Platteville Optimist Club

The recipient of the President's Citation must be a member of the club that embodies the spirit and essence of Optimism. They must be someone who is an inspiration to the club. Duane Borgen has contributed in an exceptional way to the advancement of Optimism in the club and community, Duane keeps records a Treasurer of our club and works hard to make sure checks are awarded to our grant winners, organizing recipients to attend meetings and receive checks eaxch month. Duane

The Chuck Thalmann Service award goes to someone who is an outstanding member of the Platteville Optimist Club. Chuck Thalmann was dedicated and active in serving others through various venues including church, community, and the Optimist organization. The member receiving this award must be an individual who has shown outstanding service, loyalty, and devotion to our club. Jerry was instrumental in the work that led to the matching grant with Optimist International to secure

President Terri Ellis selected Dianne Jentz as the 2026 Optimist of the Year. Terri explained that whenever she needed something, she would ask Dianne Jentz and she was willing to help. She generously served and volunteered a considerable amount of personal time and talent. She stepped forward often to make sure projects were successful - including mixing all the batter for cheese curds. Thank You and Congratulations, Dianne.

2026-2027 Officers and Board of Directors with SWIS District Governor Elect Kim Burlage Our annual Installation, Appreciation & Awards Banquet was held on Sunday, September 20, 2026 at the Lutheran Church of Peace. President Terri Ellis was the emcee for the event. Terri began by recognizing the 2025-2026 Board members. She then reflected on the year mentioning the programs we enjoyed throughout the year and the many excellent speakers who joined us on Friday mornings. Terri

Dairy Days: Thank You, Thank You, Thank You to all our amazing volunteers who worked so hard to make this another successful Cheese Curd season.

A BIG Thank You to our wonderful volunteers for making our cheese curd sales at the Grant County Fair a huge success!

On March 27, 2026, several Platteville Optimist Club members and friends attended a social outing together at the Heritage Center on the University of Dubuque campus. The attendees enjoyed seeing John Michael Coppola headline The Four C's , a premier Franki Valli & the Four Seasons tribute group. Coppola played Franki Valli in the Chicago and Las Vegas traveling troupes for Jersey Boys. Everyone enjoyed the show and the company!

The Platteville Optimist Club welcomed children ages 6-13 to the annual Tri-Star Basketball Skills Contest at the Platteville High School on Saturday, March 28, 2026. Participants were scored on their dribbling, passing and shooting skills. Top finishers in each age and gender group have the opportunity to participate in the Southern Wisconsin (SWIS) District Contest on Saturday, April 25th in Sun Prairie. Congratulations to all of the participants and thank you to the Optimi

Platteville Optimist Club members sport their Optimist attire in celebration of Optimist Day, February 5, 2026 Optimism isn't just a feeling - it's a way of life. On Optimist Day, we celebrate the power of positive thinking and the small actions that can make a big difference. Join us in celebrating Optimist Day as we promote our year-round efforts in bringing out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.

Some important segments of our annual banquet had to be delayed due to President Bob Hundhausen's illness. So let's play catch up: First...

The President’s Citation was awarded to Paul Budden for all of his work in our community and efforts with supporting the Fire Station,...

“Through rain, sleet, or snow the books must go!” What better friend of youth than someone who puts a book in your hand! It is wonderful...

Optimist of the Year - Joy Schewe attends meetings regularly and helps with all social gatherings and is actively involved in our...

Our annual banquet was held on Sunday, September 21, 2025 at the Lutheran Church of Peace. President Bob Hundhausen was feeling under the...

The Optimist Club worked with the Platteville Public Library to bring families and people of all ages together to enjoy a Community Bike...

L-R: Optimist Members Alaina Reeves, Clint Langreck, Wayne Wodarz, Dianne Jentz, Hap Daus, Bob Hundhausen, Paul Budden, Tom Nall, Jordan...

L-R: Optimist Members Dianne Jentz, Tom Nall, and Kevin Haertzen Thanks to the Platteville Public Library for hosting the Community...

L-R: Optimist Members Ernie Thalmann, Charlie Clark, Mark Essex, Beth Frieders, Bob Hundhausen, Bob Stephens, Amy Coffey, Jerry Schewe,...