Here is Dena Burian Blackwell telling your Lebanon Optimists about the much needed work Dala's Blue Angels is doing in Lebanon and Linn County. They are a strong and dedicated volunteer force that works tirelessly to prevent child abuse and support victims. They are responsible for the yearly "Turning Blue" you'll see in Lebanon in April. This great group is spearheaded by our own Dala Johnson. Message us to find out how you can help.

Erin Nunes from Lebanon Fire Department telling your Lebanon Optimists about the Fire Academy for Girls. This wonderful program features volunteer mentor firefighters that help young girls interested in firefighting lessen what it takes and how they can make it happen

We're proud to donate $250 to the Lebanon Robotics Team aka the Skallywags! If you believe in helping kids learn how to design, build, and compete robots against a variety of engineering challenges, follow our lead! These tech titans compete against big city teams that have 3 times the budget, and the Skallywags need our help! Also, if you know about any available warehouse space... They need a home!

Please join us in welcoming your newest Lebanon Optimist, Maryann Ewing!

Here is Debbie Tracy of Obria Medical Center (formerly the Pregnancy Alternatives Center), telling your Lebanon Optimists about the needed work they do to support young adults and young families as they navigate the complexities of having children.

Here are our guest speakers for the week, Crystal Kelly and Lewis Kiker
from the Andando Organization, telling your Lebanon Optimists how Andando helps with development in the country of Senegal in West Africa. They help establish wells and gardens to stabilize and support African villages, providing a great life for whole communities!

Here is Linn County Deputy District Attorney Michael Wynhausen telling your Lebanon Optimists about the current state of crime, drugs, and the justice system in Linn County.

Here is Kendra Antila, Director of the Lebanon Library, telling your Lebanon Optimists about the services, goals, and history of Lebanon's 108 year old public library. Lebanon's library has grown from a tiny room with 180 books to our large, beautiful new facility with over 60,000 volumes. They have many wonderful programs and services for young and old alike.

What is your favorite part of Lebanon's beautiful library?

Here is Ira Whitaker from Let It Bead telling your Lebanon Optimists about her awesome shop that's downtown on Main Street that has dozens upon dozens of different beads and stones, including healing stones! They do custom beading, beading classes (along with other classes), and even "Bend & Bead" a combo yoga session /beading class. She can also repair or modify your beads. Her store is very involved in the downtown and in the community--you've probably seen her husband dj'ing at First Fridays! Please check out this awesome local shop, and tell them the optimists sent you!

Lisa Johnson from AmeriTitle telling your Lebanon Optimists about the 10th Annual Tomato and Salsa Festival coming to Academy Square on September 8th from 11 am to 4 pm! Lots of salsa, fried green tomatoes, even salsa dancing! It's gonna be spicy, come check it out!

Here is one of our own, Lebanon Downtown Association Main Street Manager Alysia Rodgers, telling your Lebanon Optimists about the great work she and the LDA are doing to revitalize and strengthen the Lebanon Downtown. With building grants, business support & collaboration, and new community events, our downtown is growing and ready to take off!

Our speaker this week is Efrain Aguirre from Comp NW.  Efrain never refrains from telling about the great things COMP-NW does in our community. Today we are learning about the Lebanon Health Career Ladder that helps students create, explore and develop health career goals and objectives. They are looking for sponsors, so please let us know if you would like to support this great cause!

Local metallurgic artist & medalist, Optimist member, and City Manager Gary Marks made another presentation on the upcoming Optimists Coin. We're still debating on exactly what we'll do with them (sell, give away, etc) but we're excited to see these come to life!

The Optimist Club of Lebanon is proud to sponsor strong kids on the track team for the Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Santiam! The program is for kids in grades 2-5, and we're optimistic the athletes will have a great year!

Here is one of our own, City Manager Gary Marks, telling us about the great work the Lebanon Arts Commission is doing to bring art to our community.

President Chris Meek presenting Dala Johnson with the Optimist of the Year at the 2018 Lebanon Distinguished Service Awards

Here is Brittany Donnell, Executive Director of Sunshine Industries, a Sweet Home non-profit that is dedicated to serving people with disabilities and helping them live happy, quality lives, telling your Lebanon Optimists about the great work they do for an underserved but well-deserving group that's in all of our communities.

Here is Charlotte Wiebe from Special Olympics Linn County telling your Lebanon Optimists about the great work they are doing to empower and celebrate their athletes who are developmentally disabled. They have dances, parties, and carnivals on top of providing athletic programs like bowling, swimming, and track. They really need coaches!! Check out their web site to find out how you can help these athletes achieve their dreams!

Here is Laurie Russel from Lumina Hospice and Palliative telling your Lebanon Optimists about the important and tough work they do to help our community members who are nearing the end of their time. They focus on comfort and helping their patients live each day as fully as possible.

Please join us in welcoming your newest Lebanon Optimists, James Wright and Warren Stroup. We're back at 100 strong! #bestinthenorthwest