November 2019 Optimizer
November 2019 | Menomonee Falls Optimist Club
— In this issue —
Meeting Schedule
President’s Thoughts
New Club Project Challenge
Upcoming Activities and Events
Calendar
Optimist Apparel Store is Open
Fall Leaf Raking
Christmas Parade
Holiday Drop and Shop
Optimist Christmas party
Chili Dinner
Optimist Meetings
Tri-Star Soccer Winners
MF School Superintendent
Students of the Month
Creative Academy
New Baby
New Members
Fact Club
Board Briefings
This Month in Club History
Theater Opportunities
Falls Patio Players Chritmas Carol
Best of Broadway
How to Publish Optimist News
— Meeting Schedule —
All meetings are on Wednesdays at 7:15 am at the Community Center.
NOVEMBER 6TH
A first time visit from Debbie Land of The Falls Neighbors magazine. It’s an impressive publication and we’re looking forward to hearing more about its history, plans for upcoming issues, etc.
NOVEMBER 13TH
Matt Carran, Director of Community Development, makes his annual November visit to our Club. This is always an interesting, informative meeting about the status and continued growth in the Village. Matt usually throws a “teaser” (or two) out during the meeting, something that’s in the works but not finalized!
NOVEMBER 20TH
NMS, MFHS and St. Marys will send the winners of their November Students of the Month. This meeting is a “must” for many of our members.
NOVEMBER 27TH
hat would November be like without a visit from the Patio Players? You can plan on an energetic preview of their annual holiday show.
~ Submitted by Jerry Mislang
—- Presidents’ Thoughts November 2019—-
Well, the first month has come and gone as President of this wonderful club. We have had a lot of activity the first month and some great speakers at our weekly meetings. Many thanks to the speaker’s committee for giving us a variety of topics that are covered throughout the year. Many of our members appreciate your hard work.
November gives us a time for not only reflection and Thanksgiving for all we have, but another opportunity to give back to our Senior Citizens in the community, the annual Leaf Raking event. As the late John Stacey, who chaired this event for many years, once said “This gives all condo dwellers another chance to use a rake”. If you can give a hand on November 9th, please contact John Yusko. Please see his article elsewhere in the newsletter.
Please look at other articles in this newsletter to detail some great events coming up in December. As I write this article, November 1st is this Friday. Where has October gone? Thanks to everyone that helps in this club. All your help makes our events much easier to run for chairs of these events.
~ President Todd
— NEWS FLASH! New Club Project Challenge! —
A challenge has gone out from Governor Christine and her co-conspirators to give $500 to the club that comes up with the best NEW project for children in the 2019-2020 year! This project must be a new project, for that club, that is planned and implemented this year and is to be for the children of your community, not a fundraiser. When it is planned, send a short summary of the project [don’t forget to include your name!] to Governor Christine at christidee@litewire.net no later than July 31st, even if it will take place after the deadline, and the $500 will be awarded at the August Convention! If there is a tie for the top 2 the money will be split between the two clubs. Those judging this contest are the Governor, Governor-elect, and the Lt. Governors of the district. All projects will be shared after the contest to help all clubs come up with new and exciting ideas for their communities! Good Luck!
Thank you,
Your Optimist District
— Upcoming Activities and Events —
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9TH
Leaf Raking for Seniors
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 19TH
OA5 Meeting to begin planning for our 3rd annual bags tournament. Location TBD.
SUNDAY DECEMBER 1ST
Menomonee Falls Christmas Parade
SATURDAY DECEMBER 7TH
Holiday Drop N Shop
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 11TH
Optimist Christmas Party
TUESDAY DECEMBER 17TH
OA5 Annual Service Project. Location TBD.
SATURDAY JANUARY 25TH
Trivia Contest – mark your calendars. More info soon!
FRIDAY JANUARY 31ST
Chili Dinner
Optimist Apparel
The store will be open for two weeks.
People can go to this link or our website to order: http://www.companycasuals.com/fallsoptimistclub
Senior Leaf Raking is Right Around the Corner: Saturday, November 9!
One last reminder that our annual senior leaf raking event will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2019. We will meet at the Menomonee Falls Community Center at 7:30 am; teams of rakers should be headed toward their assignments by 8:30 am.
