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The honorees were presented a plaque for their distinguished and dedicated service in advancing  “Respect for Law”. We at the Optimist Club are forever grateful for their service.

There were four separate fields of law enforcement recognized. Receiving awards were Sharon “Cookie” Peeler of the Solicitors Office; Senior Trooper Corey W. Mason of the SC Highway Patrol; Gregg Satterfield of the Sheriff’s Department and Master Patrol Officer (MPO) James Gardiner of the City of Spartanburg Public Safety Department.  Presenting the plaques were Solicitor Barry Barnette (Solicitor’s Office); Dwane Stone (SC Highway Patrol); Major Dan Johnson (Sheriff’s Office) and Director Tony Fisher (City of Spartanburg Public Safety).

"Oratorical Contest" topic was "How My Optimism Helps Me Overcome Obstacles". The contest was held on April 12th.
The Optimist Club would like to thank Morningside Baptist Church for hosting the event and the teachers involved with the students: Audrey Hailstock of McCracken Jr. High School and Andrea Cavendish of Gable Middle School. Optimist Chairperson Meg Holloway conducted the contest assisted by fellow members Troy Bridges, Dick Kugler (President), Bryan and Eulalia Seay, and OK Gaskins. Pepper Graham entertained the group with a game of “Name that Tune”. The judges were Nathan Neighbors, Kathy Green, and Jack Dodds.
Winners were:

1st Place Boys- Mackenzie Johnson (Medallion & $100)
1^st Place Girls- Tara Ferris (Medallion & $100)

2nd Place Boys- Jackson Erb (Medallion & $50)
2^nd Place Girls- Terin Tyson (Medallion & $50)

3^rd Place Boys- Camerron Hall (Medallion & $25)
3^rd Place Girls- Courtney Brink (Medallion & $25)

The "NOW" dinner on April 13th (Friday) at Optimist Acres had a great turn out. This was a good opportunity for the community to come out and learn more about the Optimist Club. If interested, please click on the "contact us" above for information on future "NOW" dinners.

"Easter Basket" Seven of us had a great time shopping for food that ten families will enjoy for Easter. Felix Bulsa organized the event at BiLo's. The food was taken to the Salvation Army and Piemont Community Action for distribution to the families.

"CCDHH" Communication Contest for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing took place on March 21st at the S.C. School for the Deaf & Blind. The topic was "How My Optimism Helped Me Overcome Obstacles". The speeches were great! The winners were Dontae Banks, 1st place; Tiffany Harrison, 2nd place; and Jasmine Elleby, 3rd place. The Optimist Club would like to thank the teachers, interpreter, and judges that made this contest possible. Special thanks to Troy Bridges and Pepper Graham for heading up the contest for the Optimist Club.

"Essay Contest" topic was "How My Positive Outlook Benefits My Community" consisting of 700-800 words. This event was open to participants up to 18 years old as of 12/31/11. Congratulations to Mary Elizabeth Wilson (1st place $100), Tatiana McEntyre (2nd place $50), and Brooklyn Danielle Taylor (3rd place $25). Each winner also received a certificate and Medallion. 1st place winner may enter the District contest possibly winning a $2500 scholarship. Many thanks to teachers Susan Hicks, Michelle Young of Boiling Spring, Chip Rivers and his committee and Chairperson Ted Wilson.

"Hunter Safety Training" Mike McNelis and Instructor Pete Peace have completed the class for March 17th. Another class will be held on August 4th for anyone that needs to complete a hunter education course to obtain a hunting license or just as a refresher. For further information please call Mike McNelis at 864-680-6567 or go to www.DNR.SC.gov (Once at home page click on "Hunting" at top of home page, look for "How to get started", Education, click on "Hunter Education". Look for "Instructor Led Class" and click on "class calender". Go to August 4th and click on date. Then register for class.)

"S.C. District Conference" For those who were unable to attend the meeting, the South Carolina Optimist District quarterly conference was recently held in Myrtle Beach, where the Spartanburg Breakfast Optimist Club was proud to be awarded "Honor Club" status by achieving all its targets over the previous year, including 20%+ new member additions. Spartanburg Optimist Club President, Dick Kugler, received the Honor Club award on behalf of club members from Charles Z. Robinson, past SC District Governor, and Rose Kohler, Optimist International Vice President, Southeast Region.

"Christmas Tree Sales" Our main fundraiser was a great success this year. Our first shipment of trees and wreaths for sale came on November 19th, the Saturday before Thanksgiving Day and ended on Dec 18th. Our trees were first quality, fresh Fraser Firs from "Cardinal Tree Farm" near Boone, NC. The letters we sent out brought back many repeat customers. Thanks to all that helped with the sales. To see the list of trees, wreaths, garland, and stand that were sold. click here"Awards and Officer Installation Dinner" Our dinner was held on Tuesday, September 27th at Rosecrest Community. New board members and officers were sworn in by Lt. Governor Dan Holloway for the Optimist year 2011-2012. Our current President Dick Kugler presented several awards to various members for our club. For more details on the installation and awards, please click GoUpState.com or Press Release.

"Camp Victory" Camp took place from June 20th to the 24th at the Optimist Acres. Activities included arts and crafts, hiking, bird house building sponsored by Home Depot, nature walks with Professor Doug Rayner with Wofford College, Magician Steve Holt with Perky- Vickie Holt, fishing and cart rides. The camp was organized by the Children's Security Blanket Project, an organization created to offer financial assistance and support to Spartanburg families with children facing life threatening illnesses. The Breakfast Optimist Club is one of the sponsors for the event. The camp concluded with an awards banquet and fireworks.

Please click "Camp Victory-2011" under Breakfast Optimists in the Media for more information.