Putnam County Optimist

05/11/2026

🌟 Optimist Club Character Award Winner🌟

We are so excited to recognize Grace Huber, daughter of Nate and Angie Huber, as a winner for the Optimist Club Character Award.

Grace is an exceptionally talented young woman who consistently uses her gifts to uplift others. From painting windows with her friends for Ottawa’s Christmas festivities to founding Bubbly Art Club, Grace’s heart for service and creativity shines brightly.

Grace has hosted art booths at events at the Rex and during the Children’s Fest in the park, generously sharing her creativity with the community. She is also a proud member of the Out of the Blue Show Choir at Ottawa-Glandorf, performing at community events and spreading joy through music.

Grace is humble, kind, and not one to seek the spotlight—but those who know her see her incredible light, and compassionate spirit. These qualities make her a wonderful and deserving nominee for this Character Award.

Congratulations, Grace! We are so proud of you and the positive impact you’re making in our community. 💙🎨✨

05/08/2026

💛 In Loving Memory of Our Optimist Club President, Kimberly Redman 💛

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend and longtime leader, Kimberly Redman, who faithfully served as President of the Putnam County Optimist Club for eight years.

Kim was a bright light in our organization — a leader who served with compassion, dedication, and an unwavering belief in the potential of every child in our community. Her optimism wasn’t just part of her title; it was the way she lived, led, and inspired all of us.

Her commitment to service, her kindness, and her steady presence shaped our club in countless ways. Kim gave her time and her heart freely, and our community is better because of her.

As we grieve this tremendous loss, we also honor the legacy she leaves behind — one of generosity, encouragement, and genuine care for others. We will carry her spirit forward in the work we do and in the lives we touch.

Please keep Kim’s family and loved ones in your thoughts during this difficult time. May her memory continue to guide us and remind us of the power of optimism.

💛 Forever an Optimist. Forever in our hearts.

View Kimberly Ann Redman's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

05/06/2026

🌟 Member Spotlight: Clair Breece! 🌟

This week, we’re excited to shine a light on one of our wonderful members, Clair Breece!

Clair has been part of the Putnam County Optimist Club for just over a year, and she brings a warm, encouraging spirit to everything she does. In her professional life, Clair works in Personal & Business Finance with Modern Woodmen, helping individuals and families plan for a secure future.

When asked what she enjoys most about being an Optimist, Clair shared that she loves encouraging kids in our county to live to their full potential — a mission that aligns perfectly with the heart of our club.

Clair also wants others to know that the Optimist Club is a place where we share a meal, build friendships, and work together to make a difference in our community.

Outside of her career and club involvement, Clair leads a full and joyful life. She’s married to Bradley Breece, part owner of Ben Breece Harley-Davidson in Ottawa, and together they’re raising three wonderful children. When she’s not working, you might find Clair tending to her flock of chickens, experimenting in the kitchen, or enjoying the great outdoors.

We’re grateful to have Clair as part of our Optimist family — her positivity and dedication make our club stronger!

💛 Thank you, Clair, for all you bring to the Putnam County Optimist Club! Clair Breece

04/15/2026

🌟 Optimist Club Member Spotlight: Kirstene Adkins 🌟

This week, we are excited to shine our Member Spotlight on Kirstene Adkins—an award‑winning artist, author, entrepreneur, and dedicated community volunteer whose passion for uplifting youth makes her a perfect fit for the Optimist spirit.

💼 About Kirstene
Kirstene is an Artist, Author, and Entrepreneur, as well as the CEO of Art Me Party Entertainment (Artmeparty.com). She is also a wife and mother of two from Ottawa, OH. Her premier children’s book, “Oodles!”, is a heartfelt dedication to her late grandmother, Aggie. Outside of her creative work, she enjoys reading, movies, pop culture, thrill‑seeking adventures, martial arts, and checking off items on her bucket list. She especially loves helping teach women to be strong and fearless. Her personal motto: “Keep life interesting by trying to do something new every day.”

🤝 Her Optimist Journey
Kirstene joined the Optimist Club four months ago, and her enthusiasm has already made an impact. She loves being part of organizations that support youth and has volunteered with Toys for Tots for many years.

🎁 Favorite Club Memory
Her most memorable experience so far?
Shopping for toys for the Toys for Tots program—a moment that perfectly blends generosity, joy, and community spirit.

