4/25/2007

OC Optimists celebrate 35 years
By Dolores E. Pike

The Ocean City Berlin/Optimist Club celebrated its 35th anniversary Saturday evening at a grand banquet held at the Carousel Hotel in Ocean City.  Over 180 members and guests were on hand to pay tribute to the vision of the 30 men who in April 1972 received the charter from the international organization.  Today, according to Marvin Redmond who handles publicity for the club, the membership has grown to include approximately 120 members.
Beginning the evening's festivities was the Stephen Decatur High School (SDHS) show choir under the direction of Joann Harvey. The choir, recently returned from a competition in New York City where they took first place, performed several songs with specially choreographed moves. Included among those gathered was the Optimists International President, Ronnie Dunn.  Mrs. Dunn, who lives in Frankfort, KY, came to Ocean City to help the local club celebrate its milestone anniversary.  Later on in the evening's program, she was presented with the key to Ocean City.

"The Optimists are committed to all youth," said Vice President Charlie Smith as a preface to his remarks on the history of the Ocean City/Berlin Club.  And he noted that all 35 of these years have seen the members, in one of their many fundraising efforts, making and selling crab cakes at Ocean City's Springfest and Sunfest.  He went on to remind members to sign up for crab cake duty and manning the booth at the upcoming annual Springfest to be held from May 3 to 6 at the Ocean City Inlet parking lot.

Of particular note, as Mr. Smith proudly pointed out, was the time just over a year ago when the club reached the $1 million mark in scholarship money that is given to graduating high school students, many of them from SDHS.  To date these monies now stand at $1.2 million.
In regard to the special relationship the Optimists have with SDHS, helping out whenever and wherever they can, Principal Lou Taylor, had been invited to speak before the group.  He thanked the men for their dedicated efforts, especially their involvement with the "We Excel Banquet" which he reminded members will be held at the high school on May 15.

A special award, given every year at the banquet, honors a member by naming him "Optimist of the Year."  This year two members received that honor:  Charlie Smith and Joe Hammen.
A special recognition of life member was accorded to Sonny Neal, who is governor of the Maryland/South Delaware district. Mr. Neal said afterwards that he was very touched by the award which has been given out only 18 times in the past 35 years.

In culmination of the evening's program, Optimist International President Ronnie Dunn addressed members and guests.  She began by asking the Optimists to recite the club's mission statement with her, "By providing hope and positive mission Optimists bring out the best in kids." 

"I love stories," she said and then told one of her favorites.  After a storm thousands of starfish were washed up on the beach.  A boy walking on the beach stopped every so often, picked one up and tossed it back into the sea.  A passerby shouted, "You're wasting your time."  The boy chose to ignore the remark and chose instead to save another starfish. 
Just like those starfish who could not all be saved so there are thousands of children who need help and Optimists must not stop helping because someone says you cannot save them all. 


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