Optimist Club

GRIFTON — Grifton citizens met last Thursday night to celebrate a new club in town that will help the youth of Grifton.

The Optimist Club of Grifton held a banquet to celebrate the newest portion of a club dedicated to “bringing out the best in kids.” The banquet was also held to install new officers.

Optimist Clubs are known for their positive service projects, which are aimed at providing a helping hand to youth.

The Optimist Club of Grifton was formed on September 29. After many meetings and discussions, the club is now on its way to helping youth in the community.

“I knew the youth in this town could use more attention, more money,” newly installed president Shirley DeBlois said at the banquet. “A lot of great things are going to happen in Grifton.”

Attending the banquet were not only new members and officers, but also several Presidents of current Optimist Clubs in neighboring towns as well as past and present Lieutenant Governors of the East District.

Gary Penders, Current Lieutenant Governor of Zone 3, installed officers of the Optimist Club of Grifton. Shirley DeBlois, President of the Optimist Club, received a bell and gavel to begin and end future meetings. Other officers installed included Vice Presidents Jim Harris and Julius Phillips, Secretary/Treasurer Irene Koonce, Two-year Directors Michael Peoples, Gene Coley and Tonya Cedars and One-Year Directors Barbara Pollard, Dawn Phillips and Barry Angar.

Past Lieutenant Governor of Zone 3 Sandy Cyphers was also present at the banquet and was in charge of presenting the charter to DeBlois.

Cyphers told DeBlois and other members of the club that she has enjoyed helping get the Grifton chapter started and hopes the club will do its part in helping youth.

“The highlight of my year was this club,” Cyphers said. “Without you, it would not have been possible. The more clubs we have, the more kids we can help.”

Bob Verne, Governor of NC East District, gave the address at the banquet and told club members that the youth of Grifton needed their help to be effective kids.

“They (youth) need our help if they are to be happy, healthy, effective kids,” Verne said. “We have a fantastic opportunity to make a difference in these kids lives. Take care of your community, your officers and your club.”

The Optimist Club of Grifton was started with the help of the members of the Evening Optimist Club of Rocky Mount and the Optimist Club of Greenville, who sponsors the Grifton club.

The banquet concluded with members and officers reading The Optimist Creed.

The Optimist Club of Grifton will meet on every second and fourth Monday at the First Christian Church parsonage, which is located next door to First Christian Church.

Copyright 2003 - Town of Grifton - All Rights Reserved