Tuesday, August 11, 2020

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2020 10 Messages OPTIMIST CLUB OF KINGSTON 40TH ANNIVERSARY ON THE occasion of the 40th an- niversary of the Optimist Club of Kingston, I am honoured and pleased to deliver this congratula- tory message. It was in 1980 when 42 Charter Members, optimistic about the fu- ture and blessed with the light rain showers of the afternoon that did not dampen their resolve, pledged to uphold the mission of Optimist International and be guided by the Optimist Creed. Today, the mission, “Providing hope and positive vi- sion, Optimists bring out the best in youth, in our communities and in ourselves”, holds and guides us. Among the tenets of the creed, we are guided: “To be so strong that nothing can disturb the peace of mind”. I recall with great pride when in 1987, the Optimist doors were opened to welcome women, and the clubs benefited greatly and flourished under their leadership. By 1992, there were 25 clubs in the Optimist International Jamaica District, which was subsequently renamed the Optimist International Caribbean District. In this the 40th year of the Optimist Club of Kingston, we are among 72 clubs within the Caribbean District, with over 2,400 members, standing tall among the clubs and members around the world representing 25 nations. Our many projects and pro- grammes undertaken over the years all serve to fulfil our mission. All our members are mindful of self-de- velopment as we foster conscious inclusion in improving the lives of young people and enhancing the communities and being mindful of the environment. We continue to serve and to spread the Optimist philosophy. Our theme in this our 40th year, “Imagining 40 years and Beyond”, allows us to reflect on all that has been accomplished and build boldly for the future through retention and recruitment of members eager to serve; to offer their time talent and treasure; to be creative and eager to provide hope and positive vi- sion and in return, to gain through self-development, learning, and sharing. Of the many adjectives and data, fears, and concerns surrounding the current worldwide pandemic COVID-19, we can find and utilise the opportunities that present themselves. The sharing and caring for others as we care for ourselves through a kind word or deed is a positive correlation with the mis- sion and creed of our Optimist clubs around the world. Let us continue to move forward together, bold and confident with Optimism, Imagining the 40 years past and beyond. Optimist Club of Kingston, con- gratulations on 40 successful and fulfilling years! THEODORE ‘THEO’ GOLDING CharterMember of theOptimist Club of Kingston Past Distinguished & Outstanding Governor, Optimist International Jamaica District 1992-1993 Past International President, Optimist International 2007-2008 We continue to serve MY FELLOW Optimists from the Optimist Club of Kingston across Jamaica and the Caribbean, just im- agine40 years ingivingof yourselves. CONGRATULATIONS! Pleaseallowme to say how grateful I am as charter president for your unselfishanddedi- cated service toour country, commu- nities, and children in need. You have given of yourself unselfishly to others in need since the formation of the Optimist Club of Kingston on August 10, 1980, as a service club, being part of the Optimist International. At the timeof our charter, ourmain focuswas onyouthdevelopment inour schools, mainly from the inner-city areas. The Optimist clubs have lived our motto of‘Friends of Youth’. Our dedi- catedmembers have been giving of themselves even when challenged themselves. Over the 40 years of service to our community, we have proven that Jamaicans, for the most part, are loving, caring and giving people. It is through these quali- ties that we have grown from one service club in the year 1980 to 73 service clubs in Jamaica and across the Caribbean today, the Optimist Club of Kingston being the mother of them all. My dream - then as a young man - of a service club was to be of assistance to our youths in need, and that has been realised. Thanks toall the stalwarts andded- icated members who, over the years, havegivenof themselvesat all levelsas districtgovernors, clubpresidents, sec- retaries, treasurers, and board mem- bers. As a family, we have achieved numerousdistinguished international awards from Optimist International. Our district has produced two inter- national presidents, past international distinguished president Theodore Golding of the Optimist Club of Kingston; our current international president, Adrian Elcock of Barbados; international vice-presidents; andour millennium immediatedistinguished Caribbean District past Governor, MarciaStreetHendricks,will beserving on the international boardof directors. Thesemanifestations showourded- ication toservingothers inneed. Over these 40 years, the work of our clubs across Jamaicaand theCaribbeanhas beenthebest-keptsecretasitisservice above self, especially by our Optimist sisters. As the sayinggoes,“If youwant to talk about something, ask aman. If youwant to get somethingdone, ask a woman.” So to our Optimist sisters, hatsoff toyouall. I look forward to the 50thanniversarywithOPTIMISM. God bless Jamaica and the work of all our Optimist members. Toworkonly for thebest andexpect only thebest, togive somuch time to the improvement of yourself, that you have no time to criticise others.!! ANDY MORGAN Charter President 1980-1982 Service above self