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Living The Creed Wi l son Go lden C i r c l e Opt imis t C lub
Upcoming Events
Dec. 7 - Fellowship Meeting -
Stoneybrook Church - 6 pm
Dec. 21 - Christmas Party at the
home of Janice Lamm - 6 pm
Bring Teddy Bears
January 4 - Program Meeting - 6 pm
Stoneybrook Church (Sherriff Calvin
Woodard will be speaking)
January 18 - Business Meeting
Stoneybrook Church - 6 pm
Feb 1 - 2nd Quarter Zone Meeting -
Golden Corral - 6:30 pm
Feb. 10 - Children’s Home Party
Feb. 15 - Business Meeting - Stoney-
brook Church - 6 pm
Feb 23 & 24 - 2nd Quarter District
Meeting in Roanoke Rapids
May 4 - Golf Tournament at Wedge-
wood
Inside this issue:
New Officers 2
New Members 3
Linda Shepherd
Governor-Elect
3
PGI Awards 4
1st Qtr. Zone Meet 5
Committees 6
Projects and
Fund -Raisers
7
1st Quarter District
Meeting
8
Autobell Fundraiser 9
Oratorical & Essay 9
Member Spotlight 10
30th Anniversary 11
President’s Mes-
sage
12
Volume 5, Issue 1 December 6, 2017
GOLDEN CIRCLE CELEBRATES 3O YEARS
Golden Circle members celebrated their club’s
30th Anniversary on September 30, 2017. The
celebration was held in the fellowship hall of
New Hope Baptist Church.
Family, friends, past members and Optimists
from other clubs were invited to join in on the
fun.
Wayne Sidelinger gave an interesting chronicle
of his experiences while helping to form our
club back in 1987. He also told everyone how
they came up with the name for our club. The
Golden Circle was inspired by a ship’s wheel.
Perhaps that is why The Golden Circle has
been so successful, we have been able to
“steer” our club through the bad and the good
times.
Past Governor Jim Hart attended and graced
us with a few words of congratulations. Mem-
bers were also pleased to have fellow Opti-
mists from Wilson Evening, Wilson Bennett, Wil-
son Breakfast, B;ackbird, and Goldsboro clubs
present for the celebration.
“Bringing Out The Best In Youth, Ourselves, and our Communities”
Wayne Sidelinger demonstrates
with a Ship’s Wheel how our
name was created
Living The Creed Page 2
OFFICERS FOR 2017-2018
Those who are happiest are those who do the
most for others.”
~Booker T. Washington
New Officers left to right - Front Row: Linda Shepherd, Barbara Hester, Linda Watson, Dot Windham,
Celia Wise, Linda Mizelle and Diane Johnson Board Members. Back Row: Kathy Sandifer, Past Presi-
dent; Joy Belle Finch, OI Representative; Brenda Carter, Sgt. At Arms; Betsy Winborne, Chaplain and
Corresponding Secretary; Angela Iwaniuk, Treasurer; Janice Lamm, Secretary; Isabelle Flock, 1st Vice
President; Sara Robbins, President. Not pictured are: Linda Hawley-Isbell, 2nd Vice President and
Melissa Harris, Parliamentarian.
The Hope Singers Performing in October
Living The Creed
“To do more for the
world than the
world does for you,
that is success.”
– Henry Ford
Golden Circle Welcomes New Members
Page 3
Left to Right: Nancy Stamper, New Member; Brenda Farmer, Sponsor; Sarah Corle, New Member and Bar-bara Hester, Sponsor.
Left to Right: Sara Robbins, President; Shannon Simons, New Member and Jean Ann Gilfus, Sponsor.
LINDA SHEPHERD ELECTED AS NC EAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR-ELECT
It comes as no surprise to our club members that our own Linda Shepherd was elected to serve as the Gov-ernor of the NC East District for 2018-2019. She has a passion for Optimism and possesses wonderful lead-ership qualities which she has demonstrated over the past several years.
She was sworn into the Governor-Elect position at the Annual District Convention in Myrtle Beach in September. She will become the Governor of the dis-trict on October 1, 2018.
Linda’s goals for next year will include encour-aging attendance at our quarterly district meet-ings and working to bring “new faces” into lead-ership positions within the district.
Let’s all support Linda in her new role and do everything we can to help her become a Distin-guished Governor.
Pictured below is Linda’s husband John pinning Linda at her induction ceremony.
Living The Creed Page 4
GOLDEN CIRCLE MEMBERS ARE RECOGNIZED
Six of our members were recognized by Lt. Governor
Jimmy Lamm at the 1st Quarter Zone 3 meeting.
These members have attained higher levels in the PGI
or Personal Growth and Involvement Program. Their
accomplishments were made by bringing in new
members to the club, making short presentations to
the club, and by learning more about Optimist Inter-
national and its history.
