October is the most beautiful month of the year! The trees will start to display shades of red, orange, purple, and yellow, and before you know it, we will soon be raking leaves and unpacking our sweaters, sweatshirts, and blankets. After such a hot summer, it really doesn't sound too bad!

For the Optimist's Club, October is when we start making plans for our upcoming programs, like one of our biggest fundraisers, the Christmas Bonanza. We will begin gathering gift cards from the merchants and start selling tickets in November.

Also, we will be working on our float for the Christmas Parade. The theme this year is "Christmas Around the World."

At the Parade, we will be selling Bonanza tickets and having a Holiday bake sale, and selling hot chocolate. More information in next month's paper.

Installation of officers for next year was held with a dinner at Grecian Gardens on September 27th. Installed were: Jackie Taylor, President; Rodney Davis, Vice President; Shaun Grant, Treasurer; Lori Richards, Secretary; and Jeannie Quick, Communications Coordinator. Board Members are: Cheryl Farwell Duckworth, Marilyn DeVoss, Bobbie Bisio, Neil Price, Nic Dossett, and Judy Scroggs.

Teachers receiving $50 for their classrooms this month are: Thomas Cassidy, Mossville; Brent Angelo, South; and Paige Stopa, South. Congratulations.

If you would like to help your community and become an Optimist, we would love to have you. For more information, call Jackie at: 309-397-1968.