Ashland Optimist Club

10/14/2026

10/14/2026

“Friday Night BINGO” October 16th, starting at 5:30pm. Here are the details:

BINGO ON 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month.

LOCATION: Ashland Optimist Club 511 Optimist Drive Ashland MO

THIS FRIDAY: $1199 progressive AND $1000 horse race!

Home-Style Cooking! NOTE: NO OUTSIDE FOOD ALLOWED IN

Doors open at 4:30pm
kitchen opens at 5:30pm
BINGO begins at 6:00pm

•Must be 16 years or older to play
•Minimum cost to play all games $20 in all 21 games, additional sheets available to purchase
•Cash or check only

10/05/2026

What a great evening of fellowship and Optimism! Thank you to EMO Governor Mary Hatfield for swearing in our new slate of officers:

Officers Ashland Club for next year:

Ernie Wren, President

Madeline Bloss and Dorise Slinker as Vice Presidents,

Dennis Sapp, Leigh Kottwitz, and Tony Ash, Shawn Steelman, Tara Blue, and Chase Thomas as board members

Barrett Glascock, Secretary

Heather Martin, Treasurer

THANK YOU to our “Optimists of the Year” for their many years of service: Jennifer Zgorac, Linda Knierim, Bruce Glascock, and Bern Bonderer (❤️).

And to the many that serve as “Friend of Youth” throughout the year, THANK YOU!

09/22/2026

If you plan to attend the Optimist Social on October 4th, please reap to me. We need to get a head counter for the caterer. You can Venmo me the $5 per person, or catch me sometime.

09/17/2026

Jane Rutter will be our featured speaker at Saturday morning’s Optimist breakfast. Jane is an author, business leader, and inspirational speaker whose work focuses on faith, leadership, personal growth, and finding purpose in everyday life. She is the author of Women of Spirit: Claiming Our Ultimate Power and has spent years encouraging others through her writing, speaking, and community involvement. We look forward to hearing Jane share her story and message of inspiration with us Saturday morning.

09/12/2026

It was my privilege as club president to talk about our club’s mission, what we do, and why. This next Optimist year I would like us all to come together for more fellowship in strengthening new membership and mentorship, along with dynamic committees. I would like to ask for any interested members that would like to be a part of our membership committee to text or message me. Thank you! Ernie Wren

ASHLAND OPTIMIST CLUB

Master List of Activities & Community Service

YOUTH SPORTS & RECREATION

* Youth basketball
* T-ball
* Coach-pitch baseball
* Youth baseball/softball programs
* Youth soccer
* Youth cross-country
* Youth tournaments
* Operation and maintenance of Optimist athletic fields and grounds
* Providing safe, positive recreational opportunities emphasizing fun, learning and sportsmanship

SWIMMING & AQUATICS

* Operates the Southern Boone Community Pool
* Seasonal swimming
* Swim lessons
* Water Babies programs
* Pool parties
* Community pool events
* Hiring and training lifeguards and pool staff
* Pool maintenance and capital improvements
* Special pool activities, including themed events such as GLOW!

EDUCATION & YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

* Scholarships for Southern Boone County graduating seniors
* Continuing scholarship assistance for eligible students
* Optimist Oratorical Contest participation
* Support for youth educational opportunities
* Programs involving local students, schools and educators
* Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts support and activities

COMMUNITY EVENTS

* Halloween Spooktacular
* Trunk-or-treat/Halloween activities
* Ashland Fall Festival participation
* Fourth of July activities
* Community celebrations
* Community breakfasts and special meals
* Social events for members and families
* Support for local community traditions

FUNDRAISING

* Bingo
* Special Bingo events and games
* Breakfast fundraisers
* Pancake/special breakfasts
* Food-service fundraising
* Other special fundraising events
* Use of fundraising proceeds for youth programs, scholarships, facilities and community projects

CIVIC & COMMUNITY SERVICE

* Teacher Appreciation activities
* Community improvement projects
* Donations to local organizations and youth causes
* Support for community programs
* Use of the Optimist building as a community gathering/event facility
* Volunteer labor for community projects
* Support for local civic organizations and activities

VETERANS & PATRIOTIC ACTIVITIES

* Veterans Day Breakfast
* Recognition of local veterans
* Patriotic/community events
* Participation in Fourth of July activities and parade-related events

CATTLEmen DAYS & ASHLAND TRADITIONS

* Support for Cattlemen Days Rodeo
* Rodeo-related community activities
* Use of the Optimist grounds/building in connection with the rodeo
* Rodeo parade participation/support
* Helping maintain one of Ashland’s long-standing community traditions

COMMUNITY FACILITIES

* Operation/support of the Optimist Building
* Maintenance of Optimist grounds
* Maintenance of athletic fields
* Support for Southern Boone Community Pool
* Capital improvements to facilities
* Providing facilities for youth and community activities
* Ashland Optimist Foundation support for the club’s programs and facilities

CLUB & MEMBER ACTIVITIES

* Weekly Saturday breakfast meetings
* Guest speakers and community programs
* Member fellowship
* Club socials
* Officer installation
* Volunteer opportunities
* Community networking
* Recruiting and developing volunteers as “Friends of Youth”

THE BIG PICTURE

The Ashland Optimist Club’s work can essentially be summarized in seven areas:

Youth Sports • Education & Scholarships • Swimming • Youth & Family Events • Civic Service • Community Facilities • Fundraising

The club was chartered on September 17, 1964, and is Club #30005 in the East Missouri Optimist District.