
September 30 was the last day of the 2013-2014 Optimist Year. The Northridge Optimist Club was chartered on September 29, 1964, so 2014 has special significance as our 50th Anniversary. During this past year the club has continued to serve the youth of the Northridge area with activities and programs to help make a difference in their lives. The activities include the Christmas Sharing Program, the Optimist Essay Contest, and the Pass/Shoot/Dribble basketball skills contest for kids. The club also made various donations to other youth serving organizations such as Crayons for Classrooms, P.A.L., College Promise, and Agape for Youth. The cornerstone of our youth service objective is the Northridge Optimist Scholarship program. The Northridge High School Awards Ceremony last spring saw another increase in the level of Optimist scholarships awarded. The Scholarship Scramble golf outing fundraiser, which makes these scholarships possible, was successful again this year in providing funds to The Optimist Club of Dayton-Northridge Scholarship Fund administered by The Dayton Foundation. Among our club related accomplishments of the past year were getting established at a new meeting place, starting a new club website, and adding two new members in September. There were also many fine programs at our meetings with some very interesting speakers. So thanks to all of the club officers, committee persons, and club members for the participation and volunteer support that made all of this happen.
And special thanks to President Alan for his strong leadership and organization in keeping things on track.
Welcome to the 2014-2015 Optimist Year: October 1 ushered in the new Optimist Year, with plenty of reasons to be optimistic. But in order to keep the momentum going we will need to keep working and seek new ways to broaden our service to the youth of the community. President Alan will call on all members to pitch in and help provide the ideas and the impetus to increase our presence in the community. The club officers for 2014-2015 will be Alan Schmidlapp returning for another term as president, Rhonda Clemens returning as treasurer, and Jan Fader starting as the new club secretary. Good luck to all. (Members can access more information on the "Members' Page" or by clicking on the button at the right). | |
On October 2, some of our club members attended the Presidents Club Citizen Legion of Honor Luncheon at the Dayton Convention Center. They was the 64th edition of this award presented to Clay and Mary Mathile for their extensive philanthropic work in the Dayton area over a period of many years. In attendance from our club were Ann Morrissey, Jan Fader, Tod Brining, Diana Schaefer, Chris Young, Jim Orrill, and Mike Gorman.
Christmas Sharing Date Scheduled: The Denny Mantel Christmas Sharing Project has been scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2014. Club members, friends, family, and volunteers will meet to buy groceries and deliver them to needy families in the Northridge area. Please mark your calendar now and plan to help if you can. | |