Opening Comments, 2026-2027
I’m happy to welcome you to the 26-27 Optimist Club year! My name is Sue Grimm Mattox and it is an honor to be serving as the Governor of the Atlantic Central District of Optimist International. I’m a younger member of OI for eleven years I have touted Optimism in Lancaster city. I served as the President of the Lancaster club for three years. During that time, I was called to be District Secretary for two terms under PG Lorin Richter and PG Don Hickman. I listened, observed and gain much knowledge of our great organization. I continued by serving as Lt. Governor for Zone 7 and Meeting and Convention, Chair. So many people helped me along the way, I developed an “O” family.
Micheal Goldman, President of OI, states we need to ....”grow our impact by joining the Optimist movement.” WE have a rich heritage and we need to continue to grow. I’ve selected the theme Back to Basic, Building Blocks of Optimism. Growth happens when we look into the future and ASK: What can we do or How can we do?
We need to show the IMPACT our clubs have
on our community. We need to TELL the community what we do for the children and youth in our areas. Sometimes that is telling one person at a time; and repeating and repeating this information. We need to use the resources at our fingers Social Media, Print Media (yes this is still an option), free TV and share, share and share. We need to JUST ASK. We need to work with other likeminded groups, Rotary, Lions, and Kiwanis. These groups support much of the same things we do….working together for our community will strengthen all.
Visibility is very important for our CLUBS, hang a banner at each event your club offers. Imprinting on the brain happens when the same item is used over and over again. Purchase a waterproof banner that can be hung at EACH and EVERY event, rain or shine. Let the community see this banner at every event. The banner can plant seeds that will grow and inviting people to join, for them to investigate and ask questions, our clubs will grow. It will take every member of the AC District to ask.
We have a vibrant Junior Optimist International (JOI) group that continues to grow in the AC District. These young people are our future leaders. We need to reach out and offer young people the joy of service to their school and community. We have the resources. It will take every member of the AC District to ask.
In closing I ask the AC clubs to look outside the box to help grow our Optimism and join the movement. Wiggle, jiggle and join me in jumping forward for our Optimist Clubs in Atlantic Central.