Happy Anniversary.
Arnprior Mayor David Reid presents Arnprior Optimist president Robbie Burton with a certificate of congratulations on behalf of town council and residents.
John Carter
The Arnprior Optimist Club celebrated 50 years of service to with a gala gathering at the Arnprior Golf Club Saturday.
The celebration began with Arnprior Optimist president Robbie Burton welcoming 95 past and current members and special guests. Burton said later called the evening a great success with everyone “having a blast.”
In his speech, he said the club’s service to the youth of Arnprior and area was made possible by the continued support from the community and the dedication of hardworking volunteer Optimist club members.
“I can only surmise that on June 12, 1961 that the 39 Charter members who brought Arnprior into the Optimist fold had a vision for its longevity and success. Here we are 50 years later going as strong as ever, adapting to an every changing world, and more importantly maintaining our focus on the youth and the future in our community,” he said.
“We should all be proud.”
Burton said the club conservatively estimates that it has raised and given back close to $2 million to the community. Donations have been made to schools for academics, sport and graduation exercises, children with special mobility needs, Arnprior minor hockey, Arnprior School of Dance and the Arnprior wrestling Club among many others.
The club also pledged $100,000 to the Arnprior and District Memorial Hospital’s Partners in Caring Campaign.
He pointed out that club members have donated thousands of man hours to initiatives such as the Optimist Winter Carnival, Bike Rodeo, Canada Day and the building of the Optimist baseball damond.
A number of people were recognized during the evening, including two original charter members, Lorne Bretzlaff and John Scardino, who were given a round of applause.
Given an honourable mention was Peter McLaughlin, the club’s longest serving charter member of 47 years, who was not able to attend.
Also recognized were Ed Murphy, Arnprior’s only Lt.-Governor (1984); past president Chris Toner for his outstanding work over the last two years, former member Bob Wikman and his wife Margo who attended from Michigan; and Arthur McLean who has been an active member for 44 years.
Optimist International Lt.-Governor Brian Ralph from Kingston and Governor Jim Lynge sent congratulations.
Arnprior Mayor David Reid gave a brief speech and a presented a Certificate of Congratulations to the club on behalf of council and residents of Arnprior. It read: “In recognition of providing hope, positive vision and a desire to make a difference in our community through the development of youth.”
Sandy Bellerose from Arnprior M&M Meat Shops thanked the Optimist Club for its support to the tune of $46,000 of their annual barbecue for Crohn’s and Colitis. She presented a hand-written thank you note from M&M chairman Mac Voisin.
During the evening, several testimonials were read from St. Joseph’s Catholic School, McNab Public School, John XXIII and Walter Zadow in appreciation of support for their playground structures, graduations, sporting equipment and other items.
The club also gave out accolades, as Arnprior parks and recreation director Glenn Arthur was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation.
The certificate read: “Congratulations for being a ‘Friend of Youth’ and for developing Optimism as a philosophy of life, on promoting an active interest in the community and for many years of assisting the Arnprior Optimist Club and various youth organizations in the Town of Arnprior.”
Before formal activities began, all were invited to browse through 50 years of Optimist memorabilia and to catch up with old friends.