UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club

Greetings Optimist!!

NO GENERAL CLUB MEETING THIS WEEK!! However, there will be a Board meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, May 12 at 12 Noon in the University Center, room 260 (the usual Board meeting location).

Be sure to read through the expanded “dates” section below. I’ve included info regarding summer meetings and locations. Note the location for next week’s meeting, UC 068!

Remember, this Thursday, May 14 there will be a “going away” party at the Whitewater Country Club for Denise and Kevin Kaminski!! Hope many of you can make it to thank Denise for her years of service to the club and participation on the board.

On to other Optimist business:

• The Club is looking for new co-chairs for the upcoming Gyro Stand. Who can help Duane and Barb Dickens with the arrangements and scheduling for this coming July? Please contact Duane or Barb directly or let me know if you would like to co-chair this event. It’s very important for the Club!!!!  I can provide a copy of the event planning guidelines that Duane has written if that would help you make up your mind.
• What would YOU like to do next year to contribute? It’s that time of the Optimist Club year to begin thinking about a slate of officers for 2015-16. How about an Exec Board position? Perhaps one that you’ve not held  in the past? Please begin thinking about volunteering to be an officer for 2015-16. “Many hands make light work.”
• I have updated the web site to include a posting and links about the 11^th Annual City-wide Rummage Sale on May 16. Click for the information flyer and application.
• I’ve also updated the Club’s Facebook page to include links about the Rummage Sale. The message has reached 167 people on Facebook since I posted it.
• Regarding the Gyro Stand trailer, we at least have a short-term storage location due to Mike Ciardo’s help but are looking for a long-term storage location at no-cost or very low cost. Let any of the Board Members know if you have a place/suggestion.

Speakers for upcoming meetings are:

• Tuesday, May 19, Youth of the Month from Whitewater Middle School and Greg Swanson, campus Director of Facilities Planning and Management, speaking about the campus master plan for the future.
• Wednesday, May 27, Speaker has cancelled. Any ideas? (5pm at Jessica’s Restaurant)
• Tuesday, June 2, any ideas?
• Tuesday, June 16, any ideas?

Dates for upcoming club meetings and events include:

• Saturday, May 16, City-Wide Rummage Sale.
• Tuesday, May 19, UC 068, 12 Noon-1pm, General Member Club meeting, catered lunch, $7.00/member.
• Wednesday, May 27, Jessica’s Restaurant, 5pm, dinner on your own.
• Wednesday, May 27, Whitewater High School Scholarship Night.
• Tuesday, June 2, UC 259A, 12 Noon-1pm, “bring your own lunch.”
• Saturday, June 6, Fishing Derby
• Tuesday, June 16, UC 259A, 12 Noon-1pm, “bring your own lunch.”
• Wednesday, June 24, Jessica’s Restaurant, 5pm, dinner on your own.
• Thursday, July 2-Sunday, July 5, Gyro Stand at Whitewater 4^th of July Celebration.
• Tuesday, July 7, NO MEETING!
• Wednesday, July 8, 2015, Jefferson County Fair ticket selling.
• Tuesday, July 21, UC 261, 12 Noon-1pm, “bring your own lunch.”
• Wednesday, July 29, Jessica’s Restaurant, 5pm, dinner on your own.
• Tuesday, August 4, UC 264, 12 Noon-1pm, “bring your own lunch.”
• Tuesday, August 18, 12 Noon-1pm, location to be determined.
• Tuesday, September 8, Esker Hall room 119, 12 Noon-1pm, “bring your own lunch.”
• Tuesday, September 22, UC 261, 12 Noon-1pm. Catered lunch??? Youth of the Month??
• Tuesday, September, 29, evening banquet, date/time/location to be determined.

Share the Optimism,

Dave Halbach

UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club

920-650-6089 or 262-472-5749

Greetings Optimist!!

I think I slept through most of this morning’s thunderstorm. Anyone else do that?

Had a good turnout at last Wednesday’s evening meeting with speakers Judy Harms and Sarah Schumacher. Even had some club “alums” join us for dinner.  It was fun to hear Coach Harm and Team Captain Schumacher share their thoughts and emotions about the WHS Girls Basketball Team run to the state title this past March.

