| | Happy New Optimist Year! A new Optimist year is here—and the Sunny Side is looking brighter than ever! As we begin our 26-27 year, the Howard-Suamico Optimist Club looks forward to fresh opportunities to serve, celebrate, and make a difference. Together, with President Seth Deuman leading the way, we’re ready for a year filled with camaraderie, fellowship, and plenty of reasons to smile.
In this edition, we’ll thank outgoing President Don Snyder for his dedicated leadership, highlight our general membership meetings, and preview upcoming events and fundraisers that bring our members and community together.
Here’s to good friends, great teamwork, and a shared commitment to helping others. 🌞 |
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE As we head into the fall, I’ve been reflecting on what makes the Howard-Suamico Optimist Club such a special organization. For me, it always comes back to the people. The mission of Optimist International is simple but powerful: “By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves.” Every time I think about our club, I see that mission being lived out through the dedication, generosity, and optimism of our members. We all have busy lives, family commitments, and careers that demand our time and attention. Yet, time and again, our members choose to step forward and make a difference in the lives of young people and in our community. Whether we're volunteering at local events, supporting youth programs, fundraising for community projects, participating in club meetings, or simply lending a helping hand, those efforts matter. One of the things I enjoy most about being part of the Howard-Suamico Optimist Club is the opportunity to connect with others who share a commitment to service. Some of the best ideas, strongest friendships, and most meaningful moments come from working together toward a common goal. When people with positive attitudes and caring hearts come together, great things happen. As your President, I’m proud of what the Howard-Suamico Optimist Club continues to accomplish. But like any volunteer organization, our success depends on the people who choose to get involved. Your participation, support, and willingness to share your time, talents, and ideas are what allow us to continue making a positive impact. I encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities our club has to offer this fall. Attend an upcoming meeting, volunteer at one of our events, invite a friend to learn more about Optimist, or simply reconnect with a fellow member. Every contribution, no matter how small, helps us fulfill our mission of bringing out the best in youth, our community, and ourselves. Thank you to all of our members, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners for everything you do to support the Howard-Suamico Optimist Club. Your commitment to service and optimism continues to make a lasting difference. I look forward to seeing many of you in the months ahead. Until then, thank you for being an Optimist, for believing in the potential of our youth, and for helping make our community stronger through service, hope, and positive vision. Yours in Optimism, Seth Deuman President
Howard-Suamico Optimist Club
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BRING THE SUNNY SIDE TO LIFE!
WE’RE LOOKING FOR A NEWSLETTER VOLUNTEER Help tell the story of the Howard-Suamico Optimist Club! Put your creativity and club spirit to work by helping produce our Sunny Side newsletter—a cheerful connection to the people, projects, and events that make our club special. SHARE THE NEWS. CELEBRATE OUR MEMBERS. SPREAD THE OPTIMISM. From service projects and fundraisers to member highlights and moments of fellowship, help us keep everyone informed, involved, and smiling. LET YOUR CREATIVITY SHINE! Interested? Let’s talk! Contact: Seth Deuman [email protected] Good news. Great friends. A brighter community. HOWARD-SUAMICO OPTIMIST CLUB |
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Proud to be a part of the WINUM District |
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Tuesday October 13th
Our guest speaker for this sunny Tuesday was Founder and Executive Director, Mark Hawkins, of 'Hands on Deck'.
Hands On Deck (HOD) began in 2016 as a boat building club on the third floor of Green Bay’s downtown library. From boat building, they expanded into boat restoration and provided free sail boat rides on the bay to hundreds of deserving young people.
HOD launched Elementary Mechanical Skills (EMS) and Industrial Arts (IA) classes for elementary, middle, and high school students, offering hands-on mechanical skills education during and after school. Today, they serve hundreds of students each month and reach learners across the country through HOD At Home programming.
Their adult programming continues to grow with the support of partner organizations that operate out of the HOD shop at 975 Parkview Road in Green Bay.
Hands On Deck teaches traditional industrial arts to build mechanical skills in learners of all ages. Dustpans, pencil boxes, boat transoms, drill presses, and spokeshaves…it’s not the things it’s the folks and they have great folks at HOD! |
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More Meeting Notes We had a great meeting with 15 total attendees and lunch was amazing as usual.
Health Updates: Denise reports that Doris Chambers has been diagnosed with Leukemia. Your prayers and support for her and Bob are greatly appreciated.
Tom reported that Dick Fleigle is now living at the Village at Eden Vista on St Joseph St in Green Bay. We created a book of memories for Dick and had those attending the Installation Banquet sign it with words of encouragement.
Queen of Hearts! Alas - our Queen of Hearts master, Dan O'Leary, has not introduced the next game yet. Perhaps a few calls his way could get the Queen of Hearts moving?
Other News ● Mark Smith gave us a referendum report. If you recall, the referendum focused on 'Trades for Kids', and planning and construction are ramping up. ● Darold updated us on the recent Honor Flight he participated in. Thank you for your service Darold! ● The Christmas Parade planning is going well. We could use a few more members to man street intersections. If you are able to make it - just show up!
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October 27th Evening Meeting Installation Banquet |
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Meeting Highlights Our October 27 Installation Banquet was a night to remember, with 40 members and guests filling the room. Mike Blaney kept the evening rolling as Master of Ceremonies with his trademark wit, and Rick Colberg delivered a touching invocation that included a heartfelt remembrance of Dale Phillips, whom we lost this past year. Please keep Dale and his family in your thoughts.
