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Sauk Prairie Optimists

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Sauk Prairie Optimists

We serve the youth of Sauk Prairie School District in various ways, e.g. Summer School, Libraries, Scholarships, Safe Community Coalition, etc.

Sauk Prairie Optimists meet the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of month at 7a.m. in the 6:8 Meeting Room at 821 Industry Road, Sauk City, Wisconsin. If there is a 5th Wednesday in the month, we meet at noon in the conference at the Sauk Prairie School District Offices (440 13th Street, Prairie du Sac, WI.) TO JOIN: Both Individuals and Businesses (Friend of Optimists) can join our Club. Message or email us for information. (We are a fun group and make a difference!)

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 of the best, to work only for the best and 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.

07/27/2026

Sports Boosters Speak to Optimists

On July 15, Micah Snyder of the Sauk Prairie Sports Boosters (SPSB,) spoke to the Optimist Club. The Boosters are a non-profit group of volunteers, first organized in 1997, who raise money to support the athletic programs of Sauk Prairie Schools. In January 2026, the SPSB reached a milestone of over $1million raised since its inception. Over the last three years, their gifts to sports have averaged $65K per year.

Historically, the funds have gone primarily for uniforms and equipment, but in more recent years funds were also spent for a HUDL video subscription that allows streaming and for coaches to analyze plays. In 2025-2026, Enhanced Eagle Training Programs were added that are designed for specific sports. The State Champion Volleyball Team felt this training was particularly beneficial. The SPSB only give to a sport when/if the coach makes a request.

The Boosters live-stream sporting events on their YouTube channel, with some events having over 1,500 viewers. Starting this fall, the SPSB with be running the sporting concession stands, with help from the Future Business Leaders of America.

Pictured (L-R): Dick McFarlane, Optimist Member and Sports Booster; Micah Snyder, President of Sauk Prairie Sports Boosters; Shari Diehl, Optimist Member and former Swim Mom; and Cliff Thompson, Optimist Member and former Athletic Director at Sauk Prairie High School.

07/22/2026

Pictured below are the five Honorees from the first Community Service Award Banquet last October. GOOD NEWS - we're doing it again!

The Community Service Awards are a collaboration of three local service clubs: Community Club, Lions, and Optimists. New this year is a second award, the "Emerging Leader Award" for individuals ages 19 - 30. Both awards recognize extraordinary community leaders who are role models to others and help make Sauk Prairie the special place it is.

The honorees will be recognized at an Awards Banquet on Thursday, October 22nd, at the Dorf Haus. This is an opportunity for our community to say “Thank You” to those dedicated people who have volunteered their time and talent to make our lives and community a better place.

Nomination forms are available at the Chamber of Commerce or you can request an electronic copy at [email protected] with Comm Svc Award in the Subject line. Nominations are due September 1st.

If you would like to be a Sponsor of the event, contact Fritz Wyttenbach.

07/20/2026

Paul Larson of Merrimac (L) with Dick McFarlane, Optimist Member at the July 1 Sauk Prairie Optimist Club Meeting. Larson spoke to the Club of his journey from working in Public Finance in Chicago and New York City - including many television appearances - to becoming a Christmas Tree farmer in Wisconsin. Larson and his family are heavily embedded in the community, especially in music and sports. They appreciate the natural beauty, low cost of living, and excellent schools in the area.

07/01/2026

Fun but hot🔥 night at our last June Tunes event with Fritz and Ginny's Steak in Community grill!
Thank you to everyone that came and supported our fundraiser! And Thank You to Fritz and Ginny for all you do for our Community!❤️🤍💙

06/19/2026

Optimist Club Learns About ZOE International's Fight Against Human Trafficking

At the Sauk Prairie Optimist Club meeting on June 17, Ben and Jen Wood shared information about their work with ZOE International, a Christian organization dedicated to spreading the Gospel and combating human trafficking.

Based in Thailand, ZOE International works to prevent child trafficking, rescue victims, and provide protection and restoration for children who have been exploited or are at risk. The organization's mission combines sharing the message of Jesus Christ with practical efforts to care for vulnerable children.

The Woods explained that ZOE's work includes educating communities about the dangers of human trafficking, partnering with law enforcement to rescue victims, and providing safe homes for children. Once children are rescued, ZOE offers counseling, education, vocational training, and life-skills development to help them heal and build successful futures. Please visit https://gozoe.org/our-impact/thailand/ or contact [email protected] or [email protected] for more information.

The Sauk Prairie Optimists meet on the first Wednesday of the month at noon and the third Wednesday of the month at 7am. All meetings are at the 6:8 dining room and visitors are welcome.

