What a great meeting!

Eighteen members plus a few guests were on hand Monday for the first official meeting of the Middleton Area Optimist Club with newly elected President Patrick Halpin presiding.  After the pledge and prayer, the meeting began with notice that the club has already reached 25 members! Great job and welcome to all.

Our Team

President Patrick presented a club fundraising idea for a 52-inch, flat screen television raffle. He proposed that he would front the money to purchase the television and members would sell tickets for $5 each with no more than 1,000 being sold. The club members present thought that sounded like good odds and approved that the club proceed with the project. Tickets will be distributed at the next meeting on September 20.

Linda Jackson reported on visiting with the Middleton Chamber of Commerce and suggested the club look into the Chili Cook-off event on October 8 at the high school with the Booster Club. Members liked the idea for raising awareness and it was suggested that VP Kim Boguslawski might even have a prize-winning chili recipe. Aaron Mitchell will check with the school to see if the Optimist Club can sell raffle tickets at the event.

Speaking of Kim, we missed her being with us, but understand as her husband was preparing to deploy this week. Our positive thoughts go with him and all of our troops as they fulfill their patriotic duties.

The club also discussed the tragic accident that occurred as children were walking to school last week and will offer their help, including crossing guard duty, to the school district.

Finally, the club heard from members Harland and Jennifer Ahyou about their business, MANA, a community service organization that helps at-risk kids find jobs and adapt to social situations and life on their own with a special emphasis on kids who are recently out of foster care or juvenile corrections. MANA is located at 314 W. Main, Middleton.

Other ideas for programs and projects were discussed and will continue as the Middleton Optimist Club decides on their plan of work for the coming year.  Please join us. Ideas are needed. You are needed.  Come see what we are all about on Monday, September 20.  Thank you.