Optimist Club of Mount Horeb, Wisconsin
The Mount Horeb Optimist
Vol. 1 · No. 5 · September 2026
August was summer's last full breath. A room full of neighbors learning to defend themselves, one more evening together before the season turned - and then the lights come back on. Third Monday of September, back at the Mount Horeb Public Library, a new Optimist year begins.
What happened
A full room for the Women's Self-Defense Workshop
Eighteen women filled the Violet Room at Wisconsin Surplus Auction - which donates the space - for a couple hours of hands-on self-defense. Real, practical skills, worked on the pads in a room full of neighbors. Master Brandon Tracy, a fifth-degree black belt and self-defense specialist, led the session along with his assistant Evan, and by every account did a phenomenal job.
Everyone left having learned some great skills - and feeling a little more confident in their ability to defend themselves. Which is the whole point. The kind of thing you hope you never need, and are glad you practiced.
Back around the same table
Once a year the work stops and the club just plays. On a warm August evening, the Optimists gathered under the shelter at Grundahl Park - spouses, kids, the whole crew - for a potluck and a few easy hours together. Everybody brought a dish. The food was something; the company was better.
It was the first time many of us had been in the same place since spring, after a summer of vacations and time away - and the evening flew. We got so busy catching up that no one thought to take a picture until the very end. So these are the families still there when someone finally rounded us up - there were more of us over dinner and conversation earlier. Next year, we'll take it sooner, and get a few more of us in it.
Someone you should know
The seniors we met this year
The club doesn't meet in the summer, so we've spent these issues re-introducing the Class of 2026 - the high school seniors we honored this past school year. This month, the last six: the seniors we met in March, April, and May.
Honored this past spring, with her parents Shannon and Jim.
Honored this past spring, with her parents Eric and Ann and her brothers Connor, Brady, and Quinn.
Honored this past spring, with her parents Gary and Mary.
Honored this past spring, with his parents Darrick and Stacy.
Honored this past spring, with her parents Brian and Tanya.
Honored this past spring, with his family - Tara Schilling, Tom Henderson, Ben Schilling, and Sue Henderson.
Read their full stories at someone you should know · class of 2026.
What's coming up
September
Monday, September 21
The club is back
After a summer off, the Optimists gather again - third Monday of the month, 6:45 in the evening at the Mount Horeb Public Library. It's the first meeting of the new Optimist year, and the first student we'll honor this school year. If you've ever thought about coming, this is the month for it. Be our guest - bring a neighbor if you like.
The full slate at events.
Meet an optimist
Emily
Three questions for one of the friends who keeps the club going.
The Kid's Zone has your fingerprints all over it. What is it about that night that keeps you coming back?
The simple answer is that I love kids and creating spaces for them to just be kids!
The longer answer is that it allows me to use my gifts in a way that brings me and others joy. That's part of what makes being an Optimist great - there is a space for each person to use their unique gifts and talents in a way that contributes positively to the group and our larger community.
The other part that keeps me coming back is that I love Mount Horeb! The July 3rd event at the Norsk is a beautiful opportunity for our community to come together and the Kid's Zone is my little way of being able to give back to this amazing place my family and I get to call home.
What's something simple about being an Optimist that people might not expect?
You don't need any background knowledge or experiences to be a fully engaged member. You don't need to be a longtime resident or have experience with children or have been part of any organization to be able to participate in and contribute as an Optimist member. Just show up as yourself!
If a friend asked what an Optimist meeting is like, what would you tell them?
It's a really laid-back, friendly gathering with lots of laughter and, of course, optimism! We discuss ways to support local organizations that focus on youth, celebrate really great students and how they make a difference, and coordinate ways we can raise money while also making a positive impact on our community. Bonus - the meetings never run late!
Forward this to a neighbor. Better yet, come see us - the club is meeting again. 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. 5