UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club

Greetings Optimist!!

UW-W students moved into the Residence Halls on Sunday, August 30. You can really tell the difference in traffic volume, among other things, that change when they arrive each year!

Our Wednesday, August 29 evening meeting featured members Dick and Maggie Winz speaking about the volunteer efforts to help rebuild Bay St. Louis, MS after Hurricane Katrina hit there 10 years ago. We forget that even today, rebuilding efforts are still going on along the Gulf Coast to recover from the hurricane. Thanks Dick and Maggie (and other from the club and community) who continue to help the residents of that region recover!

Thanks to the latest club members who have volunteered to help take tickets at upcoming Warhawk Football games!

I had good meeting with Greg Stewart, Whitewater High School Teacher and advisor to the Octagon Club, last night. We discussed some ideas how the Octagon members can help our club at certain events each year, debating the issue of Octagon members attending regular meetings vs. contributing to service projects, and other ideas. As we talk about these items more, we’ll keep you posted. I indicated to Greg that one idea I have is to better promote the Octagon events and accomplishments to our club, and the community, in the future through the web site and Facebook.

No progress since last week regarding a complete slate of officers for 2015-16, we’re still in need of a President and President-elect. Or perhaps we are in need of Co-Presidents?! Either way, please contact me if you are willing to be President, President-Elect, or Co-President for 2015-16. It would be really good for the club to have the exec board in place before the banquet on September 29.

In other Optimist business:

• Our Facebook page has 93 “Likes” now. So close to 100.
• Progress continues on updating the club’s Policies and Procedures. Thanks to Kim, Jeanine, and Lauren for continuing work on the document.
• Kim Adams and I will be interviewing UW-W students to determine who will be our fall semester intern(s). We need to have our decision made by September 9 which is the last day for students to add a class for the fall semester.

Speakers for upcoming meetings are:

• Tuesday, September 8, Esker Hall room 119, 12 Noon-1pm. Robin Fox and Katy Heyning from the UW-W College of Education and Professional Studies will speak about “Whitewater Leads.”
• Tuesday, September 22, UC 261, 12 Noon-1pm. Youth of the Month presentation and catered lunch. Any speaker ideas?
• Tuesday, October 6, 12 Noon-1pm. Any ideas? This will be the first meeting of the new Optimist Year!
• Tuesday, October 20, 12 Noon-1pm. Youth of the Month. Any ideas?

Dates for upcoming club meetings and events include:

• Tuesday, September 8, Esker Hall room 119, 12 Noon-1pm, “bring your own lunch.”
• Tuesday, September 15, Executive Board meeting. Noon-1pm.
• Tuesday, September 22, UC 261, 12 Noon-1pm. Catered lunch and Youth of the Month.
• Tuesday, September, 29, evening banquet, date/time/location to be determined.
• Tuesday, October 6, noon meeting.
• Tuesday, October 20, noon meeting.

That’s all for the moment.

Share the Optimism,

Dave Halbach

UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club

920-650-6089 or 262-472-5749