Optimist Club of Van Wert

12/19/2025

The Optimist Club of Van Wert thanked local groups and individuals who helped with its Avenue of Flags project in 2025. In attendance were: Penny Parrish from Van Wert Rotary Club and Brent Jones from Habitat for Humanity - Van Wert, with Optimist Club president, Mike Heldwein. VFW Post #5803, Kannen Wannemacher, Nancy Sink, and Al Able were also recognized for their efforts.

This year, 647 flags were placed through the Optimist Club around the Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Veterans Day holidays. We love presenting this project for the community and we couldn't do it without the help of these groups and individuals. 🇺🇸❤
https://optimistvw.com/avenue-of-flags

12/12/2025

Optimist Club members donated gifts to TOSS A TOY. New, unwrapped toys help make Christmas a little brighter for local children. Coats, gloves, and hats are also welcome. Donations are distributed by Van Wert Salvation Army. The truck will be at Ollie's on Sunday Dec. 14. The last day for toy donations is Dec. 16 at Lee Kinstle Chevrolet GMC.

12/05/2025

Kimberly Laudick and Julie Burenga from YWCA of Van Wert County gave an update on its drive to build a new facility. Approximately $3.2 million of private donations has been raised since the capital campaign launched a year ago. Total cost is estimated at $12-$15 million. Plans include private, apartment-style living spaces, and wings for youth development, survivor support, administration, and health care services. The new facility will be located on east Lincoln Highway and is a partnership between the YWCA, The Marsh Foundation, and Mercy Health.
https://ywcavanwert.org/capital-campaign

11/25/2025

Christmas at Fountain Park will help light up downtown Van Wert beginning tomorrow night and lasting throughout the holiday season. The display is hosted by Van Wert Service Club, Optimist Club of Van Wert, Main Street Van Wert, and Van Wert Parks Department

https://thevwindependent.com/news/2025/11/23/christmas-at-fountain-park-to-light-up-wednesday-night/

11/21/2025

Bill Clifton, chair of the Eggerss Stadium Renovation Committee, gave an update to the Optimist Club today. Phase 4 of the project will happen this summer and focuses on the south end of the stadium. A new main entrance gate with concession stand and restrooms will be constructed along with bleachers in the endzone for the VWHS band. The pressbox elevator, which was part of phase 3 and wasn't operating consistently during the recent football season, is now operational and has passed state inspection.

11/14/2025

Jon Jones, Van Wert Fire Department Chief, provided an update on the operations of the department today. We also had some trivia fun. Did you know that Van Wert was the first rural department in the nation to provide trained emergency medical services for its community? Do you know what year it was?

11/09/2025

Thanks to all who came out to help with the setup!

11/07/2025

Sgt. Brock Blackmore from the Van Wert Police Department spoke to club members today about the implementation of Flock ALPR cameras in the city. Automatic License Plate Recognition cameras scan and recognize license plates, allowing law enforcement agencies to identify stolen vehicles, track down suspects, and aid in investigations.

11/04/2025

We are looking for volunteers to help set up Christmas at Fountain Park! We will be beginning the day at 9am and ending at 5pm! Even if you can only be there for a few hours, we would love to have your help!

Comment or message us to sign up!

10/01/2025

The Van Wert Service Club, Optimist Club of Van Wert, Main Street Van Wert, and the Van Wert Parks Department will bring the magic of the holidays to the community again this year with Christmas at Fountain Park. However, support from donors and volunteers is needed to make it happen.

Van Wert, Ohio breaking news and local information from the Van Wert Independent.

09/11/2025

Greg Kulwicki from the Convoy Lions Club was the guest speaker at Optimist Club today. He thanked the club for incorporating the Lions Club in the Avenue of Flags project, which led to them starting a similar service in the Convoy area. He also presented information about the Lions R.O.A.R. (Reinforcement Of Advanced Reading) program for third-grade students at Crestview. He encouraged Optimists to adopt a similar program for Van Wert Schools.

09/04/2025

Optimist International Foundation helps to fund the youth and service programs of Optimist International and local Optimist clubs. Donations from individual Optimists, their Clubs, and the community at large fund grants for local club projects, Childhood Health and Wellness initiatives, scholarships, and Junior Optimist Clubs. With just a dime a day ($36.50), you can "Help Optimists Help Kids." Make a tax-deductible donation at https://www.oifoundation.org/us-canada-donate.cfm