NEXT MEETING:
Tuesday, May 24, 2022 • Noon At Little York Pizza • 4120 Little York Road, 45414 • See MENU (No meeting on May 31- see revised summer schedule below) |
Club schedule, news, and updates.
All photos property of Northridge Optimist Club. All rights reserved. |
2021-2022 Optimist Year, October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2022
Club Bulletin Board Resets for the New Optimist Year as of Oct. 1, 2021:
• As established by Optimist International, the Optimist year begins on October 1 of each year, and ends on September 30 of the following year. The Northridge Optimist Club welcomes viewers of the Bulletin Board for club news and events. The club bulletin board keeps a running account of postings for the year, with previous posts visible by scrolling down the page.
• The page thus contains postings for the new Optimist year that began on Oct. 1, 2021 and will continue on this page until Sept. 30, 2022.
• As established by Optimist International, the Optimist year begins on October 1 of each year, and ends on September 30 of the following year. The Northridge Optimist Club welcomes viewers of the Bulletin Board for club news and events. The club bulletin board keeps a running account of postings for the year, with previous posts visible by scrolling down the page.
• The page thus contains postings for the new Optimist year that began on Oct. 1, 2021 and will continue on this page until Sept. 30, 2022.
See Bulletin Board Archives for Past Years:
This page contains postings for the current Optimist year which goes from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. See the Bulletin Board Archives page for archives of previous bulletin board postings covering the 2020-2021 year. To review the club events and activities from the 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2019-2020 Optimist years, see the "ARCHIVES: PREVIOUS POSTINGS" in the right hand column of that page, and click on the appropriate year or month listing for the postings of those years. The archives also contain additional prior listings by month and year for prior years, as show in the list. The <<Previous link at the bottom of each page may also be used to navigate to prior postings on the Bulletin Board Archives page.
This page contains postings for the current Optimist year which goes from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. See the Bulletin Board Archives page for archives of previous bulletin board postings covering the 2020-2021 year. To review the club events and activities from the 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2019-2020 Optimist years, see the "ARCHIVES: PREVIOUS POSTINGS" in the right hand column of that page, and click on the appropriate year or month listing for the postings of those years. The archives also contain additional prior listings by month and year for prior years, as show in the list. The <<Previous link at the bottom of each page may also be used to navigate to prior postings on the Bulletin Board Archives page.
Upcoming Meetings:
Tuesday Meetings dates and locations may vary*.
(*see posted schedule below) Please check club website Bulletin Board weekly for updates. MEETING SCHEDULE
• NEXT MEETING: Tuesday Noon, May 24, 2022
at 4120 Little York Road, 45414 • See MENU (no meeting on May 31) Projected Meeting Dates: (Meetings will be at Little York Pizza unless posted otherwise - ) • May 24th • No Meetings in June or July, or the first week of August • Meeting on August 9 (first meeting back after summer break - resuming every other Tuesday) • Meeting on August 23 • Meeting on September 6 • Meeting on September 20 (see full announcement below) Update of May 18, 2022:
New Summer Club Meeting Schedule:
The Northridge Optimist Club will be on a revised schedule for the summer months. The club will not hold meetings at all in June or July, or for the first week in August.
After the May 24 meeting there will be no club meetings until August 9. Meetings will then be held every other week. Current schedule of club meetings for the rest of the 2021-2022 Optimist year: May 24 August 9 August 23 September 6 September 20 Any changes to the above schedule will be posted on this Bulletin Board page as they may occur. |
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Update of May 6, 2022:
Northridge Optimist Club in the News:
Publications featuring news about the Northridge Optimist Club
An article mentioning the Northridge Optimist Club appeared in the Northridge Local Schools monthly publication "Dividends" for the second time this year. The May 2022 issue highlighted donations received so far in 2022 for the Northridge Polar Bear Foundation Fund*, administered by The Dayton Foundation. The article extends thanks to the donors to the donors through the first quarter of the year, and provides information on the fund and how it benefits Northridge education.
Click the button below to see the Dividends article, which is on page 4 of the publication.
Click the button below to see the Dividends article, which is on page 4 of the publication.
