President's Column

Rob Whitcomb, is our Club President for the 2019-2020 Optimist year. 

As President of the Clarkston Optimist Club I am extremely excited to head the Club into a 34th year.

Also joining with my fellow Optimist in celebrating the 101st year of Optimist International. 

Optimist Clubs are dedicated to “Bringing out the Best in Kids.”  The Clarkston Optimists exemplify this motto through numerous activities throughout our community.  I believe it is fair to say that you will find an Optimist involved in just about every project, event, and community service program in the Clarkston area. 

I have personally resided in Clarkston, with my wife Meg, since 1978.  Our son, Mark Whitcomb attended Clarkston schools.  I have been a financial advisor for more than 25 years.  currently affiliated with LPL Financial, maintaining an office in Clarkston.  My past experience includes teaching financial planning courses through adult education and college programs.

Previously I was the President of the Clarkston Area Lions Club, the Independence Township Investment Committee and the Clarkston Chamber’s Concert in the Park committee.  I am a founding member of the Independence Day Parade Committee.   One of my favorite hobby’s is ballroom dancing.  As a dance enthusiast I assisted in teaching dance through Special Olympics to children with disabilities. 

Optimist News

Last updated on: 03/23/2020
 
Grant Applications
New this year, the Optimist Club is offering a Spring Grant Application, where the Grants will be awarded in April.
And a Fall Grant Application, where the Grants will be awarded in October.
Click here, for Spring Grant Application. Please complete the form, scan and email to info@clarkstonoptimists.org
 
Oratorical Contest - See Projects and Events tab
 
Outstanding Student Citizen Recognition Program
In this annual event, one student from each Clarkston school will be awarded with the honor of Outstanding Student Citizen. Each building Principal is contacted to select their school's recipient. The purpose of this program is to recognize students from every grade level, who demonstrate the exceptional traits, qualities and values attributed to being a responsible, compassionate and caring leader in their school. One of the Optimist Club goals is to promote good citizenship within our community through action and example. We ask each Principal to select one student from their school community who does the same! This program begins in January and runs through April of each school year.
 
Senior High School Scholarships
Click here, for a downloadable application.
Any graduating Senior, that resides in the Clarkston Community Schools attendance area is eligible to apply for these Scholarships, regardless of which High School they are graduating from, including out of area and private High Schools. Home schooled, graduating Seniors are also eligible. Exchange students, from another country, temporarily residing in the Clarkston area are not eligible. There is no grade point average to apply for these scholarships. In addition, the applicants do not have to provide a transcript. The Applicants do not have to be in a Junior Optimist Club. As long as they are graduating by the end of the Spring semester, they are eligible. Home school graduates also are eligible, if they come to you for an application. All Applicants must turn in their applications to their High School Counseling office, by 2:30 pm on Thursday March 12, 2020 or received at 5000 Paula Ave, Clarkston, 48346, by the same time. Contact Curt Carson at 248-620-2100 if you have any questions.
 
Flags-for-Kids Project
 
Essay Contest - See Projects and Events tab
 
Optimist Club YouTube Channel
Click here, to view and watch Clarkston Optimist activities and programs happening right here in Clarkston.
 
Service for the Community
Click here, to view our Independence Televison spotlight video on the Clarkston Optimist Club.
 
Podcasts by Alan Partington
Turn up your speakers, click on the links below to listen to the latest in Alan Partington's creative Podcast Series, featuring local community members.

Upcoming Programs

Last updated on: 04/08/2020

Wednesday morning Membership Meetings are held at the Clarkston United Methodist Church, 7:30am       (*** see notice below ***)

Due to the Govenor Executive Order of safe distancing practices, Stay Home-Stay Safe mandate as a result of COVID-19 pandemic, until further notice, our Club meetings and Committee meetings are now being scheduled on Zoom.

April 15th, 2020 -  7:30am, Zoom meeting with Anne Krause, ESL Teacher from Clarkston Schools, talking about English as a second Language program. Look for invite link in your email.

April 29th, 2020 - TBD

May 6th, 2020 - Business Meeting

May 13th, 2020 - College Scholarship Awards, by Curt Carson