Roland Williams sworn-in as Optimist International district governor
NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT
ROLAND ‘COACH ROE’ WILLIAMS
Thursday, Aug. 28, 2014, 5:30 p.m. — Bardstown City Councilman Roland “Coach Roe” Williams was recently sworn-in as the next governor of the Kentucky/West Va. District of Optimist International.
He was elected last year as governor-elect, and was sworn-in as the next district governor on Saturday, Aug. 23 in Charleston, West Va. Williams’ term begins Oct. 1.
Williams is the 27th person to serve as governor of the Kentucky/West Va. district, and the third person from the Bardstown Optimist Club to serve as governor.
Assisting Williams as mentor Judy Zeiglar, a past governor from the Frankfort club, as well as Ken and Becky Distler of Bardstown. “They bring a wealth of knowledge of OI procedures and policies,” he said.
Ken Distler will also serve as the district secretary-treasurer during Williams’ term.
Williams’ slogan for his 2014-15 term is “It’s All About the Kids,” which reflects Optimist International’s focus on enriching the lives of youth and encouraging leadership among youth.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for our team to give back to our communities,” Williams said. “I believe we have a great team in place, and in the next year we will fulfil the Optimist vision: ‘By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in kids.’ ”
Williams said his goals for his term as governor include increasing membership in the district, energize the membership base and promoting Optimists and its programs and activities.
The Kentucky/West Va. district is part of the Mid-Atlantic Region.
Optimist International youth programs include fishing derbies; internet safety, chess tournaments, oratorical contests, communication contests for the deaf and hearing impaired, toy drives, and sporting programs.
Williams is a member of the Bardstown Optimist Club, which was has 43 members and was organized on June 16, 1955. The club has two past district governors and Several Past Lieutenant Governors
Optimist International is an association of more than 2,600 clubs worldwide dedicated to empowering young people to be the best they can be. Optimists clubs conduct 65,000 service projects and serve well over six million young people each year.
For more information, visit www.optimist.org.
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