Leezas Care Connection proved once again that they know how to party with a purpose. Our annual Dare2Care gala was held at the USC Alumni Center and was filled with inspiration and gratitude. This year’s Dare2Lead honoree was Senator Katrina Shealy who was recognized for her personal journey as anContinue Reading

On October 13 the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo held a banquet celebrating the transfer of power. At the banquet, outgoing President Larry Blosser ended a successful year by symbolically passing the gavel to incoming President Kerry Powers. Powers became the first woman to lead the club in its 52-yearContinue Reading

This month, Make-A-Wish South Carolina elected Meredith Dial, marketing manager for Dial Grimm and Rupert, to the chapter’s board of directors. “We are overjoyed to add Meredith Dial as a director to our board. We are honored to have another director who understands our mission so well. Meredith embodies aContinue Reading

Local personality Charlie Benton spoke to the St. Andrews Optimist Club on September 15. Benton hosted an AM radio talk show with his father for several years and now coaches sales organizations regarding their sales techniques and their promotional/advertising efforts. Pictured are Club President Larry Blosser, Benton, and speaker sponsorContinue Reading

St. Andrews Optimists received a presentation by Gabrielle Johansson on May 5. Johansson, a recent graduate of USC, is an Education Specialist at the Anne Frank Center, located on the USC campus. It is the only such center in the United States that partners with the Anne Frank Center headquartersContinue Reading

On May 19, St. Andrews Optimists received an update on the work of Palmetto Place with a presentation from Laird Weaver, recently appointed Development Manager. Weaver, who has become fluent in the operation of Palmetto Place in a very short time, addressed the mission and volunteer opportunities there. Palmetto PlaceContinue Reading

The March 31 speaker for the Optimist Club of Irmo-St. Andrews was Courtney Dennis, Irmo Town Manager. Dennis has a long association with the Club, beginning early-on with his representation of the police Explorer Post, a cause the Club has supported for several years. He rose through the ranks ofContinue Reading

St. Andrews Optimists’ February 3 speaker was Floyd Lyles, Superintendent of Education at The Department of Juvenile Justice. Lyles attended Benedict College where he credits a professor who saw much potential in him and who became a source of encouragement. Finishing Benedict with his Bachelor’s Degree, he completed his postgraduateContinue Reading