The bright attitude promoted by the Optimist Club clicked with Jeff Leib so much so that he co-founded the West Bloomfield chapter more than half a century ago.

Thousands of young people have been touched by the club’s many programs. Optimist Club creed calls members to “Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.”

“That’s more relevant today than ever,” Leib said. “It’s a nice way to wake up in the morning and start the day – thinking that being so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.”

The local club, one of 2,600-some Optimist groups across the world, was chartered in 1972 to help boys in the community. It has since grown to include girls.

“One of the nicest things about the Optimist Club was not only did we help kids, but it was a place of camaraderie of people from all walks of life,” said Leib, an attorney who has practiced 56 years. “We benefited from each other’s company and learned to appreciate each other and our differences.”


In the community

The club hosts an annual oratorical program, for instance, where members invite young people to give short speeches to the group. A yearly essay contest hones written skills among young people and provides scholarships, said Leib, the West Bloomfield Optimist Club’s first president.

Thousands of kids have participated in the December holiday party, which is held at Orchard Lake St. Mary Preparatory. Families in need are identified by local clergy people and the West Bloomfield School District.

Children receive gifts and food items are provided for the families. Optimist Club members donate to the program and help in fundraising initiatives throughout the year.

Other initiatives are basketball programs, bike safety demonstrations and events that promote respect for first responders. The club also supports youth program initiatives on an as-needed basis that have included the West Bloomfield STEAM Club, the Abbott Middle School Theatre program and field trips to the Detroit Institute of Arts.

“There are other programs and they’re always something that helps in the community,” said Leib, who has served on the West Bloomfield planning commission and township board, as well as other township positions.

The West Bloomfield group has more than 100 members who live and work in the community and surrounding areas.

Members promote the idea of trying to look at the sunny side of everything and make that optimism come true.

The Optimist Club of West Bloomfield is always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join its ranks. Anyone who is considering becoming a member is welcome to attend meetings on the first and third Tuesday monthly at 7:30 a.m. at the Fire Department Administration building, 5425 W. Maple, West Bloomfield. You can also email Lou Goutman at lgoutman@gmail.com for more information.