The "Dividends" is mailed to homes and businesses in the Northridge area to give updates and stories on school district activities. Some of our Northridge Optimist Club activities are covered by the publication. Other selected issues can be downloaded by CLICKING HERE.
Additional issues are available on the Northridge Local Schools website download page at http://www.northridgeschools.org/Downloads.aspx by clicking on the desired issue of "Dividends".
* Learn more about the Northridge Polar Bear Foundation Fund by CLICKING HERE.
Additional issues are available on the Northridge Local Schools website download page at http://www.northridgeschools.org/Downloads.aspx by clicking on the desired issue of "Dividends".
* Learn more about the Northridge Polar Bear Foundation Fund by CLICKING HERE.
Update of April 26, 2022:
Visit from Zone 6 Lt. Gov. at the Meeting of April 26, 2022:
• Brenda Moore, Lt. Gov. of Zone 6 of the Ohio District of Optimist International attended the meeting to get updates on recent club activity. She last visited our club meeting on February 15 (see post below for that meeting). Thanks for staying in touch, Brenda.
• The Guest Speaker at the April 26 meeting was Dave Jackson, Superintendent of Northridge Schools.
This is Supt. Jackson’s 21st year in the Northridge School District. Starting as a teacher, and then elementary principal to high school principal, he has held the position of superintendent since 2010. He sees the school district as representing the identity of the Northridge community with the goal of being a bastion of opportunity. He spoke with pride about the role that the school played in helping to unite the community in the aftermath of the devastating 2019 tornado, and how the administration, staff, and students have adapted to the challenges of remote learning during the COVID period. He also spoke with optimism about new initiatives for student involvement, such as a student advisory group, student participation in meetings, and a Core Values* program. (*The core value attributes represent characteristics that guide daily interactions, goals, and mission. The Core Values of Northridge Schools focus on: Honest, Consistent, and Appropriate Communication; Education as Our Calling; Always Improving; District is Family; Student Success; Understand and Meet Legitimate Needs; and Personal Responsibility and Behavioral Integrity. Students who best demonstrate these qualities are nominated each month by teachers or administrators in their buildings and are honored at school board meetings). The opening of classes in the beautiful new school building which sits on a hill overlooking N. Dixie Drive was in September of 2019, delayed by the effects of the tornado. Then before the school year was finished the change to remote learning delayed full usage of the facility further. This is the first full school year for utilizing all the space. The PK-12 campus has separate wings for elementary, middle school, and high school. Instead of long hallways with rooms branching off, there grade-level “neighborhoods” in the respective wings, which he described as a different and effective way to utilize space. He will arrange for a club tour. Club members discussed with the superintendent some ideas about the club scholarships, the Polar Bear fund, and some other ways that the club can collaborate with the school for the benefit of the students. The club thanks Supt. Jackson for his visit. Keep up the good work! |
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Scholarship Updates:
The scholarship committee is in the final process of evaluating the scholarship applications that were provided by the school and will be making the selections this week. They will coordinate the Sharron Braun scholarships with Cargill and send the Northridge Scholarship selections to the school for submitting to The Dayton Foundation. For the Northridge Optimist Scholarships a total of $6900 will be awarded (three scholarships of $2300 each) as determined by the scholarship committee. There are also applicants for the Sharron Braun/Northridge Optimist Club scholarships, which is a separate entity, funded by Cargill. There will be two scholarships at $1200 each, per year, for two years. Scholarship certificates will be presented to the recipients at the Northridge Award ceremony at the school on May 25 at 6 pm. (For more information on the Northridge Optimist Club Scholarships and the Sharron Braun/Northridge Optimist Club scholarships see below for the “Update of April 15” post below).
Update of April 15, 2022:
Northridge Optimist Scholarship Fund:
The Northridge Optimist Club has awarded over 300 scholarships to Northridge students over the past thirty 30 plus years, totaling well over $200,000. The Optimist Club of Dayton-Northridge Scholarship Fund, a component fund of The Dayton Foundation has grown over the years to the point where it will sustain the annual scholarships on a continual basis. The Dayton Foundation administers the dispersal of the funds to the scholarship recipients, who are selected by the club's scholarship committee, in conjunction with school counselors. The students are selected based on a combination of academic ability and financial need.
