Written By Jan Sims
BRYANSTON - The Bryanston-Birr Optimist Club recently marked a milestone. And the community was invited to come out for the celebration.
On Saturday August 29th, the Club marked its 50th anniversary at the Bryanston School Park, with displays, food, activities for the kids, and an old-time baseball game.
The Club was established in March of 1976. It grew out of a similar club that was operating in east London.
Long-time Bryanston-Birr Optimist, Don Foster, says there’s a lot of satisfaction with being a member of the service club. “I think just working with other people, and making the community a better place; whether it’s youth or seniors.”
Optimist International is a world-wide service club with members in over 20 countries. Much of the work focuses on youth, with initiatives such as support for sports groups and public speaking contests.
A challenge and hope are to attract new members to the Club to continue supporting local groups. “I hope we continue to support them because those things make a community,” says Foster.
