Activities and Current Events
ESSAY CONTEST - open now until January 7th, 2025
November 2024 to January 7th, 2025
This Optimist International sponsored activity sets a topic for students to write about and submit their essays. A panel of judges will review them and the top three students will receive an award from the Mukwonago Optimist Club. The first place winner will receive $150, the second place $100 and the third place $50. The first place winner will also have the opportunity to advance to the District event each spring, wherein the top essay is awarded a $2,500 college scholarship through Optimist International.
The contest is open to contestants in middle and high school (grade 6 to 12), who are younger than age 19, as of October 1st, 2024.
For 2024-2025 school year, the theme is “How Optimism Paved My Road to Success”. Essays must be at least 700 words but not more than 800 words long.
Essays AND an entry form must be submitted by January 7th, 2025, via email to mukwonagoOptimist@gmail.com OR by mail to W346S9005 Whitetail Drive, Eagle, Wisconsin, 53119.
Students can download an entry form and contest rules. Application forms will also be in the Eagle, Mukwonago, and East Troy libraries. For more information contact us on mukwonagoOptimist@gmail.com.
food pantry drive at:
associated bank Mukwonago & Muskego
Johnson Bank Mukwonago
Waukesha State Bank Mukwonago
Pyramax bank Mukwonago
November and December 2024
This winter, we have set-up Christmas collection bins at the Associated Bank branches in Mukwonago and Muskego, as well as Pyramax Bank, Johnson Bank and Waukesha State Bank in Mukwonago, to collect items for those in need. This year we are supporting the local Mukwonago Food Pantry and Kitchen Cupboard Food Pantry. They are in need of beverages like ground coffee, tea and juices, as well as laundry detergent and dish soap (see flyer below). These bins are in-place until December 13th, so please join us in helping our local community by restocking the food pantries! Thank you so much to our locals banks for partnering with us in this!
Please contact us at mukwonagoOptimist@gmail.com for more information on this effort.
Past Events
youth photo contest - the optimist creed
We are excited to announce our first ever youth photo contest!
The Mukwonago Optimist Club presents our first ever youth photo contest! Students in elementary through high school can submit one photo that illustrates a line from the Optimist Creed. The Optimist Creed can be found by scrolling down on this page or by clicking here.
Photos must be submitted in the Optimist Club Photo Contest drop box inside the Mukwonago Community Library between September 16 and September 25, 2024. Photos will be on display at the library from September 30th to October 5th, 2024, where the public can vote for “People’s Choice”.
Entries will be judged in age categories of 9 and under, age 10 to 14, and age 15 upwards. Official judging will take place on Oct 3rd, and winning photos will be recognized with ribbons attached from Oct 4th. The judges will select 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category to receive a ribbon. First place winners will also receive a prize. All contestants will receive a participation certificate.
Photos will be judged for the photography quality and for how well the photo illustrates/exemplifies the verse of the Optimist Creed.
Photos may be sized 4” x 6” OR 5” x 7”, and may be black and white OR color photo. NO photo-shopping enhancements should be used other than basic cropping of the photo.
Photos should be placed on a cardstock background, with “The Optimist Creed” verse/line stated clearly on the cardstock frame, above or below the photo (see entry form for example). This is so that the judges will know what line of the creed the photo illustrates/exemplifies. The photographer’s name and age should be on the back, and the entry form should be attached.
If you have any questions or need more info, please contact us on mukwonagoOptimist@gmail.com
The 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 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
meat raffle benefiting mukwonago optimist club youth programs
August 18, 2024 - 12 to 2pm, Papa Stache in Big Bend
On August 18, 2024 from 12 to 2pm, we are hosting our meat raffle fundraiser at the awesome Papa Stache in Big Bend! We will be raffling off several amazing meat packages, packaged by Roberts Speciality Meat. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the children’s programs run by the Mukwonago Optimist Club - so come join us, bring friends, and help support out youth!
