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Platteville Optimists install officers
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The three local Optimist Clubs — Platteville Optimist Morning Club, Platteville Area Optimist Noon Club and the UW–Platteville Student Club — recently  held a joint meeting at Benvenutos for the purpose of installing 2014–15 officers and board members and presenting awards to individuals in recognition of their commitment to the club.

The installation was conducted by Howard Crofoot, governor-elect for the Optimist SWIS District.

Serving the Platteville Optimist Morning Club are president Maxine Lane, president-elect Ron Weier, past president Eileen Engelke, and Ken Kamps and secretary/treasurer John Urness. The six-member board includes Beth Frieders, Kevin Haertzen, Maggie Kleisath, Doug Martin, Leon Neuheisel and Bob Weier.

The Platteville Optimist Morning Club also recognized four of their members for their service and commitment during the 2013–14 year. Duane Borgen received the Chuck Thalmann Award in recognition of his outstanding service, loyalty and devotion.  Borgen has been a member of the Platteville Optimist Morning Club for 34 years, served as president in 1997–98, provided guidance and leadership for several years in coordinating the annual Tri-Star Basketball. Gary Munson was recognized as Optimist of the Year for his leadership in the annual Essay and Oratorical Contest. His efforts resulted in a record number of students participating from the local school district.  Steve Lane and Bob Weier received the award for Outstanding Member of the Year for their generosity in donating considerable time to many projects for the club, primarily the cheese curd trailer which is the central source of fundraising for the club.

The Platteville Area Optimist Noon Club president is Amanda Wright. Katie Friar is president-elect, Christine Storlie is past president, and George Krueger is Secretary/Treasurer.

Storlie recognized the efforts of all the club’s members in organizing last fall’s Harlem Ambassadors Basketball Event, but gave special recognition to Sam Krueger for his outstanding job of obtaining sponsors for the event and George Krueger for his hard work organizing and marketing the event.  Sam and George were awarded the Member of the Year Award for their outstanding service to the club. Additionally, Vesperman Farms was recognized by the club as a “Friend of Optimists” for Kyle Vesperman’s support and hard work for the kettle korn sales at Dairy Days, the Homecoming Parade, and other events.

The Student Optimist Chapter at UW–Platteville was represented by new president Tom Kirt. The Student Optimists support Soccer Skills, Baseball Skills, Quilts for Kids, and other local activities for kids.

If you are interested in joining either of the Lane, msmacy105@yahoo.com, or George Krueger. gkplattevillewi@yahoo.com. The Platteville Optimist Morning Club meets at Take 2 Restaurant Fridays at 7 a.m., while the Platteville Area Optimist Noon Club meets at Fiesta Cancun on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at noon.