Alvinston and District Optimist Club

05/29/2026

June 19 - Last dance of the school year!
**Please note date change**

05/15/2026

Congratulations Keegan. Best of luck at the
International Tournament!

Young golfers ages 10–18 are invited to join us at Arkona Fairways Golf Course on June 28, 2026.

This tournament is a qualifier for the District Tournament, with the chance to advance to the International Tournament. More information is found on the Jr Golf tournament flyer.

Congratulations to Keegan Turner for qualifying to play at The Optimist International Junior Golf Championship in Miami. Dan Cu***ng (left) from the Alvinston Club and Lyle Thuss (right), President of the Watford Club, present Keegan (center) with donations to help cover his expenses. Way to go Keegan!

05/11/2026

Join us Sunday, June 14 (Rodeo weekend) for brunch!

05/08/2026

Inwood Music Jamboree & Co-ed Two Pitch Tournament

June 6 at the Inwood Ball Park

Tournament starts at 8:00am
Music starts at 1:00pm

https://www.facebook.com/share/18QsfkwTYX/?mibextid=wwXIfr

05/08/2026

⛳️🏌️‍♂️ OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL ZONE 7 JR. GOLF TOURNAMENT 🏌️‍♀️⛳️

Calling all young golfers!
The Optimist Clubs of Alvinston, Watford & Kerwood are excited to host the 2026 Optimist International Zone 7 Jr. Golf Tournament at Arkona Fairways Golf Course!

📅 June 28, 2026
🕛 Tee-off times begin at 12:00 PM
👦👧 Open to boys & girls ages 10–18
💲 Registration Fee: $40
🌭 Includes golf, hot dog, chips & drink
🏆 Prizes awarded to age group division winners

This tournament is a qualifier for the District Tournament in the Windsor area this July — and from there, the journey can continue all the way to the international stage!

Last year, one of our participants advanced through the program and will now compete at the International Tournament in Doral, Florida this July!

Whether you’re competing for a championship or just looking for a fun day on the course, this is a great opportunity to test your skills, meet other young golfers, and be part of an amazing experience.

📲 To register, text Dan Cu***ng at (519) 328-4944

Presented by the Optimist Clubs of Alvinston, Watford & Kerwood

05/03/2026

As members of the Alvinston Optimist Club, we see firsthand the impact John makes—not just on race day, but all year long. His willingness to step up, lead, and serve is what the Optimist Club is all about.

Volunteer Spotlight: John Koolen
How does a small town tradition like the Watford Alvinston Road Race carry on for 67 years? It’s because of people like John Koolen. He's steady, generous, and always willing to show up, year after year.
John’s connection to the race spans decades, woven quietly into its history in ways most people will never fully see. Long before runners gather at the start line, John is already at work. He is coordinating volunteers, thinking through the details, and making sure everything is in place for a day that feels effortless to everyone else.
On race morning, while many of us are still waking up, John is out on the course in the early light, placing signs and kilometre markers. He stands at the start line at 8:30 a.m. to send off the 16K runners, then makes his way back to Watford to help welcome them home at the finish. And when the crowds thin and the day winds down, John returns to the course once more; quietly gathering, packing, and preparing everything for the next year.

His dedication doesn’t end with race day. For 21 years, John has been a cornerstone of the Alvinston and District Optimist Club, serving as Club President three times and Distinguished Club Secretary twice. In 2025, he was recognized as “The Most Outstanding Optimist” in the SouthWestern Ontario District. A true reflection of the care and commitment he brings to the youth and community he serves.
But titles only tell part of the story. What truly defines John is the way he gives his time. Consistently, humbly, and without expectation.
Quite simply, this race and so many other community events, wouldn’t be what they are without him.
Thank you for all that you do, John. Although you prefer it go unnoticed, it doesn’t. 😊

04/22/2026

These legs were collected during the food drive. If they were donated by mistake, please send a DM. The Foodbank will gladly return them.

04/22/2026

May 1 at the Brooke Alvinston Inwood Community Centre.

7:00-10:00pm
Grades 4-8

04/22/2026

Last night, we were proud to present the Leitch family with a cheque for $3,465—raised through the incredible support of our Killer Bees fans and Team Archie fans.

04/12/2026

Rain didn’t stop this dedicated crew!
A small but mighty group braved the weather to collect donations for the food bank, showing what true community spirit looks like.
A huge thank you to the Watford Venturers, Sydenham JOI Club, and the Alvinston Optimist for stepping up and making this happen. A heartfelt thank you to the residents of Alvinston for their generous donations—your support truly makes a difference for those in need.

We’re so grateful for this amazing community!