Celebrating optimism

Portland Breakfast Optimist Club celebrated its 50th anniversary with a gathering Saturday in the Farmer’s Building at Jay County Fairgrounds, just east of the Optimist Stand. Pictured above, 2023 and ’24 president Rodney Miles speaks during the event with other Optimist members surrounding him. He noted that the organization currently contributes to 28 organizations in Jay County, all via money raised at the Optimist Stand at the fairgrounds. There are currently 68 members in the Portland Breakfast club, 65 in the Portland Evening club and 38 in the West Jay Optimist Club. “Everywhere in Jay County, there’s Optimists,” said Miles. (The Commercial Review/Ray Cooney)