Welcome to The Sunny Side — in this issue you will find news on past and upcoming events, fundraisers, and your

Howard Suamico Optimist Community Foundation!

So grab your shades — there’s plenty of sunshine (and good news) ahead!

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Think about the experiences you’ve had—the projects, the laughter, the camaraderie. The Golf Classic is the perfect time to share those stories. Talk with the golfers on your team, the people you meet at the event, and the sponsors supporting us. Let them see your enthusiasm. Let them hear why you care.

And most importantly—ASK them to join us.  We need your HELP!

Our club has a great marketing pamphlet that explains who we are and what we do. Bring some with you to the event. Keep them in your car, your golf bag—anywhere you can grab one at a moment’s notice. You never know when a conversation will turn into an opportunity.

Because sometimes, all you have to do is ASK.

Let’s make this year’s “Fore the Kids” Golf Classic not just a successful event—but a launching point for growing our Club and expanding our impact.

With all this being said, I would like to declare the month of May,

“Fore the Kid’s” Golf Month

Prez Don

UPCOMING EVENTS — Mark Those Calendars!

Tuesday May 12 – Regular Noon Meeting
12:00 p.m. at 1951 West / Rock Gardens

Respect for Law Week

Guests:

Howard Suamico & Brown County Law Enforcement

Howard & Suamico Firefighters

Reach a Child VP Mike Cecatto

Featuring the famous Rock Gardens Chicken Dinner 

Tuesday May 26 – Regular Evening Social Meeting
5:00–7:00 p.m. at 1951 West / Rock Gardens

Essay Awards Dinner

Please join us for our Annual Optimist International

Essay Contest Awards Dinner

We are proud to recognize our outstanding student winners, who

will have the opportunity to read their essays to members and guests.

1st Place: Ashlyn Daul

Receives $300 from our Club

Advanced to WINUM competition and earned 2nd place

Awarded an additional $1,000

2nd Place: Maverick Poppe

3rd Place: Jadyn Cahill

All three winners, students from Bay Port High School, will receive

a framed certificate and a commemorative medallion.

We encourage all members and guests to attend and support

these exceptional students and their families at this special event.

[Please RSVP as space is limited]

ELECTIONS

The Howard-Suamico Optimist Club is pleased to announce

the results of our recent club elections.

Serving for the 2026/2027 year

President: Seth Deuman

Vice President: Denise Vancampenhout

Directors beginning 2 year terms are:

Burt McIntyre, Justin Horen, and Christina Kabara.

We proudly recognize our newly elected club officers for their

commitment and dedicated service to the youth of our community.

MEETING WRAP UP

Tuesday April 14th

Thank you, Marcia Sengstock, for joining us and sharing insights on the upcoming YMCA expansion project. We appreciate your time and the valuable information you provided to keep our members informed and engaged.

This was also our annual Election of Officers meeting

and we had a total of 17 of 58 total members in attendance.  

Seth Deuman gave us a 'Fore the Kids' Golf Classic update.

Harold Peterson updated us on the Whitetails Unlimited Banquet.

The lucky Queen of Hearts ticket was pulled by Seth but he wasn't fortunate enough to find the Queen of Hearts.  The pot has grown to over $130. 

Come to our next meeting and try your luck with the remaining 16 cards!

And did I mention dessert?  

Harold treated us all to delicious carrot cake cupcakes in honor of his

latest milestone!  Thank you Harold and congratulations!!!

Tuesday April 28th 

Zone 3 Lt. Governor, Ben Elsner and his lovely bride Trina, paid our

club a visit on this sunny Tuesday.  Ben updated our members

on all things new and exciting at OI and the WINUM District. 

Ben highlighted several OI initiatives such as:

Building a JOI (Junior Optimist International) club

Oratorical World Championships

WINUM 3rd Quarter recap 

WINUM 4th Quarter Conference 

Thank you Ben for making the trip from Shawano and sharing your insight.

_____________________________________________

Harold Peterson gave us a recap of the Whitetails Unlimited Banquet. 

A big shout out to Alex Peterson and Harold for pulling another

successful event together.  Alex needs a Co-Chair to

replace Grandpa Harold for 2027.  If you or anyone you know

can spare a few hours - this is a very worthwhile cause.

With a little arm twisting Harold handed over a

Whitetails Unlimited 

check in the amount of $4,442.  

Kudos to Alex, his team, and all of the members who

volunteered their time to make this fundraiser a success.

We wrapped up this meeting with the Queen of Hearts drawing.  Sharon Humblet decided to leave $149 in the pot for next time!  Thanks Sharon...may  luck be with you next time!

FUNDRAISING NEWS - OPTIMISTS IN ACTION!

'Fore the Kids' Golf Classic

Monday June 15th

Mid Vallee Golf Course

Planning is progressing for this signature event!

We’re looking for Optimists willing to help with:
Recruiting teams & players
Securing sponsors & ads
Event-day volunteering

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved—now’s the perfect time!

With your paid registration, your name is put in the

Island Resort and Casino drawing

$1,000 give away. 

That's right it's included in your golf registration fee!!!  

Posters and brochures are available at all meetings or at  

The Edwards Jones office on Velp Ave.

Current Stats

8 Teams                         Expecting 22 or more by June 5th.

12 Hole Sponsors          Expecting 20 or more by June 15th.

Foundation News

The Howard Suamico Optimist Club Community Foundation held your mid-year Board of Directors meeting on April 21st.  In attendance were

Foundation President - Rick Colberg,

Club President - Don Snyder,

Club Treasurer - Tom Binish,   

Member at large and recording secretary - Seth Deuman

Member at large - Mary Joan O'Leary

Member at large - Denise Vancampenhout

Guest - Dan O'Leary

Dave Koertge accepted a 2 year term to fill an open board seat. 

Thank you Dave.

Grants approved at this meeting are as follows:

HSSD             Mental Health initiative $7,000

HSSD               The Giving Tree         $2,500

The Spine Project                             $650

Reach a Child                                    $500

Market Value as of May 1, 2026                  $185,294

Thank you for supporting your Foundation.  Your generosity

is greatly appreciated by our Youth and Community!

May Birthday Wishes

Gregg Halverson

Steve Kersten

Mike Kirschling

Doug Vine

If you see these folks, with them a Happy (May Flowers) Birthday!

DID YOU GET THE CALL??

The Season is here folks!

As we welcome the new fundraising season, we welcome you to reach out with any questions on how you can become involved.  

What activities are planned for May?

Culvers Share Night  

May 13th

Pelkins Brat Fry 

May 23rd

How do I volunteer to support our club?

Call Don at (518) 527-9812

More information will be posted on our Facebook page.

Direct Questions to:  [email protected]

Trivia Question:
In the United States, which group provides the largest share of charitable donations each year:
A) Corporations
B) Foundations
C) Individual donors
D) Bequests

The answer follows my sign off!

Tom Binish, Guest Editor

Answer: C) Individual donors (typically around two‑thirds of all giving comes from individuals.)

“Fun fact: Most philanthropy starts with everyday people like you, not big corporations.”