By Rick Abercrombie The January 16 speakers at the St. Andrews Optimists’ breakfast meeting were two representatives of South Carolina Youth Advocacy Program (SCYAP). The speakers were Shayla Howell and Majd Abdallah. Both bear the title of Regional Recruiter/Family Recruiter. The job of the recruiters is both simple and complexContinue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie Tim Behling, CEO and Founder of Successteam Leadership Academy, spoke recently to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo. Behling’s presentation familiarized Optimists with the organization’s role for 10 years in Aiken and served to announce plans to establish a location in Columbia. The Aiken academy meets atContinue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie In a recent appearance at the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo, Retired Army First Sergeant Alvin King described the work and mission of the Range Fore Hope Foundation (RFHF). In King’s words, RFHF is “Community driven, veteran focused.” King, founded RFHF in 2018. RFHF uses all aspectsContinue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie On November 14, a pair of leaders from the Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission Childrens’ Theatre spoke to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo. The presenters were Jenea Gardner and Tyler Bennett. Gardner is the Co-Producer for the Theatre at Crooked Creed Park, and Bennett has the same responsibilitiesContinue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie The Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo recently heard from Major Mark Craddock, the Midlands Area Commander of the Salvation Army. Very soon the sound of the work of bell ringers will be seemingly everywhere in the community. Those workers manage the familiar Red Kettles that kickoff atContinue Reading
Lila Powers makes sure Santa is happy with his purchase at the Irmo St. Andrews Optimist Club Christmas Tree Lot next to McGregor Presbyterian Church at 6505 St. Andrews Road. Lila, the lot’s master wreath maker, has plenty of handmade wreaths available, and Fraser firs ranging from 5 to 9Continue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie On October 24, Doug Renew, Chief Investigator for the Office of the Secretary of State, spoke to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo. Renew’s area of concentration for his presentation included both the pitfalls and sensible guidelines for charitable giving, particularly during the holidays. Renew laid outContinue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie St. Andrews Optimists welcome a variety of speakers over the course of a typical year, and many of those guests address topics that relate to interaction with the youth of the community. Jerry Dean Pate, who for many years was a Columbia radio and television personality, recountedContinue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie Representing Homeworks of America, local Executive Director Madelyn Smith spoke to St. Andrews Optimists October 10. The Optimists have partnered with Homeworks for several years and donate hands-on and financial support to the organization’s efforts. Smith oversees the work of both the Columbia and Lowcountry locations. Self-describedContinue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie On September 26, the Optimist Club of St. Andrews held its annual Day of Giving at the Seven Oaks Park meeting facility. Club President Gary Boyd emceed the event. Through its two annual fundraisers, St. Andrews Optimists earn funds that are donated back to entities that directlyContinue Reading
By Rick Abercrombie Two representatives from the South Carolina Department of Transportation spoke to St. Andrews Optimists September 19. Adriane Radeker, Public Outreach Manager, provided some historical background, leading up to current projects in motion and future plans. Derek Frick, Construction Engineer, added insights about the technical aspects of thoseContinue Reading