An apple today

Sometimes the little gestures are the most meaningful. Take, for example, the note of appreciation given to Central High School, Athens, TN by the local Optimist Club. As a way of saying thanks, member Rob Preston placed an apple in each teacher's mailbox.

A little trite? Perhaps, but cute and healthy, too, and a way of saying we're thinking about you today and want you to thank you for all that you do.

Good job, Optimists! Take a look at its Facebook page to see some of the other thoughtful gestures of the Athens Optimist Club.

Optimist Club hosts Avenue of Flags program in Knoxville

The Optimist Club of Knoxville, Tennessee has an Avenue of Flags program. On every national holiday, Optimist Club members rise early and decorate the city with the American flag and return in the evening to take them down and store until the next occasion. Businesses and homeowners sponsor the project by paying for an annual subscription and by doing so, the community service project turns into a fundraiser for the club.

Like any Optimist Club project, some members identify with the flag project more than others. For Bill Stone, President, 2013-2014 that includes wearing a Knoxville Optimist Club shirt that demonstrates his pride. Not only is the club's logo prominently displayed, the sleeves of the shirts are made of stars and stripes. Now how fun is that?

Post by Optimist Club of Knoxville.

Donuts define this Optimist Club

"Krispy Kreme will do in a pinch," explains blogger Kerry Meacham, "but this is a donut so good that it is a tradition."

She's talking about the Shelbyville Optimist Club World Famous Horse Show Donuts. Once a year, as the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration is held in late August/early September, the Shelbyville Optimist Club rolls their donut makers out to the fairgrounds to create what sounds like a bite of pure heaven.


Part of the tradition of the horse show is the trade fair that takes place at the same time offering local merchants the opportunity to profit from the visitors at the event. According to the marketing director, out state vendors make their way there too, and filling up the booths is a combination of recruitment and luck, but the Optimist Club donuts are a favorite. They never miss.

Of course the Optimist Club donuts say more about the community than they have tasty treats. It also says that there are adults working together to make Shelbyville a great place to live. The fundraiser demonstrates that local initiatives are carried out by caring citizens to improve the quality of life for everyone in the community.


Maybe the Shelbyville Optimist Club motto should be "with hope and tasty donuts, we bring out the best in kids and our community."


Photos courtesy of the Shelbyville Optimist Club. See the Shelbyville Optimist Club World Famous Horse Show Donuts slide show at the Times-Gazette.

Knoxville Optimist Club appreciates youth

Recognizing exceptional students is a favorite project of many Optimist Clubs. In fact, there is a whole international program created for the that purpose: Youth Appreciation Week.

Although it can be and is done at different times throughout the year,  Youth Appreciation Week has traditionally taken place in November. The Optimist Club of Knoxville, Tennessee has been around a long time and they still celebrate the November tradition. Watch a video here of one of their recipients, Andrea Goldman. She's a remarkable young lady that champions recycling, among many other things. It's less than two minutes. Find out more.

Optimist Clubs show Respect for Law

One of the purposes of an Optimist Club is to inspire good citizenship and respect for law and in 1965 Optimist International established the Respect for Law program. According to a brochure from Optimist International, the intent wast to familiarize youth with the people in their community who work hard to make it a better place to live. "It is vital that youth recognize the contributions that law enforcement officers make to their community and that they realize these officials are there to assist them if needed."

Through the years, the program has become less about children and more about the officers. As a way of showing respect and appreciation for their service, many Optimist Clubs bestow Officer of the Year honors on deserving public servants. Some recent awards follow. 

Arkansas City Optimist Club

In Arkansas City, Kansas, Police Officer Troy Cochran was honored by the Optimist Club. 

"Officer Cochran exhibits an insatiable desire to work his cases to clearance,” said Arkansas City Police Chief Sean Wallace. “He prides himself on taking a case that appears unsolvable and working every angle until he finds a break. This trait alone enables Officer Cochran to stand out among his peers.”

Waukesha Optimist Club

In Waukesha, Wisconsin, the Optimist Club recognized Correctional Officer Erin Billeb for her work as a training officer in the Waukesha County Jail, especially for her role in assisting inmates who deal with mental illnesses and chemical dependencies. 

Sheriff Dan Trawicki explained, “Erin’s job is one that, as you can imagine, is extremely difficult. We are very lucky to have Erin in this position.”

Not every Optimist Club chooses to honor a single officer. In Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Optimist Club showed their appreciation to the Chattanooga Police Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (SWAT).  The team was nominated by the Chief of Police Bobby Dodd for their service as officers who never receive a routine call. 

