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Commending the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna, Inc.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 9, 2026
WHEREAS, the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna, Inc., a 100 percent volunteer community service organization based in Vienna, has faithfully served the youth and families of Vienna and surrounding communities for 70 years, celebrating its milestone anniversary in 2025; and
WHEREAS, founded by local business leaders in 1955, the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna was established to create a vibrant, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to fostering hope, opportunity, and positive development for young people; and
WHEREAS, as a proud member of Optimist International, whose members conduct more than 65,000 service projects annually and serve more than six million young people worldwide, the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna upholds the organization's mission of “bringing out the best in kids” by providing hope and a positive vision for the future; and
WHEREAS, the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna organizes and manages the beloved Vienna Farmers Market, held each Saturday from May through October at the Vienna Community Center, providing residents access to locally grown and produced foods sourced within 150 miles of Vienna, supporting regional agriculture, coordinating vendors and permits, hosting local musicians, and raising funds for scholarships benefiting local students; and
WHEREAS, the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna conducts its annual Christmas tree fundraiser, a cherished community tradition that not only brings neighbors together during the holiday season but also generates vital funds to support youth programs and scholarships; and
WHEREAS, the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna proudly maintains and staffs the historic Vienna red caboose, located along the W&OD Trail at Church Street, where members volunteer as conductors for visitors and families, preserving a treasured local landmark and creating joyful experiences for children and adults alike; and
WHEREAS, the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna demonstrates its steadfast commitment to youth development through numerous scholarship contests and awards, including essay and oratory contests; the Communication Contest for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; technical student scholarships; the T.R. Cook Awards recognizing excellence in academics, citizenship, fine arts, science, sports, and technology; the Carol Waite Brennan Youth Appreciation Award; the Jim Houston Award; Helping Hands awards for elementary students; and awards honoring local law-enforcement officers, firefighters, rescue personnel, and educators; and
WHEREAS, the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna supports local schools and extracurricular programs, including robotics teams at James Madison, Marshall, and Oakton high schools, and volunteers at community events such as the annual Special Olympics track meet, further strengthening ties between generations and fostering mentorship opportunities for young volunteers; and
WHEREAS, guided by the Optimist Creed, which encourages strength of character, cheerful service, and enthusiasm for the success of others, the members of the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna exemplify the values of optimism, kindness, and civic engagement that enrich the fabric of Vienna; and
WHEREAS, through seven decades of dedicated volunteerism, the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna has become an enduring and integral part of the community, embodying the spirit of service and ensuring that community spirit and caring remain alive and well in Vienna; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna, Inc., hereby be commended for its 70 years of exceptional service to the youth and families of Vienna and the Commonwealth; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Optimist Club of Greater Vienna, Inc., as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration and gratitude for the organization's enduring commitment to empowering young people and strengthening the community.