Akron Breakfast Optimist Club - Summit County, OH

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

Catch the smiling bug😁! Volunteer with the Akron Breakfast Optimist Club! Join us tomorrow evening, May 28, 2026 - 6pm at the New Era Restaurant to learn more about how you can smile more!

05/19/2026

05/19/2026

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day, and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week. Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

05/07/2026

05/07/2026

What an absolutely incredible and inspiring morning at the Akron Breakfast Optimist Club as we proudly honored Officer James Hadbavny with our “Respect for Law” Award! The room was filled with appreciation and admiration as we celebrated someone who is making a truly life-changing impact on the students, staff, and families at NIHF STEM Middle School.

It was especially meaningful to have Officer Hadbavny’s family, fellow officers, and the STEM Middle School Principal there to share in this special recognition. Sgt. White delivered an outstanding and heartfelt speech that gave everyone in attendance a deeper understanding of just how much Officer Hadbavny means to the school community. We learned that his role goes far beyond keeping the school safe—he is a mentor, encourager, role model, and trusted friend to so many students during some of the most important years of their lives.

Every single day, Officer Hadbavny helps guide and support students, participates in school activities, builds meaningful relationships with the kids, and helps create a positive environment where students feel safe, valued, and encouraged to succeed. The love and respect Officer Hadbavny has for the students and them for him, is undeniable and it was clear to everyone in the room that he is an irreplaceable part of their school family.

This morning was such a beautiful reminder of the positive difference law enforcement officers can make in our communities, especially when they invest their hearts into the next generation the way Officer Hadbavny does. We are beyond thankful for his dedication, service, leadership, and compassion. Congratulations again on this very well-deserved honor!

The Akron Breakfast Optimist Club is so proud to recognize individuals like Officer Hadbavny, who embody service, leadership, and optimism in our community!

04/16/2026

🌞✨ This Morning at the Akron Breakfast Optimist Club ✨🌞

The Akron Breakfast Optimist Club was honored to welcome an inspiring guest speaker, columnist Sandy Engle, a retired school psychologist, who delivered a powerful message on how “You Can Make a Difference.”

Sandy’s passion for environmental stewardship beamed through as she educated our members on the benefits of organic growing and its positive impact on our world. She also shared her involvement in organizing a spring event dedicated to promoting the health and wellness of farmers and gardeners—an initiative designed to instill hope and provide practical solutions through education on organic farming.🌱

She spoke candidly about her personal experiences with the effects of conventional pesticides, while expressing empathy and appreciation for the hardworking farmers who sustain our communities. Her thoughtful perspective encouraged meaningful reflection among our members.

Throughout her presentation, Sandy shared several inspiring quotes, including one by the late renowned conservationist, Jane Goodall, whose incredible life and legacy continue to inspire people around the world! Jane Goodall dedicated her life to protecting our planet and empowering young people to take action—reminding us all that even the smallest efforts can create meaningful change.

Sandy’s words served as a powerful reminder that each of us has the ability to create positive change—an idea that aligns perfectly with the Optimist mission of bringing out the best in kids. By inspiring young people to care for the environment and their communities, we help cultivate a brighter future for generations to come.💙

We also appreciate Sandy’s dedication to local journalism. She is a columnist for The Portager, a locally owned newspaper serving Portage County. Supporting local news helps keep our communities informed, connected, and strong!

Thank you, Sandy, for an enlightening and impactful program!

04/03/2026

🌷What a Beautiful Thursday Morning Together!

Thank you to everyone who joined us yesterday at The New Era Restaurant—it was truly a wonderful and meaningful meeting!

A very special thank you to our own Colleen Campbell for leading us through such a heartfelt and inspiring moment. She shared a beautiful passage from the Bible along with a thoughtful message that perfectly captured the spirit of Holy Week and the season of renewal. 💛

Colleen also added a fun and festive touch by bringing candy for everyone and hosting a raffle for a gorgeous Easter flower basket arrangement—congratulations to our Ohio District Governor, Debbie Walsh, on winning! 🌸🐣

Colleen, thank you for making the morning so special. Your message and generosity were truly appreciated by all!

We’re so grateful for our amazing group and the time we get to spend together. If you’ve been thinking about joining us, we’d love to welcome you at an upcoming meeting!

02/06/2026