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!
Something Small Can Change The World
The other night I got to participate in Paragon Pals after our Club’s meeting. Paragon Pals collects personal items, mostly for women, that we bag and then donate to various shelters, or those in need. I really feel this is a cool project our club does because it helps people in a different way outside of the normal food, money, educational and so on donations. Then it made me wonder why did I think ‘normal’ just then? And I realized that the kind of products we’ve put together tend can fall into ‘vanity.’ Vanity can be viewed as bad because it’s not needed to survive. It’s vane or superficial. However, vanity can also provide good. For example, I’m one of those women who colors their hair. Every time the hairdresser finishes, and I look in the mirror I feel like a million bucks. I feel like I can take on the world and achieve anything, and the only change was a ¼ of an inch of hair color… Do I need to color my hair to survive? No, but that little bit of vanity changed my outlook on the world and of myself.
As I was stuffing the bag for these women it got me to think about if that little change in hair color affects me emotionally the way it does, how would I be if I didn’t have the day-to-day personal care items that I take for granted. Sure, these women don’t need these items to survive, but if by getting them it allows them to change how they feel about themselves and that change helps them get out of a tricky situation I think vanity is good and can lead to positive changes in the world. I love when my hair is clean, and I feel good knowing that someone else can have clean hair because of me and the Paragon Pals! Clean hair can help when that person goes on a job interview as well. So maybe these items are necessary.
The bags we put together will be donated to Haven House Emergency Shelter in Hamilton, Ohio. Haven House provides temporary emergency shelter and food to single fathers with children, single mothers with children, married couples and families, entirely without government funding of any kind.An added bonus this year besides donating these bags to Haven House was that the donations members collected throughout the year had some excess of certain items, and we were able to donate those to female veterans!
Being part of an organization that helps others is a win-win situation for all! It makes you feel good to be part of something bigger than yourself, knowing that you helped someone, even if it was in a small way. It then helps those who receive the donation. Personal items may not seem like much, but to those who have none, it may mean the world.
Sally L & Jessica R
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
Paragon Christmas Fun
Red. Green. Blue. Animals. Santa Claus. Snowmen. Scissors snip. Snip. Christmas music. Laughing. Teasing. Were some of the sights and sounds from our meeting tonight. As I reflect on this wonderful evening, I’m reminded of everything that led us here. Our club has been so busy the last month in a half or so. The kind of busy that is fun and heartwarming.
Early in November we signed up to buy items from the adopt-a-family’s wish lists that the local school provided to us. The items were brought in so they could be checked off the master list. This is to make sure no items were missed. Making me think of how Santa Claus checks his list twice J! There were pants, shoes, socks, games, crafts, magnetic darts and so much more.
In mid-November we signed Christmas cards. These were to go out to our fellow Optimist club officials, local city government offices and many others we have been involved with over the years. I myself was going to do a separate Christmas activity where I help send cards to deployed and wounded soldiers. However, I had some health issues and I was not sure if I could sign the cards and bring it to my friend’s house. So, I came early and asked a few members to help me sign the seven boxes of cards. Everyone jumped in to help and all the cards were signed. When I took the cards to my friend’s house, we decorated them with stamps, tape and stickers. In total we did over four hundred cards!
And now it is December, and the night that made me reminisce where we wrapped the adopt-a-family presents. The evening was started off by eating tacos as a fellowship meal. Then we held our normal meeting. After that we went into the other room were all the gifts were laid out. Each child had their own table, with their items ready to be wrapped. Each table had a print out of labels with each child’s name. There was a large black bag labeled with each child’s name to hold all the presents. Once everyone was situated the wrapping began. Care was taken to use lots of different types of paper. Members pared off and helped each other. There was singing and laughing. When we were finished it was awesome to look at all the gifts that were on the tables. The gifts were placed in the large black bags. We had to get second bags because there was so many!
As we approach the new year, the thing that I think about from all this is the fun times I have had. This club does so much good for our community. These women do so much to help support their members. They are special and dear to my heart!
Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!
Pat B.
PARAGON PALS
Paragon Pals is one of our Club's newest programs. The Club collects personal items, mostly for women, that we bag and then donate to various shelters, or those in need.
We collect shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, Kleenex, soap, hand sanitizer, deodorant, lotion, combs, razors, and other miscellaneous items.
At one of the meetings before we divide up the items collected, the Club, under the expert guidance of our in-house seamstress Pat Boehm, bags are hand-made of assorted materials, and finished with a draw string. This way, when the necessities are gone, there is a bag for them to keep and use as they like.
The idea for Paragon Pals actually started when I was assisting Governor Cherie Gentry in Columbus. I had to come up with an idea to entertain those not attending the OI Ohio District training sessions. I decided on a project to help others. I sent a letter to all members of the Ohio District asking for the personal items and small purses or bags to be brought to the next quarter meeting. I was overwhelmed by the response! We made close to 300 bags that were donated to a local homeless shelter.
The program was so well received, I thought it would be great to continue it on a club level.
So far, we have donated to Hope Gospel Mission, New Life Mission, and Haven House.
We continue collecting all year long, and fill bags twice a year. We also include a card in each bag with a little message for the donee. I hope we continue this for many years, as there is always someone who needs a little help now and then.
With gratitude,
Sally Schmidt, Paragon Pals Committee Chair
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
In a faraway land…
In a faraway land named Paragon, two bunnies were hard at work prepping and preparing for a very special event. On this one special evening all of the Paragon generous, hardworking bunnies will arrive with noses wiggling and tails-waggling to make baskets.
Paws, paws, so many paws will fill eggs with jelly beans and gummy treats. Other paws will fill empty baskets with grasses, and then more paws gently placing a plush stuffed animal in each one.
After that the parade will begin like a well-choreographed ballet, the bunnies will assemble basket after basket. One by one, egg by egg, toy by toy, book by book, and bag by bag the baskets are magically filled and tagged for delivery. By the end of this special night 150 baskets will be lovingly made in less than an hour. The joyous vision of children smiling and laughing as they receive the fruit of the bunnies’ toils flicker in every bunnies’ eyes.
This land has existed for nine years, and every year the number of bunnies grow because every time a child is joyous a new bunny is born. Then there’s more paws to help bring joy to another child and another part our world!
Andrea R
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
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
Tis the season
For as long as I can remember our Club has provided children in need with gifts over the holidays. This kind of gift giving can tie us to the historic figure Saint Nicholas. Who knew that Saint Nicholas was a 4th-century saint? His legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the traditional model of Santa Claus (“Saint Nick”). We are far from saints, but are truly blessedthat we are able to give to those who need!
We once again assembled to bring a smile to a child's face – we collect, we wrap, we deliver!
Good things come in small packages!
Tonight, some pals got together to assemble personal care packages with all our hope and dreams for those at Juliette’s Hope. Juliette’s Hope Acute Recovery House focuses on creating a culture of compassion, dignity and accountability. Each resident will develop skills necessary for a life of recovery. These bags contained lotion, soap, hair care products, tooth care and other physical care need items, as well as a note from one of the Paragon Pals. We are truly blessed that we are able to come together as a group and give back and make a difference in someone’s life!
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.
Pretending to Be a Bunny…
Because NO CHILD should be LEFT OUT of the chance to celebrate the season! Every year we gather and assemble at least 150 baskets that are distributed by Mercy Health - St. Raphael's food pantry and Sojourner. Every basket contains a stuffed animal, book, toy and of course candy.
On Our Way to Heaven
This post's title is a bit of an inside joke because of everything else we've done this month, but we are so happy to donate to a local women's shelter, Hope House! Tonight was the beginning of our newest committee, Paragon Pals, where we assembled 100 care bags for the women's shelter. The bags included toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, razors, combs, tissues, and other miscellaneous items. We also enclosed a little note of encouragement for each bag. Everyone needs a kind thought to make their day!
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!