💬 Why She Loves the Optimist Club
Kirstene believes the Optimist Club is a wonderful place for anyone who wants to make a difference. In her words: “Anyone can join, and it is a great way to help the youth of your community.”

04/08/2026

🌟 Optimist Club Member Spotlight: Sandra Knueven 🌟

Today we’re excited to shine a light on one of our dedicated members, Sandra Knueven, who has been part of the Putnam County Optimist Club since 2022 and currently serves as the Putnam County Toys for Tots Coordinator.

Sandra brings passion, purpose, and a heart for service to everything she does. When asked what she enjoys most about being part of the Optimist Club, she shared that she loves belonging to a group that can make a difference — and she truly embodies that spirit through her leadership with Toys for Tots.
One of her most memorable experiences with the club has been helping charitable agencies make a difference right here in our own community. Sandra believes deeply in the power of collective action and wants others to know that anyone can be part of an organization that truly makes a difference.

In her own words, Sandra says she has met so many wonderful people through our meetings and events. Even after retirement, she plans to stay involved so she can continue supporting local groups and helping wherever she’s needed — because, as she reminds us, “It takes a village to raise a child.”

Thank you, Sandra, for your commitment, your compassion, and the energy you bring to our club and community. We’re grateful to have you as part of the Optimist family! 💛

03/30/2026

🌟 Member Spotlight: Jean Gerdeman 🌟

This week, we’re excited to shine a light on longtime member Jean Gerdeman, who has been a dedicated part of the Optimist Club since 2011.

✨ Role: Office Building Coordinator
✨ Years as an Optimist: 13 and counting
✨ Favorite Part of Being an Optimist: “Helping kids! And the comradery.”

Jean’s heart for service shows in everything she does. One of her most memorable moments with the club came during the Toys for Tots distribution. She recalls a father, with tears in his eyes, thanking her and saying, “I can’t tell you how much this means to me and my family.” That moment has stayed with her ever since.
Jean wants the community to know one important thing about our club:

💬 “We are small — but MITY! We are a small group that accomplishes BIG THINGS for the kids in the county.”

Outside the club, Jean and her husband Ron enjoy life with their three grown daughters and four grandchildren. Lifelong residents of Ottawa, Jean credits her father—who was very active in the community—for instilling her strong sense of civic duty.

Please join us in celebrating Jean for her kindness, dedication, and unwavering Optimist spirit. We’re grateful to have her as part of our Optimist family!

03/18/2026

Want a Sweet Chance to Win?

Support the Putnam County Optimist Club and enter to win delicious prizes!
Buy 1 ticket for $15 or 2 tickets for $25
Each ticket gives you 52 chances to win a homemade pie or 2 quarts of ice cream—that’s one chance every week for a whole year!
All proceeds support local youth programs and community initiatives.

To get your tickets, contact any of these Optimist Club members or message us directly:
Glen Arnold
Clair Breece
Sherrilyn Britsch
Jo Deskins
Becky Diemer
Gayle Duling
Jean Gerdeman
Ruth Gerding
Sandy Knueve
Cheryl Koch
Brianna Kuhlman
Kim Redman
Jane Rosengarten
Ellen Ruhe
Don’t miss out—grab your tickets today and treat yourself all year long!

03/16/2026

🌟 Join Us for Lunch This Wednesday! 🌟

Looking for a great midweek pick‑me‑up? Come out to Grillers on Wednesday, March 18th at 11:45 AM for good food, good company, and a chance to learn more about the Putnam Optimist Club.

Whether you're curious about what we do, interested in getting involved, or just want to enjoy lunch with a positive group of people, we’d love to have you there. Bring a friend and stop by!

💛 Hope to see you at Grillers

Send a message to learn more

02/23/2026

🌟 Know a child who inspires others? Nominate them for a Character Award! 🌟

The Putnam County Optimist Club is looking for young people who show kindness, leadership, integrity, and a positive spirit in our community. If a child comes to mind, we’d love to hear about them.

📝 How to nominate:
Send a short letter explaining why the child deserves recognition.

📬 Mail to:
Putnam County Optimist Club
PO BOX 564
Ottawa, OH 45875

📧 Email:
[email protected]

Let’s celebrate the amazing kids who make Putnam County a better place every day. Feel free to share this post so others can nominate too!

Send a message to learn more

01/23/2026

Thank you Putnam County for your continued generosity!