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? |
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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!
Club Officers
President: Karen Puzara
1st Vice President: Tony Puzara
Secretary: Linda Attard
Treasurer: Derek Scott
Directors:
Ray Horban
Lorie Scott
Jim Waite
Sydney Ridell
Pattie Bonesteel
Garrett Pedlar
Paul Petersen
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 you will have a vote. VACCINATION AND MASK MANDATORY.
General meetings (all welcome)
1st Tuesday of each Month
Social at 6:30pm and dinner at 7:00pm
September to June
IN PERSON MEETINGS ARE CURRENTLY NOT POSSIBLE
Due to the fact that the community centre is not open, (municipality property and not supervised by a municipal employee), we cannot meet there. If you require assistance to get set up on Zoom, please use the contact form in the menu above. Zoom invitations go out to members via email. If you are not a current member but are interested in attending as a guest, please feel free to contact us as well!
Sponsored by:
Club #: 45012 - Sarnia-Bluewater, On

2021-2022 SWONT Governor - Mike Cogliati
Everyone benefits from social interaction. We have a network of interactions from family, friends, co-workers, teammates, fellow Optimists. It’s part of the makeup of our clubs. We are all social beings. Whether it’s cooperation or conflict, the social interactions within our club guide its decisions and presence in the community. Hopefully there are plenty positive outcomes. Our service projects have an impact on our community and the youth we serve. Unfortunately, covid has curtailed numerous social activities through the maze of changing restrictions. Let’s hope restrictions end, and even more important that a new serious variant never appears. The youth have lost a year and a half of social development and may be physically, emotionally, and mentally affected as a result. Zoom lessons for the youth or zoom meetings for us are limiting in interactive quality. Even worse are the sporting activities that have been curtailed, limiting physical interaction, team development and leadership. Not all projects may be successful as clubs and communities transition out of covid hibernation. Mistakes or failures may occur, but the important part is to keep trying projects for the interaction development of our youth. Double the efforts and projects to make up for the lost year and a half. Maybe it’s time to try new activities – bring a new option for your club to consider and put your heart into the effort for success. Those in your community may want to get back to ‘normal’ with the social interaction that joining an Optimist club provides. It’s time to move forward by networking, not only with members of our own club, but also those of other clubs. Youth mimic the adults that they encounter in their development, so let’s show our Optimism. We’ve started out in the isolation of covid hibernation and need to remember that the finish line is socially, mentally, physically, and emotionally developed youth.
We often have informative and interesting guest speakers
and presentations at our general meetings!
and presentations at our general meetings!