Papa Stache Address - W228S9300 Big Bend Drive, Big Bend, WI. Papa Stache website - www.papa-stache.com
Summer drama camp - June 23 - 29, 2024 - ADventures in oz
REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED (REACHED MAX ATTENDEES)
We are excited to partner with Wisconsin Theater Arts again to bring you our yearly summer drama camp - this year it will be titled “Adventures in Oz”! The drama camp is held at Mukwonago High School Greenwald Foundation Performing Arts Center (605 W Veterans Way, Mukwonago, WI 53149) from June 23rd to June 29th, 2024. Children aged 7 to 18 are welcome; the cost of the week long camp is $75 for the first child and $60 for each subsequent child in the same family. Checks or cash payable on arrival.
Auditions are on Sunday, June 23, starting at 12pm. Auditions will be done in time slots, based on the child’s age. Your child(ren) only has to stay for their designated time slot. This year part of a script will be sent to all registrants so that children have the opportunity to practice beforehand, so that they feel more confident and relaxed. Roles/casting will be announced via email on the evening of June 23rd, once auditions are complete.
Rehearsals will start the next day (Monday, June 24th) and will be held every afternoon (11:45am to 5pm) on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Arrival times will be staggered for the first two days to give more rehearsal time for main roles.
On Friday, June 28th, there will be dress rehearsal at 2pm and a performance at 7pm. There will be another performance on Saturday, June 29 at 1pm. Children are required to be at BOTH performances.
The cost of the camp includes two free tickets to a performance. Additional tickets will be available for purchase at $6 each throughout the week and at both performances.
T-shirts will be available for order a few weeks before camp (a link will be sent via email to all registrants). The cost of the t-shirts will range from $16 and $22, depending on how many children order them.
Children attending summer school until 12pm: These students will bring a bagged lunch and come to the MHS commons as soon as summer school is done. They will quickly eat lunch and then join the rest of the children in the PAC. Each day, the children should bring a snack and water in a water bottle that seals (and does not leak).
If you have any questions please contact us at mukwonagoOptimist@gmail.com.
Registration books an audition spot, not a role. However, in all the years we have done this, every child has been placed in a role.
oratorical Contest winners!
December 2023 and January 2024
This Optimist International sponsored activity sets a topic for students to write a speech about and then deliver their speeches to a panel of three judges. The top three students received an award from the Mukwonago Optimist Club. The first place winner received $150, the second place $100 and the third place $50.
For 2023-2024 school year, the theme was “How to Change the World with Optimism”
The year’s winners are:
1st Place - Kayli Abbott
2nd Place - Aurora Webb
3rd Place - Sara Richardson
We congratulate these students on their excellent speeches! Well done! The top two winners will now be entered into the zone oratorical competition, and if one of them wins there they will go to the district level competition to stand a chance of winning $2500.
We also want to say thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s competition, including the judges. The next oratorical contest will open towards the end of 2024, so keep an eye out for that information!
Build a Fishing Rod Day - a “reel” success!
January 2024
The Free Masons of Mukwonago sponsored a “Build a Fishing Rod Day” on January 27, 2024. This was held at the Mukwonago Town Hall. On that day children (with an adult helper) were guided and helped to build a fishing rod which they could take home with them on the following Sunday. There was no fee for this project and lunch was served too. Thank you to everyone involved for making it an incredible day!
qdoba fundraiser
Tuesday, February 13, 2024 4 - 8pm
Enjoy a delicious dinner and help the youth of Mukwonago at the same time! The Mukwonago Optimist Club will receive 25% of fundraiser sales* at Mukwonago QDOBA on February 13 between 4pm and 8pm.
For us to receive the 25% of your sale, you MUST show the QR code below at the register at QDOBA Mukwonago location, OR by ordering online at this location at qdoba.com using the digital coupon code QDOBAGIVES, between 4pm and 8pm.
*Gift card sales, alcoholic beverage sales and delivery fees excluded
Please don’t forget to show them the QR code at the register at the Mukwonago location or use our digital coupon code (QDOBAGIVES) when you order from the Mukwonago location online!