If you have already volunteered, thanks for your help. If you have not yet volunteered, we can always use a bit more help!
Questions? Please contact Jason Husslein (414-852-9634, hussjas@sdmfschools.org) or John Yusko (414-339-2637, jyusko505@twc.com).
And don’t forget to patronize Shady Lane Greenhouse!
~ John Yusko
Christmas Parade
The Menomonee Falls Christmas Parade sponsored by the Optimist Club of Menomonee Falls is Sunday December 1st. This night parade is the Sunday after Thanksgiving and starts at 4:30 with approximately 60 groups under the lights ringing in the Christmas Season. If you are interested in helping with the parade, please contact Larry Hebbring. Marshalls and help with the staging area is needed. Make this another Optimist’s successful activity for the kids in the Falls and area.
~ Larry Hebbring
Holiday Drop & Shop
The 9th Annual Parent Holiday Drop & Shop will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019. This event is FREE to families with children between the ages of 3 to 10. Parents drop their children off for a day of activities including making a craft, visiting with Santa Claus, relaxing to holiday movies, take on the I Spy Challenge, create a masterpiece in the Young Rembrandts Drawing Program, experience hands on demonstrations by the Art Guild of Menomonee Falls, burn off some energy with the obstacle course and enjoy lunch.
This event wouldn’t be possible without the help of many volunteers. Any club members interested in helping out, please contact Dawn Mariscal at dmarsical@wi.rr.com or by phone/text to (262)442-4952. All are welcome to attend!
~ Dawn Mariscal
Optimist Christmas Party
Are You Ready for The Most Wonderful Time of The Year?
Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, presents under the tree, Ebeneezer and Tiny Tim….. and the Optimist Club Christmas Party!
Please plan to join us at this year’s party on Wednesday, December 11th at North Hills Country Club. Price will be the same as last year: $37.50/person includes a choice of chicken or fish dinner and entertainment.
In order to offset the cost to the club, we are looking for donations for dinner wine. Any amount is helpful. Contact Carol at carolschulteis@twc.com or Kristy at kristy-marie@hotmail.com if you can help.
More info and sign-up sheets will be coming in November. We hope to see you there!
~ Carol Schulteis and Kristy Gruenwald
Chili Dinner
The first event of every year is our annual chili dinner. So, save the date, next year’s chili dinner will be Friday January 31, 2020. We will cook the chili on January 30, from 4 pm to 6 pm., and the dinner will be on Friday from 2 pm to 9 pm. The Menomonee Falls basketball team will take on Sussex Hamilton. If you’ve helped in the past and would like to again or if you’re a first timer, we would love to have you there. Come and help, come and eat.
~ Kirsten Sperl
— Optimist meetings —
Tri-star Soccer Winners
Students who won awards during the Tri-Star Soccer competition were present for their individual awards at our October 2 meeting. Photos by Don Gorzek
Menomonee Falls School Superintendent
MF School Superintendent, Corey Golla, presented two programs at our morning Club meetings. The first covered the topic of possible changes to the MF High School mascot and the discussions in the community for input. The second presentation dealt with the status of the school system.
Photo by Don Gorzek
Students of the Month
October Students of the Month from MFHS and NMS, and St Mary. Photo by Jon Cline
Creative Academy
At our October 23 meeting, we learned about the DC&M Academy taught at MFHS. Instructor Terra Chmielewski and two of her Senior students Pader Xiong and Katie Pelnar, talked about the program that provided students the knowledge and skills needed for post-secondary careers in Design, Communications and Media related fields.
Photo by Don Gorzek
New Baby
We had two special guests at our October 23 meeting. Member Kim Wenzel brought her newborn son, Zachary Dietz, and her mother Mary Wenzel.
Photo by Don Gorzek
New Members
Optimist Club President Todd Paulus installs new members at our October 30, 2019 meeting. They are from right to left, Stevie Mistele-Wildt, Scott Dreier, Mike Russell, Burton Brody, and Lorie Mark
Photo by Don Gorzek
Fact Club
“Fact Club” members told our Club the dangers of Vaping and Tobacco at the October 30, 2019 meeting. “Fact Club”. The students who presented information along with their advisor were, (l-r) Sophomores Shreya Gupta, Siya Manajan, faculty adviser Sally Slusser, Freshman Bennett Meissner, and Junior Nathan Russell.
