Newton Optimist

03/25/2026

Last night, Newton Optimists had the pleasure of listening to the contest essays written by our first place winner, Mia Van Zante, and our second place winner, Antonio Hernandez, as well as our oratorical winner, Lucy Simon! Each were awarded with a check and an opportunity for feedback. We also are proud to share that Lucy is able to move on to the next level of the oratorical contest. We are hopeful she can do well. 😊

03/19/2026

Newton community members, check out our opportunity to be a part of a large showing of patriotism during five important holidays! This form is used for us to get you started for only $40 annually. All proceeds generated will be used towards positive engagement with our Newton youth. Please review the form for details and reach out if you or someone you know are interested! 🇺🇸

02/06/2026

Give a Kid a Smile Day is a perfect reminder of what Optimists do best; create joy, spark confidence, and brighten a child’s world through care, encouragement, and action. 😊
Every smile we inspire today helps build hope for tomorrow.
✨ Be the reason a child smiles. Join Optimist International and help bring out the best in youth, your community, and yourself. To find out more visit https://www.optimist.org/landingpage/
😊

01/18/2026

Jamie helping getting the word out via podcast.

This podcast is about The Newton Optimist Club. In the podcast we find out what the Optimist Club is all about. I speak with some members of the Optimist Club and talk to them about why they wanted to join this organization. I also talk to them about their creed and what they have as their fund raisers and projects. Don't forget you can always check out the video and see some of the members of The Newton Optimists Club at outandaboutwithjamiegrout.com and on my Out And About With Jamie Grout YouTube channel. You can listen to the podcast on https://www.spreaker.com/episode/newton-optimist-club-podcast--69490778, outandaboutwithjamiegrout.com, or wherever you get your podcasts. The Out And About With Jamie Grout Podcast is sponsored by Ryan's Tire & Auto, Newton Ia, Newton Clinic, Advantage Credit Union, West Side Java Co, Lynette Baker / HALO Branded Solutions, and Newton Maid Rite. 1/17/26
Check out the shortcast video here:
https://youtu.be/sCgqLK5kA4Q

01/16/2026

Change doesn’t happen by chance, it happens because Optimists take action. Join us and turn optimism into impact by visiting https://www.optimist.org/landingpage/

01/15/2026

Yesterday the Newton Optimist club had our monthly meeting and were able to hear from Kelly Sorenson who discussed the great things happening with the Newton Food Pantry! Here she is seen with our member, John Lee. If you or someone you know has interest talking with our group and finding ways we can collaborate, feel free to reach out by sending us a message on this page!

01/14/2026

Optimist International Foundation (OIF) is presenting a check to the governor of each district to present to a Ronald McDonald House of their choice on Feb. 5 - International Optimist Day.

Governor Jane has chosen to make this donation to the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City!

Join us in celebrating Optimist Day 2026 by doing something in your community and sharing your Optimism! Wear your club shirts and a smile!

01/14/2026

Everyone can make a difference. Show up. Lend a hand. Be the change.

To make a difference, visit https://www.optimist.org/landingpage/
😊 🌎😊✨🙏

01/06/2026

Join us and change the world. Every act of service creates opportunity, every volunteer helps shape a child’s future, and every moment counts.

To discover more visit https://www.optimist.org/landingpage/
😊 🌎

09/08/2025

Experience isn’t what changes lives—love and kindness do. Step forward with your heart, and you can make an impact that lasts a lifetime. Join us and let your heart sing.

To find out more visit https://www.optimist.org/join.cfm or connect with an Optimist head to https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=F9KmLNhq40aygRh7G-lrrB1RBNwbM-NGk4pGx7zj_M1URDA2VFNWQU9MV0hMMFdDSVNNNVRDTUROUi4u

08/31/2025

Volunteering in your community is a powerful way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others while also enriching your own. 🌍

Volunteering fosters a sense of connection and belonging, as it brings together individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by a common goal of making their community a better place. 🤝

The relationships that you build and the positive changes achieved through volunteering not only enhance the lives of those in need but also inspire others to join the cause, creating a ripple effect of kindness and solidarity. 💖

Come and become an Optimist volunteer today by visiting https://www.optimist.org/join.cfm

08/19/2025