Thank you for your support!
oratorical CONTEST
Deadline extended to January 21st, 2024
The Optimist Oratorical Contest has become the longest running program sponsored by Optimist International. The contest is designed for youth to gain experience in public speaking, perfect self-expression, gain self-assurance, improve communication skills, and provide them with the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship. The topic for this 2023-2024 school year is "How to Change the World with Optimism."
The contest is open to any contestant under the age of 19 as of Oct. 1st 2024. Interested youth should prepare a 4-5 minute speech on the assigned topic to be presented on January 25th at the Mukwonago Library in front of a panel of 3 judges. The first place winner will receive $150, the second place $100 and the third place winner $50. The first and second place winners will then move on to the Zone level contest, which will take place in March or early April. The top two winners of that contest will then move on to the District level contest on May 10th for a chance at a $2500 scholarship.
The application for this contest will need to be submitted no later than January 21st, 2024 to jsearing80@yahoo.com
Build a Fishing Rod Day-
currently no spaces left for 2024. please Try again next year
If you are close to twelve years old or older and like to fish, then this is a great opportunity for you!
The Free Masons of Mukwonago are sponsoring a “Build a Fishing Rod Day” on January 27, 2024. This is held at the Mukwonago Town Hall located on Beulah Road, starting at 8:30am, and ending around 5pm. On that day you will be guided and helped to build a fishing rod which you can take home with you on the following Sunday. An adult helper is required to stay with you for the day. Application forms are found here. The application must be sent in before Jan. 14th to attend this event. There is no fee for this project and lunch will be served at noon.
Please contact Edie for more information at ediesimons@yahoo.com or 262-363-7863.
food pantry drive at associated bank Mukwonago & Muskego
December 2023
This winter, we have set-up Christmas collection bins at the Associated Bank branches in Mukwonago and Muskego, to collect items for those in need. This year we are supporting the local Mukwonago Food Pantry and Kitchen Cupboard Food Pantry. They are in need of beverages like ground coffee, tea and juices, as well as laundry detergent and dish soap. These bins are in-place from November 24th until December 18th, so please join us in helping our local community by restocking the food pantries! Thank you so much to Associated Bank for partnering with us in this!
Please contact us at mukwonagoOptimist@gmail.com for more information on this effort.
Christmas Clearing Council Sponsor a Family
This year, through the Christmas Clearing Counsel of Waukesha County, we will be sponsoring a family in need for Christmas, to provide them with gifts for their children. If you would like to donate to this worthy cause, and make Christmas brighter for a local family, please contact Amy at 608-436-1815 or amy.soleimani@gmail.com.
sock it to the pantry - starting november 1, 2023
Help us “Sock it to the Pantry”! The Mukwonago Optimist Club is once again sponsoring a collection of new socks and underwear for needy children in the Mukwonago area beginning on November 1st. They are collecting these items with the help of our local banks. If you would like to help a child in need, please consider buying a new pair of socks or underwear, and bring it to any of these participating banks: Citizens Bank, Pyramax Bank, Johnson Bank, Waukesha State Bank and First Citizens Bank. You can use the drive up window or take your packages into the bank.
Members of the Mukwonago Optimist Club will pick the donations up on December 1st and take them to the Food Pantries in the area or any other place that collects clothing for people who need a bit of help for their children during the holiday season. Please bring the items soon, since winter is on the way! Thank you!
information night - come find out about what it means to be part of the optimist club
September 14, 2023 - 7 to 8pm, Waukesha State Bank Community Room, Mukwonago
Join us at our "no obligation" info night. Find out what we are all about and how you can serve our local youth through educational programs, even if you don't have a lot of time. We would love to see you there! Come Make a difference with us!
Waukesha State Bank Community Room address - 1160 N Rochester Street, Mukwonago, WI.
meat raffle benefiting mukwonago optimist club youth programs
August 20, 2023 - 12 to 2pm, Papa Stache in Big Bend
On August 20, 2023 from 12 to 2pm, we are hosting our very first meat raffle at the awesome Papa Stache in Big Bend! We will be raffling off several amazing meat packages, packaged by Roberts Speciality Meat. Proceeds from the raffle will benefit the children’s programs run by the Mukwonago Optimist Club - so come join us, bring friends, and help support out youth!
