A new Optimist Club is being formed to serve the youth of Kirkland. Why start a new club now?

Ed Murphy, Governor of the Pacific Northwest District of Optimist International and a resident of Redmond said, “I believe the youth of Kirkland need the positive direction and activities that an Optimist Club provides.”

This new club has already talked about getting involved in the Boys & Girls clubs on the Eastside. The club also talked about running Oratorical contests, Internet safety programs and other community activities.

The new club will also raise money to meet needs of youth in the Kirkland area.

The public is invited to become a member of the Kirkland Optimist Club. For more information, e-mail Ed Murphy at emurphy@Costco.com.

The Kirkland Optimist Club’s next meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22 at the Metropolitan Marketplace, 10611 N.E. 68th St in Kirkland. The meeting will be held in the private meeting room in the downstairs portion of the store. Coffee and light refreshments will be served compliments of the club.