Carolyn Tucker, president of the Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club, said “The Scenic Chattanooga Optimist Club is proud to be a long-time participant in the Optimist’s annual Respect for Law Program. As a community, we are deeply indebted to those who choose a career of service in law enforcement. These men and women serve as the frontline of protection for all of us, and we are proud to honor them.”

Her sentiments are why more than 1,500 Optimist Clubs participate in the annual Respect for Law activity by honoring their own.

Photos courtesy of the Arkansas City and Waukesha Optimist Clubs. 

Optimists encourage physical fitness

Childhood obesity is a major problem in the United States. As technology makes it easier for students to be more sedentary, it becomes more important for adults to help them find ways to stay active. Not everyone is an athlete, but everyone can benefit from a little athletic training.

That's part of the appeal for the Optimist Club of Knoxville "Boys and Girls Club Fitness Authority" program.

Members at the Boys and Girls Club are encouraged to take part in activities that help them learn about sports culture and history, nutrition and physical fitness.



Next, they participate in simple tests of endurance, flexibility, and strength. The Optimist Club is there to help measure their fitness level and encourage participation and elevate the children's self esteem.

Photos for push-ups, sit-ups, and the awards ceremony are shown here. See more pictures at the Optimist Club of Knoxville website.

We're not fooling: Optimists offer Lawnmower Safety Program

Optimist Clubs help keep children safe. They offer bicycle rodeos, internet safety awareness, personal safety demonstrations and now ... a program to teach Lawnmower Safety!

How awesome is that? Lawnmower safety, just in time for the spring season, as entrepreneurial youngsters begin to line up their summer lawn mowing clients. It's a free clinic, aimed at 5th through 8th graders, that teaches lawn mower maintenance as well as mower and trimmer safety.

As a bonus, all participants are entered in a drawing to win a new gas powered trimmer.

The Lawnmower Safety Program is coordinated by the Optimist Club of W. Knoxville, Tennessee and the University of Tennessee Extension Service and will be held on April 9. Parents or an adult must attend with the participant. If you live in or near Farragut, find out how to register here. 

Optimist Clubs show appreciation for children

Volunteering

Giving back

Tutoring

Mentoring

Random acts of kindness

Making others happy 

These are the reasons most often given for recognizing students during Optimist Club Youth Appreciation activities. Being a good student or athlete might be on some of the resumes, but that's not what is important when it comes to being a good citizen. Optimist Clubs look for students who embody the purposes of Optimist International:

• To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed
• To promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs
• To inspire respect for the law
• To promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people
• To aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one's self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world

Optimist Clubs like to honor students for being good people, especially those who are willing to contribute to society or provide aid and comfort to others even without recognition. And I think they do a great job too. Please take a look at these slideshows and share your thoughts with us. 

See a slideshow from the Knoxville, Tennessee Optimist Club Youth Appreciation ceremony. 

See a slideshow from the Jerome, Idaho Optimist Club Youth Appreciation ceremony. 

Election season brings optimism

It is Election Day in the United States of America. It would be easy to wax on about the importance of voting in a democracy. It would be simple to talk about how happy I will be to have this election season and all of it's mud-slinging behind us. But instead, I'm going to congratulate a winner of a different election.

Her name is Leigh Ann Cate. She was elected the charter president of the brand new Optimist Club of Carter, Tennessee, chartered on September 27, 2010.

Congratulations Leigh Ann. May your Optimist Club serve your community well.

Optimist Clubs should add members of all ages

I received a Google alert today about the Optimist Club of Knoxville. The alert mentioned my friends Buzz and Donna Buzzwell so I clicked quickly to see what they had accomplished. The link took me to a photo album with the history of their club. It was fun to see how this club has matured and added programs and members throughout its ninety years.

This picture especially caught my attention.  These six gentleman were honored in 1982 for achieving 25 years of perfect attendance.  What an accomplishment!

As I looked closely at the men standing proudly in front of their club banner, I thought they don't look all that different from many of our members today.

I find this significant because there is such a push by many clubs and Optimist International to find younger members. If you don't add youthful members they lament that we are destined to fade away.

I argue that we have always had this concern and somehow our club make-up continues to look the same. My advice: add young members. Add middle aged members. Add any members that share your desire to live an optimistic life and bring out the best in kids. We need members of all ages to serve our communities and purpose.

Thanks to the Optimist Club of Knoxville for allowing me to share their photo. 