In addition to the foundation scholarships, additional Northridge Optimist scholarships are awarded by Cargill Inc., via the Sharron Braun/Cargill Northridge Optimist Scholarships. This fund is named after the late Sharron Braun, a past Northridge Optimist President, and Cargill employee who started this Cargill fund with the Optimist Club. Last year these funds combined to award $9400 in scholarships. The club is now in the process of evaluating the applications that have been provided by the school to submit to The Dayton Foundation for the 2022 awards.
In addition to the foundation scholarships, additional Northridge Optimist scholarships are awarded by Cargill Inc., via the Sharron Braun/Cargill Northridge Optimist Scholarships. This fund is named after the late Sharron Braun, a past Northridge Optimist President, and Cargill employee who started this Cargill fund with the Optimist Club. Last year these funds combined to award $9400 in scholarships. The club is now in the process of evaluating the applications that have been provided by the school to submit to The Dayton Foundation for the 2022 awards.
Update of April 6, 2022:
Dave Jackson, Superintendent of Northridge Schools, will be attending the club meeting on April 26. We look forward to meeting with him and hearing about the latest news from the school district.
Update of March 1, 2022:
Northridge Optimist Club in the News:
Publications featuring news about the Northridge Optimist Club
An article mentioning the Northridge Optimist Club appeared in the Northridge Local Schools monthly publication "Dividends". The January 2022 issue highlighted the first round of grant awards from the Northridge Polar Bear Foundation Fund*, administered by The Dayton Foundation.
Click the button below to see the Dividends article (on page 4, under the "Curriculum Corner" heading).
An article mentioning the Northridge Optimist Club appeared in the Northridge Local Schools monthly publication "Dividends". The January 2022 issue highlighted the first round of grant awards from the Northridge Polar Bear Foundation Fund*, administered by The Dayton Foundation.
Click the button below to see the Dividends article (on page 4, under the "Curriculum Corner" heading).
The "Dividends" is mailed to homes and businesses in the Northridge area to give updates and stories on school district activities. Some of our Northridge Optimist Club activities are covered by the publication. Other selected issues can be downloaded by CLICKING HERE.
Additional issues are available on the Northridge Local Schools website download page at http://www.northridgeschools.org/Downloads.aspx by clicking on the desired issue of "Dividends".
Additional issues are available on the Northridge Local Schools website download page at http://www.northridgeschools.org/Downloads.aspx by clicking on the desired issue of "Dividends".
* Learn more about the Northridge Polar Bear Foundation Fund by CLICKING HERE.
Update of February 15, 2022:
Visit by Lt. Governor of Zone 6:
• Brenda Moore, the Lt. Governor of Zone 6 of the Ohio District Optimists visited our club at the meeting of February 15. The Ohio District recently moved our club from Zone 5 into Brenda's Zone 6, and she came to welcome us into the zone, and meet with our members to get acquainted with our club. Club members enjoyed the chance to meet with her, and have some good discussions. Brenda, a member of the Westmont Optimist Club, is also the Activity Chair for the Ohio District. Thanks to Brenda, and we hope she comes back to visit soon.
• The list of clubs in Zone 6 is as follows:
Greene Optimist (24-521)
Kettering Dor-Wood (24-115)
Kettering Noon (24-224)
Dayton East (24-125)
Westmont (24-013)
Dayton Riverdale (24-345)
Northridge Optimist (24-305)
Greene Optimist (24-521)
Kettering Dor-Wood (24-115)
Kettering Noon (24-224)
Dayton East (24-125)
Westmont (24-013)
Dayton Riverdale (24-345)
Northridge Optimist (24-305)
Update of February 4, 2022:
Northridge Polar Bear Foundation Fund Grants Selected:
• As outlined in the report of January 18 (see the post below) the club reviewed and made selections for the Winter grants from the Northridge Polar Bear Foundation Fund at the February 1 club meeting. Three grants were selected from six applications, as follows.
#1 - Physical Ed dept requesting items to aid in testing all 2nd & 3rd grade students for flexibility and dexterity to meet state requirements - $408
#3 - A request for funds for “The Green Thumb Club”, which is an after-school program for teaching gardening skills to students. Funds would be used for raised garden beds, soil, seed, and plants in green space on the school grounds - $400
#4 - Request for funds to help support a STEM project promoting knowledge of coding and programming - $600
• The awards to requests #1, #3, and #4 total $1408.
