September 2019 Optimizer
The Optimizer | September 2019 | Menomonee Falls Optimist Club
— In this issue —
Meeting Schedule
President’s Thoughts
Membership
Membership/Admin Directory Editor Needed
2019-2020 Optimist Club Dues
Centennial Homecoming Membership Program
Up-coming Activities and Events
Calendar
Golf Outing
OA5 – Just Kiln Time
TriStar Soccer – Volunteers Needed
Installation Banquet
Fall Leaf Raking
Past Events
Highway Clean-up
Wheeling and Heeling
Optimist Club Picnic
Optimist Meetings
Don August – Former Milwaukee Brewer Pitcher
Mike Andrysczyk – Kettle Moraine Geological Society
Apple Works Winery
Abby Hughes – DYW
Robyn George – Badger Girls State
Getting to Know You – Larry Podolske
Board Briefings
September Birthdays
Thank You Notes
This Month in Club History
How to Publish Optimist News
Patio Players Presents Glorious
—- Meeting Schedule —-
All meetings are at 7:15 am at the Community Center except as noted.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 4TH
Mark Fitzgerald will give us an update us on recent developments to the Village Park Project. Expect another interesting Q&A period following the updates!
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 11TH
After a brief Jr Indians Baseball Thank You for our for our Cooperstown donation, we’ll meet the MFHS Football Team and Head Coach Dan Lutz.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH
We’re back to honoring “Best of the Best” with our first Students of The Month for the 2019/2020 school year. Arguably the best meeting of every month.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 25TH
NO MORNING MEETING, it’s the Annual Installation Banquet the previous night to celebrate another great year supporting the youth of our community in a variety of ways. “Out with Old, In with the New”!
—- President’s Thoughts September 2019—-
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
As I wind down my year as President of our Club, I want to thank you for everything you do on a daily basis. Our Club would not be able to do all we do and give back to our youth and community if it weren’t for all of you.
I want you to know how much I appreciate you. I have learned so much over the year and have gotten to know so many of you much better, of which I am truly grateful. When people ask me how I like being President, I tell them how rewarding and fun it is and the members are the ones who make it that way.
I am looking forward, however, to handing the reins over to Todd Paulus. As many of you know, Todd is such a great guy and will be a great leader for our Club. I also look forward to continuing on the Board as past president and working with you on the various committees. So—you aren’t quite done with me yet
Have a wonderful Fall and THANK YOU for a terrific year!
~ Jeanine
—- Membership —-
Membership Administrator/Directory Editor Needed
The position of Membership Administrator will be open as of January 1, 2020. This position involves maintaining the membership rosters with Optimist International and the Club, and making name tags and drawing cards for new members. Basic excel knowledge and attention to detail are required for this position.
In the past I have also put together and arranged for printing of the Club directory. This could be a separate position. Most of the pages just need simple editing in Microsoft Word.
I am happy to train anyone who is interested in taking on these positions.
~ Cathy Sharkey
2019-20 Optimist Club Dues
It is time to renew your membership in the Optimist Club of Menomonee Falls. Invoices will be emailed and mailed on August 1, 2019. Rates and payment options are below. If you decide that you will not be renewing your membership, please contact Cathy Sharkey at csharkey224@yahoo.com.
- $30 Under 30: $30
- Single Membership: $90
- Couples Membership: $160
- Life Membership: Separate Invoice sent
PAY YOUR DUES ONLINE WITH A CREDIT CARD!!
Visit the club website here: https://fallsoptimistclub.org/. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the link that takes you to a secure pay site.
Remit checks to:
OPTIMIST CLUB OF MENOMONEE FALLS
P.O. Box 671
Menomonee Falls, WI 53052-0671
**CLUB MEMBERSHIP DUES ARE NOT TAX DEDUCTIBLE.
~ Cathy Sharkey
Centennial “Homecoming” Membership Program Ends Soon
As Optimist International celebrates their 100th year, they are offering an incentive program for former members who rejoin the club from now through September 30, 2019. The joining fee of $30 covers the $15 administrative fee and OI dues for one year from the date of joining. (OI dues are about $14 per quarter per member.) After the year is up, dues will be $90. This same program is also available for teachers and under 30 new members. This is a great opportunity to reach out to former members inviting them to consider rejoining us.
Contact Cathy Sharkey at csharkey224@yahool.com with questions.
