The Clarkston Area Optimist Club installed new officers for their 32nd year in Clarkston.  The motto of the Optimist Club is “Bringing Out the Best in Kids.”  The Clarkston Area Optimist Club installed new officers for their 32nd year in Clarkston.  The motto of the Optimist Club is “Bringing Out the Best in Kids.”  The local club supports Junior Optimist Clubs in most of the elementary schools, Sashabaw Middle School, Clarkston Junior High School, and Clarkston High School as well as many activities for students throughout the community.The Optimist Club will be partnering with the Independence Parks, Recreation, and Seniors on Friendly Forest on Saturday, Oct. 21, at Clintonwood Park for children and their families to celebrate Halloween and fall activities.  The Clarkston Optimist Club has been fortunate to facilitate the giving of grants to local organizations that support kids in the community. Clarkston Junior High School Industrial Arts teachers received a grant to purchase tools for a summer camp for kids interested in learning construction. All of the elementaries have received financial support for the Leader in Me projects.  The club provides a program for Respect for Law, which connects fourth grade and junior high school students with judges in the local courts. Optimists have a local, state, and national Oratorical and Essay contest open to all students in the community.For more information on the Clarkston Optimist Club, please go to www.clarkstonoptimist.org or clarkstonoptimist.facebook or call 248-245-1809.

– Joette Kunse