers in the Butler Optimist Club

I don't know if it is a record, but it certainly a lot of people ready to serve their community. In Butler, Missouri, 104 charter members have joined the brand new Butler Optimist Club.

On October 30, the new club received their charter from International Vice President Debbie Hill. The group also held their first fundraiser during the event, a silent auction. Find out more about the evening and the new club at Bates County Newswire.

A commercial venture in child care

The Optimist Club of Houston, Missouri has started a licensed day daycare facility for children 2 to 12 years old.

Just in its first month of operation, the facility is located in the Community Center and required a special use permit by the city council to get up and running.

The hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, September to June with a special summer session being planned.

While Optimist Clubs are often involved in meeting specific needs in their communities, this may be the first straightforward example of a commercial enterprise that I have seen established by a club.

By starting a daycare facility, they are staying true to the mission of all Optimist Clubs to bring out the best in children. By licensing their facility, they are keeping in-line with the state regulations for keeping kids safe. By charging a fee, they are ensuring that the child care facility can remain open and viable as they work to develop even more projects with their volunteer benefactors, the Optimist Club of Houston.

I applaud the entrepreneurship.

Dogs bring out the best in kids

There is something about kids and dogs; they just go together so well. The happy faces, wiggly walk and innocent precociousness to assert themselves into any conversation are unrivaled skills, but nothing is better than seeing one care for the other. And yes, it goes both ways. The child watches out for the dog and the dog will always watch out for the child. Just like Optimist Club members, dogs bring out the best in kids.

All of these reasons are why I think this project from the Optimist Club of Marshall, Missouri is the best of show.

 "The Marshall Mutts Are Us" is a dog show strictly for kids to show the family dog. The dog can be purebred, a rescue, or a mutt; the only requirements are that he is current on shots, kept on a leash, and shown by a youth who is 16-years old or younger. 

The Marshall Mutts will be judged in 12 categories including most beautiful female, most handsome male, friendliest, best tail wag, best kisser, owner look-alike and best trick. 

The show is free to all participants and their pets. It will take place on Saturday, September 10, 2011, 9:00 a.m. at Indian Foothills Park, Marshall Aquatic Center. Please click on the picture to print the flyer. 

Thanks to Dennis Desmond for the story.

The JOOI of acting

The Twin City Optimist Club of Festus, Missouri recently welcomed some young actors to their club. The troupe - the JOOI Club - entertained them with their rendition of "The Sky is Falling," the traditional story about Chicken Little and Henny Penny told, of course, with an optimist twist.

JOOI stands for Junior Optimist Octagon International, the student division of Optimist Clubs. Kids from 6 to 18 can get involved with a JOOI Club and perform community service projects, develop leadership skills and whatever else they think is important in their community. Every year, the Twin City JOOI Club produces a play and invites the community to attend.

JOOI Clubs are autonomous and run solely by the children with two or more adult advisors from the sponsoring Optimist Club.  To find out how you can establish a JOOI Club in your community, please visit Optimist International - JOOI or find your local Optimist Club. 

Thanks to the Twin City Optimist Club for the photo and story.

Students honored for perfect attendance

I love getting emails from Optimist Clubs that want to spread the word about the remarkable students in their communities. Today I received a note from the Optimist Club of Camdenton, Missouri about their Perfect Attendance Awards at Hawthorn Elementary School.

The school sets the criteria and to them, perfect attendance means the students have been in school every minute of the school year. Eight third grade students and six fourth grade students met that requirement this year and received their honors during the school assembly on June1. Congratulations to every one!

The third grade students are:

• Madison Diehl
• Ethan Harris
• Clare Holmes
• Aeryn Kennedy
• Spencer Melville
• Conner Morgan
• Tryvor Watson
• Damian Yates

The fourth grade students are:

• Natalie Basham
• Jenna Carey
• Reynaldo Cortes
• Adaberto Gonzalez
• CJ Rogers
• Allison Varner

Thanks to the Optimist Club of Camdenton for the story and photos.

How do you spell fun?

Is there a reason that fundraising begins with FUN? I think so, but maybe we should ask the Mid Day Optimist of Marshall, Missouri for their opinion. After all, they are the originators of the annual Adult Team Spelling Bee Contest - where all persons with good vocabularies and their friends go to enjoy an evening of entertainment in support of youth projects in their community.

I am always in search of new ideas to share on the Experience Optimism blog about activities that your group might do to raise awareness and money at home. When I came across the announcement in the Marshall Democrat-News for the 12th Annual Spelling Bee, I knew I had to find out more and share the project with you.

After two emails, I had the whole story from Michelle Pointer, Secretary, Mid Day Optimist Club, of how to put on a Spelling Bee fundraiser.

It is so well written, clear and concise, that I'm not going to attempt to rewrite it. Please read the project outline here: Adult Team Spelling Bee.

Of course there is more to the activity than a spelling bee. The evening includes a silent and live auction, food and adult beverages; but probably the most crucial element is recruiting teams to participate and their sponsors. The more teams in the event, the more money the group will make from their entry fees, not to mention from their bids on the auction items. And I think we all realize that we have more fun when we attend these types of events with our friends. Creating a reason to bring a group of friends together, to give them a team activity to participate in, sets a positive tone for the evening.

So yes, there is a reason that fundraising begins with FUN, even if the origin of the word doesn't support my theory.

Thanks so much to Michelle Pointer and the Mid Day Optimist Club of Marshall, Missouri for sharing their project with us.  

Braving the cold and ice for the kids

They survive cold weather, rain, sleet and snow and of course they celebrate the rare warm, sunny day in December. I'm not speaking of the US Postal Service, but rather the Optimist Club - any Optimist Club - that sells Christmas trees as their major fundraiser.

In a suburb of St. Louis, where the Brentwood Optimist Club has been selling Christmas trees since 1956, they say that this year's cold and ice is rare, but not unheard of. Regardless of the conditions, they plan to keep the lot open because their programs for children depend on their successful fundraising efforts.

Hear all about it from Rock Schmidt, an Optimist Club member since 1975 with an interview from KSDK.

Click on the link to watch the video: http://bcove.me/f5jponm3.

Video changed to a link on December 18. 

An Optimist Club as a catalyst

The City of Maryville, Missouri has a great idea to spruce up their community and keep the momentum going year-round.  Called the Pride of Maryville (POM), it asks individuals, schools, churches, and organizations to adopt a neighborhood.

Why am I not surprised that so far most neighborhoods have been adopted by the Optimist Club?  Members are bringing their friends and fellow members to work parties in their neighborhoods and having fun with the project. So much so that now it's catching on and students are picking up the same model.

Use your Optimist Club as a catalyst to do good in your community.  Giving of ourselves in service is a rewarding experience.

Celebrating 30 years of service

Charles R. Wiles: we know him as a past president of Optimist International. The Cape Girardeau Noon Optimist Club know him as the founder of their Optimist Club and last week, they all came together to celebrate the club's 30th Anniversary.

Over the years, the Cape Girardeau Noon Optimist Club has raised more than $500,000 for youth programs in their community and recently raised $140,000 specifically for the Melaina's Magical Playground project.

Optimist Clubs are friends of youth. In Cape Girardeau they show their support through soccer leagues, oratorical and essay programs, playground projects and other needs in the community. Thank you Mr. Wiles for helping start such a positive movement so many years ago.