GENEVA HARTLE FOUND NOON CLUB MEETING TIME CONVENIENT

Geneva Hartle, president of the Noon Optimist Club of Jackson, is the newest recruit to Optimist leadership. She has been presiding over the recently-chartered club for only a few months.

Hartle said she first became interested in joining the club when she heard a new service club was being formed in Jackson that would be meeting at noon. The time was perfect, she said, because it would require no evenings away from her family.

"I really got excited," she said, "when I became acquainted with the purposes and goals of the Optimist organization. I felt that this was something I wanted to be a part of when I heard its motto, 'Friend of Youth.'"

Hartle said it is very important for the youth of today to have as much positive influence in their lives as possible.

"They must be convinced that they are important and essential to the community in which they live," she said. "I hope that our club can truly inspire the youth of our community to become all that they can be."

Hartle said she is very impressed with the Optimist creed.

"When I first read this creed," she said, "I just sat back in my chair and said 'Wow!' I knew this was the organization for me."

Hartle said she is looking forward to building many lasting friendships with people working for common goals.

Hartle, a licensed real estate agent, is self-employed at Hartle Enterprises in Jackson. She and her husband, Chad, are partners in First Century Propane and have established an energy consulting firm.

The Hartles have two daughters, Jacie, 4, and Lindsey, 1.