Photo by Jon Cline
— Board Briefings – October 15, 2019 —
Present: Todd Paulus, Rick Kohl, Ann Freudenthal, Marcia Hebbring, Steve Fleming, Lenny Kimmel, Greg Mattson, Carol Schulteis, Shannon Dederich, Don Eisenhauer, Jeanine Dederich
Absent: Joanne Wanner
The meeting was called to order at 7:02 AM by President Todd Paulus. Approval of agenda was motioned by Rick, seconded by Jeanine and approved by all.
Review of September board meeting minutes. A motion was made by Marcia, seconded by Lenny and approved by all to accept the minutes.
Donation requests – DARE program request presented by Officer Jay Weber. Motion was made by Steve, seconded by Lenny and approved by all to give $1700 to DARE. North Middle School Your Choice program request made by counselor, Carrie Rebro. A motion was made by Steve, seconded by Jeanine and approved by all to give $750.00 for the program.
Review of Treasurer’s Report – Motion was made by Ann, seconded by Rick and approved by all to accept the treasurer’s report.
Budget Approvals and Fund Raisers – A motion was made by Steve, seconded by Rick and approved by all to approve the budget for the Gobble Wobble Meat Raffle. A motion was made by Ann, seconded by Jeanine and approved by all to accept the Christmas Parade budget. The TriStar Soccer Post Budget and the Drop and Shop budget were presented. Motion was made by Steve, seconded by Ann and approved by all to accept both of these budgets.
New Members – Mike Russell (sponsored by Robyn Turtenwald), Scott Dreier (sponsored by Greg Mattson) and Burton Brody. Motion was made by Marcia, seconded by Shannon and approved by all to accept these three new members.
New Business – JOI students will join the board in November. (1 or 2 students)
Unfinished business – None
President’s Comments – The newsletter articles are due by October 25.
Next Meeting Date – Tuesday, November 19, 2019
The meeting was adjourned at 7:48 AM.
~ Submitted by Ann Freudenthal
— This Month in Club History —
November 1989 (30 years ago) – Menomonee Falls reigning Jr. Miss, K. J. Leekley, is named State Jr. Miss. Connie Fehr fills out the remainder of her local term.
~ Submitted by Jerry Mislang from the 40 Year History Program – courtesy of Ed Schlumpf
—— Theater Opportunities ——
Patio Players Presents Christmas Carol
Best of Broadway at the Marcus Center for the Performing Arts
Attention All Optimists! Limited number of Orchestra seats reserved! Don’t miss the fun – GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! $10 for each ticket purchased goes directly to supporting the MFOC! Bringing you the BEST of Broadway!
Instructions for ordering:
1) Go to www.marcuscenter.org/mcaccess
2) Create your Login using your group code: optimisttickets
3) Order your tickets!
Please contact Keri Hough at: 414-273-7121 ext. 213 or khough@marcuscenter.org for more information.
Ticket locations may be substituted due to high demand. Specific seat locations are not given, it is not a live sale. Tickets are assigned on a best available basis. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. No exchanges or refunds. Please specify any special needs or requests in the additional comments box at the bottom of the order page.
The Band’s Visit – Optimist Date November 29, 2019 November 26th – December 1st, 2019
WINNER OF 10 TONY AWARDS® INCLUDING BEST MUSICAL
Spend an evening in the company of unforgettable strangers at The Band’s Visit—now one of the most celebrated musicals ever. It rejoices in the way music brings us to life, brings us to laughter, brings us to tears, and ultimately, brings us together.
In an Israeli desert town where every day feels the same, something different is suddenly in the air. Dina, the local café owner, had long resigned her desires for romance to daydreaming about exotic films and music from her youth. When a band of Egyptian musicians shows up lost at her café, she and her fellow locals take them in for the night. Under the spell of the night sky, their lives intertwine in unexpected ways, and this once sleepy town begins to wake up.