—- Upcoming Activities and Events—-
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH
Golf Outing
MONDAY SEPTEMBER 9TH
Packer Raffle Tailgate at Village Bowl
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 17TH
OA5 Meeting Pottery or glass painting at Just Kiln’ Time in Menomonee Falls at 6:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH
Tristar Soccer
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 24TH
Installation Banquet at the Main Mill
TUESDAY OCTOBER 15TH
OA5 Meeting at the Arcade and discuss a future fundraiser event to be held at the Garcade.
SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9TH
Leaf Raking
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 19TH
OA5 Meeting to begin planning for our 3rd annual bags tournament. Location TBD.
TUESDAY DECEMBER 17TH
OA5 Annual Service Project. Location TBD.
FORE!!!! The Golf Outing is Back
The Annual “Lenny Bentzien” Golf Outing that was started way back in 1976 is back on the tour!
Tee times start at 10:30 at Wanaki on Thursday, September 5th and five foursomes have been reserved. Play 9 or 18, you can be a single, double, man, woman, husband, wife, girlfriend or boyfriend(s), it doesn’t matter; what DOES MATTER is that you contact Larry Barbera and let him know YOU”RE IN!!!
Larry can be reached at 414-881-3266 or lbarbera@wi.rr.com.
OA5 at Just Kiln’ Time
The OA5 group will be meeting next at Just Kiln’ Time (N88W16683 Appleton Ave, Menomonee Falls, WI) on Tuesday, September 17th at 6:00 p.m. for a paint your own pottery class. Attendees can choose from a variety of projects including pottery, glass, mosaic tiles, wooden boards, wine glasses, canvas, and more! There is an $8 studio fee that covers materials plus an additional $15-$30 charge depending on the project selected. This event is open to any Optimist members and their guests. Please email Anna Listwan at tiryanna85@gmail.com to RSVP by Sunday, September 15th.
~ Anna Listwan
Tristar Soccer – Volunteers Needed
The 5th annual Tristar Soccer contest will be held on Wednesday, September 18th, on the MFHS Varsity Soccer Field from 5:30 to 7:00.
The signup sheet will be routed at the weekly morning meetings on September 4th and again September 11th. If you can’t make a meeting but want to volunteer, please call or email me. I need about a dozen volunteers for registration tables and scorekeepers for throw-ins, goal kicks (radar gun) and the cone dribbling drill. If you can’t work a full shift, I’m grateful for any time you can give me.
Please email me at jerry.mislang@prodigy.net if you can help or call 262-352-2571 if you have any questions. Thanks in advance for your time and support!
~ Jerry Mislang
Installation Banquet
Another year of Optimism is coming to a close at the end of September, and with that, we have a chance to gather to celebrate the great things our club did this past year. Please mark your calendars for Tuesday September 24, 2019 for a celebration at the Main Mill. Cocktail hour will run from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm with a buffet dinner served at 6:30 pm. After dinner, Jeanine will have a chance to recap the year, give out some awards, and we will swear in our new board members and new President for the 2019-2020 year of Optimism.
The cost for the buffet dinner with 2 entrees will be $35 per person. A signup sheet will be passed around at the upcoming meetings as well as a sign up being put on our website for those that cannot make our morning meetings in the near future.
Looking forward to this night of celebration and Optimism.
~ Todd Paulus
Fall Leaf Raking
Senior Leaf Raking is November 9!
Just a reminder that our annual senior leaf raking event will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2019. We are in need of volunteers to help with sign-in, captaining/coordinating with the teams and hauling leaves.
Please reserve some time, round up some volunteers and help if you can! Contact Jason Husslein (414-852-9634, hussjas@sdmfschools.org) or John Yusko (414-339-2637, jyusko505@twc.com).
And…if you are in the market for fall or winter plants or garden supplies, please consider patronizing Shady Lane Nursery. Karl Hornung has again agreed to allow us to dump leaves at his nursery, saving the Optimist Club the expense of using the Orchard Ridge landfill and freeing up more of our funds to donate to kids.
~ John Yusko
—- Past Events —-
Highway Clean-up
Photos by Terry Fitzsimmons
Wheeling and Heeling
Thanks to all those who participated in the Wheeling and Heeling event on August 10. Everyone had a great time.The weather was perfect for biking, walking and running. Our club collected $1000 in donations for the Community Hospital Foundation which ranked our team number 3 among the 41 teams. A special thanks to all the members who donated to this great cause.
Mark your calendars now for August 8, 2020 when we will participate again.
~ Ann Freudenthal
Photos by Jon Cline
Optimist Club Picnic
Our Club picnic was held on Wednesday August 28 and began at 4:00 pm at “Shepherd’s Waters”.
