JACKSON NOON CLUB, THOUGH YOUNG, ACQUIRES DISTINCTIONS

Although the Noon Optimist Club of Jackson is only a few months old, it already has received two important distinctions.

Organized on March 27 and officially chartered on May 13, the club was the first to be established this year in the East Missouri District.

In addition, the club holds the honor of having the largest charter membership, 50, in both the United States and Canada.

At a chartering banquet in the Jackson Knights of Columbus Hall, President Geneva Hartle accepted a variety of honors on behalf of the new club. The group received a club banner from Walt Pierce, lieutenant governor of Zone 12, and a creed banner from Larry Ream, president of the Evening Optimist Club of Jackson, which sponsored the new club.

The club also received a large bell and gavel in recognition of being the first new club of the year.

In its short life, the club has been actively involved in events and activities in the area. Several members worked in conjunction with other clubs in Jackson City Park's "Park Beautification Day" on May 4, helping interest citizens in planting trees and flowers and cleaning up the park for the summer.

During Jackson's Fourth of July celebration, the club decorated a float, which members and their children rode in a parade. The club also ran a food stand in the park, and members stayed busy trying to quench the community's thirst for lemonade.

The club also organized children's games, in which, said Hartle, the children and club members "had a blast."

Committee chairpersons and members are also busy planning and organizing a variety of youth programs.

"We look forward to building a strong, well-grounded organization devoted to its cause of having a positive impact on the community," Hartle said, "especially the young lives in the community."

Hartle said the group has set high goals for itself, and the enthusiasm and devotion already displayed within the club assures them of attaining their goals.

Other club officers are vice presidents Marcia Thompson and Beverly Nelson, secretary Mary Sue Oldham and treasurer Dolly Dombach.