Optimist Club of Mount Horeb, Wisconsin
The Mount Horeb Optimist
Vol. 1 · No. 3 · July 2026
June was the start of summer at the club. Fishing rods at Stewart Park, the Frolic raffle, and the bouncy house out of storage. We don't meet again until September — but a lot still happens between now and then. Here's June, the seniors we met this past year, and what's around the corner.
What happened
Cops and Bobbers at Stewart Park
Cops and Bobbers was a terrific success on Sat June 6th, with beautiful weather to help boost attendance! This is an annual event held at Stewart Park coordinated and sponsored by the Mount Horeb Optimist Club, the Recreation department as well as the Mount Horeb Police Department. It's a great opportunity for kids to learn how to fish and to mingle with law enforcement officers in a family-friendly environment.
The Frolic
The Frolic is Mount Horeb's big summer weekend, and the club is right in the middle of it. Burger shifts at the grill. The raffle, with its proceeds going back to local youth. And, the way it goes every year, an Optimist up front as emcee for the parade.
There was music, too — PARTWAYS, an alternative band of former Mount Horeb High School students, played a Sunday afternoon set, fronted by Leah Kellesvig, one of the seniors we honored this year as Someone You Should Know. A good weekend to be a neighbor.
Someone you should know
The seniors we met this year
The club doesn't meet in June, July, or August. So over these three summer issues we'll re-introduce the Class of 2026 — the high school seniors we got to honor this past school year. Up first: the four we met in October and November.
Honored at the October meeting of the Optimist Club with her parents Kim and Randy.
Honored at the October meeting of the Optimist Club with her parents Becky and Andy.
Honored at the November meeting of the Optimist Club with her parents Kellie and Mark.
Honored at the November meeting of the Optimist Club with her parents Amy and Greg.
Read their full stories at someone you should know · class of 2026.
What's coming up
July and August
Friday, July 3
Kid's Zone at the Norsk July 3rd Celebration
The village gathers at the Norsk Celebration on July 3rd — picnic blankets, food, fireworks at dusk. The wait can be hard on little kids, so the club fills it. Crafts, yard games, face painting, the bouncy house. Last year 200+ kids came through. Free, thanks to club fundraising. Look for the Kid's Zone tent on the afternoon and evening of July 3.
Late July
Optimist summer picnic
Once a year, the club trades work for play. On a Monday evening in late July, the Optimists gather at Grundahl Park for a family picnic — spouses, kids, lawn games, board games. It's a potluck; Ellen brings the grill, everyone else brings a dish and their fun.
July 27 & August 10
Self-defense workshops
Two workshops this summer, taught by Brandon Tracy, a Verona-based martial arts instructor. The class for women and girls runs August 10, 6 to 8 pm; new this year, a class for boys on July 27. Both at the Violet Room at Wisconsin Surplus Auction, which donates the space.
The full slate at events.
Meet an optimist
Cynthia
Three questions for one of the friends who keeps the club going.
Find us at the Kid's Zone on July 3. Forward this to a neighbor. Come to a meeting when we start back up in September — third Monday, Mount Horeb Public Library, 6:45 in the evening. We'd be glad to see you.
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End of Vol. 1 · No. 3