Optimist Club installs new officers

ALAMOSA — Alamosa Optimist Club is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping the children of the San Luis Valley. They offer many different events throughout the year for the children and to help raise money. Each year they offer Tri-Star Basketball, Splashland Swim Nights, Magic Show (or another event), Alamosa Student of the Month for K-2 and 3-5 grades, Essay and/or Oratorical Contest, and help provide eye glasses to children in need. In the 2016-2017 year the club adopted two families for Christmas and helped provide sack lunches to the PALS program for outings. They look forward to providing more opportunities to do more for the children and thank all the businesses and individuals who help make it happen.

In September the Alamosa Optimist Club swore in their new officers for the 2017-2018 fiscal year. An Installation Banquet took place at Nino’s Restaurant on September 19th. Former President Kristina Daniel did the honors of installing the new and returning members to office. For the new year Kellie Veneman will retain her position as club president, Dawn Melgares will become the 1st vice president, Claire Lara will become the 2nd vice president, Leslie Gonzales-Ruybal will retain her position as treasurer, Brandy Trujillo will retain her position as secretary. The board of directors will retain their positions for one more term. The dedicated board members are Bev Hettinger, Sam Hall, and Laura Schell.

The 2016-2017 year saw many new faces to the Alamosa Optimist Club. They were excited to introduce Ryan Veneman, Leslie Gonzales-Ruybal, Dawn Melgares, Brandy Trujillo and Claire Lara. These members have promised their time, skill, and dedication to the Optimist Club and the children of the San Luis Valley. They will help with events, bring new ideas for the children, and follow the Optimist International Creed.

Each year at the Installation Banquet one member is chosen as the Optimist of the Year to honor the dedication given to the organization. For the 2016-2017 year this award went to new member Dawn Melgares for her dedication to helping the club and the children of the Valley.

Alamosa Optimist Club usually meets the first and third Tuesday of each month at a local restaurant. They are always welcoming new members or speakers at their meetings. If you would love to help the children of the Valley please contact a club member to find out more information. You can also find them on Facebook by searching Alamosa Optimist Club. Emailing [email protected] is another great way to contact this organization. Please send them a message and they will help you get involved with your community. Volunteering your time and skills will help the shape the future of our children.

Caption: 2017-2018 officers from left are Bev Hettinger (board member), Dawn Melgares (1st vice president), Kellie Veneman (president) Leslie Gonzales-Ruybal (treasurer), Brandy Trujillo (secretary), Laura Schell (board member), Sam Hall (board member).

2016-2017 New Members with President

2016-2017 new members from left are Ryan Veneman, Dawn Melgares, Claire Laura, Kellie Veneman (club president), Leslie Gonzales-Ruybal, Brandy Trujillo.

2016-2017 Optimist of the year

2016-2017 Optimist of the year Dawn Melgares