Optimist Club hosts a big celebration for Community Days

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After thirty years of coordinating Community Days in Douglassville, PA, the Daniel Boone Optimist Club is proud to report that the event is still growing. This year they moved locations to accommodate more people to the family friendly event, added a pet parade and a 5k walk/run.

More than 30 organizations are hosting booths or activities this year.Popular returning activities are Bingo, the Baby Parade, pony rides and carnival rides and of course there will be food and entertainment.

According to Optimist Club president Sue Fleming it is a nice community event. "You get to meet your neighbors and see what is going on in the community," she explained.

She also reminds the community that the Optimist Club is always welcoming member volunteers to help organize the event and carry out other activities that help make Douglassville a great place to live. To find out more, visit www.danielbooneoptimist.com.

Respect me because...

High school seniors are anxiously looking forward to the end of May, the end of the school year and the beginning of their new lives. Many will go on to college. Some will find jobs. All will have a new reality in a few short weeks.

Optimist Clubs provide opportunities for children to develop skills to be good citizens no matter where they go in life. As an extension to that mission, the Daniel Boone Optimist Club of Douglassville, PA has offered a scholarship opportunity for seniors that encourages them to reflect on their personal development.

In order to apply for the $1,500 scholarships, the students must write 100 words or less that complete the sentence, “My classmates respect me because...”

Wouldn't it be grand if our students were encouraged to ask that question more frequently?

Halloween parade is sponsored by Pottstown Optimist Club

Here is another ritual that communities of every size have come to rely on their local service clubs to carry out: the Halloween Parade.  In Pottstown, Pennsylvania, it is the Optimist Club that ensures children have a safe and fun trick-or-treating experience. 

This year the Pottstown Optimist Club Halloween Parade took place on October 21.  The masquerade was illuminated by the spotlights from firetrucks; and a hearse playing Michael Jackson's Thriller led the way for revelers of all ages - both two and four legged - as they marched through town towards the costume judging contest.  Marching bands and floats completed the parade entries and candy was handed out to all.

The city's official trick-or-treating time is scheduled for October 31 between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m.

View a photo album of Halloween in Pottstown here.

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.