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More than four decades ago, 44 men organized the Mexico Optimist Club for the benefit of local youths, and on Sunday, 11 of those charter members were honored by their peers for their foresight, determination, and continued support of the youth – particularly the Khoury League.
Members of the club gathered at the Optimist Baseball Field, to dedicate a fiberglass bench – engraved with all 44 names – in honor of their charter members. Three memory benches were also presented in honor of members Marvin McCowan, Ralph Siron and Walt Moore. All four benches, overlook the Khoury fields.
As the charter members gathered around for photographs, charter member Edward Lang sat down on the bench, sort of tucked his head and said, "This brings back memories."
Then he smiled and added, "It feels good to know we've done such a great job for the kids."
Since its inception, the Optimist Club has been solely about youth – offering various activities, youth competitions, educational programs, and more. The club was formally organized on Saturday, April 15, 1967, and member Ray Uriarte was elected as the first president at a meeting held in the Air Park Restaurant's Pilot Lounge.
Uriarte was one of the 11 charter members present Sunday, and like his fellow brothers, seemed in awe of how far the club has come.
"Looking out over this group of people, I want to say thank-you." Uriarte told the group as he commended their continued efforts to keep the Optimists strong.
"You don't understand the lives you will change, and help become good citizens."
Khoury League was Uriarte's project, and is one of the longest standing programs supported by the Optimists. The program is currently known as Mexico Optimist Youth League. When started, the purpose was to give local youth something to do, that would keep them out of trouble, and offer them positive outlooks in life.
As he spoke, Uriarte urged the younger Optimist Club members to step up to the plate, and to keep their sights on the kids.
As one early Optimist noted, "The greatest thing you can get out of life, out of Optimism, is the smile of a kid – You'll never stand so high as when you stoop to help a kid."
Following the program, members, family and friends enjoyed a fish fry, with all the trimmings, and lots of reminiscing.
More than four decades ago, 44 men organized the Mexico Optimist Club for the benefit of local youths, and on Sunday, 11 of those charter members were honored by their peers for their foresight, determination, and continued support of the youth – particularly the Khoury League.
Members of the club gathered at the Optimist Baseball Field, to dedicate a fiberglass bench – engraved with all 44 names – in honor of their charter members. Three memory benches were also presented in honor of members Marvin McCowan, Ralph Siron and Walt Moore. All four benches, overlook the Khoury fields.
As the charter members gathered around for photographs, charter member Edward Lang sat down on the bench, sort of tucked his head and said, "This brings back memories."
Then he smiled and added, "It feels good to know we've done such a great job for the kids."
Since its inception, the Optimist Club has been solely about youth – offering various activities, youth competitions, educational programs, and more. The club was formally organized on Saturday, April 15, 1967, and member Ray Uriarte was elected as the first president at a meeting held in the Air Park Restaurant's Pilot Lounge.
Uriarte was one of the 11 charter members present Sunday, and like his fellow brothers, seemed in awe of how far the club has come.
"Looking out over this group of people, I want to say thank-you." Uriarte told the group as he commended their continued efforts to keep the Optimists strong.
"You don't understand the lives you will change, and help become good citizens."
Khoury League was Uriarte's project, and is one of the longest standing programs supported by the Optimists. The program is currently known as Mexico Optimist Youth League. When started, the purpose was to give local youth something to do, that would keep them out of trouble, and offer them positive outlooks in life.
As he spoke, Uriarte urged the younger Optimist Club members to step up to the plate, and to keep their sights on the kids.
As one early Optimist noted, "The greatest thing you can get out of life, out of Optimism, is the smile of a kid – You'll never stand so high as when you stoop to help a kid."
Following the program, members, family and friends enjoyed a fish fry, with all the trimmings, and lots of reminiscing.