• Kim Puckett, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Northridge Local Schools, will document these approvals and forwarded them to The Dayton Foundation for processing.
• The Northridge Polar Bear Foundation Fund has awarded over $50,000 in support of various K-12 educational programs in Northridge Schools.
• Learn more about this fund and see how you can help with educational support for Northridge Students by CLICKING HERE.
#1 - Physical Ed dept requesting items to aid in testing all 2nd & 3rd grade students for flexibility and dexterity to meet state requirements - $408
#3 - A request for funds for “The Green Thumb Club”, which is an after-school program for teaching gardening skills to students. Funds would be used for raised garden beds, soil, seed, and plants in green space on the school grounds - $400
#4 - Request for funds to help support a STEM project promoting knowledge of coding and programming - $600
• The awards to requests #1, #3, and #4 total $1408.
• Kim Puckett, Director of Curriculum and Instruction for Northridge Local Schools, will document these approvals and forwarded them to The Dayton Foundation for processing.
• The Northridge Polar Bear Foundation Fund has awarded over $50,000 in support of various K-12 educational programs in Northridge Schools.
• Learn more about this fund and see how you can help with educational support for Northridge Students by CLICKING HERE.
Update of January 18, 2022:
Northridge Polar Bear Foundation Fund Grants Being Reviewed:
• The Northridge Polar Bear Foundation Fund is a fund administered by The Dayton Foundation for providing grants that support educational enhancements for Northridge students (K-12). The Northridge Optimist Club supports this fund with donations, and also in an advisory capacity in the grant selection process. At the January 18 club meeting members received six grant requests for the second of three grant cycles for the 2021-2022 school year. These grants will be reviewed, and selections will be made at the February 1 club meeting. After the selections are made, Kim Puckett, Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Instruction for Northridge Local Schools, will document these approvals and forwarded them to The Dayton Foundation for processing.
• The club is reaching out to friends of Northridge, Northridge alumni, area businesses, and community members to help support these efforts for the coming school year, and beyond. See the Polar Bear Donation page to learn more about the fund and how you can help.
• The club is reaching out to friends of Northridge, Northridge alumni, area businesses, and community members to help support these efforts for the coming school year, and beyond. See the Polar Bear Donation page to learn more about the fund and how you can help.
Update of January 6, 2022 Happy New Year!
Update of December 24,2021:
Christmas Sharing Update:
Christmas Sharing Update:
• The 2021 Denny Mantel Christmas Sharing Program is serving 15 families (with a total of 34 children) this year, thanks to recent donations. A total amount of $2750 was gifted. The format was the same as last year. With the help of the school, the procedure was set up to distribute gifts for the families that were selected by the school. The club purchased Kroger gift cards, plus additional gift cards were donated by Cargill, and some cash donations were received. Distribution of the gifts was handled by the school, and recipients were contacted by the school when the gifts were ready for pick up. As of the December 21 meeting, all but three of the gifts had already been distributed.
• Thanks to those who sent in donations to the Christmas Sharing Fund. Donations are an important source of funds to keep the program at its usual level. For more information on this program, and for donation information, see the Christmas Sharing page.
• Also many thanks to the school for all of the help in coordinating this project.
• Thanks to those who sent in donations to the Christmas Sharing Fund. Donations are an important source of funds to keep the program at its usual level. For more information on this program, and for donation information, see the Christmas Sharing page.
• Also many thanks to the school for all of the help in coordinating this project.
Update of November 28, 2021:
• On Tuesday, November 23 members of the Riverdale Optimist Club visited the Northridge Optimist Club meeting, along with some additional guests. Northridge President Rick Snider started the meeting with a message of gratitude as he welcomed the attendees.
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• The featured speaker was Steve Moore (pictured on the right), who gave an interesting presentation about Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. November marks the 158th anniversary of the speech which was given on November 19, 1863. The occasion was the dedication of the Gettysburg Civil War Cemetery where the victory turned back a Confederate invasion, marking a turning point in the Civil War. In addition to the speech itself, Steve provided some background and facts relating to the time period and its history. |
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• Besides the Northridge and Riverdale members, and the speaker, there were two Ohio District Lt. Governors in attendance: Tom Kennedy, Lt. Gov. of Zone 5 (Northridge's zone) and Brenda Moore, Lt. Gov. of Zone 6 (Riverdale's zone). It was a pleasure to have these zone leaders in support of the meeting. (Photo at right).