Pictured (L-R): Optimist Member Dick McFarlane, ZOE members Jen and Ben Wood

06/16/2026

🎵 June 16th – Listen to Mary Moore
Join us June 16th at Meyer Oak Grove Park in Sauk City for another fantastic June Tunes evening beginning at 6:30 PM. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Sauk Prairie Optimists alongside Fritz Wyttenbach with A Steak in the Community – Steak sandwiches

06/12/2026

Kids Companion Speaks to Optimists

Andy Arntsen, Board Member of Sauk Prairie Kids Companion (SPKC,) spoke at the June 3 Optimist Club meeting. SPKC is a Big Brother/Big Sister-type organization that matches adult volunteers with at-risk kids aged 6 – 16 who would benefit from extra support in their life. The organization was founded in 1990 and is funded by donations, including from the Sauk Prairie Optimist Club.

Volunteers and kids are matched based on similar interests. Each volunteer is asked to spend an hour per week with “their” kids, doing any type of activity (e.g. hiking, visiting a library, playing a game, etc.) In addition, there are four group activities for all members each year.

Currently, SPKC has 17 pairings – 14 girls and 3 boys. The group is seeking more male volunteers. If you think you might be interested in making a difference in a young person’s life, contact SPKC at [email protected]. An on-line application is also available on their website (saukprairiekidscompanion.com.)

The Sauk Prairie Optimists meet on the first Wednesday of the month at noon and the third Wednesday of the month at 7am. All meetings are at the 6:8 dining room and visitors are welcome.

Pictured: Andy Arntsen of Sauk Prairie Kids Companion and Dick McFarlane, Optimist Member at the June 3 Optimist Club meeting.

06/08/2026

Ryette Smith is the May Optimist Middle Level Leader

Ryette Smith, the daughter of Nathan and Kristal Smith and an eighth grader at the Sauk Prairie Middle School, has been named the Sauk Prairie Optimist Middle Level Leader for May. Eighth Grade Specialist Teachers are absolutely buzzing with excitement to announce that Ryette Smith has been nominated for the prestigious Middle Level Leader award! This remarkable student has truly inspired her teachers—Cece Bakken (ELL Teacher), Janea Dax (Reading Resource), Melissa Hubbard (Math Resource), Stella Opahle (Librarian), and Megan Tarnutzer (Library Assistant)—who are all overjoyed to celebrate her incredible achievements!

Megan Tarnutzer had this to say, “Simply put, Ryette is a joy to have around and makes the world brighter, just by being in it. Getting to know Ryette during her time at SPMS has been a joy. As a frequent visitor of the library, she brings happiness to our space. It’s fun to see what books she is reading and watch her challenge herself while picking out her next title. I have witnessed her integrity many times in the library; she helps others and does it without hesitation. I have also had the pleasure of watching her thrive and grow during the musical and show choir seasons. She is a natural on the stage, and that grace and poise carries over into her daily interactions and school life. Ryette is a kind and positive person, and we can't wait to see what lies ahead for her!”

Ryette’s incredible talents shine both in and out of the classroom. Not only is she a dynamic member of the Color Guard Club, but she also serves as a dedicated Middle School Mentor. Her passion for the performing arts is evident in her performances in the Musical and Variety Show, as well as her time in Show Choir.

Outside of school, she lights up the stage at Kris Pickar’s School of Dance and enjoys showcasing her skills as an enthusiastic clogger. With a heart full of excitement, Ryette is eagerly anticipating all the amazing opportunities that high school will bring.

As she looks to the future, she’s set her sights set on college and can’t wait to discover where this journey will take her.

Pictured: Heather Curtis SPMS Social Worker; Tricia Rodey, SPMS Principal, MLL father Nate Smith, Sauk Prairie Optimist May Middle Level Leader Ryette Smith,;Ryette's mother Krystal Smith; Ryette's grandmother, Sheila Campbell; and Megan Tarnutzer, SPMS Library Assistant at the Optimist meeting on June 3 at the 6:8 dining room. There has been a change in the Optimist schedule of meetings. The first Wednesday of the month the meeting is at noon and the third meeting of the month is at 7 am; both meetings are held at the 6:8 dining room at 821 Industry Rd. in Sauk City.

06/03/2026

June Tunes tonight was so much fun! It was the debut of Fritz Wyttenbach's "Steak in the Community" effort, so we were making things up as went along, Everyone was patient, cooperative, and grateful for the wonderful sandwich (tasty!) WE SOLD OUT! We also learned a lot for future events.

As several people commented, The Man Knows Meat.😁

Address

PO Box 522
Sauk City, WI
53583

Website

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