St. Andrews Optimists welcomed speaker Doug Renew, Chief Investigator for the South Carolina Secretary of State’s Office November 8. An early ‘90s graduate of Irmo High School, Renew spoke about scams that proliferate during the Holidays. All the scams target unsuspecting victims in order to separate those victims from theirContinue Reading

A team representing Lexington-Richland School District 5 presented the District’s enhanced mentoring programs to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo on October 25.  For many years, District 5 has sponsored a program of mentoring individual students. Those students are normally identified and recommended by their teachers and guidance counselors.  InContinue Reading

On October 18, Doug Polen, Assistant Town Administrator for the Town of Irmo, shared insights on Irmo’s future development with the St. Andrews Optimists. Drawing from his previous experience with Moncks Corner, Polen emphasized Irmo’s goal to become a distinct and desirable community, separate from larger cities’ influence. In recentContinue Reading

The Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo celebrated their 2024 Day of Giving at Seven Oaks Park October 11. Each year the members raise funds for youth programs and foundations in the greater Irmo community by selling Christmas trees and handmade wreaths at McGregor Presbyterian Church during the holidays, the AnnualContinue Reading

On September 6, Michael Sims, founder and Executive Director of Teen Lead 360, shared his inspiring journey with the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo. Sims opened up about his challenging childhood, which included the imprisonment of his father for multiple murders. His life took a positive turn when he becameContinue Reading

On August 16, Doug Stone, Scouting Executive for the Indian Waters Council, spoke to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo about the evolving landscape of Scouting. With 33 years of experience, Stone shared insights into the future of Scouting, which will soon operate under the name “Scouting America” as itContinue Reading

On August 9, Amy Reeves, Director of Community Relations for Mission Lexington, spoke to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo, offering insights into the organization’s vital role in supporting Lexington County residents in crisis. Founded in 1976 and inspired by the teachings of Matthew 25:40, Mission Lexington provides essential servicesContinue Reading

On July 26, Julie Giglio, representing Midlands Orphan Relief (M.O.R.), spoke to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo, shedding light on the organization’s mission to support orphans and at-risk children. Giglio explained that M.O.R. considers “any child who is left behind is effectively an orphan,” emphasizing the broad scope ofContinue Reading

“To honor past aviation pioneers and to inspire future space and aviation pioneers.” This mission statement was adopted in 1999 by a group of military veterans who formed the Celebrate Freedom Foundation (CFF) in Lexington County. On July 12, Lori Wicker, Director of STEM Education Outreach Program and Director ofContinue Reading