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• Many thanks to all who came to enjoy the Thanksgiving week luncheon!
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2021 Christmas Sharing Program:
The 2021 Denny Mantel Christmas Sharing Program will be serving 15 families this year, thanks to recent donations. The school has provided a list of names of recipients, and fifteen families will be served this year, with a total amount of $2750 being gifted. See the Christmas Sharing page for information on last year's event. |
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Update of November 11, 2021:
Northridge Polar Bear Foundation Fund Grants Announced:
• The Northridge Polar Bear Foundation Fund is a fund administered by The Dayton Foundation for providing grants that support educational enhancements for Northridge students (K-12). The Northridge Optimist Club supports this fund with donations, and also in an advisory capacity in the grant selection process. At the October 19 club meeting members evaluated seven grant requests for the first of three grant cycles for the 2021-2022 school year. Four grants were approved totaling $2500. Kim Puckett, Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Instruction for Northridge Local Schools, documented these approvals and forwarded them to The Dayton Foundation for processing. These grants cover educational support for student leadership opportunities, reading and comprehension activities, and career exploration. Kim will be on hand with Northridge Optimist Club President Rick Snider to formally present the awards at the December 13 school board meeting.
• The club is reaching out to friends of Northridge, Northridge alumni, area businesses, and community members to help support these efforts for the coming school year, and beyond. See the Polar Bear Donation page to learn more about the fund and how you can help.
• The club is reaching out to friends of Northridge, Northridge alumni, area businesses, and community members to help support these efforts for the coming school year, and beyond. See the Polar Bear Donation page to learn more about the fund and how you can help.
Riverdale Optimist Club to Visit Northridge Optimist Club at November 23 Meeting:
On Tuesday, November 23 members of the Riverdale Optimist Club will be visiting the Northridge Optimist Club meeting. Since Riverdale's regular meetings are on Thursday, they change their meeting day to Tuesday for Thanksgiving week. In past years, they have invited our club to their Thanksgiving week meeting, and this year they will be visiting our meeting. The featured speaker will be Steve Moore of Baker-Hazel & Snider Funeral Home and Crematory.
Update for October 20, 2021:
Northridge Optimist Club Visited by Zone 5 Lt. Governor:
• Tom Kennedy is the Lt. Gov. for Zone 5 of Ohio District Optimist.
• He visited the October 19 club meeting and reported on some updates and activities at District and International levels, and offered his assistance with our club projects. The District has rearranged club zone line ups as of the 2021-2022 Optimist year which began Oct. 1. Our club is now in Zone #5 (instead of #11 as previously.)
• Thanks to Tom for attending our meeting, and we look forward to the prospect of working with him in the coming year.
• He visited the October 19 club meeting and reported on some updates and activities at District and International levels, and offered his assistance with our club projects. The District has rearranged club zone line ups as of the 2021-2022 Optimist year which began Oct. 1. Our club is now in Zone #5 (instead of #11 as previously.)
• Thanks to Tom for attending our meeting, and we look forward to the prospect of working with him in the coming year.
Update for October 1, 2021:
The Polar Bear Initiative:
• The Northridge Polar Bear Foundation Fund is a fund administered by The Dayton Foundation for providing grants that support educational enhancements for Northridge students (K-12). The Northridge Optimist Club donated money to help start this fund, and has continued to support the fund. The "Polar Bear Fund Initiative" is an effort to keep the program going. The Northridge Optimist Club and The Dayton Foundation are seeking donors to help sustain the kind of support that enriches the educational experience for the students. We are reaching out to friends of the Northridge Optimist Club, Northridge alumni, area businesses, and community members to help support these efforts for the coming school year, and beyond. See the Polar Bear Donation page to learn how you can help.
