Community Corner

Optimist Club Continues to Serve St. Clair Shores

Members of the Optimist Club of St. Clair Shores recently celebrated their 20th anniversary, and are preparing to continue to serve the community this holiday season.

For more than two decades the members of the Optimist Club of St. Clair Shores have served the city, honored leaders in the community and provided meals, events and programs for children, families and organizations. 

After recently celebrating their 20th anniversary, members of the Optimists have a full slate of programs and events planned for this holiday season and beyond.

"As the club has gotten older, we have added more projects," said Debbie DePape, president of the 42-member club. "It is a passion we all have - giving back."

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Members of the Optimists will continue that tradition today by assembling food baskets at the South Lake warehouse and delivering food basket to 12 local families.

“Our club’s purpose is to bring out the best in kids and give back to our community through our volunteer service,” DePape said.  “I am proud of this organization and the great things we continue to do for those less fortunate than ourselves.  I’d like to also give a special thanks to South Lake for providing the space for us to assemble and to Oak Ridge Market for their continued support and generous donation”

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Other upcoming events sponsored by the Optimists include:

  • The annual Santa Station from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Selinsky Green Farmhouse behind the St. Clair Shores Library. The family event includes opportunities to visit enjoy a candy cane, warm up with some hot chocolate, and tour the Farmhouse and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children will also be able to feed and pet the animals including a fallow deer, miniature horse, alpaca and goats.
  • The annual Poinsettia Ball at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Blossom Heath Inn. The ball is a tradition started by the St. Clair Shores Jaycees in the 1970s and brings together the business community, civic organizations and the community to celebrate the holidays. It's a formal holiday dinner dance, and tickets are available for $40 per person, or $50 at the door. The evening includes a champagne toast, prime rib and salmon buffet, open bar, and music by Elite Entertainment.


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