Optimists have a purpose and a motto: “Bringing out the best in kids!” They will be bringing that idea to Kearney Public Library on Saturday, April 30!
Members of the 44 Nebraska Optimist clubs are having their quarterly conference in Kearney this weekend. Those attending the conference from across the state will join members of the Kearney Optimist Club for a community service project from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Kearney Public Library on Saturday.
Optimists will go to the Kearney Public Library where they will enjoy reading books, assembling Legos, playing book Bingo, doing crafts and visiting with children from the area. Through their connections with Read Aloud Nebraska, the Optimists will give a book to each child.
“We hope to have the Library full of children of all ages”, said Nebraska District Governor Marvin Wastell of Omaha. “All of our clubs provide programs and services to youth all over the state and we want to meet people in Kearney and do a project with that club while we are visiting. We thank Librarian Shawna Linder for her help in arranging our visit to meet kids at the Kearney Library.”
One of the events at the conference will be the annual District Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, known as CCDHH. This event is supported with sign language interpreters and allows students with hearing disabilities to participate in a speech contest. Optimists offer essay and oratorical contests with scholarship prizes, and various athletic and academic competitions and programs. Local clubs provide programs and services unique to the needs of that area.
Although part of Optimist International, with over 2200 clubs worldwide, local clubs are autonomous and are always looking for more ways to provide opportunities for youth and ways to contribute to the community. Optimist clubs welcome ideas, volunteers and new members.
For more information visit: www.optimist.org or www.nebraskaoptimists.org or talk to Optimist club members at the Kearney Ramada Inn or the Kearney Public Library over the weekend.