On to Optimist business:

• What would YOU like to do next year to contribute? It’s that time of the Optimist Club year to begin thinking about a slate of officers for 2015-16. How about an Exec Board position? Perhaps one that you’ve not held  in the past? Please begin thinking about volunteering to be an officer for 2015-16. “Many hands make light work.”
• I have updated the web site to include a posting and links about the 11^th Annual City-wide Rummage Sale on May 16. Click for the information flyer and application.
• I’ve also updated the Club’s Facebook page to include links about the Rummage Sale. The message has already reached 11 people in the first hour.
• The Club is looking for new co-chairs for the upcoming Gyro Stand. Who can help Duane and Barb Dickens with the arrangements and scheduling for this coming July? Please contact Duane or Barb directly of let me know if you would like to co-chair this event. It’s very important for the Club!!!!  I can provide a copy of the event planning guidelines that Duane has written if that would help you make up your mind.
• Regarding the Gyro Stand trailer, we at least have a short-term storage location due to Mike Ciardo’s help but are looking for a long-term storage location at no-cost or very low cost. Let any of the Board Members know if you have a place/suggestion.

Speakers for upcoming meetings are:

• Tuesday, May 5, Cameron Clapper, Whitewater City Manager.
• Tuesday, May 19, Tami McCullough, UW-W Campus Facilities Planner.
• Wednesday, May 27, Speaker has cancelled. Any ideas? (5pm at Jessica’s Restaurant)
• Tuesday, June 2, any ideas?
• Tuesday, June 16, any ideas?

Dates for upcoming club events include:

• Friday, May 8, 1:55pm, Whitewater High School Awards, the Club presents the Optimist Female Athlete of the Year.
• Saturday, May 16, City-Wide Rummage Sale.
• Wednesday, May 27, Whitewater High School Scholarship Night.
• Saturday, June 6, Fishing Derby
• Thursday, July 2-Sunday, July 5, Gyro Stand at Whitewater 4^th of July Celebration.
• Wednesday, July 8, 2015, Jefferson County Fair ticket selling.

Share the Optimism,

Dave Halbach

UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club

920-650-6089 or 262-472-5749

Greetings Optimist!!

So who has mowed their yard already? (or had someone mow it for them?)

On to Optimist business:

• This week’s meeting will be Wednesday evening, April 29, 5pm at Jessica’s Restaurant. Our speakers will be Judy Harms, Whitewater High School Girls Basketball Head Coach and Sarah Schumacher, Senior Team Captain.
• The Club is looking for a co-chair for the upcoming Gyro Stand. Who can help Duane and Barb Dickens with the arrangements and scheduling for this coming July? Please contact Duane or Barb directly of let me know if you would like to co-chair this event. It’s very important for the Club!!!!  I can provide a copy of the event planning guidelines that Duane has written if that would help you make up your mind.
• Regarding the Gyro Stand trailer, we at least have a short-term storage location due to Mike Ciardo’s help but are looking for a long-term storage location at no-cost or very low cost. Let any of the Board Members know if you have a place/suggestion.
• What would YOU like to do next year to contribute? It’s that time of the Optimist Club year to begin thinking about a slate of officers for 2015-16. How about an Exec Board position? Perhaps one that you’ve not held  in the past? Please begin thinking about volunteering to be an officer for 2015-16. “Many hands make light work.”
• Jeanine Fassl has provided information to the Whitewater Chamber of Commerce intern regarding the City-Wide Rummage Sale on May 16. Thanks Jeanine!!  I found the event listed on the Chamber calendar. If I find any more information on the Chamber site I’ll let you know.

