Ambitious Optimists set goals for 07-08
Special to the News

From left: PBOC secretary Bettie Lee Sundstrom and president Mary Claus prepare to pin new members Carleen Wheeler and Pauline Huddleston at the October meeting.

It is amazing that a small island civic association of just around 50 members can attempt to pull off such grand projects year after year to benefit the area's schoolchildren, the needy, hospitalized child cancer patients; and even kick off the Christmas season here on the beach with multiple events, but the Pensacola Beach Optimist Club (PBOC) is at it again!

After listening to a special power point presentation by Amy Baldwin of "Project Green Shores," the club initiated 2 new members: Pauline Huddleston and Carleen Wheeler, then discussed the PBOC sponsored events planned for the 2007-2008 year for the Pensacola Beach Elementary School children.

"They include PBOC Bike Safety Day in December, the PBOC Just Say No to Drugs Poster Contest in January, the PBOC Oratorical Competition in April/May '08, and perhaps even a new project PBOC Geography Olympiad which has been suggested by our club vice president, Karen Jurkowich," announced Mary Claus, club president, at the Tuesday night Regular PBOC meeting at the Pastor's House of the Beach Community Church.

Club Vice President Scott Neal, chairman of the PBOC Favor House Thanksgiving Dinner Project, was busy signing members up to donate turkeys, vegetables, potatoes, stuffing, beverages and desserts as well as toiletries and clothing for the November project. The PBOC will provide 30 adults and children with a delicious feast with all the trimmings this year, to be prepared at the Favor House by the residents so they can enjoy as "normal"

Thanksgiving as is possible at the shelter. Neal also solicited for volunteers to deliver the large quantity of yummy items to the meeting place for Favor House, Monday Nov. 19.

The guest speaker at PBOC's Nov. 6 meeting was Marsha Clark of Favor House who updated the club on the status of the safe haven and its special needs at this time.

PBOC members Sally and Cliff Taylor, together with Bill and Barbara Balch agreed to head up the PBOC Coats for Christmas charity coat collection for people of all ages. Boxes to collect the coats will be placed in area businesses, neighborhoods and churches closer to the holidays. Last year PBOC collected almost 200 coats for those who needed them the most.

"I think we can do even better than that this year," beamed Cliff Taylor, "because we think we'll have coat collection boxes in more neighborhoods than we did in 2006."

Coming up right around the corner is the PBOC Joy For The Beach Christmas music, choral, & dancing event being chaired by Karen Jurkowich, to be performed at the Pensacola Beach Community Church on Tuesday, Dec. 4, with a dessert reception to follow at the pastor's house adjacent to the church on Via De Luna and Avenida 18. Rehearsals are underway, programs are being worked on, costumes are sewing up and refreshments are in the planning to make this special night the official kick off for the 2007 Pensacola Beach holiday season.

"I don't know who enjoys the event more: the audience or the performers," said committee member Pauline Huddleston.

The last PBOC Joy For The Beach in 2005, was attended by over 200 people of all ages who enthusiastically applauded the music, singing, and dance performance.

Work was also begun on the PBOC Childhood Cancer Project which involves a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus to the Sacred Heart Hospital children's cancer center with presents from the club for the young patients and visiting siblings in December.

"This is one of my favorite projects," said Claus, "and one of the number one priorities of Optimists International (OI) as well."

Board member Louise Greenley gave an informative report on the Optimist NW FLZone 4 meeting, explaining the OI system of zones and districts for the members in a special way only a wise club founding mother can do. It was very much appreciated by members old and new.

The PBOC takes pride in its efforts to serve the community.

For membership information, please call Mary Claus at 850-206-1341 for a membership application. Optimists work so kids can play.