The governor of the N.C. East District for the Optimist Club told Scotland Optimists that they were one of the most active clubs in the state.

Barbara Timmons spoke Tuesday during the local club's 48th Annual Spouses Night and Installation Banquet.

"I really appreciate everything you do for your club, your community and the kids in your group." she said. "Its wonderful, you all are a busy club. When you started off last year, you were the third largest club in our district. Unless we have major changes tomorrow, you'll end up second for this year."

Jim Weaver was the recipient of both Optimist of the Year and the Riggins-Quick Eagle Award.

Bill Floyd presented the Optimist of the Year award.

"This award is given to the person who has given the most effort and demonstrated the spirit of optimism in the highest form."

"[Weaver] has been a mentor to many of us and he's been a friend to all of us. If you've ever had the opportunity to work with him, you soon learn that he is a dedicated and loyal friend."

Floyd also mentioned Weaver's role as an umpire for the Optimists.

"He is willing to accept criticism from the parents and coaches in order to promote the best interests of our young people."

Bill Riggins and N.W. Quick presented the Eagle Award.

"The eagle award is for a long period of service," Riggins said. "A long period of time. We have so many people in our club that volunteer so much of their time. You can only receive it once."

"We've got to remember that we are the one civic club in Scotland County that does more for the youth than any other club in the county."

Weaver joined the Optimist Club in 1992. He is involved in the fish fry, volunteers for special events and was Optimist of the Year in 2002.

Tommy Parker was presented with the Life Member Award from President Tommy Brigman.

Parker said he was proud of the recognition because the Optimist Club had been important to him for the past 27 years.

"This plaque says you're the oldest rat in the barn who hasn't got it yet," Parker said.

The new club officers are: President Mark Ward; President Elect Jamie Sutherland; Past President Tommy Brigman; Internal Vice President Jerry Dial; External Vice President Ken Harrell; Secretary Bear Hughes; Treasurer Dan Wilkes; first-year directors Brooks Baines, Scott Sellers and Phillip Hayes; and second-year directors Jim Weaver, Carl Clark and Jeremy Johnson.