Choose Optimism

The Maryland South Delaware (MDSD) and Atlantic Central Districts held their Joint Fourth Quarter Conference and Annual Convention August 19 - 21, 2022 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. There was an Executive Committee meeting Friday night and Fourth Quarter Conference meetings Saturday morning. The Joint Convention opened in the afternoon which included elections of incoming District Officers and review of by-law and policy changes that were approved at the Optimist International Convention in July. An optional training field trip via Gettysburg Battlefield Car Tour was held later in the afternoon with Leadership Under Fire as the topic. 

Optimist International President Patsy Garner was in attendence and shared her knowledge and enthusiasm.  We received a brief visit from John Buchland, aka WV Batman, whose motto is “Empowering Youth to Overcome” and shared with us that “The only thing we take with us when we die is what we did for others while we are here.”  The Installation Dinner was held Saturday evening.  Congratulations to the MDSD Hall of Fame Class of 2022: Bonnie Hitzelberger and William (Bil) Spano. The annual Memorial Service was held Sunday morning.

What a line-up! OI President Patsy Garner, MDSD Gov. Jack Culver, WV Batman and Batgirl and AC Governor Elect Don Hickman.

New officers are sworn in.



OI President Patsy Garner pies Regional VP Kathleen Manchec as part of the Pie in the Face fundraiser to benefit Childhood Cancer.




Bonnie Hitzelberger receives her Hall of Fame plaque.