2020 Pandemic (so far!)
When I started the year as President (2019-2020 year), I was so excited and couldn’t wait to hit the ground running on all the Paragon Optimist Club’s community service and fellowship activities. First quarter came and went in a flash, and we had so much fun and so many members attending meetings. Then we fell into second quarter and a global scare.
What do you do as a very active Optimist Club during a pandemic? You put your heads together and come up with a plan!
Plan A – a huge failure! We got on Facebook messenger but found out you can only have 8 members on at a time, so onto another plan. After all isn’t there some saying about you succeed by failing fast….
Plan B – a success! Since some of our members switched to working from home during this time, it was suggested we try Zoom. One of our members took the initiative to set it up, emailed the link to all members, and lo and behold we were able to resume meetings with fantastic member turnout!
These were not your typical meeting per se but a meeting nonetheless. We once again could take care of Optimist business however our entire event’s calendar became obsolete. We once again put our heads together to stay social. Some of the fun things we did after our meetings were: trivia, show & tell, funny story night and a pajama party.
Our Sergeant at Arms, Sally, made each Tuesday night just a little more interesting with over the top instructions for the next week’s meeting, such as wearing funky jewelry, funny hat, pajamas and purple clothing, to name a few.
We may miss being able to see each other in person, but we have been able to stay in touch and continue the great work we do as Optimists. The remote meetings have also given our Club a chance to see things in a different light. Each week we now open our homes to each other, which at times includes random pop-ins from their family and friends! We also learned the difficulties of speaking in unison when we try to recite the Optimist Creed at the end of our meetings. The video below is an example of our most recent attempt, which I must proudly admit we have really improved over these past few months…
When Ohio begins to reopen, we are looking forward to the day we can actually meet in person and once again become the Club I know we are.
What a year to be President!
Sharon B
Smart Meetings
As President again,
I will try to keep away the pathogen.
No virus can keep us apart,
Because we’re too smart.
We Zoomed,
So virus you’re doomed!
Sharon B.
First Quarter 2019-2020
The first three months have been remarkable! I have learned so much about how our Club operates, but more importantly about you, our members.
There were good times and sad times and no matter the time we were there for each other – showing me that our Club is more than just a club but is a family
Your generosity and outreach to the community has been outstanding! Everything from assisting with Meal Ministry, Trunk or Treat, Adopt-a-Road, Christmas Family, and supporting fellow charities like the Fairfield Optimist Club with their Monte Carlo (which is an extremely fun fundraiser) and the DD Breakfast with Santa, and the NAMI Walk.
The Paragon Optimist Club would be nothing if it weren’t for our gracious members and their commitment to the community. I thank each and every one of you for your continued support.
From my heart to yours,
Sharon B, President
Ladies, You're Invited!
Come help the Paragon Optimist Club with a service project. On Tuesday, January 21, 2020, we are making sleeping mats out of plastic bags, and donating them to the Military Veterans Resource Center in Hamilton.
Sock Hop Raises Awareness
American Bandstand…………or was it A Paragon Bandstand???
The iconic show American Bandstand was an original powerhouse combining television, rock & roll and teenagers. The other night our club channeled American Bandstand by combing our spirit of giving, fun and hard work. Paragon Optimist Club is a non-profit organization that is also a powerhouse with members who love finding any opportunity to give back. Case and point, they heard sock hop and it immediately led to collecting socks for the homeless while we danced the night away!
American Bandstand was an American music performance and dance television program that aired in various versions from 1952-1989 and was hosted from 1956 until its final season by Dick Clark.
The original release date was October 7, 1952. The show aired from 3:30 - 4:30 delivering 3,000 episodes. The first song was “Whole Lotta Shaking Goin’ On” by Jerry Lee Lewis.
Thank you, Dick Clark, for the memories.
A Paragon Bandstand was too hosted by none other than Dick Clark. Members spent the evening dancing to tunes like Baby Love by the Supremes, Don’t be Cruel by Elvis Presley, Locomotionby Little Eva, YMCA, The Twist,and many more. Members came prepared in 50’s attire and held a dance competition complete with judges.
A fun, fun evening was had by all. We danced, and danced …...
