By Sheryl Hamlin
The Santa Paula Optimists hosted a version of “This is Your Life” on July 22, 2019 with a surprise celebration of the work of Samantha Frady and “Hands Across Santa Paula”, a movement she founded in 2010.
Here is a Nextdoor post about the 6th annual event in 2016. Click here for a video of the 2018 event where Father Charles reminisces about meeting Mother Teresa and the blessings of kindness.
Ruth Rope the Santa Paula Optimist President introduced Tim Hicks who gave the Optimist moment, a prelude to every meeting.
After everyone had enjoyed a delicious meal hosted by the Optimists, Richard Rudman introduced Samantha Frady, not to talk but to be the surprise honoree of the evening.
Mike Montoya, the articulate Head Football Coach of Santa Paula High School, said he was surprised too with the format. He said that he had met Samantha ten years ago at the inception of Hands Across Santa Paula and the anti-bullying project., saying she was the mentor as far as community service.
Steve Lazenby knew Sammy through the very first Santa Paula CERT class Steve taught, which has become the Citizens Corps. Steve said that Samantha is always looking out for everyone’s safety and welfare.
Mary Anne Krause, former Mayor of Santa Paula, said she met Sammy on a walk after Sammy had been up all night helping a neighbor. Samantha was still ready to talk and engaged Mary Anne in a conversation about bullying. According to former Mayor Krause, Samantha pulled everyone together.
Martha Brown, the Neighborhood Watch chair for the Oaks, has been friends with Samantha since 2004. With both sharing a passion for emergency preparedness, shelters and Santa Paula, they talk every night. Martha explained that Samantha was raised to see butterflies as the personification of angels on earth.
Richard Rudman said that Sammy gives out angel wings, but already has her own, as an advocate for every person and animal.
President Rope said that they are trying to bring out the best in kids, teaching them not to bully. The local chapter has about 35 members.
A surprised Samantha Frady said she was the most blessed person in Santa Paula because of angels and butterflies. No one can do this work alone, she said, and was blessed for her citizens who participate. Her family said she was the only baby born talking (South Carolina), which she said persists today.
Richard Rudman sent applause from Peggy Kelly who was thinking remotely.
John Marquez reminded the group of the upcoming Chamber Chat at the Agriculture Museum where Cathy Hicks will talk about Optimists International and the fabulous August 17th, Jazz and Art on Main Street in downtown Santa Paula. Kathy Hicks reminded the group of the Optimist Convention August 16th and 17th.
The group ended with the Optimist Creed:
The Optimist Creed
Promise Yourself
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
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