Fairfax Optimist Club elects new officers

The Fairfax Optimist Club held its annual officer elections on September 29, 2026. The club’s fiscal year runs from October 1 through September 30. This year’s officers are, from left to right: Jay Smith (treasurer), Bob Sefrit (president), Bill Slaughter (vice-president), and Maria Reed (secretary). If you or anyone you know are interested in joining a club that is centered around shaping the youth of the Fairfax community, reach out to a member today. Weekly meetings are held each Tuesday morning at 6:30 a.m. at the Day Break Cafe in Fairfax. The club is now also holding an evening edition at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday evenings at the Fairfax Baptist Church. Drop in and give it a try! (Submitted by Maria Reed)

Optimist Club donates to school projects

At the Fairfax Optimist Club meeting Tuesday, October 6, members welcomed Fairfax R-3 staff member Kristine Price. Kristine spoke about projects going on at the school with general focus in and around the school library and art rooms. Mrs. Price shared future goals pertaining to a very outdated reference material section of the library and the addition of a kiln room for the new art room location. She discussed different projects taking place to encourage and get kids motivated to read. The school’s AR program has done wonders to motivate even the least likely of readers to grab a book and enjoy reading. Club Secretary Maria Reed, right, presented Mrs. Price, left, with a check for $250 to go toward some of her projects. She mentioned several new books and other projects she could use the money toward. The club members appreciate her commitment to the children of Fairfax R-3. (Submitted by Maria Reed)