28Mar 2021 by optimistvw
2021 Avenue of Flags

2021 Avenue of Flags

Avenue of Flags, Club News, Volunteer Opportunities
The Optimist Club of Van Wert is gearing up again for the 2021 Avenue of Flags program! Each year, the group places American flags around town during 5 summer and fall holidays. This year the club plans on displaying about 400 large flags in front of homes and businesses. Besides being a community patriotism activity, this is the group's largest annual fundraising activity.  Just by participating, you are able to showcase your patriotism and thank those that have served or who are currently serving. Did you know you also benefit area youth? The money earned by this program is directly reinvested into other programs we offer that benefit the youth in the area. Program details: For $50/year, our club will deliver and place your flag before each holiday and retrieve it after…
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15Jan 2019 by Marie Miller
Essay and Oratorical Contests Announced for Area Students

Essay and Oratorical Contests Announced for Area Students

Club News, Essay, Oratorical, Scholarship Opportunities
The Optimist Club of Van Wert invites area students to enter its annual Essay and Oratorical contests, for the opportunity to win prize money and the possibility of earning thousands of dollars in scholarships. ESSAY CONTEST The Optimist Club Essay Contest encourages area students to write about the topic, When All the World’s Problems are Solved, is Optimism Still Necessary?  Optimist Club members will judge students’ essays and determine the winners of medallions and cash awards of $300 for first-place, $150 for second-place, and $50 for third-place. Winners of the local contest advance to the district contest to compete for a $2,500 college scholarship. Essay contest applications are available now at Crestview, Lincolnview, and Van Wert middle and high schools, or may be obtained by contacting Diana Cearns at 419-238-1463.…
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25Oct 2018 by Marie Miller
Optimist Communication Contest for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH)

Optimist Communication Contest for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CCDHH)

Club News, Oratorical
$3500.00 in Scholarships Will Be Awarded to the Winner By Optimist International & the Ohio District! The Ohio Optimists are, once again, offering a fantastic scholarship opportunity to students who are deaf or hearing impaired and a chance to improve their oratorical skills at the same time with their C.C.D.H.H. Please share with anyone you know who may be interested. Download the Flyer here:     Download the Application here:       Last year, only 8 students participated state wide in this contest so I'm not sure if it is due to lack of interest or the students not receiving the information.   This year's topic is: “Is There a Fine Line Between Optimism and Reality? Interested students should complete their application and turn it back in to me…
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16Oct 2018 by Marie Miller
Optimist partners with Service Club to Host Van Wert Children’s Christmas Garden

Optimist partners with Service Club to Host Van Wert Children’s Christmas Garden

Club News
Jim Clay and his family have dedicated six Christmas seasons to bring joy to the Van Wert and surrounding communities in the form of a whimsical Christmas Garden - A place where imagination becomes a reality. From free candy canes to a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus, area residents were delighted to get into the holiday spirit. This fanciful display was made possible by many corporate and private sponsors. When it was shared that the event may not continue, two area clubs were inspired to join forces to continue the Christmas display at Smiley Park. Thanks to their volunteer spirit, The Van Wert Service Club and the Optimist Club of Van Wert are joining forces to continue the Christmas joy that is the Children's Christmas Garden at Smiley Park…
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16Oct 2018 by Marie Miller
2019 – Avenue of Flags Program

2019 – Avenue of Flags Program

Avenue of Flags, Club News
Veteran's Day is right around the corner. If you are a participant in this program, be on the lookout for our members who will be installing our beautiful flags across the city of Van Wert. Just by participating, you are able to showcase your patriotism and thank those that have served or who are currently serving. Did you know you also benefit area youth? The money earned by this program is directly reinvested into other programs we offer that benefit the youth in the area. Program details: For $50/year, our club will deliver and place your flag before each holiday and retrieve after the holiday. The Optimist Club of Van Wert is responsible for the placement of the flag and proper storage after the flags have been recovered. If you…
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16Oct 2018 by Marie Miller
2018-2019 Club Leadership

