Published Saturday, November 14, 2009

Tony Bell is Senoia 'Optimist of the Year'

The Optimist Club of Senoia recently announced its "Optimist of the Year" award for the 2008-2009 administrative year that ended Sept. 30.

Tony Bell, who joined the club in October 2008, was announced by club president Hal Sewell as the recipient of this prestigious award.

The Senoia club's Optimist of the Year award is given in memory of Vicki Gaines, a former member of the club who was active in many areas during the club's early years.

The Senoia group is a very active organization in the community. The Optimist Club's motto is "Friend of Youth," and it also reaches out in several ways to help the community.

During the past year, Bell has helped support most of the projects and fundraisers that were undertaken by the club. In November 2008, the Senoia Club sponsored its first ever blood drive for the Senoia area. Bell's leadership in this community outreach was instrumental in its success.

Club President Sewell also noted, "Tony was one of the best sales people we had at Powers Crossroads, especially when it came to selling our deep-fried Oreos."

To be named Optimist of the Year at the conclusion of someone's first year in the club is practically unheard of. During this same time, Bell has been undertaking a new position as financial advisor with Edward Jones. He has recently opened a new office at the former site of Hutchinson's Hardware on Main Street in Senoia. Bell has helped to set an example as to how we all strive to provide a needed service to the youth and to the community.

Upon receiving the award, Bell humbly told the club members and guests that he had not voted for himself when the votes were cast. Instead, he voted for Dave Arnold -- a vital member of the Senoia Optimist Club for many years. Arnold (who also sponsored Bell as a new member last year) passed away on August 14, 2009, after an illness of several months.

The Senoia Optimist Club meets on the first and third Thursdays at 6 p.m. at Maguire's Family and Friends restaurant. For more information about this civic organization, contact current club president Hal Sewell at 770-599-6097 or visit the Senoia club's Web site at www.senoiaoptimistclub.org .