OPTIMIST CLUB OF JACKSON'S HEAD ENJOYS OUTLANDISH DRESS

Almost every club has at least one member who is known for displaying peculiar behavior, and the Optimist Club of Jackson is no exception.

The member who draws raised eyebrows from the more conventional members of this group, however, is the club's president, Larry Ream.

Ream is renowned for showing up to club functions wearing just about anything.

"I was dressed as Saddam [Hussein] once," he said, "and I went to a cookout dressed as a chicken."

To Ream, being outlandish is just another way of enjoying himself with his fellow club members.

"There's a lot of good friendship in our club," he said. "We have a lot of fun together. We put on many good programs for children, and we also try to have a good time."

Ream, a relief maintenance supervisor with Lone Star Industries, came to the Jackson area in late 1983 from Dixon, Ill. He became interested in the Optimist Club of Jackson because several of his co-workers were members.

Ream said, "I felt that I should get involved in the community, and I really like kids."

Before becoming club president, Ream had served as program chairperson for "Respect for Law" activities and the oratorical contest. He also held the position of vice president and worked in various groups and committees within the club.

Ream is now a lieutenant governor-elect of one East Missouri zone.

Ream and his wife, Linda, have two children: Misty, 14, and Brianna, 11.