Optimist-Outlook-10/30/08

Marianna Optimist Club Activities
By Don Jones
"The Success of our mission can be seen in the success of our community’s youth, and in the faces of those who care." Although Marianna Optimist Club traces its existence back to the spring of 1966, optimism has been around since that first day our ancestors witnessed a neighbor in need of help, and then did something positive to help that neighbor. Among the most significant needs in any community is helping youth achieve happy, healthy, and well adjusted lives, and a successful future within that community.
Generally speakinging, Optimists are not to be motivated by any potential reward for their selfless acts of kindness. However, there is tremendous satisfaction and feelings of accomplishment when the fruits of one’s labor produce success and happiness in the life of another. That feeling is never greater than to see that happiness, or that success fulfilled in the lives of the community’s youth. This feeling was never felt stronger that it was by the Optimist at last week’s breakfast meeting when Krista Tuta, (photo) came before the Optimist members and thanked them for the Optimist Jr. Junior Golf Program and the part it played in her successful bid for the recent, Marianna High School, Girls Golf Team’s Regional Golf Competition. Without the Marianna Optimist Club’s Jr. Golf Program facilitated by Dr. Plinio Tuta, her father, and members such as Don Jones, Dr. Tarek Gad, each Wednesday at Indian Springs Golf Course, it would not have been possible for her to win a place for her team at the regional Girl’s High School play-offs.
Also, similarly, letters of gratitude for the Optimist Youth Sports Programs were opened and read from Leven Berry, and his grandfather, Johnny Howard, as well as, Janie Barnes, on behalf of her son, Samuel Barnes. Mrs. Barnes was particularly grateful for Dr. Tuta’s extra effort to provide golf clubs for her son, Samuel, who is left handed. She, also, pointed out that her son, Samuel, has been without a father figure in his life since his father passed away shortly after their family moved to Marianna in 1999, making the time her son spent with Dr. Tuta at the golf course very special. Following this, new member, Bishop Jordan J. Williams was welcomed into the club, and pinned by his sponsor, Bob Pforte. Prior to closing, Tommy Grainger gave a very interesting presentation on, "The History of The American Automobile."