It's always fun to welcome new members into our Optimist Clubs. It's even more fun to welcome new members into their very own Optimist Club!
On September 13, 2015, Governor Dick Disney visited Gresham, Oregon for just that purpose: to welcome a new Optimist Club to the PNW District - Optimist International.
With the vision from Ben DeRemer, 18 new Optimist Club members came together to form the new Optimist Club of Gresham Scouters. Ben, Builder of Excellence for the new Optimist Club explained that there can be more collaboration between an Optimist Club and the scouting groups that it sponsors. He proposes that scouting alumni provide that bridge and with this new model, we'll see if the single-purpose Optimist Club serves more children in the Gresham area.
In addition to scouting endeavors with the Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Explorer Post and Venture Crew, the new club plans to host the Optimist International scholarship programs and provide service and helping hands for community service through the area Optimist Clubs.
The new club is sponsored by the Gresham Optimist Club and the Portland NE Optimist Club.
Linda Vaught served as the Field Representative for Optimist International. "It's exciting to see so many young adults ready to serve their community. We're going to see great things from the new Optimist Club of Gresham Scouters," she explained.
Ready to hit the ground running, an installation of officers will take place on September 24, 2015 in place of a traditional charter banquet. Congratulatory gifts or wishes may be sent to the Gresham Optimist Club for presentation at that time.