Speakers for upcoming meetings are:

• Tuesday, May 5, Cameron Clapper, Whitewater City Manager.
• Tuesday, May 19, Tami McCullough, UW-W Campus Facilities Planner.
• Wednesday, May 27, Karen Wislocki, Director of the UW-W Intensive English Institute. (5pm at Jessica’s Restaurant)

Dates for upcoming club events include:

• Friday, May 8, 1:55pm, Whitewater High School Awards, the Club presents the Optimist Female Athlete of the Year.
• Saturday, May 16, City-Wide Rummage Sale.
• Wednesday, May 27, Whitewater High School Scholarship Night.
• Saturday, June 6, Fishing Derby
• Thursday, July 2-Sunday, July 5, Gyro Stand at Whitewater 4^th of July Celebration.
• Wednesday, July 8, 2015, Jefferson County Fair ticket selling.

Share the Optimism,

Dave Halbach

UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club

920-650-6089 or 262-472-5749

Greetings Optimist!!

Don’t you just love the ups and downs of spring weather! At least this past weekend was nice and the upcoming weekend looks pretty good also. That’s my “optimistic” outlook for today.

On to Optimist business:

• This week’s meeting is tomorrow, Tuesday, April 21 at 12 Noon.  We will meet in UC 266 due a request from the Chancellor’s Office to use our regular meeting room. Lunch will be catered, cost is $7 for club members. It will also be Youth of the Month. Our speaker will be Deb Weberpal, Senior Coordinator for the Seniors in the Park program in Whitewater.
• Duane Dickens reminded me this morning that the club is in need of a no-cost or low-cost storage location for the Gyro trailer! And we need a new site within the next week!!!! Denise Kaminski and her husband will no longer be able to store the trailer at their home. If you have a location or idea for future trailer storage please let the officers know. Thanks Denise (and Kevin) for storing the trailer for the last few years!
• Need help around the house or yard for spring cleaning? Hire a UW-W Student Optimist!
• A message from the UW-W Student Optimist Club and Kim Adam’s Service Learning Class “ We are still in need of donations for the birthday box project.  Things such as birthday cake mix, candles, streamers, wrapping paper, balloons, party hats, birthday cards, party plates, party napkins, gluten free and sugar free items. We are asking for all donations to be dropped off by April 21st to Kim (Adams).”
• The UW-W Student Optimist club is collecting children’s school playground equipment such as Kick Balls, Soccer Balls, Basketballs, Footballs, Frisbees, and Jump Ropes. If you would like to help donate please review the information flyer at our website.
• It’s that time of the Optimist Club year to begin thinking about a slate of officers for 2015-16. What would YOU like to do next year to contribute? How about an Exec Board position? Perhaps one that you’ve not held  in the past? Please begin thinking about volunteering to be an officer for 2015-16. “Many hands make light work.”
• I have created a Club calendar using Google Calendar. It’s only useful if there is lots of information so feel free to add club related events to the calendar for the future. This includes starting dates to plan/organize club events such as Whitewater High School scholarship reviewing, food ordering for the Gyro Stand, etc.
• Have you looked for the Exec board minutes? Click the “Club Documents” link to find many of uploaded club documents, including minutes of the Exec Board.

Speakers for upcoming meetings are:

• Tuesday, April 21, Deb Weberpal, Senior Coordinator for the Seniors in the Park program in Whitewater.
• Wednesday, April 29, Judy Harms, Whitewater High School Girls Basketball Head Coach (5pm at Jessica’s Restaurant)
• Tuesday, May 5, Cameron Clapper, Whitewater City Manager.
• Tuesday, May 19, Tami McCullough, UW-W Campus Facilities Planner.
• Wednesday, May 27, Karen Wislocki, Director of the UW-W Intensive English Institute. (5pm at Jessica’s Restaurant)

Dates for upcoming club events include:

• Friday, May 8, 1:55pm, Whitewater High School Awards, the Club presents the Optimist Female Athlete of the Year.
• Saturday, May 16, City-Wide Rummage Sale.
• Wednesday, May 27, Whitewater High School Scholarship Night.
• Saturday, June 6, Fishing Derby
• Thursday, July 2-Sunday, July 5, Gyro Stand at Whitewater 4^th of July Celebration.
• Wednesday, July 8, 2015, Jefferson County Fair ticket selling.

Share the Optimism,

Dave Halbach

UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club

920-650-6089 or 262-472-5749

Greetings Everyone,

Thank you to all who traveled this past week and brought back warmer weather. And…how about those Badgers (again)! Let’s hope for a National Championship next weekend!