We are so proud of these members. This program
will soon transition into the Professional Develop-
ment Program. Five of our members are pictured
here, and one member wasn’t present for the awards.
Not pictured is Barbara Hester.
Jeanette Ferrell & Jimmy Lamm
Joy Belle Finch & Jimmy Lamm Linda Hawley Isbell & Jimmy Lamm
Linda Watson & Jimmy Lamm Kathy Sandifer & Jimmy Lamm
Page 5 Living The Creed
1st Quarter Zone Three Meeting
Our first Zone Meeting of the year was very successful with approximately 50 Optimists at-
tending from six different clubs. The clubs represented were Golden Circle, Wilson Evening,
Wilson Bennett. Wilson Breakfast, Elm City and Goldsboro Optimist Club.
Lt. Governor Jimmy Lamm conducted the meeting, presented awards for PGI achievements
and introduced our special guest speaker, Jim Boyd.
Members heard an excellent presentation from OI Representative Jim Boyd. Jim shared his
personal story of how he became an Optimist (he did it to win a woman’s affection). He also
shared how he has grown in Optimism over the years and how much others in our community
would benefit from joining us in Optimism.
Most importantly, we enjoyed good food and great fellowship with each other!
Zone Three Optimist Members enjoying fellowship, food and Optimism!
Page 6
Living The Creed
Autobell Fundraiser - Shannon Simons
Belk Charity Days Fundraiser - Norma Duell and Linda Mizelle
Childhood Cancer - Diane Johnson and Jeanette Ferrell
Club Contacts - Jean McLamb and Jeanette Ferrell
Deaf Oratorical - Angela Iwaniuk and Brenda Farmer
Decorations - Janice Lamm and Brenda Carter
Entertainment - Norma Duell and Mary Clay
Finance - Angela Iwaniuk and Sara Robbins
Food / Fellowship - Linda Shepherd, Pam Holmes and Linda Hawley Isbell
Golf Tournament - Joy Belle Finch, Dot Windham, Linda Shepherd, Angela Iwaniuk and
Sara Robbins
Helping Hands Awards - Angela Iwaniuk, Linda Mizelle, and Sara Robbins
JOI Clubs - Sara Robbins and Kathy Sandifer
Junior Golf - Thelma Goff
Longleaf Christmas - Kathy Sandifer and Sara Robbins
Membership - Brenda Farmer, Carol Collier and Frances Buck
Middlesex Children’s Home - Joy Belle Finch and Dot Windham
Oratorical and Essay Contests - Betsy Winborne, Barbara Hester and Diane Keeter
PGI - Linda Shepherd
Programs - Angela Iwaniuk, Jean McLamb, and Linda Watson
Publicity - Carol Collier and Kathy Sandifer
Rada Cutlery - Kathy Sandifer and Barbara Hester
Raffle Ticket Fundraiser - Sara Robbins, Angela Iwaniuk and Rose Crowder
Respect For Law - Isabelle Flock and Melissa Harris
Restaurant Fundraiser - Sara Robbins
Ronald McDonald House - Sara Robbins
Scholarship - Brenda Farmer, Carol Collier and Frances Buck
Scrapbook - Jean Ann Gilfus and Sarah Corle
Sunshine - Janice Lamm, Brenda Carter, Jeanette Ferrell and Sara Robbins
Yard Sales - Janice Lamm and Brenda Carter
Committee Chairs are Ready to Rock ‘N Roll
Page 7 Living The Creed
Projects Planned for the Year
The following are the projects that have been planned for 2017-2018:
1. Award three $1200 Scholarships to graduating high school seniors in Wilson County.
2. Award a $200 Scholarship to a graduating senior from Eastern NC School for the Deaf.
3. Sponsor an Essay & Oratorical Contest, including a Deaf Oratorical Contest.
4. Assist families affected by childhood cancer in our community.
5. Assist a needy family at Christmas (work with Dept. of Social Services)
6. Sponsor a Little League baseball team.
7. Helping Hands Award to one fifth grade student in each of the 16 Wilson County elementary schools. (A plaque for the school, a certificate and $10 gift card to the student.)
8. Give a Valentines party to the youth at the Middlesex Children’s Home.
9. Give a Christmas party to residents at Longleaf Neuro-Medical Treatment Center.
10. Honor law-enforcement during Respect For Law month in May 2018.
11. Continue support to Fike High School and Beddingfield High School JOI clubs and seek to start a new club at Hunt High School.
12. Work to build a new Optimist club or a club within a club.
13. Sponsor Junior Golfers throughout the year.
14. Continue to support through financial contributions to the following: Boys & Girls Home, Op-timist International, Childhood Cancer Campaign, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Ronald McDonald House, Hunters for Hunger, The Salvation Army Boys & Girls Home, The Spot, and Stoneybrook Christian Church.
