Several local Optimist clubs were awarded top honors in the New Jersey Lower New York (NJLNY) District at the organization’s recent quarterly convention held in Union. Optimist District Governor Carol Eschmann congratulated the clubs.

Joe Kienzlen, outgoing president of the Jackson Club, and Bob Knapp, outgoing president of the Howell Club, were both honored for the work their clubs have done throughout the community.

Distinguished Club awards went to Kienzlen and club secretary Laura Debiak from the Jackson Club and Honor Club awards went to Bob Knapp and Dawn Nakash from the Howell Club.

Kienzlen received recognition for his efforts in the recruiting of new members. He led the district. There are currently 20 clubs throughout the NJLNY area.

According to information supplied by the district, only the Jackson Club achieved Distinguished Club this year and nine clubs were awarded honor status.

The Freehold Sunrise Optimist Club, the Freehold Noontime Optimist Club, the Howell Optimist Club and the Brick Optimist Club were among the local honor clubs in the New Jersey District.

Eschmann said, “I would also like to commend the Jackson club for finishing the year as Honor and Distinguished Club.”

Eschmann said the criterion for this status is to fulfill the requirement for honor, as well as build a new club.

“The Jackson club is the impetus for the fledgling club in Brick Township. I salute them as a builder of excellence in the New Jersey Optimist District and I applaud their achievement,” Eschmann said.

Through service programs, Optimists have been able to help children develop positive attitudes and approaches to life since 1919. For more information on local clubs, or to start a club in your area call (732) 363-1346 or send an e-mail to Jkienzlen@aol.com.