Talk about a great youth event. But first some history.
Like many Optimist Clubs, the Brighton group conducted a 'youth appreciation' event every year. One of Optimist International's (OI) 'legacy' events, it was originated to recognize kids for just being good kids. Over the years, Brighton took nominations from parents, neighbors, teachers - almost anybody, really - and set aside a day to present the kids with certificates. Family was invited, refreshments provided. It was a good event.
But participation started to fall off. It was getting tougher to get nominations. Fewer teachers participated. The event just quietly went away for a number of years. And sadly, nobody in the community asked about it. One of our members, Peggy Hall, then went a Michigan District Conference, her first appearance at one in 12 years. She went specifically to try to get some ideas for re-establishing 'youth appreciation'. And did she ever!
At a roundtable session, she heard about a spring break day concept that the Alpena Optimist Club had been conducting. They got permission to use the high school during spring break, when it would normally be closed, and had this great event for the kids. Peggy came back charged up and started making plans.
On April 5, 2011, the Brighton Optimists will conduct their 2nd Spring Break Fun Day, aimed at grades K-4. There will be sessions on karate, yoga, origami, geology, musical theatre, cooking, swimming, kayaking - and a lot more. Some classes are tought by local businesses, things like yoga, karate and kayaking. Others that are more hobbyist in nature are taught by either Optimist members or others in the community.
This event is totally FREE to the kids and a light lunch is provided, too. Registrations are pouring in and it looks like we will easily surpass the 150 kids that we had last year. The event is open to all Livingston County residents. It's just one more way that a group of dedicated people are trying to make a difference in their community, and in the lives of children.
The Brighton Optimists have been very busy as of late. They awarded a $500 scholarship to their Essay Contest Winner in early March, awarded two $500 scholarships to their Oratorical contest winners later in March, they're doing the Spring Break Fun Day on April 5th, and planning the 25th Anniversary of their Free Fishing Derby For Kids on June 11th.
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