The plated dinner of broasted chicken with all the fixings was a hit, and a wonderful evening was had celebrating our club and welcoming our new officers.
Our guests included past, present, and future WINUM Governors: Louise Bentley, Vanessa Rueth, and Ben Elsner.
Louise Bentley, Governor of the Wisconsin–Upper Michigan (WINUM) District for 2026–27, thanked our club for the great work we do for kids and the community, then shared her goals for the coming year. Louise made the drive from Chippewa Falls, and we thank her for taking time out of her busy schedule to join us. She also invited everyone to the First Quarter WINUM Conference on November 13 in Chippewa Falls — a great opportunity to connect with fellow Optimists, share ideas, and bring home a little inspiration for our own club. Register and join the fun!
Vanessa cheered us on with her vision of why Optimism matters and the impact our efforts have on the children of our communities. |
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After dinner, Don Snyder thanked the Howard-Suamico Optimist community of friends for a great year. Key points of his remarks included our numerous successful fundraisers (which raised over $15,000), the change from weekly to twice a month meetings, and the warm memories he will cherish forever. Don thanked his officers and board of directors for their service and support, then introduced a few new awards: Champion of the Kids — Denise Vancampenhout, for her excellent work as program chair and the great lineup of speakers she arranges. All Star Team Award — Dan and Mary Joan O'Leary, for their selfless commitment to Optimism and their support throughout his year as President. Go Get Er' Award — Tom Binish, for his help throughout the past year.
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Congratulations to Our Newest Life Member Don Snyder Each year, our club is proud to recognize one of its own with Life Member status — our highest honor, chosen by those who have received it themselves. This year's award for the 2025–2026 Optimist year was presented at our Installation Banquet by last year's recipient, Darold Cichocki, and it could not have gone to a more deserving member.
Don's record of service speaks for itself. He has served on the Board of Directors, just completed a memorable year as our President, and has worked more fundraisers than most of us can count. Ask anyone who has organized an event over the past several years and you'll hear the same thing: Don was there. In fact, we're hard-pressed to think of a single club event in recent memory that Don missed — he has a gift for showing up, rolling up his sleeves, and making whatever needs to happen, happen.
Beyond the titles and the long list of duties, Don embodies what it means to be an Optimist. His selfless commitment to our club, our community, and above all our kids has set the standard for the rest of us. Whether he was leading a meeting, serving brats at a fundraiser, or simply offering a word of encouragement to a fellow member, Don has always put the club first.
Please join us in congratulating Don Snyder on this well-earned honor. Thank you, Don, for everything you do for the youth in our communities and the Howard-Suamico Optimist Club.
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Don's family - Celebrating with him! |
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INSTALLATION & PRESIDENT REMARKS |
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Installation of Officers and a Look Ahead Following the Life Member award, Ben Elsner, Wisconsin–Upper Michigan Governor-Elect for 2027–28, installed the officers and directors for the coming year. Sworn in were Christina Kabara, Burt McIntyre, Seth Deuman, Denise Vancampenhout, Tom Binish, Mary Joan O'Leary, Rebecca Agamaite, and Justin Horen, along with Sunni Dalgord and Matt Kerscher, who were unable to attend but were duly sworn in as well.
President Seth Deuman then shared his vision for the year ahead, and it promises to be a lively one. Seth plans to continue our strong lineup of fundraisers and our proud history of giving back to our communities, under the motto "Choose Optimism! Change Lives!" He closed with a challenge for every member: plan on attending at least one fundraiser, lend a hand at our Christmas and Memorial Day parades and community events, and attend our membership meetings.
Let's all join in and make this our best year yet! |
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Following the swearing in of our new officers and board members, Seth thanked Don for his year of service with a custom charcuterie board.
Click this button to watch the year in review slide show! |
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And of course - what would a celebration be without the world renowned skills of our very own "Binder Sisters"! These young ladies are the best decorators ever and deserve a big Optimist Hand! Thank you Sharon, Diane, and Kris! |
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About the Show The Howard Suamico Optimist Club and Daddy D Productions will honor America’s heroes with an unforgettable evening of music, laughter, and gratitude.
“Salute to Our Veterans” is a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who have served our country—past, present, and future. The show will be November 4th 2026 at Riverside Ballroom. There may be a seat or two left and if you want to go - contact Darold at (920) 530-0387 |
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🎄 Christmas Parade
The Christmas Parade is coming up on December 5! Start dusting off those festive ideas, because it won’t be long before the holiday spirit takes over Howard-Suamico. Contact Seth or Don for more information. |
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November Birthday Wishes
Bruce Wolf (4th) Dan O'Leary (8th) Sharon Humblet (15th) Bob Chambers (26th) Steve Williams (30th)
“Your friends in the Howard Suamico Optimist Club wish you a very happy birthday and a year filled with joy, good health, and success.”
NOTE: If we missed your birthday this past year it is because we don't have it on file. Contact Tom Binish at 920-621-5442 if you want to share! |
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Optimist Creed Promise Yourself
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble. |
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Trivia Fun: Put your knowledge to the test!
What is the most common street name in the United States??
The answer follows my sign off! |
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Trivia answer: Second Street |
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