Welcome to the new Optimist Club of Gresham Scouters

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.

Gresham Optimist Club hosts Tri-Star Basketball

It's only been a project of the club for a couple of years, but just one look at the photos and you can tell it is one of the favorites. What is it?

Tri-Star Basketball!

The  Optimist Club of Gresham was recently at Portland's Alameda School for three days as it hosted 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in the Tri-Star Basketball program.

Optimist Club members scored the students on shooting, dribbling and passing and then gave trophies to winning students and classes.

See more pictures and like the club's Facebook page here.

Gresham Optimist Club holds Tri-Star Basketball activity

Earlier this week, the Gresham Optimist Club shared three days of Tri-Star Basketball with the Alameda Elementary School. There were 462 grade school students, grades 1 through 5; and 9 hearty, helpful, and now tired Optimist Club members. 

According to Judith Hillend (middle), the experience was wonderful. They worked with the kids on dribbling, passing and shooting and are looking forward to returning with enthusiasm next year.

Cruise in to Gresham

Gresham Optimist Club's Cruise in has been rescheduled for September 23, 2012, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., Gresham High School. 

Do you have plans for Saturday, June 23? Now you do! 

Plan to join the Gresham Optimist Club at the Benefit Cruise in for Oregon Beat the Heat. It's one of the club's main fundraising events plus the project keeps "hot-rod" youths from being involved in street racing. 

The open event gives car owners an opportunity to show off their ride and earn trophies in 23 categories. It also gives car enthusiasts an opportunity to talk to owners who have refurbished their classic cars. It's a fun, family-friendly event. Won't you stop by and visit the Optimists on Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Gresham High School, Gresham, Oregon. 

Cruise-In to Gresham, Oregon

The Gresham Optimist Club is pleased to announce the schedule for the 2011 Cruise-In at Gresham High School, Saturday, June 25, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

There will be food, raffles, music, and a 50-50 drawing; plus trophies will be awarded in 23 categories. There are new opportunities for club participation. Vendor booths are available.

There's so much happening at this annual event that you must click on the photo to enlarge and print. Bring the whole family and enjoy.

How's your state of mind?

A note in the Gresham Optimist Club Bulletin, The Optigraph says:

An optimist is a person who starts taking a bath when he accidentally falls into the river.
A pessimist is a person who says that 'O' is the last letter in 'zero' instead of the first letter in 'opportunity.' 

Our bulletin editors offer great advice to keep you in a positive state of mind. Read more by clicking on the link PNW District Optimist Club bulletins.

Shop with a Cop is fun for all

Shop with a Cop participants

The Gresham Optimist Club held their first Shop with a Cop for 2010 on Saturday, December 11.  Coordinated by Optimist Club members Sharon Strickland and Joe Anderson, fifteen youngsters were treated to a day of shopping at Target. Each child was paired with an Optimist Club member or police officer to help them pick out gifts for themselves or their families.



After the shopping trip, everyone enjoyed lunch at Burgerville thanks to Burgerville manager Kevin Schmid.

Burgers and fries please. 

The next Gresham Optimist Club Shop with a Cop will take place on Saturday, December 18, 9:30 a.m. at Fred Meyer in Gresham.

Thanks to Jean Jensen, Editor, Gresham Optigraph for the story and pictures.

Gresham Optimists name Optimists of the Year

Don Weston, President, Gresham Optimist Club of Oregon named Teresa and Fred Wallace as co-recipients of the Optimist of the Year Award. He recognized the fundraising and project ideas, along with their optimistic attitude as the reason for choosing them for this honor. Teresa and Fred are new to the Gresham Optimist Club after many years volunteering with the Optimist Club of Lloyd Center. Congratulations!

Don Weston, Teresa Wallace and Fred Wallace

Has your club named an Optimist of the Year? Please send us their picture so we can add it to the blog.  

Troutdale Citizen of the Year

Jim Jensen, Troutdale Citizen of the Year

Jim Jensen was recently honored at the Troutdale, Oregon Summerfest as the Citizen of the Year for their community.  Of course we know Jim as a Past Governor who, along with his better half Jean, devotes a lot of time and energy to the Gresham Optimist Club and the PNW District. 

I thought it would be interesting to hear more about Jim and this special honor from an outside source and Jim obliged by sending me an article that appeared in a trade association magazine recognizing his accomplishments. 

Please enjoy the following from the Business Credit Journal: 

As important as volunteer work is to a community’s well-being, it’s possible to devote so much to the public good that one’s own family takes a back seat.  Jim Jensen, Troutdale "Citizen of the Year," says in his long history of community-minded endeavors, he’s tried to avoid that syndrome.  “My wife and son might disagree, but I did my best to try and balance between work, family, and community service,” he says.