The Band’s Visit features music and lyrics by TonyAward and Drama Desk Award winner David Yazbek, and a book by Tony, NY Drama Critics Circle, Lortel and Outer Critics Circle Awards winner Itamar Moses. It is based on the screenplay by Eran Kolirin, and is directed by Tony, Drama Desk, Lortel and Obie Award winner David Cromer.
Disney’s The Lion King At The Marcus Center – Optimist Date February 22, 2020 at 2pm
February 5th – March 1st, 2020
Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. Theentire Serengeti comes to life as never before. And as the music soars, Pride Rock slowly emerges from the mist.
This is Disney’s THE LION KING, making its triumphant return to Milwaukee at the Marcus Center!
Winner of six Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, THE LION KING brings together one of the most imaginative creative teams on Broadway. Tony Award®-winning director Julie Taymor brings to life a story filled with hope and adventure set against an amazing backdrop of stunning visuals. THE LION KING also features the extraordinary work of Tony Award®-winning choreographer Garth Fagan and some of Broadway’s most recognizable music, crafted by Tony Award®-winning artists Elton John and Tim Rice.
The Play That Goes Wrong – Optimist Date March 19, 2020
March 17th – 22nd, 2020
What would happen if Sherlock Holmes and Monty Python had an illegitimate Broadway baby? You’d get THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG,
Broadway & London’s award-winning smash comedy! Called “A GUT-BUSTING HIT” (The New York Times) and “THE FUNNIEST PLAY BROADWAY HAS EVER SEEN” (HuffPost), this classic murder mystery is chock-full of mishaps and madcap mania delivering “A RIOTOUS EXPLOSION OF COMEDY” (Daily Beast).
Welcome to opening night of The Murder at Haversham Manor where things are quickly going from bad to utterly disastrous. With an unconscious leading lady, a corpse that can’t play dead, and actors who trip over everything (including their lines), it’s “TONS OF FUN FOR ALL AGES” (HuffPost) and “COMIC GOLD” (Variety) – sure to bring down the house!
My Fair Lady – Optimist Date April 19, 2020
April 14th – 19th, 2020
From Lincoln Center Theater that brought you The King & I and South Pacific, comes “a sumptuous new production of the most perfect musical of all time” (Entertainment Weekly), Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY.
Boasting such classic songs as “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “The Rain in Spain,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly” and “On the Street Where You Live,” MY FAIR LADY tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a young Cockney flower seller, and Henry Higgins, a linguistics professor who is determined to transform her into his idea of a “proper lady.”
But who is really being transformed?
Miss Saigon – Optimist Date June 18, 2020
June 16th – 21st, 2020
Experience the acclaimed new production of the legendary musical MISS SAIGON, from the creators of Les Misérables. This is the story of a young Vietnamese woman named Kim who is orphaned by war and forced to work in a bar run by a notorious character known as the Engineer. There she meets and falls in love with an American G.I. named Chris, but they are torn apart by the fall of Saigon. For 3 years, Kim goes on an epic journey of survival to find her way back to Chris, who has no idea he’s fathered a son.
MISS SAIGON contains some scenes and language which may not be suitable for younger audience members, including scenes of a sexual nature. The production includes strobe lights, gun shots and pyrotechnic effects. We encourage patrons to consider these factors when making their decisions about attending the performance. Recommended for ages 17 and up
— How to Publish Optimist News ––
There are multiple venues for publishing Optimist news and events the community and to the Optimist members. It is important to get the word out so everyone is aware of the events we sponsor to benefit the youth of the community. Committee chairs are responsible for writing the articles and sending them via email to the people listed below:
NEWSLETTER Jerry Mislang or Barb Schmit no later than the 26th of each month – jerry.mislang@prodigy.net or schmitbarb@gmail.com
NEWSPAPERS Shannon Dederich three or more weeks prior to your event, as quickly as possible after an event shannon.dederich@gmail.com
FACEBOOK Cathy Sharkey, Dawn Mariscal or Lynette Shepherd – csharkey224@yahoo.com, dmariscal@wi.rr.com, llshep4ma@gmail.com
WEBSITE Beth Saunders – bethjsaunders@gmail.com