2018-2019 Club Leadership

Club News
Optimist Club of Van Wert inducts New Officers and Board Members On Thursday, September 27, The Optimist Club of Van Wert inducted the 2018-2019 officers and board members. 2018-2019 Officers & Board Members include: Officers are Marie Miller from Brand It Marketing, President; Sean Sauer from Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home, Vice President; Michelle Gunter from Schrader Realty, Second Vice-President; Diana Cearns from 1st Federal Bank, Past President; Ray Able, Secretary/Treasurer. Board Members are Andy Manz, Gloria Waterman both from Bashore Reineck Stoller & Waterman, Inc, Trevor Webster of Edward Jones, Judge Kevin Taylor, Greg Yinger of Community Health Professionals and Amanda Miller from The Van Wert Community Foundation. The Optimist Club of Van Wert is proudly serving the Van Wert County area since the 1980s. We are comprised of men and…
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23May 2018 by optimistvw
Optimist Club to Sponsor Art Show during Peony Festival

Optimist Club to Sponsor Art Show during Peony Festival

Club News, Peony Festival
In conjunction with this summer’s Peony Festival event held June 1-2, Optimist Club of Van Wert will again sponsor an art show for talented students from Van Wert County. Earlier in May, letters were sent out to area school art teachers asking for submissions from their students. Participants will need to have all submissions matted for ease of display, no larger than 18” x 24”. All submissions will be on display during the festival.  Friday, June 1, all winners will be identified with first place designation.  Everyone will have an opportunity to vote for People’s Choice until noon on Saturday June 2, 2018. Winning submissions will be professionally matted, framed and displayed at Niswonger Performing Arts Center.
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30Mar 2018 by optimistvw
2018 Avenue of Flags

2018 Avenue of Flags

Avenue of Flags, Club News
The Optimist Club of Van Wert is bringing back the Avenue of Flags program, a patriotic community service. The positive feedback the Optimist Club of Van Wert has received from the 2017 Avenue of Flags program was incredible. We are grateful for those who participated last year, and wish to extend an EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT for a 2018 membership. If you sign up by May 1st, you will receive a $5 discount on one single flag for a total cost of $45.00 for the year. (Original price: $50.00) Multiple flags at the same address are $40 each. You can also sponsor a flag! How it works Participants in this program receive a 3-by-5-foot, high-quality American flag on a 10-foot flagpole within 15 feet of the curb in front of a home or…
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11Jan 2018 by optimistvw
Optimist Club to Sponsor Essay Contest for Students

Optimist Club to Sponsor Essay Contest for Students

Club News, Essay, Scholarship Opportunities
The Optimist Club of Van Wert is encouraging area students to contemplate the phrase "Can Society Function Without Respect" as part of the Optimist International Essay Contest for the 2017-2018 school year. The contest is open to all Van Wert County students who were under age 18 as of October 1, 2017. The Essay Contest entry deadline is February 15, 2018. The Optimist Club will judge the local students’ essays, and determine the top winners. Local winners will receive medallions along with cash awards of 1st place ($300) and 2nd place ($150). In addition to developing skills for written expression and winning local cash awards, participants also have the opportunity to win a scholarship! The winning essay will advance to the district contest to compete for a $2,500 scholarship and…
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12Dec 2017 by optimistvw
Christmas Update

Christmas Update

Club News
On Friday, December 1st, our club rang the Salvation Army Bell at Walmart from 10:00 to 7:00, and the club raised $461.31! Salvation Army was very happy! The club has asked members at the Nov. 30th and Dec. 7th meetings to donate to “Blessings in a Backpack” to be used for a special Christmas treat and towards the purchase of cans of meat. We have raised $157.50 so far. We will be collecting again this week – December 14th with a goal of a total of $250 – so just $92.50 to go! We have decided to meet on Thursday, December 21st for a regular Optimist Meeting. We will be having a White Elephant gift exchange. Please bring a $10 item that can be a gag type gift and does…
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