Jensen, a Troutdale resident since 1979, was recognized as "Citizen of the Year" at the 38th annual Troutdale SummerFest. In 2002, Jim retired from Weyerhaeuser Corporation as credit manager in the Hardwood Lumber Division. Both before, but especially after leaving full-time work behind, Jensen delved into a range of volunteer organizations and projects such as: Troutdale Budget Committee, Optimist Club of Gresham, East County Economic Development Committee, Portland Jaycees, Gresham Community Emergency Response Team, and U.S. Forest Service volunteer car patrol.

An Army veteran, Jensen is particularly fond of serving with the Patriot Guard Riders, a group of individuals that escorts remains of soldiers killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan. Jim also treasures the time he volunteers at the Multnomah Falls information desk.

With the help of his Honda Silver Wing scooter, Jensen does what he can to keep his inner youngster alive and kicking.

Jim also was part of the Distressed Businesses Services team at NACM Oregon. He continues his Professional Membership through NACM Oregon and the CFDD Portland Chapter. He is actively involved with both organizations as an instructor and committee volunteer.

Jean and Jim Jensen

When not working or volunteering, Jim and his wife, Jean, spend time with their son, Jamie, 36, daughter-in-law Maura, and grandchildren Logan, 6, and Amaya, 4. Recently, the couple, celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary with a trip to the Oregon coast.

What a great tribute and honor, Jim. Congratulations. 

Gresham Optimists announce new JOOI Club

The paperwork has been submitted to Optimist International and the officers have been elected for a brand new JOOI Club in the Pacific Northwest District - Optimist International.  Sponsored by the Gresham Optimist Club, the JOOI Club is made up of students who participate in the PAL program.

Shown here are the new JOOI members, some of the Gresham Optimist Club sponsors and Boyd Yaden (3rd from left) District JOOI Chair.

Shown here are Gresham President Don Weston and newly elected JOOI officers.

Welcome to the JOOI Club and congratulations!

Gresham Optimist Club to sponsor new JOOI Club

By Don Weston, President, Gresham Optimist Club   

Elections for a new JOOI club sponsored by The Optimist Club of Gresham will be held Wednesday, July 14th.

The JOOI club is made up of kids who attend the Police Activities League Club and will consist of middle school kids--a Junior Optimist Club.

Bill Wardy of the Sandy Optimist Club has made a podium complete with a full color JOOI Torch emblem which will be presented to the club after elections.

"We were surprised at how easy this was to get going," said Don Weston, Gresham Optimist President. "We already provide snacks on a regular basis for students there during the school year and now we hope to work closer with them on some of their projects and some of ours. An invite has already been extended to them for our Hamburgers, Hotdogs and Horses Barbeque on July 18th."

The Optimist Club of Gresham has also targeted the PAL club for their first Internet Safety presentation later in the year.

Experience Optimism: Gresham Optimist Club and Oregon Beat the Heat to hold cruise-in

Today is the day for one of the Gresham Optimist Club favorite events and fund raisers. Please click on the link to find out more.

Experience Optimism: Gresham Optimist Club and Oregon Beat the Heat to hold cruise-in

Following the event, Steve Andersen, Past Governor, and Gresham Optimist Club member (r) wrote on his Facebook page that he had uploaded a lot of pictures on the Oregon Beat the Heat Racing page.  Please enjoy them here.

Nice pictures Steve!  Thanks!  

Gresham Optimist Club honors police officers

Earlier this month, the Gresham Optimist Club recognized outstanding police officers at the Annual Respect for Law Banquet.  Fifty-five people were on hand to honor the Respect for Law Officers from Fairview, Gresham, Portland and Troutdale. John Pemberton from Fairview, David Schmidt from Gresham, Treavis Law from Portland and Matt Jordan from Troutdale were honored this year. 

The program was held at the Spaghetti Factory in Clackamas and organized by Fred and Teresa Wallace and Jim Slauson.  Thanks to Jean Jensen, Gresham Optigraph Editor for the picture and story.

Jim Slauson recognized by Gresham Chamber of Commerce

The Gresham, Oregon Chamber of Commerce recently honored Gresham Optimist Club member Jim Slauson with a Volunteer of the Year Award.  Following is an excerpt of his nomination:

Jim Slauson, a retired Gresham police captain, joined the Gresham Optimist Club in 1975 and used his knowledge of Gresham and his relationships to benefit the community. His “physical fitness” program collects tree trimmings from the city and cuts, splits, stacks and dries the wood, which is then donated to residents who need heat.

Slauson was instrumental in coordination and execution of the annual Shop With a Cop, Fireman and Optimist event. He is also a founding member and past president of Beat the Heat, which was created to crack down on illegal street racing.

These successes led Slauson to later act as the Pacific Northwest district governor and the district secretary, not once but twice.

Congratulations Jim, and thank you for your commitment to your community through the Optimist Club.

The Options Program says thank-you

The Optimist Club of Gresham, Oregon sponsors a student of the month program that is slightly different from most. Called The Options Program, it has been running in the Gresham High School for 21 years. The Optimist Club helps teachers and counselors work with at-risk-youths to keep them in school, help them avoid being tardy, and raise their grades. The Optimist Club helps especially with motivation and attitude by providing positive reinforcement.