On to Optimist business:

• Our final meeting for March will be an evening meeting on TUESDAY,  March 31 at 5pm at Jessica’s Restaurant. Our speaker will be Tom Grosinske, Washington Elementary School Principal and new Whitewater High School football coach.
• Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 4 at the Whitewater Middle School , 401 S. Elizabeth Street. If you can help but haven’t contacted Connie Murray, please do so in the next day or two so Connie knows who to expect this Saturday at the event.

• Speakers for upcoming meetings are:
  • Tuesday, April 7, Kat Shanahan, UC Promotions Coordinator
  • Tuesday, April 21, Deb Weberpal, Senior Coordinator for the Seniors in the Park program in Whitewater.
  • Wednesday, April 29, – no speaker yet (perhaps a fellowship event?)
  • Tuesday, May 5, –  Cameron Clapper, Whitewater City Manager
  • Tuesday, May 19, Tami McCullough, UW-W Campus Facilities Planner.
  • Wednesday, May 27, Karen Wislocki, Director of the UW-W Intensive English Institute.

• Other dates coming up for club events include:
  • City-Wide Rummage Sale, Saturday, May 16.
  • Gyro Stand at Whitewater 4^th of July Celebration, July 2-5, 2015.
  • Jefferson County Fair ticket selling, Wednesday, July 8, 2015.

That’s all for today.

Share the Optimism,

Dave Halbach

UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club

920-650-6089 or 262-472-5749

Greetings Optimists,

Wow!!! What a great time this past Friday night at the 2^nd Annual Trivia Night. 24 teams from the campus, community, and surrounding area. 33 children who participated in the children’s activities, supervised by many of the UWW Student Optimists, while Mom and Dad participated in the trivia competition. Wonderful silent auction and live auction items. Check the Whitewater Banner web site for descriptions and pictures.

Kim has received some nice emails and face to face comments about the evening. We also had a good balance of Student Optimists, Community Optimists and other helpful volunteers at the event. Congratulations to Jan Olson and her team for winning the event this year! Kim Simes and her team are to be complimented again for their many creative answers to some of the difficult questions. Some of their answers were even correct!

There are many “Thanks Yous” to be shared but they need to start with Kim Adams. Kim once again took the lead on this event and started the planning and promotion last October. She and I have already discussed ideas for next year’s event, such as location, maximum number of teams, how to display team standings on the computer system in the venue, how to collect evaluations electronically, and on, and on. With Kim’s help, I hope to have a complete list of thank yous later this week.

Overall, a great success!! Preliminary numbers are: Gross income of approximately $8,900. Net income of approximately $7,100. More details regarding the split of proceeds between our club and the UWW Student Optimist Club will be discussed and shared with you.

This week’s meeting will be Wednesday evening, February 25 at 5pm at Jessica’s Restaurant. See our list of upcoming speakers below.

• Speaker for upcoming meetings are:
  • Wednesday, February 25 – Dr. John Chenoweth, new Dean of the College of Business and Economics at UW-W.
  • Tuesday, March 3, UW-W photographer Craig Schreiner
  • Tuesday, March 17, UW-W Provost, Dr. Beverly Kopper
  • Tuesday, March 31, Tom Grosinske, Washington Elementary School Principal and new Whitewater High School football coach
  • Tuesday, April 7, Kat Shanahan, UC Promotions Coordinator
  • Tuesday, April 21, Deb Weberpal, Senior Coordinator for the Seniors in the Park program in Whitewater.
  • Wednesday, April 29, – no speaker yet
  • Tuesday, May 5, –  no speaker yet
  • Tuesday, May 19, Tami McCullough, UW-W Campus Facilities Planner.
  • Wednesday, May 27, – Karen Wislocky, Director of the UW-W Intensive English Institute

• Other dates coming up for club events include:
  • Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 4 at the Whitewater Middle School, pending approval from the school district.
  • City-Wide Rummage Sale, Saturday, May 16. (The one and only planning meeting will be Thursday, February 19.)
  • Gyro Stand at Whitewater 4^th of July Celebration, July 2-4, 2015 (based on calendar but still to be confirmed)
  • Jefferson County Fair ticket selling, Wednesday, July 8.