Listed below are the fundraisers planned for 2017-2018:
1. Annual Golf Tournament at Wedgewood
2. Sell Autobell gift cards
3. Sell Belk Charity Days Coupons
4. Host a Chick-Fil-A Fundraiser
5. Sell Rada cutlery
6. Yard Sale
7. Kisses for Childhood Cancer
8. Raffle at Golf Tournament
9. A 2nd restaurant fundraiser
Fundraisers Planned for the Year
Page 8
Living The Creed
GOLDEN CIRCLE MEMBERS ATTEND 1st QUARTER DISTRICT MEETING
Our club made a clean sweep! We were the number one club in the district for the 4th quarter and that made us the number one club for all four quarters of last year! Our club really worked hard and it made a difference in how we ranked on Achievements and Awards, but more importantly it made a difference in our community!
Below are some pictures from an awesome weekend of fellowship, learning and fun. Remember, if you would like to attend any of the quarterly district meetings, just let the officers know and the club will pay for your registration and your lunch on Saturday. Everyone should go at least one time, and you may find that you like it well enough to continue going!
Kathy Sandifer, Linda Hawley Isbell, Carol Collier, Brenda
Farmer, and Linda Shepherd at dinner on Friday night Kathy receiving a beautiful award for her
generous donation to Optimist International
Golden Circle was Number One Club in the District Linda Shepherd and Janice Lamm enjoying an outside activity
Page 9 Living The Creed
Essay & Oratorical Contests
Autobell Car Wash Fundraiser
Just in time for Christmas! We have one-
hundred $20 gift cards for sale! Please see
Shannon Simons (336-209-6179) to get the gift
cards. These cards come in good for us ladies
who love a clean car and they also make won-
derful Christmas gifts! We need to sell these
within 30 days in order to be eligible to get additional cards. Our club will
keep one-half of the proceeds from these sales.
Our Oratorical and Essay chairs, Betsy Winborne and Barbara Hester have already delivered informa-
tion to our schools regarding this year’s scholarship contests. They wanted to get the information to
the schools before the Christmas break to allow plenty of time for the students to sign up and prepare.
The Essay topic for the 2017-18 School Year is: "Can Society Function Without Respect?" Entries
should be submitted in January and early February. Judges from within our club will choose the win-
ning essay and submit the winning entry to the District by Feb. 28, 2018. Our club’s winner will com-
pete with other Zone winners for a chance to win a $2500 scholarship. The district winner will be an-
nounced by May.
The Oratorical topic for the 2017-2018 School Year is: “Where are My Roots of Optimism?” We will
hold our club’s oratorical contest on April 5, 2018. The top two contestants will move on to compete
in a Zone 3 oratorical contest, and the two winners from the Zone contest will move on to compete in
the District Oratorical in May for a chance to win a $2500 scholarship. The District winner will also be
eligible to move on to the World Oratorical contest in St. Louis, Missouri, and a chance to win up to
$10,000 in scholarships.
Our club is also responsible for conducting the CCDHH Contest (Communication Contest for Deaf and
Hard of Hearing) at the Eastern NC School for the Deaf in April. Many times we refer to this contest as
our “Deaf Oratorical”. The topic for this year is “Where are My Roots of Optimism?” Chairs are
Brenda Farmer and Angela Iwaniuk. Brenda and Angela will engage three judges who are versed in
sign language to judge these contestants, and the winner will become the District winner and receive
a $2500 scholarship.
These contests are wonderful opportunities for the youth of our communities to improve their written
and oral speaking skills. It is also a wonderful opportunity for the best entries to receive college
scholarships which are awarded from Optimist International.
Living The Creed
This month’s spotlight is on a member whom we all
know and love! Celia Wise is our kind friend, our
wise mentor, our beautiful, enthusiastic and optimis-
tic “sister.” If we had to choose just one person from
our club who best demonstrates “living our creed,”
Celia would probably be our first choice!
Celia was born on Jan.31, 1937 in Burlington, NC,
and when she was in high school, her family moved
to Buena Vista, VA, where she graduated from Buena
Vista High School. Celia has been a life-long learner
and has attended both Burlington Business College
and Wilson Community College.
Celia’s work career is very diverse. Her first job was
with the telephone company in Buena Vista, and she
next worked for a CPA firm in Lexington, VA. When
she came back to Burlington, NC, she worked at
Southern National Bank. As a young wife, she accompanied her husband to make a BIG
move all the way to California where she worked at Pomona College. They eventually
moved back to Wilson, and Celia held jobs with Wilson Tech as an assistant to the Dean of
Continuing Education for 10 years, as an administrative assistant with BB&T for 3 years,
and with the Department of Public Instruction in Raleigh, before she retired in 1999.
