Can it really be November already? I love all the holidays, but there's just something special about this time of year. Thanksgiving reminds us to take time out of our everyday lives to give thanks for all we have and especially for our friends and family. The Christmas Season, with all the lights, decorations, gifts, parties, and church events happening, is a grand culmination of year's end.

Last month, the Optimists Club elected new officers and board members (see October's issue).  We also awarded the Optimist of the Year. This person went above and beyond what was expected, all while she was fighting cancer. She is a board member, a past president, and a past treasurer of the club. She is active in most all the fundraisers and events that are going on. We were proud to award our friend Cheryl Farwell Duckworth with the much-deserved title of Optimist of the Year.  (See Photo)

Soon, we will begin selling Bonanza tickets! All the members will be out selling them from the first week of November to the second week of December. If you don't know a member, we will be selling them at the Christmas Parade along with our Christmas bake goods and hot chocolate. Look for us inside the former candy store next to the town theater. Tickets are still just $10 for a chance to win a thousand dollars in gift cards to area stores for you to go Christmas shopping. Last year, we collected enough gift cards to pull three winners. Don't miss your chance to win this year!

Teachers receiving $50 for their classrooms this month are: Cassidy Roehm, Mossville; Cindy Moore, Mossville; and Sean Esterdahl, CEC.

As always, we would love to have you join our club and work to make our town as good as it can be. We have a breakfast meeting at 8am on the first and third Saturdays at Grecian Gardens. For more information, call Jackie at: 309-397-1968.  

As always....Stay Optimistic!