Helping others with their cause

A great number of Optimist Clubs have been joining in the Relay for Life.  Organized by the American Cancer Society in communities around the world, Relay for Life helps raise awareness about the battle that many fight against cancer.  It also allows individuals to share fun and friendship while they do a little fundraising and get a little exercise.

Harry Bryan, webmaster and photographer for the Optimist Club of Knoxville, Tennessee recently uploaded pictures from their event on June 25, 2010. Take a look. I bet you will be inspired to join the cause the next time it visits your city.

Please visit the Optimist Club of Knoxville for more photos.  

Sharing optimism

One of the responsibilities we share as members of the the Optimist International organization is to help expand the reach of Optimist Clubs, our programs, purposes and ideals.  The greatest outreach program of all is when we start a new Optimist Club in a new community.

Today I was asked to help customize a flyer to help with a project in Knoxville, Tennessee.  This flyer explains the benefits of an Optimist Club and asks the reader to attend a meeting to find out more.

Isn't it great that technology allows us to reach across the country and around the world to share our positive message and help others who share our goals?

Please let me know if I can help you with your new club project. I'm only an email away.  

Fifty children receive new bikes

The Optimist Club of Kingsport, TN and the Greater Kingsport Boys and Girls Club recently combined efforts to put on the Annual Bike Rodeo.  Children who had never ridden a bicycle before had the opportunity to learn to ride and to learn safety tips.  With a donation from Wal Mart, they were able to give away 50 bikes and helmets iin a random drawing.

Find time to say thank you

Each year, the Optimist Club of Knoxville, Tennessee honors students with "Service to Humanity Awards."   This year seven seniors from area high schools were singled out for their exemplary character and volunteerism.  Read the full article in the Farragut Press here.

The students performed various service activities for a number of different organizations often logging in 400 or 500 hours per year.  This sets a wonderful example for their peers and creates a lifelong model for involvement. 

Your Optimist Club can make a difference just by recognizing such outstanding youths for their service. A big thank you always goes a long way. 

Optimist Club hosts Slice of Life fundraiser

I see a lot of different fund raising activities for a lot of different purposes.  I really like this one for its simplicity and branding.  The Slice of Life, hosted by the Optimist Club of West Knoxville, benefits the East Tennessee Children's Hospital and Childhood Cancer Research through a pizza tasting party.  Each ticket purchased allows the ticketholder to sample and enjoy pizza.  Who doesn't enjoy pizza?

According to the organizers, at least six pizza vendors are signed on to participate.  The pizza tasters will also get the opportunity to vote for their favorite.

Tickets are reasonably priced at $10 for children 13 and over and adults; $5 for children 4 to 12; or a family pack (four or more) for $20.  Children 3 and under will be given free cheese pizza slices. 

The event will take place on Thursday, September 17, 6:00 to 8:00 pm, in the Farragut High School Commons.

Optimist International international encourages Optimist Clubs to conduct projects that benefit Childhood Cancer research.  The international organization has donated almost $1 million to John Hopkins University.  All proceeds from the Optimist Club of  West Knoxville's Slice of Life pizza party will benefit the East Tennessee Children's Hospital and Childhood Cancer Research Institute.

Optimists Plug into your Community with recycling event

The City of Farragut, Tennessee has granted $2,500 to the Optimist Club of West Knoxville for a recycling program.  What a great example of how an Optimist Club partners with their local communities to provide services that their citizens truly need.  In this instance, the recycling program is targeted at recycling old, used electronics equipment. 

Last year, the event garnered 213 tons of discarded equipment from 6,000 households.  Getting the word out early and with the city support will probably bring in even more electronics gear this year.  The event "Plug into your Community" will take place on January 9, 2010 at Farragut High School.

There is no cost to the public for disposing of items.  Donations will be accepted to help subsidize the labor costs associated with disassembling and destroying the equipment.  In case you are worried about a breach of security on your old computer, don't, says Optimist spokesperson Brian Osgood.  All hard drives are shredded. 

What a great way to be environmentally friendly and techno-savvy.  Thank you for your service!

Optimist Club of Knoxville leads a nature walk

I love pictures! As they say, a picture says a thousand words. Please enjoy this quick slideshow from the Optimist Club of Knoxville, Tennessee, a brief look at the Ijams Nature Walk. Each year, the Knoxville Optimists sponsor the tour to let students experience wildlife in their natural habitat. There is both a classroom setting and outdoors experience, and both are hands-on with Optimist Club members and the Nature Center interpretive staff helping and teaching the children.


Thanks to the Optimist Club of Knoxville for sharing the story and the pictures.