A Paragon Bandstand took it to the next level when members not only showed up in their socks, but also brought a pair (or two) to donate. Over 40 pairs of socks were collected!
"For now, Dick Clark ... so long."
WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME TOMORROW? (by the Shirelles) was the only question asked as members left the clubhouse.
Thank you all for a fun time ladies. I am blessed to be surrounded by a group of women who want to have fun while we work to better to the world.
Janet L
I have SECRET to Share!
It all began last fall.
Through a random drawing, a Secret Pal was secretly introduced to Paragon members. Members gave gifts & blessings throughout the year. Some were BIG surprises and some were very small. Gifts include games & puzzles, candy & crafts, jewelry & gems, wines & winnings, plants & parrots(?).
Oh my goodness every week SOME BODY was getting SOMETHING! And, of course, very secretly!!
In August the Secret Pal was revealed. Many were surprised—many, many thanks were extended. It was GREAT fun!
We plan to bring another Secret Pal drawing alive in October. Oh what will next year bring? Hang around & find out. It is a SECRET you know!!
Sh-h-h-h.
Janet L
A Non-Member’s Thoughts on Our Club
It has been my pleasure over the past several years to attend Paragon Optimist Club’s annual St. Patrick's Day themed dinner and charity event. Every year it has been an enjoyable experience. This year was no exception – they exceeded my expectation! The company attending as always was great. The food was so good I over ate. Topping all that off, the charitable cause again was the most important and it sure is a worthwhile charity.
This year they chose the New Life Mission in Hamilton, Ohio. New Life Mission provides hot meals to those most in need through their Community Cafe. They also provide a food pantry, acute addition assistance, eyeglass assistance, and worship services to the community.
I applaud the support of this team of ladies in the Club and every event they have taken part in. The work they do isn't always known, but it is impactful.
So, Ladies of Paragon Optimist thank you for all you do and a selfless event as always!
Cordially,
Robert L Taylor
Editor’s Note: With the help of the other Club in Zone 15 and guests attending, the Paragon Optimist Club was able to donate $1,080 to New Life Mission on April 23, 2019!
Facing My Fears Leads to My Favorite Night
Tonight, is one of my favorite nights as a Paragon Optimist member.
Why you ask?
Because tonight all of our hard-work to raise money pays off, and we get to donate a check to a worthy charity! We are donating $781.80 to help those who truly need it, New Life Mission!
New Life Mission, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit inner-city ministry is located in Hamilton, Ohio since 1969. They have devoted their energy to passionately advocating for the hungry, needy and under-represented members of our local community. New Life Mission’s Community Cafe serves hot meals Monday thru Thursday 12:00-1:30 and bag lunches Saturdays 12:00-1:30.
Let me tell you a little about how we raised this money. Every year around St. Patrick’s Day we host a quarter auction during our zone meeting. At the quarter auction I play auctioneer, and spend an hour or so cajoling quarters out of fellow Optimists to bid on the wonderful baskets our club put together.
I know this doesn’t sound too hard. However, since I’m an introvert by nature, I get stressed out the day before and I’m unable to sleep. So why do I do it??? Because I realize that this one sleepless night leads to the satisfaction of helping others, and unlike those who we are working to help I am spending it in my warm bed with a full belly. With that in my mind, I disregard my stress and push myself to get in-front of 40+ people so that I can help others!
"We can be part of breaking the cycle and not lose another generation to drugs or another generation to poverty."
– Pastor Felix, Director of NLM
I'd like to extend a huge thank you to Pastor Felix for everything he and his organization does for our community.
Want to help others?
Want to make friends and have fun?
Check out the Paragon Optimist Club and find your opportunity to do something for others!
Brenda T
Smiles
And it all ends with a smile.
But, it began with fifteen baskets filled with goodies at Paragon’s Zone 15 Meeting & Quarter Auction. Curious what makes a basket bring smile? Maybe a child’s Easter basket with a giant stuffed animal pig, an Easter selfies kit that's #unforgettable, Peeps, bubbles and assorted candy; or a Jewels & Drinks basket…a Sterling Silver 18” necklace, Godiva and Ghirardelli chocolates, and a bottle of wine would bring a smile to your face.
