Ocean City Today
16 NEWS
APRIL 27, 2012
Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club celebrates 40 years of service NATHAN BRUNET ■ Intern (April 27, 2012) April 28 will now be known locally as Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Day, as the mayors of Ocean City and Berlin signed proclamations in recognition of the Ocean City/Berlin Maryland Optimist Club’s 40 years of community service to the area. The Optimist Club began in coastal Worcester County in 1972, with the goal of aiding youth in the community. Following the motto, “a friend of the youth,” the club uses a variety of methods to support local kids, such as providing scholarships and sponsoring youth events. Since starting with a member base of 30, the club has grown to 124 individuals – second most in the state of Maryland and in the top 20 nationally. “We’re proud of our organization,” said Charles Smith, anniversary chairman and past president of the Optimist Club. “The individuals in the club are committed to the youth and have established a high level of performance. We’re going to emphasize the members’ contributions to our organization and the programs we have supported.” Fundraising for scholarships through local events including the Seaside Boat Show, and its participation in Springfest and Sunfest, encompasses the club’s main effort, which has granted $1.5 million to 270 students over the past 24 years. Since its inception, the Optimist Club has also sponsored a speech contest each
year that awards the winner cash and the opportunity to compete in the state finals for a $2,500 scholarship. More than 36,000 young people have participated in the club’s Youth ID program, which allows parents to record their child’s fingerprints for free. Not only does the Optimist Club sponsor “Reading is Fundamental,” a reading comprehension initiative, but members have donated more than 140,000 books to local schools. Other organizations aided by the club through sponsorships are Ocean City Recreation and Parks, Worcester County Arts Council, Diakonia, among others. “I think the community and kids are fortunate to have such a dedicated group of individuals working to help others,” said Jerry Selig, past president and 25-year member. According to Smith, it is amazing that the community has been able to receive support from the Optimist Club, as support for the organization began to collapse only a few years after its birth. “Membership fell to only 15 members in the late ’70s and [the Optimist Club] has continued to grow ever since,” said Smith. “It’s a little bit unbelievable, to tell you the truth.” In honor of the club’s 40th anniversary, a dinner will be held at the Commander Hotel at 14th Street and the Boardwalk on April 28. The Stephen Decatur High School Jazz Quintet will perform during cocktails, followed by speakers honoring the contributions of members. The Ocean City/Berlin Maryland Opti-
PHOTOS COURTESY OPTIMIST CLUB
Past President Jim Whittemore, left, recognizes the winner of the 1988 Seaside Boat Show door prize. For the past 25 years, North Bay Marina has donated pontoon boat with motor as door prize for the show, held in February. (Right) Former resort Mayor Granville Trimper cuts a ribbon to signify the start of the 1983 Seaside Boat Show. With him is Don Hastings
mist Club Youth Foundation, which was formed by the club in 1992 to give contributors an easy and tax-deductible method to aid the organization, will be celebrating 20 years of service on April 28 as well and will be recognized during the dinner. Those who are interested in becoming involved with the Ocean City/Berlin Maryland Optimist Club and/or Youth Foundation may visit www.ocberlinoptimist.org.
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