Junior Optimists Reach Out In Community

The Wolf Point Junior Optimists were busy reaching out in the community Thursday, Feb. 8. The students from Northside Elementary School were creating Chinese New Year decorations with Faith Home residents.

Barbara Olson, advisor for the Junior Optimists, explained that the club consists of 11 fourth- through sixth-grade students. This is the 10th year that the club is operating in Wolf Point.

“It’s community service and building a relationship with elders,” Olson explained. “We try to bridge the generations.”

Olson said that she joined the Optimist Club of Wolf Point so she could be an advisor for the Junior Optimists. She saw a need for such a program to benefits students and the community.

“I was looking to reach people with a bona-fide club,” she said.

Junior Optimists are sponsored by Optimist International Clubs and the Optimist International organization.

Other adult volunteers during the event on Thursday included Mary Long, Pat Stennes, Mary Boysun and Rosie Kurokawa.

The Junior Optimists visit Faith Home once a month for a different timely project such as making Valentines cards in January, Easter decorations in March and spring time items in April.

“As time goes on, they get to know each other,” Olson said of the students and the Faith Home residents.

She expressed appreciation to Northside principal Georgie Gourneau for being very supportive of the program.

“We also pick up a lot of litter during the spring and summer,” Olson added of the club’s activities.

She said members of the club are selected based on recommendations by parents or school officials.