The Pessimists Were Right in the End

Apathy has squelched optimism.

The Optimist Club of Quakertown, Penn., is disbanding after 24 years, citing lack of interest. Membership in the club, part of an international community service organization that runs sporting and scholastic activities for children, dwindled to 11 as members died and retired, acting President Bernard Kensky said. No one has stepped forward to replace them.

“I do feel sad about it,” Kensky said. “It was something I enjoyed doing. We’ve just run our course.”