Photos by Don Gorzek
—- Optimist Meetings —-
Photos by Don Gorzek
Don August – Former Milwaukee Brewer Pitcher
On Wednesday July 31, Menomonee Fall’s resident and former Milwaukee Brewer pitcher Don August spoke to our membership. Don has had a very interesting baseball career beyond just the Brewers connection.
Mike Andrysczyk – Kettle Moraine Geological Society
On Wednesday, August 14, Mike Andrysczyk from the Kettle Moraine Geological Society joined us. He gave us a portion of the presentation that he gives to hundreds of kids every year. Children and grandchildren were invited to the meeting.
Apple Works Winery
Instead our normal meeting site—we met at AppleWorks Winery in Germantown at 6:00pm on Wednesday, August 7th. Kevin and Lisa Behnke gave us a history of the winery and then poured tastings of their wine.
Abby Hughes – DYW
Abby Hughes, Distinguished Young Woman of Menomonee Falls, filled us in on her experience at the state DYW competition
Robyn George – Badger Girls State
Robyn George shared her involvement at Badger Girls State. She was elected Governor.
—- Getting to Know You – Larry Podolske —-
Raised in Sussex, in first class of Hamilton HS, 1965. Drafted in 1968 and spent a year in Vietnam, not in combat. Started working for Midland Data Processing (became Fiserv) in April, 1971 and 5 days later married Linda. Worked as an accountant. Divorced Fiserv after 44 years (retired), still happily married to Linda. Moved to the Falls in 1978 and had 2 children, Dave & Biz who have blessed me with 5 grandchildren. Coached Little League 11 years. Have served 20 years on the Rec Commission. Joined Optimist Club in 2002 and have been treasurer for 3 years, popcorn wagon chair about 12 years and in charge of cotton candy for the parade about 14 years. Have participated in most all Optimist events, like to keep busy.
— Board Briefings – August 27, 2019 —
Executive Board Minutes: August 27, 2019 Meeting Location – Community Center – 7:00 am
Present: Barb Schmit, Marcia Hebbring, Jeanine Dederich, Lynette Shepherd, Joanne Wanner, Steve Fleming, Ann Freudenthal, Todd Paulus and Rick Kohl
Absent: Dave Curran, Don Eisenhauer and Kathryn Hoff
Meno. Falls high school AD (Brian Heimark) discussed using our raffle ID. We recommended the Booster club get their own number. Motion by Todd Paulus seconded by Lynette. All approved.
Larry Podolske gave an update on the popcorn wagon. Re: additional events and how to get the wagon to and from the various locations. Lynette volunteered to coordinate this. Rick Kohl dubbed her the trailer queen.
Club picnic and meat raffle budgets discussed. Rick motioned and Ann seconded. All approved.
A $2,500 parade committee donation was discussed. Lynette motioned and seconded by Marcia. All approved.
Treasurer report discussed.
Barb motioned to approve, seconded by Todd. All approved.
Steve Fleming gave an update on the parade (July 3rd). After a contribution of $2,288.00 from the May meat raffle the parade showed a profit of $38.42
Lorie Marks applied to become a new member. Barb motioned to accept seconded by Ann. All approved.
Next meeting 9-17-2019.
Marcia moved to adjourn at 8:12, seconded by Joanne. All approved
As an addendum to the minutes the installation budget prepared by Todd Paulus to be held on 9-24-2019 was voted on and approved.
Respectively, Rick Kohl
—- Thank You Notes (excerpts) —-
Emily & Renee – Waukesha County Community Dental Clinic – “This generous donation of $1,000 will directly provide dental care services to low-income children from Menomonee Falls, Germantown and Sussex visiting our Menomonee falls dental clinic. Thank you for your thoughtful generosity.”
Pete Davel Family – “Thank you for your donation to the MS Society in Pete Davel’s honor.”
~ Submitted by Jerry Mislang
—- This Month in Club History —
September 16, 1997 (22 years ago) – The Packer Raffle to raise money for the Little League Diamond clears approximately $12,000.
~ Submitted by Jerry Mislang from the 40 Year History Program – courtesy of Ed Schlumpf
— 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
—- Patio Players Presents Glorious! —-
The True Story of Florence Foster Jenkins, the Worst Singer in the World
In 1940’s New York, the performer who everyone wanted to see live was Florence Foster Jenkins, an enthusiastic soprano whose pitch was far from perfect. Based upon a true story, the play spins from Florence’s charity recitals and extravagant balls, through to her bizarre recording sessions and an ultimate triumph at Carnegie Hall in this hilarious and heart-warming comedy.
