March always means spring is right around the corner. A ray of hope for warmer weather and new beginnings! To the Optimist’s club it also means gearing up for new events and projects to offer our youth and raising money for the programs, contests, and scholarships we provide throughout the year.

In March, the club will be bringing back our poster contest for our youth. The kids will be making their posters at school. The theme this year is: “Exercise for Life: Be Healthier.” There are two divisions, 3-4 grades and 5-6 grades. The Optimist Club will submit a winner from each division to the Illinois District Competition and will award a prize of $50 to each winner.

New this Spring, the club will be offering a photograph contest called; “Chillicothe Through the Eyes of Youth” for 4th-12th graders.

Coming up in May is our annual garage sale at the Casting Club. Start digging out your unwanted items to donate. All items in good, working condition are welcome. Furniture, clothes, crafts, household items, sporting goods, etc.

Watch for more information in the Hometown Voice or e-mail us at [email protected] for details for any of our contests or projects.

Teacher’s names drawn this month are; Michelle Kluge, St. Edwards; Megan Peal, Mossville; and Samantha Collier, Mossville. Each teacher will receive a $50 check to use in their classrooms. Congratulations!

On February 6th, Mayor Mike Hughes signed a proclamation declaring the first Thursday in February Optimist’s Day. The club is proud of the work we do to promote and recognize the youth in our community as we try to make our town a better place to live for all our citizens.

If you would like information on joining the Optimist club, call Jackie Taylor at 309-397-1968 or Sherry Adams at 309-678-8951. The club meets from 8 - 9am the first and third Saturdays at Grecian Gardens for a breakfast meeting. We would love to have you join us!

Until next time…Stay Optimistic!