ABOUT US
Mission
By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.
Vision
Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.
Purpose
To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed; to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; to inspire respect for the law; to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; to aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.
By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.
Vision
Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.
Purpose
To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed; to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; to inspire respect for the law; to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; to aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of humankind, community life and the world.
Are you interested in membership? |
![]()
|
Congratulations to our own Tracy Huxley! Tracy’s run for President elect has been successful! We are all so thrilled and proud but her father - a past President of Optimist International himself - and mother are over the moon. Optimism runs in the family! Tracy is going to fulfill this role with competence, industry, compassion and vision.
We'd love to tell you about our club!
Here are some great reasons to consider getting involved:
The opportunity to help
There is nothing more encouraging than individuals who reach out to make other people’s lives better. It demonstrates the value of service to others and shows us how important our contributions are in making this world a better place, most especially for the children.
Personal growth and development
Membership provides many opportunities for personal development. Being of service to others develops good character and helps us become better individuals.
Make friends and be part of something great
Being a member allows one to take part in the many activities and projects we create. We have a great group of members who enjoy spending time with each other for the betterment of our community.
To learn more about our club and how you can get involved please contact us!
2022-23 Club Officers
President: Tony Puzara
Past President: Karen Puzara
Vice Presidents: Paul Petersen and Ray Horban
Secretary: Linda Attard
Treasurer: Derek Scott
Directors:
Paul Trottier
Lorie Scott
Pattie Bonesteel
Garrett Pedlar
We are a community service organization dedicated to "Bringing out the best in youth, in our communities and in ourselves". Optimist clubs are members of the worldwide Optimist International service organization, Optimists world-wide dedicated to serving the youth of our communities.
District Number: 45 (SWONT)
Southwestern Ontario
Club #: 45170
Club Name: Ausable-Port Franks, On
Date Chartered: March 28, 1983
Port Franks, Ontario, Canada
Meeting Location:
Port Franks Community Center
Executive meetings (all welcome)
2nd Tuesday of each Month at 6:30pm
September to June
Board Meetings are normally held the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm in the Optimist Hall – upstairs at the Community Centre (or downstairs at times). We would love to have members come to these meetings with ideas and comments. You don't have to sit on the board to be there. They are open to any member and any member in good standing will have a vote.
General meetings (all welcome)
1st Tuesday of each Month
Social at 6:30pm and dinner at 7:00pm
September to June
Sponsored by:
Club #: 45012 - Sarnia-Bluewater, On

AND
2022-23 SWONT District Governor John Ruth
To all our friends in the great SWONT District,
Carol and I would like to thank you so much for your ongoing support. So many of you have worked so hard these last few years and kept this great District moving forward. Some have held back with a certain degree of trepidation and fear of the unknown. That’s all behind us now as we definitely look forward “to the greater achievements of the future”. Carol and I have been blessed these last few months to have been able to reconnect in person with many of you and you can feel the positivity and true Optimist spirit that is alive and well in SWONT.
There will be challenges in the year ahead but nothing that we as a team cannot conquer. We are so fortunate in this District to have such a wealth of knowledgeable members to provide outstanding Leadership in the year ahead. Speaking of outstanding leaders, how about a standing ovation for three members from our District: President Bob McFadyen, Vice-President Marlene Phillips and President-Elect Tracy Huxley! This has never happened before in the history of Optimist International.
In 2022-2023 let’s all get “Up For Optimism”.
VISIT THE SWONT WEBSITE AND OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL SITE BY CLICKING ON THE IMAGES BELOW:
2022-23 SWONT District Governor John Ruth
To all our friends in the great SWONT District,
Carol and I would like to thank you so much for your ongoing support. So many of you have worked so hard these last few years and kept this great District moving forward. Some have held back with a certain degree of trepidation and fear of the unknown. That’s all behind us now as we definitely look forward “to the greater achievements of the future”. Carol and I have been blessed these last few months to have been able to reconnect in person with many of you and you can feel the positivity and true Optimist spirit that is alive and well in SWONT.
There will be challenges in the year ahead but nothing that we as a team cannot conquer. We are so fortunate in this District to have such a wealth of knowledgeable members to provide outstanding Leadership in the year ahead. Speaking of outstanding leaders, how about a standing ovation for three members from our District: President Bob McFadyen, Vice-President Marlene Phillips and President-Elect Tracy Huxley! This has never happened before in the history of Optimist International.
In 2022-2023 let’s all get “Up For Optimism”.
VISIT THE SWONT WEBSITE AND OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL SITE BY CLICKING ON THE IMAGES BELOW:
We often have informative and interesting guest speakers
and presentations at our general meetings!
and presentations at our general meetings!