Jackson Noon Optimist Club News

Hello Jackson Noon Optimists,

Spring has officially arrived, and with it comes a renewed sense of energy and opportunity to serve our community. As we move into April, let’s continue to focus on “Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders: Building a Caring Community for Our Children.”

We’re excited about the upcoming events and initiatives that will allow us to make a lasting impact. April brings the perfect chance to reflect on the positive difference we’re making in the lives of the youth we serve. Whether it’s volunteering at local schools, participating in community outreach, or mentoring young leaders, your dedication is inspiring.

As always, thank you for your optimism, commitment, and unwavering support. Together, we are shaping a brighter future for our children and our community.

Yours in Optimism,

Sara Gerau & Amy Ybarra

April 2025 Club Dates!

April 2 - Board Meeting at Delmonico's

April 9 - JNO Business Meeting - 12:00 at Delmonico’s

April 11 - JNO BINGO

April 23 - Program - Birthright and Meeting - 12:00 at Delmonico's

April 25 - Men's Club BINGO

April 30 - 5th Wednesday Lunch "President's Choice" - Noon at EUCC - $12

March 11 - The Optimist Oratorical Contest was held at the Jackson KC Hall. Three students competed. The overall winners will advance to the next round of competition.

The Zone Oratorical Contest will be held on April 6 at 2:00 at the Osage Center. The Jackson Noon Club will sponsor two contestants. Two overall winners will be chosen that day, and they will advance to the District Competition.

March 12 - The JNO Board met before the regular business meeting. At the meeting, it was approved to fund the following projects:

SHINE CLUB - Senior Special Olympic Athletes Banners $98

Scout of America - Flag Sponsorship

March 12 - At the regular club business meeting, April birthdays were recognized, and Sara Gerau gave committee updates.

March 14 - BINGO was canceled due to severe weather.

March 26 - Governor Jean Naeger and Past Governor Phyllis Neff came to the meeting to award JNO the Honor Club status for the 2023-2024 year. Shelly Kaiser, the president during that year, accepted the award.

Big Brothers - Big Sisters also shared a presentation with the club about their organization and ways members can get involved.

March 28 - Men’s Club BINGO: 10 JNO members worked for a total of 44.5 hours.

BINGO is the number one fundraiser for the JNO Club. Last year, JNO earned $41,000 through BINGO! You can also earn credit to pay for your dues while working BINGO.

April 11 - JNO BINGO

April 25 - Men’s Club BINGO

If you need information about BINGO or want to sign up to work, contact Mary Kirn or Shelly Kaiser!

The Jackson Noon Optimist Club will participate in the President’s Choice - 5th Wednesday Lunch on Wednesday, April 30. It will be held at Emanuel United Church of Christ at Noon. The cost is $12 per person. A sign-up sheet for members will be available at the meetings this month.

The meal will be lasagna, salad, garlic bread, dessert, and a drink.

The Jackson Noon Optimist Club would like to thank some of our amazing members for helping pack meal bags for the Jackson R-2 School District Power Pack program. This program provides food for students in need of weekend meals. It is operated completely by volunteers.

Thank you for your continued dedication to making a difference in the lives of our youth.

JNO members made a donation to the Jackson R-2 SHINE club to purchase senior banners for Special Olympics athletes!

Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves!

#JacksonNoonOptimist

Special Olympics practices are held on Mondays at 6:00 @ East Elementary. Contact Paula Givens for more information.

April Birthdays!

Nancy Collier - April 5

LaDonia Beggs - April 8

Emily Collins - April 18

Katy Liley - April 23

Charlene Long - April 23

Cathy Boyd - April 29

If you are with a group of JNO members in the community, grab a photo and tell what you are doing. We want to share the great work we do, as we truly make a difference! Start taking those photos and send them along with a sentence to Merideth Pobst at mpobst@jr2mail.org

You do not want to miss the third-quarter conference. There will be so much happening! Friday evening will include hospitality, an Executive Committee meeting, and our guest speaker. Saturday will be filled with the district Oratorical Contest and Essay winner. Speed training is coming back; all focused on growing your clubs. Visit EMO website for additional information, including hotel link. https://oi-emo.org/

**JNO members, see Sarah Keys for the form to attend.

President - Sara Gerau/Amy Ybarra—Sharing a one-year term

President-Elect - Tammy Duncan

Vice President - Barbara Gholson

Past President -Shelly Kaiser

Secretary - Merideth Pobst

Treasurer - Sarah Keys

Board of Directors that will have 1 year left on the board

• Cathy Boyd

• Marilyn Lowes

• Donna Rushing

Board of Directors to be elected for a two-year term:

• Doris Denny

• Gail Kamp

• Teresa Meier