Platteville Optimist Club

L-R: Optimist Member Bob Hundhausen, Ironman Competitor Mandi Jacquinot, Optimist President Terri Ellis Our speaker on December 12, 2025 was Mandi Jacquinot who spoke about her love for running and competing in marathons and Ironman competitions. Originally from Decorah, IA, Mandi played volleyball and softball in High School but never considered herself an "athlete". She started running during her college years at Loras College in Dubuque, IA. After she graduated, she si

Pictured above L-R: Platteville Community Arboretum President Joe Jacquinot and Platteville Optimist Club President Terri Ellis Platteville Community Arboretum (PCA) President, Joe Jacquinot accepted a $500 check from the Optimist Club in support of the "Valley-to-Eastside Expansion Project". PCA is working with five landowners to acquire ~15 acres of land for the City of Platteville to expand the trails in Platteville. PCA and the City were awarded a 50/50 grant from the

Pictured above L-R: Optimist President Terri Ellis and Herb Cody representing Wisconsin Badger Camp The Optimist Club was excited to present Wisconsin Badger Camp with a $1,000 check on the eve of their 11th Annual Badger Camp 1966 Event. This years event on December 13th will kickoff the camps 60th Anniversary. All proceeds from the event benefit Wisconsin Badger Camp. Wisconsin Badger Camp's goal is to provide a positive natural environment where individuals with develo

Sheila Ruchti was inducted as a new member of the Platteville Optimist Club on December 5, 2025. Pictured above Optimist President Terri Ellis conducts the induction ceremony and welcomes Sheila to our Club as Sheila's sponsor Bob Hundhausen looks on. Sheila has already experienced working a cheese curd shift at the invitation of current members. Welcome Sheila!