THE NORTH PERIMETER OPTIMIST CLUB'S HISTORY:
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The North Perimeter Optimist Club has been optimistically serving the youth in our community for over 24 years!
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Founded by the Optimist Club of Smyrna in 1986 and initially chartered as the Sandy Springs Optimist Club, a few years ago, we changed our name to The North Perimeter Optimist Club in order to facilitate a greater geographical area to include Dunwoody, Roswell, East Cobb, etc.
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We held our first Charter Banquet at the Cherokee Country Club in Buckhead. Our first meeting place was at the Days Inn located just inside 285 on Roswell Road and Dick Armstrong, who became an Optimist in 1959, served as our Charter President!
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Since the inception, we have been spearheading numerous programs and events for the children who need it the most, right here in Sandy Spring; always adhering to the Optimist’s motto, “Bringing Out the Best in Kids".
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The North Perimeter Optimist Club has been the recipient of two prestigious community service awards. The International Community Service Award for the original Hammond Park project, the revitalization of the playground of Hammond Park in Sandy Springs. The Fulton County Blue Ribbon Partnership Award for our outstanding level of participation, dedication and commitment to the children at Woodland Elementary Charter School pertaining to its Accelerated Reading program.
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Many of our club members, moved on to become leaders outside of our local clubs, by becoming Lieutenant Governors: Bill Comer, John Gould, Tony Johnson, Phyz Lemmon, , Ed May, Joe Pyen and Jim Wolbrink. In addition to being a Lieutenant Governor, Jim Wolbrink also served as our Georgia District Governor and Dick Armstrong served as a former South Carolina District Governor.
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Since it's inception, the Georgia District has been a leader in Optimist International. John Whatley of Atlanta served as President of Optimist International during the 1960-61 year.
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Ten Optimists from Georgia have served as an International Vice President. This year, David Elster of Atlanta continues that proud heritage.
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Members of the Georgia District were instrumental in founding Optimism in Hungary after the fall of the iron curtain.
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Georgia is one of the largest districts in all of Optimist International with 120 clubs and 3,355 members.
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Many of current training methods that Optimist International uses come directly from the Georgia District.