Stormont Community Optimist Club Launches with 80s Flair

On the evening of November 22, a rich blend of optimism, nostalgia and community spirit filled the halls of the Knights of Columbus Hall as the newly formed Stormont Community Optimist Club celebrated its charter launch. The theme of the event, “Neon Optimism: The Future’s So Bright” set the tone for what promises to be a forward-looking organisation rooted in service to youth.

Founding members of the club took centre stage as they each received their charter member certificates, a symbolic recognition of their commitment to building something new in the region. The scene was lively: neon accents, retro music, and the kind of earnest handshake that carries more weight when paired with purpose.

In the keynote segment of the evening, Larry Harper, Governor of the Optimist International Central Ontario District (CENON), addressed the gathering. Governor Harper spoke passionately about the need for more clubs, such as the Stormont Community Optimist, to be founded in the region to step in and support young people. He reminded attendees that while youth may have limitless potential, communities need systems of support, and it is organisations like this one that fill that gap.

Notable in attendance was Justin Towndale, Mayor of Cornwall, alongside his partner, Sarah Beach. Mayor Towndale’s presence brought showed the crowd that youth-centred service is not just the work of volunteers, it is a municipal concern. The mayor’s support serves as a sign that the local government recognises the importance of partners like the Stormont Community Optimist Club in rounding out the community infrastructure.

The choice of an 80s theme was more than birthday-party fun. It served as a clever metaphor. As founding members mingled among glow sticks and 80s candy, the message was clear: yes, we may be going back (in spirit) to a time of fluorescent optimism, but truly we are stepping forward, into a future where youth have access, belonging, support and voice. The past becomes a platform for a bright, glowing future.

As the party wound down, and the band “The Bookendz” closed the evening, a new chapter had formally begun. The Stormont Community Optimist Club stands chartered, ready to serve, ready to build the kinds of relationships that make youth feel seen and capable.

In the context of the event’s theme, one might cheekily say: the DeLorean has pulled up, the plutonium (i.e., local volunteer energy) has been inserted, and now we’re accelerating toward a destination where youth have opportunity. But beyond the metaphor we find something more concrete: a chartered club, a community committed, and children who stand to gain from the commitment of time, ideas and heart.

Here’s to many years of service, to many youth reached, and to a future built on purpose, not just progress. (Even if the soundtrack had a very 1980s beat.)