Every year we enjoy our Quarter Auction event where we throw our lucky charms into the Leprechaun’s hat. This year’s event will be Tuesday, March 13 @ 7:00pm at the Fairfield Optimist Clubhouse. The evening starts with a zone meeting, followed by an Irish dinner (Irish Stew and Shepherd Pie), and then the fun begins…the quarter auction! The money raised goes to a different local charity each year this year’s charity, New Life Mission in Hamilton, OH.
The parade of baskets begins, paddles are raised into the air, a lot of hopes for the luck of the Irish, and everyone can’t help but smile and laugh in enjoyment. Baskets all range from 1-8 quarters. With every smile our pot of gold grows and so does the contribution to our community! This gift just might put a smile on their face, and when they smile, we smile.
And there it is, a basket can help a child or family in need…..which brings a smile :)
Images from last year's Paragon Optimist hosted Zone 15 meeting & quarter auction
Janet L
Togetherness
It’s an interesting word, ‘Togetherness.’ For so many it means family or a party or Christmastime dinner. For me, it’s a room of happy-joy with people I like. I don’t have any siblings, and I don’t know what it is like to sit around a Christmas tree with lots of family and kids running around. My family is tiny. At most there are six of us in one place at one time.
A Paragon meeting looks like every holiday in a silly movie. We get together, we gab, play games, help each other, help others, help ourselves (to wine...) Sometimes I look around and I can’t help but smile when I look at our gaggle of smart, funny, creative, beautiful women. We are such a group, such a manifestation of togetherness. I can feel the hope we have the world and each other. There’s a real sense the other members hope and support you in whatever you’re doing this week or next.
At this annual installation dinner, we remember a year of good times, funny activities, silliness, hard work, and volunteering. I can’t help but remember a year of feeling togetherness. It’s a beautiful thing, this ‘togetherness’ thing.
Learning to be a Stand-Byer Not a Bystanders
Learning not to be a bystander but a stand-byer is just one of the lessons the girls learn while in Girls on the Run. Girls on the Run, is an organization that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident with a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. We were fortunate the other night to have had the chance to meet and hang out with our local Girls on the Run teams; and support them with a monetary donation over $600!
Three of the girls (Maya, Kenslely & Claire–who couldn’t be present but still shared her thoughts and gratitude) displayed their confidence by preparing a speech that told us a little about who they are and how Girls on the Run has affected their life. As we heard each girl we were inspired and awestruck – to have the strength and composure at their age to get in front of a group of people and speak from their heart…
The girls said that being part of Girls on the Run has changed the way they feel, encouraged them and helped prepare them for the trying situations of adolescence and adulthood.
We would like to thank everyone who attended our Zone 15 meeting and participated in the quarter action fundraiser that allowed for this night to happen. We are blessed to get to help our local girls make a difference while they exercise.
The Power of a Zone!
Our Club has been hosting a St. Patty's themed meeting for our OI Zone (Zone 15) for as long as I can remember. One great aspect of being a charter member of Optimist International is having the support of fellow clubs near you. This past week the Fairfield Optimist, Lakota Optimist, Monroe Optimist and Paragon Optimist clubs gathered at the Fairfield Optimist clubhouse. We caught up on what activities/donations each club has completed this year, and briefly talked about what activities/donations we would be doing or may need assistance with.
During this even we also host a quarter auction where we raise money for a local charity. This year we raised money for Girls on the Run serving greater Cincinnati! The auction consisted of 14 different items and 2 raffle baskets. As the winning paddles were called we all had to keep repeating ‘To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own” – one line of the Optimist Creed.
Game Night
Game Night started off with Telestrations, overall I would say we did pretty good and stayed within the same category of the original object. However, there were a couple that went rather askew. Like “tree” ended up as "Wizard of Oz" or "satellite dish” ending as “people.” At first we laughed and harassed each other, but then I realized this just proves how wonderfully imaginative and optimistic we really are. When you think about it, we took souls, single, cold objects like a tree and a satellite dish, and transformed them into a major motion picture where 'there’s no place like home’ and/or a warm gathering of people. Together we create better and happier outcomes!
A Little R&R and a Lot of Chocolate!
Tuesday's night meeting was some time for us to for us to relax and caught up with each other. Thanks to Brenda & Becky Taylor we were able to dine on some tasty chocolate infused foods!
