UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club

Greetings Optimist!!

What a great day outside today. Of course it’s Monday and many of us are inside working. Sigh…..

How ‘bout those Brewers?

On to Optimist business:

• Tomorrow’s meeting, Tuesday, June 2, will be at 12 Noon in the University Center, room 259A (our usual meeting location in the UC). This will be a “Bring your own lunch” meeting so please plan accordingly.
• Saturday, June 6, Fishing Derby, 9:00 Am – 12:00 PM, Cravath Lake Park. Helpers and needed. Please contact Al Hutchison if you can assist.
• 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.”
• A reminder that we are now doing Gyro Stand work shift signup online. Here is the link and instructions from Teshona.
  • http://doodle.com/mr7hq55mpzgwgncx
  • It is fairly easy to operate
  • Type in your name
  • check the days/time slots you are available to volunteer your time
  • Click Save button
  • Tell all your friends and family/ Send them the link to participate
  • All Done 🙂
  • Teshona will receive emails when signup (and changes?) have been made.
  • HELPERS ARE STILL NEEDED JULY 3, JULY 4, AND, JULY 5.

Speakers for upcoming meetings are:

• Tuesday, June 2, Amy Edmonds, UW-W Athletics Director
• Tuesday, June 16, any ideas??
• Wednesday, June 24, Jessica’s Restaurant, any ideas?
• Tuesday, July 21, Dr. Hank Mol and Lee Murray speaking about their respective “Honor Flight” experiences. (Thanks Hans and Carla for arranging these speakers.)

Dates for upcoming club meetings and events include:

• Tuesday, June 2, UC 259A, 12 Noon-1pm, “bring your own lunch.”
• Saturday, June 6, Fishing Derby, 9:00 Am – 12:00 PM, Cravath Lake Park.
• 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!!

A few days with above average temps, then a few days with below average temps. Don’t you just love May in the upper Midwest?

On to Optimist business:

• Tomorrow’s meeting will be held in UC 068, 12 Noon-1pm. This meeting room is located in the lower level (some would say the basement level) of the UC. It is a General Member meeting and Youth of the Month, with catered lunch, $7.00/member. Our speaker will be Greg Swanson, UW-W Director of Facilities Planning and Management speaking about the campus master plan.
• THANK YOU to Teshona Bennett for volunteering to co-chair the Gyro Stand this year with Duane and Barb Dickens.
• 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’ve contacted Tom Grosinske, Whitewater Washington Elementary School Principal and Whippet Head Football coach, for possible football team volunteers to help with loading and unloading of products, etc., for the Gyro Stand. He’ll have possible names of helpers for us around June 24-26.
• Thanks to Jeanine Fassl and Kim Adams for their help and leadership in advertising the internships for this summer and next fall. We use the interns to help with promoting the club, it’s activities/events, and other tasks as needed. We haven’t finalized who the interns will be yet. When we do, I’ll let you know.
• Here’s a fund raising idea from a couple of club members for consideration:
  • What about selling up to 100 “Football Crazr” raffle tickets instead of just the usual 25? The club makes $10 on each $20 raffle ticket. Our club’s usual allotment of 25 have already arrived, I’ll bring them to the meeting tomorrow, but perhaps we could order more and sell them until August 28. Your thoughts and ideas are appreciated!! 100 raffle tickets would raise $1,000 for the club!

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:

• Tuesday, May 19, UC 068, 12 Noon-1pm, General Member Club meeting and Youth of the Month, 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 4th 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

Warm Greetings, Optimists,

How ‘bout those Packers!? Any club members attend the game? Any stories to share if you attended?

• Board members, we will have a meeting at 12 Noon on Tuesday, January 13 in UC 069. This meeting room is also located in the lower level of the UC. I know a couple of you can’t make it, but hopefully you can still give input outside of the meeting.
• Tuesday, January 20^th will be a Youth of the Month meeting. We’ll meet in our usual location, UC 259A. Lunch will be catered that day, $7 per club member.
• Wednesday, January 28 will be our evening meeting for the month. 5pm at Jessica’s Restaurant.
• I would appreciate any help lining up speakers for our January 20 and 28 meetings and the February 3, 17 & 24 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.
• Please note the information I sent out last week regarding Trivia Night on Feb. 20. Please help spread the word about the event, and to feel free to form a team.
  • Also, we are still looking for more helpers from 6:30pm – 10:00pm that evening. Please let me know if you are able to help out for even a portion of the evening.
  • A reminder also that I would appreciate any assistance to line up speakers for our January and February

That’s all for now.

