Wild Bill rides for kids and the Oregon City Optimist Club

Bill Upton is 75-years-old. When he was 51, he had a heart attack and at 55, five stents were placed in his heart. Seven years later, two more stents were put in, but none of the surgery has stopped Bill from raising money to support youth programs in his home town of Oregon City, Oregon.

His latest effort is a cross-country bicycle ride in honor of the Oregon City Optimist Club, especially its pay-to-play school sports grant program. "I should probably be raising money for the heart people, but I really admire the Optimists and their dedication to kids," explained Bill.

A former teacher and coach at Ogden Middle School, Bill likes that the Oregon City Optimist Club is always available to help with youth and community service projects. Some of its projects are the Oregon City High School's JROTC program and graduation party, Pioneer Pantry, the Oregon City Public Library, Angels in the Outfield, Building Blocks for Kids and the Sycamore Lane Therapeutic Riding Center, among others.

Bill and six friends are leaving on March 5, 2017 from San Diego, California. They will take a 50-day, 3,100-mile journey to St. Augustine, Florida. He is confident that he can make the trip and asks that you cheer him on by making a donation to the Oregon City Optimist Club in honor of "Wild Bill," as he has been dubbed by the Oregon City Optimist Club members.

You can cheer Wild Bill on at this link: Wild Bill's Ride for Kids

The Oregon City Optimist Club would like to thank you for your support.

Oregon City Optimist Club honors the Oregon City Police

Oregon City Optimist Club honors
the Oregon City Police

Brian Shaw, President, Oregon City Optimist Club, wrote in today to share information about the club's Respect for Law program. He said that the club has been honoring officers for around 25 years. Usually held in early June, it rotates between the Oregon City Police Department and the Clackamas County Sheriff Department.

The 2014 event was held on June 10 and instead of honoring one individual as officer of the year, as is the norm, Oregon City's Police Chief Jim Band recognized the entire department. It was a tough year, with the tragic loss of an officer, and all pulled together to serve the community through their grief.

Thirteen officers were treated to breakfast with the Oregon City Optimist Club and were honored with the Optimist International Respect for Law plaque.

Thanks for sharing the story and pictures, Brian.

Breakfast with the officers

Presentation:
Respect for Law plaque

Benefit BBQ for the Optimist International Foundation

The Optimist International Foundation is celebrating its 40th Anniversary and the PNW District has been challenged to raise $4,000 in honor of this achievement.

Gay Enyeart and Steve Andersen have combined forces to produce the Backyard Blues & BBQ Benefit and you are invited!

The festivities will take place on Saturday, September 22, 2012, 4:00 to 7:00 p.m in Oregon City, Oregon. Please enlarge the photo for full details.

Only 100 tickets are available for this great event. Get yours today by calling 503.381.9655.

Oregon City Optimists host hoops fun

Every year, the Optimist Club of Oregon City helps the kids in their community participate in their very own March Madness by hosting a little tournament called Tri-Star Basketball.

Tri-Star Basketball is open to participants of all ages and skill levels and while some of the kids have the opportunity to demonstrate their athletic ability, all of the children have a great time.

Cari Vandecoevering, of Oregon City, took her family to the event and then checked into the club's page on Facebook to say: 

"The Optimist basketball contest was a ton of fun and my kids loved it. Thanks for putting it on. You are all amazing!"

Members of the Oregon City Optimist Club led the participants in passing, dribbling and shooting skills contests. Judging was based on time and precision, but as Cari said above, smiles and laughter were the true measure of success.

See all the pictures from the Tri-Star Basketball Contest and more by liking the Oregon City Optimist Club page on Facebook.

Don't forget to like the PNW Optimist District page while you are there.

Oregon City Optimist Club presents the Pioneer Family Festival

While on a break at the third quarter conference, between the oratorical contests, Judi Van Cleave was willing to talk a little bit about the Oregon City Optimist Club and perhaps their biggest activity and fundraiser, Pioneer Days. Please watch the video to learn more and then check out the Pioneer Family Fun Days website and make your plans to join them on May 20-22, 2011.



What big plans are in store for your Optimist Club? Send us a video and we'll tell the world all about it. Well, at least we'll tell the District.  Thanks!

Visit the Oregon City Pioneer Family Festival today

The Oregon City Optimist Club is holding the Pioneer Family Festival this weekend in Clackamette Park. Read all about it here: Experience Optimism: Visit the Oregon City Pioneer Family Festival

Oregon City Optimist Club recognizes chief of police

The Oregon City Optimist Club honored Police Chief Mike Conrad with the 2010 Optimist Award for Excellence in Law Enforcement.

Conrad was appointed chief of police a little over one year ago.  He has served on the Oregon City police force for 6 years.

The Optimist Club bestows this honor annually to police officers who effectively promote public safety for the community and citizens of Oregon City.

Oregon City Optimists host Punt, Pass, Kick Contest

The Oregon City Optimist Club is proud to announce that two young ladies have advanced in the NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Contest. Catelyn Preston, 13, and Sierra Walker, 10, earned high enough scores in the PP&K Team Event and are once again qualified to compete at the Seattle Seahawks game on Nov. 23.

Catelyn and Sierra have a long history with the contest. Catelyn has advanced to the Seahawks Team Championship four times. She won the Seahawks Team Championship in 2006, and placed in the top three two other times.

Sierra won the Seahawks Team Championship last year and went on to finish third in the nation in the 8-9 girls division, competing at halftime of last winter’s Indianapolis Colts vs. San Diego Chargers playoff game.