As a Paragon Optimist
WOW, what a second year I have had as a Paragon Optimist! From finding great new friends, who feel more like family, to realizing as a group we can make a difference.
Hello, I’m Sharon and this is the first blog I’ve ever written. I was inspired by our other members, who have written one, and I have since learned writing a blog is extremely hard and stressful… Despite that I powered through because sharing my thoughts and experiences with others can lead to positive outcomes.
When I first because a member I suffered through a botched shoulder surgery. This limited my physical abilities and caused me to feel I couldn’t help. Luckily, I eventually found a surgeon who changed my life, and I was finally able to become the productive member I knew I could be.
Volunteering has been very therapeutic and fulfilling.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who has been inspired by a story describing the feeling of satisfaction gained when someone has done something good for the community. For me it’s no longer a story but my reality. I didn’t realize how helping with street cleaning or meal ministry would make me feel so satisfied. I certainly had no clue that reading the fourth grade essays, “Is it ever OK to tell a lie,” would make me thankful that I am no longer in school!
I am very proud to be a member and am looking forward to many more years of helping my fellow Optimists strive to provide hope and a positive vision for the youth. While at the same time enjoying the camaraderie I feel whenever we are all together.
Can’t wait to see what the upcoming year will bring!
Sharon B
I'm a Paragon!
My mom has been big into the Paragon Optimist Club, and this past September (2018) she invited me to attend their installation dinner. She was being installed as a board member, and I thought it would be fun to see my mom installed in something she seems to be passionate about.
I attended a meeting or two prior to the installation, but I really didn’t know what to expect. After attending what I can say – the food was wonderful, door prizes were the flower centerpieces (side note: I won a centerpiece, and a 50/50 raffle!), but the best part for me really was the great group of women, who made me feel right at home.
In March, of this year (2019) she invited me to their Zone Meeting, which also includes a quarter auction to raise money for a local charity. Again, I really had no idea what this was all about, but I said sure. It was another super night! I was filled with food, raffle baskets (sad side note: I didn’t win this time), and great women who once again made me feel welcome. All monies collected that night was donated to New Life Mission.
I was hooked!
The more mom talked about the club, the more interested I became. The awesome projects they work on for the community like Meal Ministry, Paragon Pals and numerous others had me wanting to be part of the action! So here I am ready to fill out my application to become a member.
Thanks mom for introducing me to the great charitable organization.
Angela G
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!
To Be A Better Person
A big year in the books for me was 2009. I got married to my best friend. Together we bought our first house and sold our condo. Little did I know, more was on the way. It was also the year I became a member of the Paragon Optimist Club.
Being a member of the Paragon Optimist Club has increased my desire to be a better person. During my membership ceremony I was told, “I will learn the Optimist Creed, a genuine challenge to all men and women to live by.” I still to this day try to live by this creed. “To think only of the best. To work only for the best. And to expect only the best.” So, when the opportunity presented itself for me to join the board of a new meal ministry at my church, Trinity Lutheran Church, I did not hesitate.
I happen to love to cook, but besides that I knew this meal ministry was going to serve a greater purpose. The goal was to create a safe place for all to gather. We wanted to create an environment of togetherness – the once a week family meal. We wanted to create a meal that surpassed the traditional soup kitchen by opening our doors to those who were hungry, tired, cold, hot, wet, lonely, afraid, and so on. Everyone who enters walks up and pour their own drinks. Sit anywhere in the room. Then they are served their meal just like being in a restaurant. Most weeks the meals are served on real plates, in real bowls and with real utensils rather than paper and plastic. Again, the focus was to create a place of belonging. “To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.”
At the very first, ‘Feed Your Neighbor’ meal ministry board meeting, one of the most important obligations was to get volunteers scheduled to donate meals. The Paragon Optimist Club was the first organization that popped into my head. A fair amount of our community arriving for the meals would be children. Participating would be another opportunity for the club to reach out and be, “Friends of Youth.” Friends of Youth, is an Optimist slogan I too learned at my membership ceremony. As anticipated the club members eagerly accepted to be volunteers. For the last nine years the Paragon Optimist Club has cooked, plated, served, and occasionally provided special treats not just once a year, but 4 times a year! If you’re a person who’s into numbers, the Club has prepared and donating food for 100+ guests each time. Of course, meal ministry has repeat visitors, but the Paragon Optimist Club has provided 100+ smiles 4 times a year for the past 9 years…. which adds up to at least 3,600 smiles and a chance to enjoy a family meal!
I sometimes wonder if my parents had not been Optimists, if they had not raised me to be an Optimist, would this amazing experience have happened in my life? I realize that for me, only God knows the answer to that. Regardless, I am blessed to have two life changing groups in my life that have pushed me to be a better person. I am now presented with the task of passing these same ideals on to my children so that they may too strive to be an OPTIMIST!
Nicki U
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
Family. Friends. A Club.
As we bid farewell to 2017, we also bid farewell to our failures and shortcomings. The new year, 2018, affords us great opportunities and adventures to embrace. We must always look forward to our greater achievements.
So, here’s to a Happy New Year filled with health, happiness and prosperity of mind, body and spirit!
Yours in optimism,
Rebecca Sunderhaus
Paragon Optimist Club, President