Optimist International recognizes that a lot of clubs are
doing a lot of community service work that is mostly not recognized by the
community they serve. Thus, something is needed to be done to get this recognition
and publicity. The "Optimist in Action" program was initiated in early 1993.
Its goal was to allow clubs to perform some needed community service
project all on the same date throughout the country. Each club would select
their project and ensure adequate publicity in their local media. It was set
for the first Saturday in June of each year. It soon became apparent that
holding to that early June time-frame was not going to work and, over the
intervening years, the project date has moved several times.The President
of the Optimist Club of Rolla that year (Merrie Miller) delegated the
responsibility for this activity to the two vice-presidents. That
responsibility has been handed down through the years in each succeeding
administration. That first year’s project consisted of painting the
playground equipment in Schuman Park. At that time it was decided to include
members of the Rolla High School Octagon Club. A student member of the
Octagon Club designed a t-shirt and participating members were treated to a
hot dog roast and picnic, in which photos and a small write-up appeared in the Rolla
Daily News.
This year’s "Optimist in Action" project will be held Saturday,
July 09, 2005. The project activity this year is painting the restrooms and
concession stand at the Lion's Club Soccer Park. This
year’s vice presidents are Optimist Greg Sawyer and Optimist Karen Mobley.
