LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Once the largest Optimist Club in Ohio, the Lima Noon Optimist Club is looking to the past to help secure its future. Like many service organizations across the nation, the club is facing challenges in attracting new members.
To address the issue, the club hosted a “reunion” luncheon Wednesday, inviting former members to return and rekindle their connections with the organization.
Tim Willoughby, Optimist Sergeant at Arms, said the event was a success. “Like all clubs, churches, organizations, membership is slip sliding away. So we thought we'd have a reunion and bring back some of the older members. And boy, it was just great to see them. Everybody had a wonderful time. And we're just looking for new members for the Lima Noon Optimist Club,” he said.
Former member Tim Stolly hopes to reengage with the club. “As I get closer to retirement, I would like, and I'm sure I will kind of pop in and out a little bit more to kind of take advantage of the opportunity to serve in the service clubs again,” he said.
Keith Cunningham, another former member, called the reunion “a great idea” and said it inspired him to consider returning. “It was a lot of fun, good to see people that I haven't seen for many years. And yeah, of course, it gives you pause to think maybe I maybe I should try this again. So I'll be thinking about it over the holidays and the first of the year,” Cunningham said.
Those interested in learning more about the Lima Noon Optimist Club can visit LimaOptimist.com or follow the organization on social media.
