Kalona Optimist

09/26/2026

Unfortunately due to weather conditions and location availability we have to cancel the Family Fun Night scheduled for October 1st. We look forward to seeing everyone next year in September 2027.

09/16/2026

Family Fun Night is postponed till Thursday, October 1st due to wet conditions at the park

09/16/2026

Family Fun Night has been Postponed to Thursday October 1st, due to the wet conditions at the Kalona City Park.

08/18/2026

Optimists of Kalona
Meeting on Thursday August 20th
Kalona YMCA / LOFT room
$12 Catered meal starting at 6pm

08/16/2026

It’s hard to put into words what Larry Geno meant to the people around him. He lived a life full of service — not just in uniform, but in every community he touched. What always stood out was how he talked about his military career. Even though he served during Vietnam and Iraq, he didn’t dwell on the conflict. He remembered the people, the places, and the good he helped build. Roads carved through mountains, schools raised for kids who had nothing, bridges rebuilt after storms — Larry found purpose in lifting others up.

He carried a camera everywhere, capturing moments that proved the military could be a force for compassion. He loved showing those photos, not to brag, but to help people understand the difference they made.

After retiring, Larry didn’t slow down. He became part of the heartbeat of Kalona — volunteering, serving on boards, helping at the Chamber, joining the Optimists, supporting the VFW, and showing up wherever someone needed a hand. He joked that he “failed at retirement,” but really, he just couldn’t stop giving.

Larry was the kind of person who made you feel welcome, who laughed easily, who had a story for every situation, and who lived with a quiet pride in the life he built. He inspired his son to serve, he inspired his community to care, and he inspired all of us to do a little more good wherever we can.

He’ll be missed deeply — not just for what he did, but for who he was.

07/14/2026

Optimists of Kalona will meet on Thursday July 16th; Kalona YMCA / LOFT room
$12 Catered meal starting at 6pm

The Blood Drive last Monday was a success with 103 units! Thank you to all who donated!

07/04/2026

06/23/2026