Submitted by Sharon Speer
Although the St. Johns Parade in
Portland, Oregon, just celebrated its 50th year on Saturday, May 12,
for the first time, the Portland-Peninsula Optimists participated in the
parade!
In planning our entry, Secretary George Galati suggested that we should ride a school bus as our entry since
that is representative of kids. Mr.
Galati, former principal of Roosevelt High School, was able to secure the
donated use of a school bus and driver. The cheer team at the high school made signs
for the sides of the bus. Many Optimists
and kids rode the bus and waved to and kibitzed with the parade onlookers while
traveling the parade route.
Everyone had
a great time, and it was a fun opportunity to let more people in the community
become aware of our organization. To top
it off, we won first place in the Service Division!
Shown in the picture, left to right: Dave Trabucco (newly elected president),
Dave’s son, Don Lee, Bev Lee, Dave’s daughter, Bill Van Nostran (immediate past
president holding first place ribbon), Sharon Speer, George Galati
(Secretary/Historian), and Wayne Henry.
