North County Residents Honored for Community Service

Four people were recently were recognized for having open hearts and donating some time to help others. 

The Optimist Clubs of Bridgeton, Ritenour, Hazelwood/Florissant and North St. Louis County held the 10th Annual Optimist Community Service Awards Banquet to "recognize these individuals who have dedicated many years and countless hours of volunteer service to help kids in the North County area."

Battalion Chief Randy Getz with the Hazelwood Fire Department was recognized for two decades of training kids to go into the fire profession. For the past 20 years he has sponsored and served in a leadership role for the Hazelwood Fire Department Explorer Post. He has also help coordinate the city's child car safety seat program, as well as coordinate bicycle helmet safety education and fire safety education efforts.

Willie Bunch is the Trinity Redbird Rookies league organizer. He was recognized for enabling more than 300 kids an opportunity to play baseball with the league. 

Jackie Wasser, Jenah Realty Group's broker/owner was recognized for several years of volunteering her time and making financial contributions to several children organizations for more than a decade.

Jerry Nolen is the activities director at Ritenour High School. He development and implementated of many programs to benefit kids throughout the Ritenour School District, which includes mentoring dozens of students.

These individuals have demonstrated outstanding community involvement geared toward improving the lives of kids over lengthy time frames and have succeeded in advancing the Optimist mission of “Bringing Out the Best in Kids”.

Each recipient received a plaque commemorating the honor as well as a few gifts of appreciation from the four Optimist Clubs.

Optimist International is an association of more than 2,600 Optimist Clubs around the world dedicated to "Bringing Out the Best in Kids." Adult volunteers join Optimist Clubs to conduct positive service projects in their communities aimed at providing a helping hand to youth, according to its website. 

To learn more about the local optimist organizations click here.