Celia has two wonderful daughters, Amber and April and two very special granddaughters,
Misty and Dana. She is very proud of all of these ladies! Celia remarried in 1997 to Owen
Wise who was also a strong supporter of our club until he passed away in 2013.
Life has a way of presenting adversity to each of us. Celia and her family have been no ex-
ception. When her daughter April was a young college student, she was in a very serious
car accident. For months afterward, she remained in a coma. The doctors were warning
the family that she may not survive and if she did, she would be like a “vegetable” because
of brain damage.
This kind of catastrophe would cause many of us to lose hope and to sink to our knees in
despair. I am sure Celia had times she felt this way, but her optimistic spirit was present
even in those early days. Celia never lost hope, and with all the family’s support, April did
survive. Over a long period of time, she was able to relearn many things and to become self
-sufficient enough to care for herself physically and mentally.
Celia joined our club almost 14 years ago, and since then she has worked tirelessly to help
with all of our projects and is wonderful with our fundraisers. (She gives her husband Owen
credit for helping her do a better job at “selling.” He always encouraged her to remain en-
thusiastic and just ask and not to be upset if they say “no”. However, it appears that Celia
has that wonderful personality that makes people always want to say “yes.”)
CELIA WISE - Member Spotlight
Page 10
Living The Creed
Celia served as our Club President in 2007 and 2011. She
has also recruited a total of 7 new members to our club!
Celia was brought into the club by her very good friend,
Barbara Hester, who would often invite her to join us when
she visited the dentist’s office where Barbara worked.
Celia said she wanted to join the Optimist club because of
the wonderful projects we do for youth. You see, April was
in an Optimist oratorical contest a few years prior to her
accident, and they both credit the skills she learned there
with helping her to make a come-back and to be able to
speak in public about her accident and to help motivate
others in similar circumstances. It is also interesting to
note that her granddaughter Dana won our Oratorical con-
test a few years ago and went on to win a $1500 scholar-
ship! It must run in the family!
Celia expresses much gratitude to the many members who
have been supportive to her during the death of Owen and
during her recent health issues. She says it is hard to be-
lieve how wonderful everyone has been to her and she can
never repay them for all the good deeds that have been
given to her. She loves Golden Circle and we love her!
Page 11
More Pictures from 30th Anniversary
Wayne Sidelinger outlining our
club’s formation in 1987.
Dot Windham, Joy Belle Finch and Carol
Collier enjoying the party. CHARTER MEMBERS—Betsy Winborne, Linda
Watson, Charlene Edwards and Rosa Pittman
Member Spotlight Continued
yet)! These Teddy Bears
will have an attached tag
identifying them as gifts of com-
fort from the Golden Circle Opti-
mist Club.
Message From Your President
President -
Sara Robbins
4622 London Church Rd
Elm City, NC 27822
Sara Robbins 252-373-5406
Angela Iwaniuk 252-289-5050
Email: [email protected]
A FRIEND OF YOUTH
Wi l son Go l den C i r c l e Opt imi st C lub
We’re on Facebook!
The Wilson Golden Circle Optimist
Editor -
Angela Iwaniuk
10861 McKenzie Rd.
Bailey, NC 27807
Our club was formed in 1987 and is an “all ladies” club. We strive to
live by the tenets of the Optimist Creed and promote optimism as a
way of life, inspire a respect for law, inspire an interest in good
government, and aid and encourage the development of youth, in
the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will ad-
vance the well-being of man, our community and even the world.
While performing community service projects and raising funds, we
also manage to have a good time and enjoy the fellowship of other
like-minded women. We invite other women to come join us!
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Happy
Hanukkah, Rock in the New Year!!!!
The Golden Circle Optimist Club will only
head in one direction during the 2017-2018
year, and that is upwards towards even
more great accomplishments! My focus for
the upcoming year is kids, kids, and more
kids!
We have already gifted one family of an ill
child with a gas gift card during what will be
a lengthy hospital stay. A suggested “Teddy
Bear” project for children who might find
themselves at a funeral home or in an emer-
gency situation involving a Sherriff’s Deputy
has so far netted twenty one bears from two
members on an expedition. Go Golden Cir-
cle (and we haven’t even started collecting
Congratulations Golden Circle!! Three
months into the new year and three new
members!! Two new FOO members on the
horizon and two renewals in November! Way
to go! Let’s keep inviting our friends to
share in the fun and fellowship while helping
children in our community.
The essay and oratorical committee is off to
a great start. They already have made con-
tacts with the area schools and have heard
back from a couple. Great start!
Tie a knot and hang on!! From January to
early summer, we already have many pro-
jects and fundraisers on the calendar. If we
all pitch in, we can only be successful in
helping kids, kids, and more kids. Be
strong, Optimist strong!
Sara Robbins
President Golden Circle Optimist Club