Share the Optimism,

Dave Halbach

UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club

920-650-6089 or 262-472-5749

Warm Greetings, Optimists,

Hope all of you had a safe, relaxing and enjoyable Holiday Season.

Here are this week’s updates:

• Our meeting tomorrow, January 6^th, will be held in UC 068. This meeting room is on the lower level  of the UC, where we had lunch the day the World Drummers from LINCS performed for us. This will be a “bring your own lunch” meeting.
• Our speaker for January 6^th will be our own Kim Adams speaking about the February 20^th Trivia Night event.
• Board members, we will have a meeting at 12 Noon on Tuesday, January 13 in UC 069. This meeting room is also located in the lower level of the UC. I know a couple of you can’t make it, but hopefully you can still give input outside of the meeting.
• Tuesday, January 20^th will be a Youth of the Month meeting. We’ll meet in our usual location, UC 259A. Lunch will be catered that day, $7 per club member.
• Wednesday, January 28 will be our evening meeting for the month. 5pm at Jessica’s Restaurant.
• I would appreciate any help lining up speakers for our January 20 and 28 meetings and the February 3, 17 & 24 meetings. I have a list of ideas for consideration along with any ideas you may have for speakers/topics.

That’s all for the moment.

Share the Optimism,

Dave Halbach

UW-Whitewater/Community Optimist Club

920-650-6089 or 262-472-5749

Happy Fall Semester Optimists,

It is hard to believe that August is ending and and the start up of the new academic year is just around the corner.

Thank you to Jeanine, Dave, Denise, Jan, and Kelly H. who have kept things rolling in forward motion on many accounts. Jeanine and I spoke last night–just hours after my return from out west.  Here are a few important updates:

*  We do not have a meeting this week.  We also will not meet next Tuesday (since it is right after Labor Day–and it is the week that classes begin)

*  Our September meeting schedule is as follows–Sept. 9, 12pm meeting, UC 259A;  Sept. 16, 12pm meeting, UC 259A; Sept. 24 (Wed), 4-5pm Back to School Pep Rally/Optimist NOW Meeting at Whitewater High School, Multipurpose Room; Sept. 30, Installation Celebration–time and location to be announced.  Thank you to Mills, Connie, Rick, Hans and Carla for volunteering to coordinate our Installation evening.  More information will be sent out very soon regarding the details of our September meetings and the Installation event.

*  An evite has been sent to folks in the Whitewater Unified School District regarding our NOW meeting for September 24.  We will also be getting invitations sent to our members.  We will be counting on the support, attendance, and some assistance with food for this event.  Our planning team is very excited about the opportunities to recruit several new members from the school system.  We are very grateful to have the support of the District administration and to have the full involvement of members Joe Lynch and Lanora Heim!

*  Dave and I facilitated an information table about our cub at the Faculty/Staff involvement Fair today on campus–just prior to the Chancellor’s “State of the University Address.”  I am happy to report that 8 new faculty/staff signed up to learn more about our club.  Our follow up with these individuals will be very important.

*  Therese has been sending out emails regarding football ticket taking for fall 2014.  We only have four home football games–so we’ll have to really keep our fingers crossed for some more home-field advantage in the post season.  Please look at your calendars to see if you can fill any of the regular season slots that are still open.

*  Dave will be coordinating an ACPC meeting in the next two weeks.  All outgoing and incoming board members can expect more information from Dave in the near future.

I will sign off for now.  Please enjoy the six attached photos from our travel study trip to Yellowstone.  I look forward to giving a program about the trip in the near future.  Hopefully Angie will be able to join in the effort!  It was an amazing learning experience.

Have a great week–and please keep the Burkina Faso group in your thoughts as they make their way home on Wednesday, August 27!

Always in Optimism,

Kim 🙂

P.S.  Please use this email list as I have now added in Lanora Heim.  Thanks!