The Optimist Club of Huntsville

...was chartered in 1947 as Huntsville's first Optimist Club and has served the community for more than 60 years.

Membership is by invitation and any adult is eligible. The club supports a variety of youth and community service programs funded by the Huntsville Optimist Foundation. The club strives to meet the needs of the community.

The Optimist Club of Huntsville is an affiliate of Optimist International (OI), a worldwide organization consisting of nearly 3,400 clubs with a total membership of about 112,000.

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2010 Respect For Law Banquet

The Huntsville Optimist Club joined with the five other Optimist Clubs in the region to honor six law enforcement members of our community. Judge Lynn Sherrod from the Madison County Circuit Court gave an inspiring speech. She said to the Optimist Clubs, "A friend of Youth is a friend of mine." The Honorees were:

Honoree		Sponsor
Investigator Matt Thornbury		South Huntsville
District Attorney's Office		Optimist Club
Officer Lamar Anderson		Madison Optimist
Madison Police Dept.		Optimist Club
Officer Robert Brady		Huntsville Noon
Huntsville Police Dept		Optimist Club
Investigator Steve Finley		Optimist Club
Madison County Sheriffs Office		of Huntsville
Sgt. Scotty Joe Watson		Arab
Arab Police Dept		Optimist Club
Mr. Jacques Cothren		Huntsville Evening
Chief Probation Officer		Optimist Club

Photos from the banquet are now available on-line.CLICK HERE to go to the photo gallery.

Left to Right: Mr. Jacques Cothren; Officer Robert Brady;
Sgt. Scotty Joe Watson; Investigator Matt Thornbury;
Investigator Steve Finley; Officer Lamar Anderson


[CLICK HERE FOR HI-RES COPY - 5 MEGABYTES]

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2010 Youth Appreciation Week Banquet

The Huntsville Optimist Club held its annual Youth Appreciation Week Banquet Thursday evening. Eight outstanding young people were recognized for their contributions to our community. The keynote speakers were Kimberly Scott and her son Mika. Mika is the CEO of Mika's Cookies at the age of 14. Kimberly shared an inspiring story of success and overcoming tragedy. They passed around a tray full of delicious cookies. Tasting a red velvet cookie it was obvious why their cookie business is successful. The honorees were introduced by their sponsors and are an amazing group of young people.

Photos from the banquet are now available on-line.CLICK HERE to go to the photo gallery.

Left to Right: Andy Carlson, Holy Spirit School;
Brittanee Sanderson, James A. Lane Boys & Girls Club;
Niki Staton, Randolph Middle School;
Emma Wheeler, Mountain Gap Middle School;
Keyontae' Crutcher, Seminole Boys & Girls Club;
Jasper Howell, Jr., Ed White Middle School;
Lionel Love, Ed White Middle School.

[CLICK HERE FOR HI-RES COPY - 5 MEGABYTES]

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2009 Tri-Star Basketball Contest

Calling all Hoopsters...


The Huntsville Optimist Club is sponsoring its annual Tri-Star Basketball Contest on Saturday, November 21. It's open to boys and girls between 8 and 13. Whether you are an experienced player or just want to come have some fun, this day is for you. Test your skills in a friendly age-level competition, with trophies up for grabs. It's all at the Optimist Recreation Center beginning at 9:00 a.m.


Click here for more information and registration form.

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2009 - 2010 Officer Installation

[CLICK HERE FOR MED-RES VIEW]

[Left to Right] Byrom Goodwin - Director,
Buddy Beck - Director, Jim Miner, AL-LA-MS Governor,
Jim Berry - Director, Al Renz - Past President,
Tom Howell, Al-LA-MS District Lt. Governor,
Bob Martin - Club President, Jim Roe - Director,
Tom Casteel - Director, Jim Pepper - Director

Lt. Gov. Tom Howell was the installation official assisted by Gov. Jim Miner. New officers and board members were charged to perform the duties of their respective offices, and all raised their hand and pledged to do their best to make our club again successful in 2009/2010. According to Gov. Miner success can be defined by extending our reach to include at least 10% more young people this year. Furthermore, he congratulated us for sponsoring 3 JOOI Clubs and our many other achievements under Al Renz' leadership this past year. Al reviewed our participation in Optimist-sanctioned and club-unique programs during the year, and he handed out certificates of appreciation to those helping to reach Honor Club status. To tell the truth, though, it was mainly through Al's efforts that we were so recognized.



[CLICK HERE FOR MED-RES VIEW]

2009-10 Club President Bob Martin presents 2008-09 President Al Renz a memento for his excellent year of service to our club.

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