Optimists install officers, give out awards

The Shawano Optimist Club recently held its 45th annual installation and awards ceremony, during which officers and directors for the coming year were installed and special awards presented.

Judy Goodchild, chairman of leadership development for the Wisconsin-Upper Michigan region of Optimist International, installed the new officers and directors for the 2021-2022 Optimist year. In addition to Troy Edwards becoming president, others installed were Axel Rehder, vice president for fundraising; Robyn Shingler, vice president for youth activities; Gail Moesch, secretary; Dawn Knope, treasurer; and directors, Brian Morstad, Lorine Raddant, Jeanne Cronce, Dan Mauel, Greg Parker and Jim Liesner.

The Shawano Optimists annually name an Optimist of the Year, and Gail Moesch is the 2021 recipient.

“Gail has always been dedicated to keeping accurate records and this year, presented two new activities that turned out to be very successful,” said Greg Parker, who presented the award. “One was a three-on-three soccer tournament and the other was a fundraiser in which people could purchase game cards that gave them a chance to win cash depending on the scores of each week’s NFL games.”

The club also presented Jen Schroeder with a life membership in Optimist International. In presenting the award, Dan Mauel said that Schroeder “exudes optimism and our mission of serving our community’s youth.”

Honored for perfect attendance at club meetings and events during the 2020-2021 Optimist year were Jim Leuenberger, 44 years; Jim Black, 23 years; Gail Moesch, 22 years; Michael Sleeper, 21 years; Ron Schmalz and Steve Peterson, 17 years; Ryan Alexander, 14 years; Troy Edwards, 13 years; Greg Parker and Dawn Knope, eight years; Dan Mauel, five years; Jim Liesner and Bob Hannes, four years; Robyn Shingler and Brian Morstad, three years; Jeanne Cronce, two years; and Axel Rehder, one year.

The Optimists have been serving the Shawano area since 1976. Annual youth projects include a bike rodeo, Christmas movies for kids, Respect for Law activities, boys and girls basketball tournaments, a Rose Day fundraiser, a Scholastic Awards Banquet, as well as basketball and football skills competitions. The funds raised each year are all returned to the Shawano community to support youth activities and more than 30 different organizations.