With the current economic situation the Options Program found itself looking for additional support and the Gresham Optimist Club was there to help.  To show their appreciation, students in the program showed up outside Heidi's Restaurant at 7:00 am last Thursday to give a flash mob thank you to the Optimist Club. 

Find out more about The Options Program at the Gresham Optimist Club website.

Thanks to Gresham Bulletin editor Jean Jensen for the story and picture.

Gresham Optimist Club hosts two Shop with a Cop days

Sgt. Rick Wilson of the Gresham Police Department shared some information about one of the Gresham Optimist Club's favorite events on the Gresham community information net today.  He wrote:

On Saturday December 12, 2009 at 10:00 am Gresham Police, Fire and the Gresham Optimist Club brought some Holiday cheer to ten under privileged area children. Ten members of the Gresham Police Department, ten members of the Gresham Fire Department and ten members of the Gresham Optimist Club volunteered their Saturday to shop with these kids. Each child received $100 dollars and was escorted through the Gresham Fred Meyer by one GPD member, one GFD member and one Optimist Club member in search of that perfect gift. After the shopping was done the kids were treated to lunch at Burgerville then taken to the Salvation Army to wrap their gifts. This program relies solely on contributions. If you would like to contribute to next year's event contact the Gresham Optimist Club.

Thanks to a donation from WalMart, the Gresham Optimist Club and their law enforcement partners are heading out again this weekend to do it all over again with a new group of young shoppers.  And that's one way that Optimist Clubs help put the merry in Christmas.  Thank you!

Burgerville donates to Gresham Optimist Club

Once a month, the  Optimist Club of Gresham, OR celebrates a night out. They meet in the evening allowing members who may not be able to attend at the regular time an opportunity to share in club fellowship and catch up on the programs.  It is also a social opportunity involving spouses and guests. 

This month the Gresham Optimists will meet on October 29, 6:30 pm at Burgerville, 2975 NE Hogan, Gresham.  In addition to being the evening meeting location,  Burgerville will donate 10 percent of all sales plus 25 cents for every pumpkin or caramel apple smoothie that is purchased between 4:00 pm and 9:00 pm to the Gresham Optimist Club.

Come on out for a fun and rewarding Optimist good time.

Gresham Optimist Joe Anderson recognized for service

Optimist Joe Anderson, recently recognized on this blog for the Shop with a Cop program in Gresham, Oregon, has been named one of Gresham's top thirty volunteers.

According to a press release issued by the Gresham Chamber of Commerce and Boeing Company these volunteers were chosen because they have spent countless hours raising money for charities, organizing community events and volunteering at food banks, homeless shelters, senior centers and schools. They are committed to improving Gresham's image and making the city a better place to live.

Mr. Anderson was recognized specifically for his efforts with the Optimist Club to provide firewood for the needy and special projects to provide Christmas cheer.

Congratulations Joe!

Gresham Optimists Shop with a Cop on YouTube

The Gresham Optimist Club wants more people to know about the things they do so they have turned to YouTube to spread the word. According to Don Weston, Publicity Chairman, it's easy to do; all it takes is a little computer knowledge and patience.

He has created two videos and posted them on YouTube that document the club's popular "Shop with a Cop" Santa activity. One runs 8 minutes and one runs 2 minutes. We've embedded the 2 minute version for you here.



Don says he took the video with a digital camera in the camera’s video setting and used Microsoft movie maker (a free program on Vista) to produce the film. He saved it on the computer and uploaded it to You Tube.

So how does Shop with a Cop work? According to Project Chairman Joe Anderson the Gresham Optimists have been coordinating Shop with a Cop for eight years. The Optimist Club, the Police Department and the Fire Department each contribute $500.00 to the project. They receive fifteen names from the Salvation Army and on shopping day each child is paired up with an Optimist member, a fireman and a cop at a Fred Meyer Store. Each child, armed with $100.00, proceeds to purchase gifts for himself or his family. Joe says, "The kids are great shoppers and they know what they want." They also receive free books for all children courtesy of the Willamette Writers.

The shopping spree lasted about 1.5 hours and afterward the Optimists hosted lunch for all at Burgerville.

Nice project and great use of technology!
Information for this post provided by Don Weston.

Gresham Optimists recycle campaign signs

It's finally over! The US 2008 election has come to an historic close by electing the first African-American president Barack Obama. Some close races in our states and counties are still waiting to find out who will go to Washington D.C. in January as Congressmen and women and Senators. What needs to happen next? According to the Gresham Optimist Club now is the time to clean up the signs from our yards and our roads and get back to the business of serving kids and community.

The Gresham Optimist Club and the City of Gresham, Oregon have launched a recycling program for campaign collateral. Campaign signs are dimantled and recycled for free and the wooden stakes are donated to the Gresham Optimists who then redistribute them to needy residents for firewood. Read more about the program here.