Share the Optimism,

Dave Halbach

UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club

920-650-6089 or 262-472-5749

Greetings Everyone,

After being very busy two weeks ago and out of state for a conference last week, I’m back and ready to get caught up on most/all things Optimist.

• A “shout-out” to club member Jim McLernon!!! Jim organized a “Super Bowl Squares” event for “The Big Game” this past February 1 and was able to make a $100 donation to the club at our Tuesday, February 3 meeting.
• Tuesday, February 17 (tomorrow) we’ll meet at 12 Noon in UC 259A for our Youth of the Month meeting. Lunch will be catered and cost is $7.00 each.
• Our speaker for tomorrow, February 17, will be Jan Bilgen, Associate Director, UW-W Career and Leadership Development. Jan will be speaking about the value of joining student organizations, how to find out about student organizations, general categories of student organizations at UWW, and (if time permits) basic overview of career development and those related services from C&LD.
• Friday, February 20 is the second annual Trivia Night. We presently have 23 paid teams for the evening with the possibility of one more team. Helpers are still needed for setup and cleanup on the 20^th. The team putting this together has been outstanding! Further updates will be provided at our Tuesday meeting.
• Speaker for upcoming meetings are:
  • Wednesday, February 25 – no speaker yet
  • Tuesday, March 3, UW-W photographer Craig Schreiner
  • Tuesday, March 17, UW-W Provost, Dr. Beverly Kopper
  • Tuesday, March 31, Tom Grosinske, Washington Elementary School Principal and new Whitewater High School football coach
  • Tuesday, April 7, Kat Shanahan, UC Promotions Coordinator
  • Tuesday, April 21, Deb Weberpal, Senior Coordinator for the Seniors in the Park program in Whitewater.
  • Wednesday, April 29, – no speaker yet
  • Tuesday, May 5, –  no speaker yet
  • Tuesday, May 19, Tami McCullough, UW-W Campus Facilities Planner.
  • Wednesday, May 27, – no speaker yet

• Other dates coming up for club events include:
  • Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 4 at the Whitewater Middle School, pending approval from the school district.
  • City-Wide Rummage Sale, Saturday, May 16. (The one and only planning meeting will be Thursday, February 19.)
  • Gyro Stand at Whitewater 4^th of July Celebration, July 2-4, 2015 (based on calendar but still to be confirmed)
  • Jefferson County Fair ticket selling, Wednesday, July 8.

Share the Optimism,

Dave Halbach

UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club

920-650-6089 or 262-472-5749

Greetings Everyone,

Ok, who’s sad we’re not getting the 1.5 – 2+ feet of snow forecast for the east coast tomorrow? Think of the snowmen we could build, and the sledding!!

This week our meeting will be Wednesday evening, 5pm, January 28 at Jessica’s Restaurant. I plan on having the induction ceremony for one or two of our new members. I’ve also asked them to briefly “introduce” themselves and mention why they joined our club and where/how they will be able to helps us.

I would appreciate any help lining up speakers for our February 3, 17 & 25 meetings. I have a list of ideas for consideration along with any ideas you may have for speakers/topics. Your help in making one or two phone calls to secure speakers will be greatly appreciated by all.

Jan Olson has received initial information regarding Relay for Life. However, she is unable to chair that event this year. Who would be willing to lead the club in participating in the event this year? Contact Jan or me if interested and we can pass the information. The Relay will be Saturday, June 27, 2015, from 3 p.m. – midnight at the Whitewater High School track.

Lanora Heim has sent me the updated Trivia Night information form and registration form. I’ve updated the web site with the new documents. She also reported she put a challenge out to the each building in the Whitewater School District to enter a team into the trivia contest. The high school and LINCS already sent back registration forms with teams. She also reported that the high school is working on a second team and that there are people trying to put together teams at the other buildings. Thanks Lanora!!

That’s all for the moment. Hope to see many of you Wednesday evening.

Share the Optimism,

Dave Halbach

UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club

920-650-6089 or 262-472-5749