The Things We Do For Love
Our Club organizes many activities for the youth in our community and other community members. We also recognize members of our community through scholarships and special awards. Club members enjoy giving back to the community by volunteering at the various activities we sponsor.
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In
April we will hold our Tri-Star Soccer competition activity on Saturday,
April 23 10 am – 1130 am
at
Oak
Grove Park on Social Row Road. It is for boys and girls 13 years old and
under. Participants will be tested on dribbling, shooting, passing,
punting and juggling skills. Trophies are awarded to the winners in each age group, but the emphasis is more on fun than
just competition.
Haunted Trail
In October, our Club, in connection with the Centerville-Washington Township Parks District sponsors a Haunted Trail at Grant’s Park. This activity requires the effort of 12-16 Club members each night that will participate as trail guides and staff a Fright Station. Youths between the ages of 6 and 16 travel the trail to enjoy the Halloween season.
Oratorical Contest
Optimist International, with funding from the Optimist International Foundation, sponsors an
Oratorical Contest with a grand prize of a $1,500 scholarship to the Ohio District winner. Boys
and girls under the age of 16 are invited to deliver a brief speech on a specific topic during
one of two regular Club meetings in February. One winner in each of the boys’ and girls’ contests
will advance to zone and then the finals at the district. This is an opportunity for all members
to enjoy the oratorical skills of a number of outstanding youths in our community.
Each February, over 100 boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 13 participate in the Tri-Star Basketball Contest. Between 20 and 25 members are needed to help run the event. Trophies are award to the contest winners in each age bracket and gender. The contest includes passing, dribbling, and shooting.
Each year over 300 boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 8 are introduced to the game of
baseball through the Noon Optimist Sof-T-Ball Program. Beginning in December, a committee of 10-15
members begins soliciting sponsors, ordering equipment, receiving registrations, arranging teams
and recruiting coaches. The league plays games each Sunday afternoon from the end of April through
the end of June.
On
a Saturday May 21, we promote Safety on Wheels with a bicycle rodeo in
conjunction with the Centerville Police Department’s bicycle check. A
committee of 20 to 25 members is needed to assist with the rodeo with
police officers doing the bicycle checks. There will be raffle prizes,
helmets and tee shirts available. All ages of children are invited to
join in for the safety and fun.
A Fishing Derby is held the first Saturday in June at the Washington Township Rec Center. All children in the area ages 6 through 15 are encouraged to participate and enjoy this free event. Numerous prizes are awarded to the youngsters. A committee of 15 to 20 members is needed to run this program and obtain prizes, stock "goodie bags" which are given to all participants, stock fish in the ponds, register participants, weigh catches, and fill cups with worms. A refreshment booth is also setup to sell hot dogs, brats and soft drinks.
Optimist International Junior Golf Championship
Optimist International sponsors the annual OI Junior Golf Championship tournament for boys
and girls ages 11 to 17. The regional qualifier, with as many as 200 golfers participating, is
held in May. All area Optimist clubs provide scorers and spotters, along with other supporting
staff. Top players from the regional qualifier play in the state final, The Tom Frazier Memorial,
held in June. The top finishers from this tournament continue on to the Optimist International
Junior Golf World Championship held in Florida in early July.
4th of July Americana 5K Race
Our Club is a co-sponsor and major people power contributor to the Centerville Americana 5K
Race held during the 4th of July celebration. Over 20 Club members are needed to staff registration,
help with course set-up, provide water, keep time and staff race result stations. The work begins
early in the morning and is completed in time for all members to enjoy the Americana Parade and
other Festivities of the day.