The Optimist Club of Kalona
Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month at 6 pm at the LOFT in the Kalona YMCA, Kalona, Iowa.
Guests are welcome. Meal cost is $10.
About Us
The club was formed in February 1968.
The Optimist Club of Kalona currently has 56 members, including 17 Friends of Optimist members (businesses that support the club) and three charter members.
The Optimists believe in helping the youth of the Kalona area by giving them opportunities they may not have otherwise had.
Our Officers
President - Ron Slechta
Vice President - Jim Crowther
Treasurer - Bob Miller
Secretary - Sheryl Miller
Board Members
One Year Term
Ken Wehr
Roger Weber
Laura Geno
Two Year Term
Nicole Naraine
Deanna Poe
Donna Merck
Past President
Carl Poe
OI Foundation Representative - Denny Phares
Our Mission
Our goal is to be a "Friend of the Youth." We spend our time learning about groups and organizations within our vicinity, raising money for youth organizations and sharing fellowship.
2022-2023 club activities and fundraisers which help support the youth of our area.
Blood drive (January 8, 2024)
Valentines party ()
Tenderloin meal ()
Kalona Days (June)
Blood drive (July)
Family picnic (September 2024)
Installation banquet (October 2024)
Jack O’Lantern Jaunt (October, Kalona Historical Village)
Christmas party (December 2024)
Christmas in Kalona (December)
Salvation Army bell ringers (December)
Student of the Month
Photo Contest
Concession stand at ballpark
Essay and Oratorical Contest
Community of Flags
Junior Golf Camp and tournament at Kalona Golf Course
Optimist International Foundation/Dime a Day/Childhood Cancer Campaign
Junior Optimist Club
Join Us!
If you would like to learn more about the Kalona Optimists, please join us on the first or third Thursday of the month at the Kalona YMCA at 6:00 pm. Guests are welcome. Meal cost is $10.