The St. Andrews Optimist Club recently welcomed representatives from Children’s Garden, a program overseen by Vital Connections of the Midlands. The informative session featured Anita Robinson, Director of Children’s Garden, Althea Benson, Education Manager, and John Brown, Executive Director of Vital Connections. Children’s Garden, supported by the Optimist Club inContinue Reading
The Optimist Club of St. Andrews was privileged to host a presentation by South Carolina State House Representative Chris Wooten during their weekly meeting on Monday, January 29. The event took place in the Steve Padgett Honda building, providing an ideal setting for community engagement. Representative Wooten shared insights intoContinue Reading
Recognizing the positive impact of animal interaction on children with special needs, particularly with dogs and horses, the St. Andrews Optimists recently enjoyed an enlightening presentation from Dream Riders. This therapeutic horse riding experience is situated at Sunrise Farm in Lexington. Presenters Jennifer Stoudemire, Head Riding Instructor and Program Director,Continue Reading
Julius Scott, the Community Support Coordinator for District 5, was the featured speaker at the Optimist Club of St. Andrews’ meeting on January 5. In his role as a “department of one,” Scott outlined the district’s mission to “love and grow our students,” emphasizing the challenges faced by young peopleContinue Reading
Sarah Stitely, representing Lexington Medical Center’s Urgent Care network, delivered an insightful presentation to the members of the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo on December 8. Stitely provided an overview of LMC’s Urgent Care, which currently operates in five locations, with a sixth facility in Cayce set to open itsContinue Reading
On December 1, the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo had the privilege of hosting Drs. Matthew and Amanda Boyeson, founders of Midlands Family Chiropractic, shared insights into a groundbreaking technology making waves in the Irmo community. The Boyesons, who established their practice in Irmo five years ago, presented the OptimistContinue Reading
Anthony Buzzetti and Athlete Travis Luthren Share Special Olympics’ Impact Locally and Globally The Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo was privileged to host Anthony Buzzetti and athlete Travis Luthren from the Special Olympics of South Carolina on November 10. The dynamic duo shed light on the profound history and ongoingContinue Reading
On November 3, the St. Andrews Optimists welcomed Andrew Coston, the founder of the Midlands Gaming Coalition, as their speaker. This coalition stands as the pioneer in introducing the first “E-sports” program in the history of South Carolina. Operating in the Greater Columbia area, the Midlands Gaming Coalition aims toContinue Reading
Annika Thomas, Community Relations Manager for the Richland County Public Library, spoke on October 20 to the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo. Thomas quickly dispelled any antiquated notions that libraries are merely institutions where books can be accessed. That having been established, Thomas did detail how RCPL strives to addressContinue Reading
On September 29, the Optimist Club of St. Andrews-Irmo held its annual Day of Giving during which more than $30,000 was donated to 20 causes. The common thread of the recipients is that each of them works to improve the lives of the youth of the Midlands. Many of theContinue 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