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Shelby Optimist Club member Bob Pochyla received recognition at an Optimist International Michigan Chapter ceremony in Ann Arbor recently for his 75 years as an Optimist International Club member. Pictured, (left to right, standing) are Kathleen Wyns, Optimist International Michigan District Governor Linda Thompson, Shelby Optimist Club member Jim Wyns, and (seated) Veronica and Bob Pochyla.
Pochyla was recognized at age 21 as the youngest Optimist member worldwide.
ANN ARBOR — Optimist International clubs and their members have a long and remarkable history as champions of youth causes and organizations in their communities. An Aug. 17 ceremony hosted by the organization’s Michigan district honored that history, and some members of Shelby Optimist Club were front and center for the accolades.
Shelby Optimist Club, formed Nov. 9, 1948, is 75 years old, making it only one of 33 Michigan clubs over 50 years old, states a press release from the club. Michigan is home to 84 Optimist International chapters in total. The oldest club has served its community for 102 years.
Just as remarkable, the club boasts two members who were members since its inception: Roy Fox, who upon his death in 2020 had served 72 years; and Bob Pochyla, who was honored at the Ann Arbor ceremony for belonging to the Shelby Optimist Club for 75 years. Additional certificates issued at the Aug. 17 ceremony also recognized other Shelby Optimist Club members with over 50 years of service to the club: Jack Cheever (54 years), Bruce Fox (54 years), and Paul Inglis (52 years).
Pochyla, who is 95 years old, lives with his wife Veronica in their home at the west end of the Village of Shelby. Another long-time member of Shelby Optimist Club, Jim Wyns, along with his wife Kathleen, volunteered to transport the Pochylas to Ann Arbor to accept the award at the Aug. 17 ceremony in person.
Pochyla also served as Shelby Township’s clerk for 61 years and held several officer roles with Shelby Optimist Club over the years. In addition to being a charter member of the Shelby club, Pochyla was recognized at age 21 as the youngest Optimist member worldwide.
Shelby Optimist Club headed into its next year with a Sept. 11 meeting at Stony Lake Inn. Members anticipate continuing their 75-year history of being “friends of youth” for youth causes and organizations throughout Oceana County. Become part of it by joining Shelby Optimist Club, or by attending one of its events. The first fundraiser, a golf scramble at Oceana Golf Club, kicks off Sunday, Sept. 22. For details about events or joining Shelby Optimist Club, visit its website at shelbyoptimist.com or follow the club on Facebook.
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