Columbia, SC – On July 17, the St. Andrews Optimist Club welcomed Mary Silverberg, Director of Developmental Operations for the South Carolina chapter of Make-A-Wish, as their guest speaker. Pictured from the event are Steve Odom, speaker coordinator, Mary Silverberg, Club President Kerry Powers, and speaker sponsor J.B. Beckett, whoContinue Reading
“Hearing their voices; healing their hearts.” So goes the message of hope that the Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center gives its clients. On June 14, Haley Shealy, Development and Special Events Coordinator for the Center, presented that message in detail to St. Andrews Optimists. The Dickerson Center serves children ages zeroContinue Reading
On June 7, the St. Andrews Optimists welcomed Jay Kilmartin, the S.C. House Representative for state District 85, as their guest speaker. Kilmartin, who is nearing the end of his first term and is currently campaigning for reelection, provided insights into his experiences and priorities as a state legislator. KilmartinContinue Reading
Dr. Akil Ross, Superintendent of Lexington/Richland School District Five, presented a now-and-then-styled presentation to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo on May 17. Ross has served in his present position since February 2022. Ross first offered a comprehensive assessment of the district’s current status. From 2019 to 2023 District FiveContinue Reading
The Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo welcomed Dean Widener, a candidate for the State House of Representatives District 89, as the guest speaker at their breakfast meeting on May 24. Widener, who describes himself as a non-politician willing to serve, shared his journey from political sidelines to candidacy, encouraged byContinue Reading
On May 31, St. Andrews Optimists had a genuine treat when Austin Driggers, son of Optimist Michael Driggers, spoke at the Club’s breakfast meeting. Driggers completely captured the room as he detailed his career path from high school to ultimately service in the Merchant Marines. Driggers, 27, graduated from PelionContinue Reading
On May 3, the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo welcomed Sharon Frazier, Executive Director of the local Yogi Bears Program, as their guest speaker. Frazier discussed the program, an outreach of Lenoir-Rhyne University (Hickory, NC), describing it as a “for-profit social enterprise” that also offers some programs pro bono throughContinue Reading
The Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo hosted its highly anticipated annual golf tournament on Monday, May 6th, at the Golden Hills Golf Club in Lexington. The event, known for its exciting competitions and charitable endeavors, drew participants and supporters from across the region. Golf enthusiasts enjoyed a day filled withContinue Reading
On April 20, members of the St. Andrews Optimists were treated to an enlightening presentation by Billy Chastain, representing Dominion Energy. As the Manager of Lake Management/Parks and Recreation, Chastain shared valuable insights into the history and ongoing upgrade project of Lake Murray. Chastain delved into the rich history ofContinue Reading
It’s disheartening to hear about the increasing prevalence of scams and fraud targeting unsuspecting individuals, but it’s crucial for communities to stay informed and vigilant. Cynthia Giles’s presentation to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo sheds light on the various tactics used by scam artists and provides valuable insights intoContinue Reading
In a display of community partnership, Harbison West Elementary School (HWES) and the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo are celebrating significant achievements and ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting student success. At a recent breakfast meeting, Dr. Thomas Turner, Principal of HWES, provided an update on the collaborative efforts between theContinue Reading