Senoia Optimist Club earns awards during conference
From Special Reports
news@newnan.com
The Senoia Optimist Club – and several of its members – came away from the statewide Georgia District Optimist conference with prestigious awards and recognition.
The Senoia civic club was named as the top Optimist club in the state in its size category. This recognition was primarily related to the many service projects the Senoia club conducted throughout the 2011-2012 administrative year that ranged from Oct. 1, 2011, to Sept. 30, 2012.
There were 22 members in the Senoia organization on Oct. 1, 2011. By the time the year ended on Sept. 30, 2012, the club had grown to 40 members – an 81.8 percent growth rate, which was the highest percentage increase in the state.
2011-2012 club officers Tony Bell (president), Ivie Bowman (secretary), and Linda Martin (treasurer) were on hand at the conference held at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Columbus. Each one was presented with a special “Distinguished” award for their role in helping to lead the club to its “Distinguished Club” status.
A number of other club members were also there to help represent the entire club in its recognition. Bell explained to the large audience how “the Senoia Optimist Club is made up of a lot of great members who are really active and really enjoy serving the youth and the community.”
Senoia Optimist and Past President Hal Sewell was also presented with a Distinguished Citation for his work at the district level in the past year when he served as Georgia District Membership Chair. During that time, the statewide membership growth exceeded the growth observed in recent years.
Included in the many service projects conducted by the Senoia Optimists are: essay contest and oratorical contest for students, respect for law recognition, youth appreciation banquet, scholarships at East Coweta High School and Northgate High School, student recognition at East Coweta Middle School, assistance with Backpack Buddies program, assistance at the Sow Good Center in Senoia, quarterly American Red Cross Blood Drives, and the Youth Fingerprint project.
The club holds several benefit events during the year. Upcoming events include the organization’s barbecue from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 23 at the Masonic Lodge in downtown Senoia. Proceeds will be used to support research for childhood cancer through the Aflac Cancer Center.
On April 21, the Senoia Optimists will hold their annual “Taste of Senoia,” which will be held at the Veranda Historic Bed and Breakfast Inn located at 252 Seavy Street in downtown Senoia. More information will be available at a later date.
Optimist Club of Senoia is part of an international organization whose motto is “Friend of Youth.” Meeting the needs of young people in communities worldwide, Optimist Clubs have been “Bringing Out the Best in Kids” since 1919.
Optimist Clubs conduct positive service projects aimed at providing a helping hand to youth.
To learn more about Optimist International, visit the organization’s website at www.optimist.org . For more information regarding the Senoia Optimist Club, visit the club’s website at www.senoiaoptimistclub.org. Guests are welcomed at the club’s twice monthly meetings 6 p.m. the first Thursday at Matt’s Smalltown Pizza and the third Thursday at Maguire’s Irish Pub.
Details are also posted on the club’s Facebook page — “Senoia Optimist Club.” Those interested can contact club President Tony Bell at 770-599-3981 or 770-632-9052 or contact any other member of the Senoia club.
