Eternal Optimists Club spreads encouragement and helps youth to build character
WRITTEN BY GREGG L. PARKER
PHOTOGRAPHS BY JEN FOUTS-DETULLEO
Optimist Club of Madison works diligently to enhance quality of life in Madison, especially for children and teenagers. President Scott Piro is proud to support this club “with individuals who really want to make a difference.”
Optimist is one of the community’s most active civic organizations. “The club was chartered in the early 1980s as a wing of Optimist International, whose objective is developing the world’s young people into productive citizens,” club publicist Vic van Leeuwen said.
The Madison club sponsors activities that Optimist International promotes, along with special events unique to Madison, Piro said.
Optimist’s one-of-a-kind, free attraction is Safety Optimist Style. Targeted for the city’s youngest citizens, this outdoor festival consists of presentations and shows that promote personal, safety-conscious decisions. From throughout the Tennessee Valley, safety organizations set up information booths.
First-responders talk with the children. Representatives visit from Madison’s fire and police departments, TVA Police, Alabama Marine Police, Red Cross and Therapy Dogs. Barney with Madison City Schools and Smokey the Bear also attend.
Med-Flight lands its emergency helicopter. Children play on inflatable obstacles or enjoy exploring a fire truck, face painting, balloon animals, washable tattoos and a magician’s tricks.
Local vendors supply balloons, cookies, drinks and ever-popular Popsicles. Optimists hold drawings for prizes that local merchants donate.
Another special event is Are You Smarter Than a Fifth-Grader?, a parody of Jeff Foxworthy’s television game show. Local dignitaries, like members of Madison City Council and Madison Board of Education, compete against fifth-graders on knowledge of various subjects.
“The fifth-graders have never lost, which says quite a bit about students’ preparation,” secretary Mike Doyle said. Optimist Jim Gilchrist started this event; recently, he passed away. “His loss has been felt by every member of the club.”
Optimists’ Bike Rodeo emphasizes riding skills and safety. “Experts inspect the children’s bicycles for proper mechanical condition and provide instruction on proper bicycling techniques,” van Leeuwen said. “Riders compete on simple obstacles that promote safety and test their skills.”
For young adults, Optimists sponsor writing and public speaking/oratorical contests. High school students write essays, judged by respected writers and educators. First-place winners qualify for advanced competitions that offer scholarships up to $15,000.
In addition, the club sponsors Cub Scout Pack 8. At Madison Street Festival, the Optimist food stand raises funds for annual projects.
“Our club gives each Madison City School PTA a monetary donation to support the schools as they see fit,” van Leeuwen said. Other Optimist programs include the Respect for Law banquet, junior golf tournament and an adult basketball league.
Currently, the club has 38 members. These men and women have pursued careers as engineers, librarians, teachers, federal employees and contractors. Most members are retired. While most members live in Madison, some reside in Madison County.
Piro is rewarded by seeing “youth of our community get excited – whether they’re participating in an oratorical contest, maneuvering through an obstacle for the bike rodeo, putting a dunce cap on a distinguished guest as a fifth-grader or just enjoying Safety Optimist Style events.”
Optimists meet monthly on first and third Thursdays at Picasso’s Grill, 12060 County Line Road. “Requirements to join are to be optimistic and have a willingness to support the community’s youth,” Piro said.
For more information, call 256-461-1929 or visit Facebook/Optimist Club of Madison.