COMMUNITY LINKS:
Some links of interest to the Northridge area are posted in the panel at the right (see the red buttons under "Community Links"). One of these is for the Northridge Alumni Bear Facts website published by the Northridge Alumni Association. One good way to show support of the community is to patronize the alumni businesses listed on their website:
www.northridgealumni.org/id11.html
The alumni website also offers an interesting history of the Northridge Community called "From Ebenezer to Northridge" by Richard D. Allen on this link:
http://www.northridgealumni.org/id68.html
Be sure to visit the Northridge Alumni Bear Facts website to keep up with Northridge alumni news and events in the community.
www.northridgealumni.org/id11.html
The alumni website also offers an interesting history of the Northridge Community called "From Ebenezer to Northridge" by Richard D. Allen on this link:
http://www.northridgealumni.org/id68.html
Be sure to visit the Northridge Alumni Bear Facts website to keep up with Northridge alumni news and events in the community.
Summary of 2021-2022 Meeting dates:
• NO MEETING ON OCTOBER 5th
• Meeting was held on October 12, Noon at Little York Pizza
• Meeting was held on October 19, Noon at Little York Pizza
• NO MEETING on October 26
• NO MEETING on November 2
• Meeting was held on November 9, Noon at Little York Pizza
• NO MEETING on November 16
• NEXT MEETING: Tuesday Noon, November 23, 2021 at 4120 Little York Road, 45414
• NO MEETING on November 30
• Meeting was held on December 7
• No Meeting on December 14
• Meeting was held on December 21
• No Meeting on December 28
• Meeting was held on January 4
• No Meeting on January 11
• Meeting was held on January 18
• No Meeting on January 25
• Meeting was held on February 1
• No Meeting on February 8
• Meeting was held on February 15
• No Meeting on Feb. 22
• Meeting was held on Mar. 1
• No Meeting on Mar. 8
• Meeting was held on Mar. 15
• No Meeting on Mar. 22
• Meeting was held on March 29
• No Meeting on April 5
• Meeting was held on April 12
• No Meeting on April 19
• Meeting was held on April 26th - Northridge School Superintendent Dave Jackson
• Meeting was held on October 12, Noon at Little York Pizza
• Meeting was held on October 19, Noon at Little York Pizza
• NO MEETING on October 26
• NO MEETING on November 2
• Meeting was held on November 9, Noon at Little York Pizza
• NO MEETING on November 16
• NEXT MEETING: Tuesday Noon, November 23, 2021 at 4120 Little York Road, 45414
• NO MEETING on November 30
• Meeting was held on December 7
• No Meeting on December 14
• Meeting was held on December 21
• No Meeting on December 28
• Meeting was held on January 4
• No Meeting on January 11
• Meeting was held on January 18
• No Meeting on January 25
• Meeting was held on February 1
• No Meeting on February 8
• Meeting was held on February 15
• No Meeting on Feb. 22
• Meeting was held on Mar. 1
• No Meeting on Mar. 8
• Meeting was held on Mar. 15
• No Meeting on Mar. 22
• Meeting was held on March 29
• No Meeting on April 5
• Meeting was held on April 12
• No Meeting on April 19
• Meeting was held on April 26th - Northridge School Superintendent Dave Jackson
Previous Years - Bulletin Board Archives:
This page contains postings for the current Optimist year which goes from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. See the Bulletin Board Archives page for archives of previous bulletin board postings for the 2020-2021 year. To review the club events and activities from the 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2019-2020 Optimist years, see the "ARCHIVES: PREVIOUS POSTINGS" in the right hand column of that page, and click on the appropriate listing for the postings of those years. The archives also contain additional prior listings by month and year for prior years, as show in the list. The <<Previous link at the bottom of each page may also be used to navigate to prior postings on the Bulletin Board Archives page.
This page contains postings for the current Optimist year which goes from October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2022. See the Bulletin Board Archives page for archives of previous bulletin board postings for the 2020-2021 year. To review the club events and activities from the 2017-2018, 2018-2019, and 2019-2020 Optimist years, see the "ARCHIVES: PREVIOUS POSTINGS" in the right hand column of that page, and click on the appropriate listing for the postings of those years. The archives also contain additional prior listings by month and year for prior years, as show in the list. The <<Previous link at the bottom of each page may also be used to navigate to prior postings on the Bulletin Board Archives page.
