Brighton Optimists Donate To Heavner Nature Connection

The folks from Heavner participated in our Free Fishing Derby For Kids this year, and we found out that they have a variety of youth-related outdoor activities. One of them is ‘Go Fish’, and it was such a natural fit for our group that we decided to help them out with some equipment.

The Board of Directors approved buying some rods and reels for Heavner Nature center. With our great relationship with a local retail outlet, Fishing Derby Committee Chair Donna Campbell was able to increase the buying power of the $188 greatly and at the July 8th Brighton Optimist Club meeting we presented the fishing rigs to the staff of Heavener Nature Center.

We know that the kids will enjoy the new equipment and that many will discover the joys of fishing through this donation. Pictured are Brighton Optimist President Adele Stocker (left), the staff of Heavner Nature Connection (center - with fishing poles), and Brighton Optimist Club Fishing Derby Chairperson Donna Campbell (right).

Brighton Optimists Busy In June!

This Saturday, June 12th, the Brighton Optimist Club will be holding its 24th annual Free Fishing Derby For Kids, the longest running free and touth oriented fishing derby in the State of Michigan.

Registration begins at 7:30 am at the Brighton Mill Pond and runs 8 am - 10:30 am. The first 300 kids are guaranteed an event tee shirt. While results are tabulated, kids will enjoy lemonade and pizza. Trophies will be awarded beginning at 11 am. Bring your tackle and fishing poles, they will provide bait and have a limited number of 'loaner' rods & reels, too. The event costs about $4,500 to put on, much of it offset by sponsorships.

Every Saturday this month, you can skate for free at the Meijer-SELCRA skatepark at 300 Orndorf Drive, in Brighton. The Brighton Optimists were the driving force behind this park and continue to support it. Skateboarders and rollerbladers can work on their tricks and techniques here. Helmets are required.

For more on the Brighton Optimists, see http://www.BrightonOptimist.org