Charter Club Info
Officers of the Club - Committee Chairpersons
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Charter President - Joseph E. DevereauxBeginning in March of 2010, Joe was recruited by then OI SWIS District Governor-elect, CoryAnn St. Marie Carls and Past Optimist International President, Dwaine Sievers to start a new Milwaukee Optimist club. Joe accepted the challenge and was then appointed MMOC Charter President. He will serve until September 30, 2011. |
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Charter Treasurer - Maggie HazeRecruited in April of 2010 through the professional social networking vehicle known as LinkedIn; Maggie not only was eager to join the new MMOC; she volunteered to be appointed the club's charter Secretary/Treasurer. She split officer duties in October 2010 keeping her Treasurer position until September 30th of 2011. |
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Charter Secretary - Barbara RagerBarbara joined in September of 2010 and volunteered to the (early MMOC FY-11) appointment of the newly divided MMOC Secretary officership. She will remain as such until September 30, 2011. |
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Charter Vice President - Lynn GrebLynn was aboard the MMOC train from the moment it left the station. She has been a steady conduit to the recreation side of Milwaukee Public Schools and an enthusiastic idea person willing to get involved when it comes to kids. |
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Charter Vice President - Jessica helmsJess comes to the MMOC with a long history of working with kids and loving it! She was a member of a college-age Optimist club at the University of Whitewater and now teaches in the MPS system. She will serve until September 30, 2011. |
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Charter Finance Committee Chair - Joshua ZaidelJosh is a multi-talented young man who in addition to being hugely involved in the MMOC, is a member of other Optimist clubs in various capacities in the southern Wisconsin area as well as holding the current position of SWIS District Lieutenant Governor. His institutional knowledge of Optimism (particularly in the financial realm) has been invaluable to the new club. He will serve as Finance Chair until September, 30, 2011.
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Charter Fellowship Committee Chair - Linda HextLinda is always creating exciting and interesting opportunities for MMOC fellowship through her enthusiastic involvement in the club. You need a great event or party planned? Linda is your Optimist! Her professional approach and demeanor is the reason the details are accounted for and the fun can begin. She will continue to serve until September 30, 2011. |
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Charter Public Relations Committee Chair - Kelly AndersonKelly teaches children at an MPS school in her real life and when she's on her own time; chooses to volunteer as the MMOC's creative Public Relations Chair. She is responsible for the "public image" of the club and is the reason the club members now proudly sport their new logo-emblazoned polo shirts. She will serve until September 30, 2011.
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Charter JOOI Club Committee Chair - Melissa JohnsonAlways smiling; Melissa is an MPS teacher who enjoys children and their potential. She has been active in Optimism since her days as a college student and is currently involved with helping youth start their own Junior Optimist Octagon club in a Milwaukee school. She will serve until September 30, 2011.
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Charter New Club Building Chair - Jim CrossJim agreed to become the lead in building other new Optimist clubs in the area through assisting them with MMOC club resources and knowledge. Jim is always looking for the opportunity to "start something". He brings a passion for kids and an interest in volunteering that has served him well for many years in his involvement with DI and JA. Jim serves until September 30, 2011 in this capacity.
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Charter Community Service Chair - James TemplinJim was drawn to the MMOC from the start. He climbed aboard the MMOC express the moment is was only a mere concept. His interest in helping youth was the magnet which drew him into immediate service with the new club. His extremely motivated and organized approach has brought about many wonderful connections with the club from the community. Jim will serve until September, 2011 as Community Service Chair. Charter Program Chair - James TemplinTaking on the dual roles of MMOC - CSC (above) and now Program Chair, Jim just pitches in and does what is necessary to keep the club viable. His connections to interesting individuals in the community and his keen networking skills lend themselves to the important role he is underfilling. Jim serves until September of 2011 in this capacity.
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Charter Sergeant at Arms - John RhodesJohn is the individual who helps to boost meeting attendance by greeting members as they arrive. He schelps all the important Optimist gear back and forth to the various meetings and events. He never complains; just sets up the room or space in fine Optimist style. He keeps the meetings moving, in order and on time with his charge of maintaining organization and decorum. John serves until September 30, 2011. |
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Charter Fundraising Volunteer - Eric DegrootEric's prowess in the financial world is a great asset to the membership in the realm of fundraising. He is a strong leader who has definite goals and is instrumental in spearheading capital-generating efforts that are both profitable and fun for the membership's participation. He is the visionary lead of the Alterra coffee partnership with the MMOC. |
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Charter Fundraising Volunteer - Amy Soleimani-MafiWhat can I say about Amy that would accurately quantify all the ways she has poured her heart and soul into the MMOC...never enough, that's what. Amy is a fountain of instututional Optimist knowledge and a consumate volunteer who holds ranking positions in other local Optimist clubs such as the current vice presidency of the Mukwonago Optimist Club. Amy is the primary connection between the MMOC and the Mukwonago Optimist Club and the "rockin'" fundraising that we can now get involved with at Alpine Valley. Amy has dedicated many hours to community groups and charities, including the Optimist Club and Habitat for Humanity. She is also a member of Meeting Professionals International and Zeta Phi Eta, the national professional fraternity for communication arts and sciences. |
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Charter New Club Organizer / SWIS District Governor - CoryAnn St. Marie-CarlsThis dynamic woman is the impetus for the formation of the MMOC. She is involved in multiple activities in the southern Wisconsin region and is the current SWIS District Governor of the Optimist International. Her complete BIO would take most of this page. Suffice it to say that CoryAnn is the reason for the club's existence and her direct involvement is always welcomed with enthusiasm. |
MMOC HISTORY
The Metro Milwaukee Optimist Club was formed in early March of 2010, officially "organized" April 29, 2010 and "chartered" through a gala event at the historic Wisconsin Club on August 12, 2010. (Invite)
There had not been a Milwaukee Club for some years until NOW - with the formation of the new MMOC.
Milwaukee has a proud history of Optimist involvement with a successful chapter which was actively involved with the local youth. In fact, that Club hosted the 1924 Optimist International Convention in Milwaukee.
In 1924, the first organization-wide youth service program was
established with the chartering of Junior Optimist Clubs. Its
purpose was to instill the value of volunteering in young boys.
The idea of creating youth clubs was developed in 1920 by Milwaukee
Optimist Henry Scarborough, who was well-known in his community in
vocational guidance and personnel relations. After gathering a
group of young boys together, they agreed that since the Optimists
served as the group's sponsor, they should call themselves "Junior
Optimists."
With the newly organized MMOC we are
revitalizing a strong membership in preparation for the honor of hosting the
Optimist International Convention in 2012!
(see the August 12, 2010 press release)
Consider joining us for one of our meetings to get a further sense of what is happening at this local chapter of MMOC.
We meet on 2nd and 4th Thursday evenings from 5:30 –7:00 p.m. Riverfront Pizzeria Bar and Grille - 509 East Erie Street - Milwaukee, WI 53202
Membership Application
If you care to join us, please click HERE to access the MMOC Membership Application form in .PDF format. Print it, fill it out and mail it to:
MMOC
P.O. Box 1242
Milwaukee, WI
53201-1242
If you wish; please also fill out our MMOC - Membership Interest Finder document and mail it along with your membership application.
MMOC LOGOS:
⇒⇒ Click
HERE to access our LOGO page.