Papa Stache Address - W228S9300 Big Bend Drive, Big Bend, WI. Papa Stache website - www.papa-stache.com
DRAMA CAMP (wisconsin theater arts Production) - peter pan
July 10 - 15, 2023
Each summer, we host a week-long drama camp at Greenwald Foundation PAC at Mukwonago High School. This year it is led by two directors from Wisconsin Theater Arts. With their cooperation, we execute auditions and a week of practicing and performing a musical with a full cast of local children. It is for students age 7 to 18. Registration link is above.
Auditions are on Monday at 1pm. They are generally held in a group format and no advance preparation/experience is needed. After auditions, roles/casting will be announced and a short practice will commence with those cast in principal and supporting roles. A full rehearsal schedule will be given out on audition day.
Rehearsals will be held most of the afternoon (12pm to 5pm) on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (not all cast members will be needed for the entire five hours). On Friday, July 14th, there will be dress rehearsal at 3pm (all cast members must arrive at 2pm). A pizza party dinner will be provided to the cast at 5pm and then a performance follows at 7:00 pm. A second performance will be on Saturday, July 15th at 1pm (cast members must arrive by noon). Attendance is mandatory at each rehearsal and performance.
The Mukwonago Optimist Club is charging a $75 registration fee for the first member of each family and $60 for additional members of the same family who are cast in the musical. This fee will help to defray the cost of the production. With each paid fee the family will receive 2 complimentary tickets. Additional tickets for the performance will cost $6.00 each and can be purchased during practice sessions or at the door before the performances.
This event is sponsored by the Mukwonago Optimist Club, Citizens Bank in Mukwonago, First Citizens State Bank, Waukesha State Bank and Blue Bay Restaurant.
More detailed information is available here, or email us on mukwonagoOptimist@gmail.com or call Edie Simons at 262-363-7863.
Essay Contest
November and December 2022
This Optimist International sponsored activity sets a topic for students to write about and submit their essays. A panel of judges will review them and the top three students will receive an award from the Mukwonago Optimist Club. The first place winner will receive $150, the second place $100 and the third place $50.
For 2022-2023 school year, the theme was “Who is an everyday hero that brings out the optimism in you?”
The year’s winners are:
1st Place - Payton Brausch
2nd Place - Maya Schaefer
3rd Place - Kayli Abbott
We congratulate these students on their excellent essays! Well done! The first place winner will now be entered into the district essay competition, and stands the chance to win a $2500 scholarship.
We also want to say thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s competition, the quality of work was exceptional and we were truly impressed.
Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre Production (Drama Camp) - Jack and the Beanstalk
July 10 - 15, 2023
Each summer, we host a week-long drama camp which is led by two directors from the Prairie Fire Theater Group of Barrett, Minnesota. With their cooperation, we execute a week of practicing and performing a musical with a full cast of local children. It is for students age 7 to 18. Other acting and/or musical workshops are also available.
More information is available here, or email us on mukwonagoOptimist@gmail.com or call Edie Simons at 262-363-7863.
hat and mitten trees (several locations)
November 2022
This winter, we have set-up Christmas trees at Mukwonago Citizens Bank (Downtown Mukwonago) and the Vernon Lutheran Church, to collect hats and mittens for those in need. We have also set up trees at First Citizens Banks in East Troy and Whitewater, where they will accept not only hats and mittens but also socks, undies, and also beverages and laundry or dish soap. This year we are supporting the local Mukwonago Food Pantry and Kitchen Cupboard Food Pantry with these needed items. These trees are in place until December 1st, so please join us in supporting our local community! Thank you so much to Citizens Bank, First Citizens Bank and Vernon Lutheran Church for partnering with us in this!
Please contact us at mukwonagoOptimist@gmail.com for more information on this effort.