Platteville Optimist Club

L-R: Terri Ellis, Platteville Optimist Club President presents a check to Jaqueline Varholik, representing "Christmas For Kids" Jaqueline Varholik accepted a check from the Platteville Optimist Club for "Christmas For Kids". Jaquie reported that have exceeded their goal in 2025 by 50 kids and that they will be helping 400 children in Southwest Wisconsin this Christmas. They recently opened a "shop program" (similar to "Adopt-A-Family") and they have two locations now where

Marcia Russell from the Platteville Children's Choir accepts a $350 check from Terri Ellis, President of Platteville Optimist Club. Marcia reported that there are over 80 students in the choir this year. This is the highest number they've had since the pre-covid years.

Bruce Richardson Clark Anderson, Bruce Richardson and Optimist President Terri Ellis On Friday October 31st, our speaker was Bruce Richardson, a hunter safety instructor and pheasant guide for Wounded Warriors.  Bruce became a safety instructor “by accident”.  He was turkey hunting in 1991 when he was shot by a companion.  After repeatedly being asked to speak at various safety courses and subsequently encouraged to become an instructor, he did.  Bruce said hunter safe

Coach Gard and Joey Fuhremann Joey Fuhremann, Optimist President Terri Ellis, Coach Gard and Optimist Charlie Clark Today we enjoyed our annual visit with UW-Platteville Men's Basketball Coach Jeff Gard. Coach Gard was accompanied by Team Member and Senior Joey Fuhremann. Coach talked about how the team's trip to Greece in April of 2025 was a valuable because it gave returning players an opportunity to bond and grow as a team. Fuhremann was unable to play in Greece due to a

L-R; Optimist Member Clark Anderson; Renee Clark, Kieler Farms; Optimist President Terri Ellis Renee Clark is a third generation owner of Kieler Farms with eight other family members who all have a great passion for, and commitment to, Wisconsin's dairy industry. Renee is also a mom to three daughters, a marathon runner, and a cross country coach at Platteville High School. Her grandfather, Lawrence Kieler, bought their original 250 acre farm in 1947 where he milked 13 cows

L-R: Charlie Clark, Dave Cook, Vice-President Barb Stockhausen Dave Cook Today’s speaker was Dave Cook of Cook’s Woods Christmas Tree...

For the third time in 2025, the Joker was drawn in the famous weekly "Joker Draw" at our Optimist meeting. Mark is shown here sporting...

Retired Fire Fighter and Optimist Member Paul Budden donned his fire helmet to update us on the construction progress at the new...

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...

At Sunday night's banquet, Terri Ellis presented Gary and Eileen Engelke with a wooden plaque engraved with "Every End is a New...

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...

Today we took our meeting on the road for a tour of the Huff Family Innovation Center in Sesquicentennial Hall on the UW-P campus.  Mason...

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

Left: Optimist President Bob Hundhausen with Scoutmaster Jason Tyson Middle: Jason Tyson and Platteville High School Senior Glenn Mast...

Father Dave Flanagan and Optimist President Bob Hundhausen Father Dave knew from a young age that he enjoyed serving others. He chose...

Sports Editor Jason Nihles with Optimist President Bob Hundhausen Jason Nihles realized in 4th grade that the track in life he wanted to...