The Shawano Optimist Club recently held its annual installation and awards meeting, albeit in a virtual setting rather than at a banquet as it had in the past.
District Lt. Gov. Chris Neilsen conducted the installation of officers and directors for the 2020-21 year. Prior to the installation, Neilsen told the Shawano Optimists in attendance that Optimist International is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and the new Wisconsin governor has chosen the theme to be “Optimism – Fun for All.”
He added, “You should be very proud of your club and what it has accomplished since it was started in 1976. I’ve always heard great things about what your club is doing for the youth of the Shawano area. Keep up the great work.”
Installed as the officers for 2020-21 were: Jim Black, president; Axel Rehder, vice president for fundraising; Robyn Shingler, vice president for student activities; Gail Moesch, secretary; Dawn Knope, treasurer; and Jen Schroeder, immediate past president.
The six new directors installed were Jim Liesner, Dan Mauel, Greg Parker, Jeanne Cronce, Troy Edwards and Brian Morstad.
“The Shawano Optimist club has a great history of focusing on the betterment of the youth of our community,” Black said. “I am proud to be part of this and honored to take on the president’s role. With the strength of our club members working together and their creativity, I hope to help the club take what we’ve built in the past and find new ways to still reach area youth in the upcoming year. There will certainly be challenges and, yet, I know as a team we can persevere. After all, it’s all about the kids.”
Schroeder, who was commended for her great work as the president of the club during the past year, said, “Although this past year was definitely not what I envisioned a year ago, I truly believe the work we have done together has been meaningful and impactful and continues to move us forward together in our mission to serve our community’s children.”
Greg Parker was named the Shawano Optimist of the Year for 2019-20. In making the presentation, Schroeder said, “Greg has consistently provided great service to the club. His wisdom on the board exemplifies what it means to be an Optimist.”
The Shawano Optimists have annually presented a life membership in Optimist International to a member who has gone above and beyond serving the club during the previous year. This year’s recipient, Dan Mauel, has been in the club only four years.
“But,” said presenter Jim Liesner, “he has always been there when we’ve needed someone and a year ago did an outstanding job as our club president.”
“I love this club because it’s all about engaging the kids,” Mauel said, “and it’s always a team effort.”
Each year, the Shawano Optimist members who achieve a certain level of attendance at club meetings and service projects are given a perfect attendance award.
Receiving awards for perfect attendance this year were Jeanne Cronce, one year; Brian Morstad, two years; Jen Schroeder and Jim Liesner, three years; Dan Mauel, four years; Lorine Raddant, five years; Greg Parker and Dawn Knope, seven years; Troy Edwards, 12 years; Ryan Alexander, 13 years; Steve Peterson, 16 years; Michael Sleeper, 20 years; Gail Moesch, 21 years; Jim Black, 22 years; and Jim Leuenberger, 43 years — 39 of which were consecutive.
The Shawano Optimists meet the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 6:45 a.m. at Angie’s Main Cafe in downtown Shawano. Anyone wishing to learn about joining the club can contact Black at jimblackoptimist11@gmail.com.
Clubs and organizations in Shawano and Menominee counties are welcome to submit stories about their meetings, awards and more for the Club Notes feature. Information should be sent to news@newmedia-wi.com.
Club Notes
