Information about our club, Michigan Distirct, and Optimist International
Club History
Chartered on September 29, 1988.
Sponsored by the Kalamazoo Downtown Club, which no longer exists.
Key person in BOCK's formation: Dave McKee.
BOCK's first club president, Janet Gillette (still a member).
Currently, January 2021, about 95 members.
Current members who joined on or before January 1, 1990 (number in parentheses after member's name is their member number): Janet Gillette (0001), Helen Horn (0002), Gina Cifolelli (0007), Nancy Flipse (0010) Pat Weber (0015), Dave McKee (0040), Bob Balik (0059), Linda Ingersoll (0062), and Chris Shults (0091).
Clubs BOCK sponsored:
Metro S.T.A.N.D. - Detroit, MI, no longer in existence,
Holland, MI, charted September 22, 2014,
Movers and Shakers Optimist Club of Greater Grand Rapids, chartered September 17, 2020,
Octagon Club of the Zoo, no longer in existence,
Portage Central High School Rise and Shine Junior Optimist Club, chartered November 27, 2019.
Club's First Year
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Current Executives
Name
Position, 2020 - 2021
Terri Norman
President
Linda Ingersoll Secretary - Treasurer Kimberley Phillips
Communications Director Tina Robbins Community Service Director Jeff Cowles Fellowship Director Bob Balik Finance Director Chris Shults Membership Director Diane Marquees Programs Director Kathy Praedel Youth Activities Director Lyn Lenox OI Foundation Representative
Name | Position, 2020 - 2021 |
Terri Norman | President |
Linda Ingersoll | Secretary - Treasurer |
Kimberley Phillips | Communications Director |
Tina Robbins | Community Service Director |
Jeff Cowles | Fellowship Director |
Bob Balik | Finance Director |
Chris Shults | Membership Director |
Diane Marquees | Programs Director |
Kathy Praedel | Youth Activities Director |
Lyn Lenox | OI Foundation Representative |
Club Presidents
Name | Optimist Year |
Terri Norman | 2020 - 2021 |
Linda Thompson | 2019 - 2020 |
Jeanette Meyer | 2018 - 2019 |
Dan Mills | 2017 - 2018 |
Linda Thompson | 2016 - 2017 |
Laurie Jefsen | 2015 - 2016 |
Marilyn Lenox-Bosma | 2014 - 2015 |
Cathy Balik | 2013 - 2014 |
Nicole Ingersoll | 2012 - 2013 |
Wilma VanLoo | 2011 - 2012 |
Jeanette Meyer | 2010 - 2011 |
Terri Norman | 2009 - 2010 |
Chris Shults | 2008 - 2009 |
Val Lippincott | 2007 - 2008 |
Nicole Ingersoll | 2006 - 2007 |
Deanna Draze | 2005 - 2006 |
Marilyn Lenox-Bosma | 2004 - 2005 |
Julie Howes | 2003 - 2004 |
Terri Norman | 2002 - 2003 |
Janet Oord | 2001 - 2002 |
Alice Nash | 2000 - 2001 |
Tim Flynn | 1999 - 2000 |
Kathy Smyser | 1998 - 1999 |
Linda Ingersoll | 1997 - 1998 |
Pat Haley | 1996 - 1997 |
Helen Horn | 1995 - 1996 |
Dave McKee | 1994 - 1995 |
Cheryl McKee | 1993 - 1994 |
Chris Shults | 1992 - 1993 |
Dale Gruber | 1991 - 1992 |
Gina Cifolelli | 1990 - 1991 |
Randy Schoof | 1989 - 1990 |
Janet Gillette | 1988 - 1989 |
Michigan District
Michigan District of Optimist International has 90 clubs (as of December 2020).
This District covers Michigan's Lower Peninsula.
BOCK plus 7 other clubs comprise Zone 6 in the Michigan District.
BOCK members who have Michigan District positions for 2020 - 2021 Optimist Year:
Dan Mills, Governor Elect
Linda Thompson, Lieutenant Governor, Zone 6
Optimist International
Optimist International is an international service club organization with almost 3,000 clubs and over 80,000 members in more than 20 countries.
The headquarters is located in St. Louis, Missouri.
Photo carousel:
Thursday, October 1, 2020, Pavilion, Celery Flats, Portage.
Recognized 2019-2020 Officers and Directors.
Introduced 2020-2021 Officers and Directors.
Announced members with perfect attendance: David McKee and Pat Weber have had perfect attendance for the 32 years of BOCK’s existence.
Announced Dan Mills as BOCK member for 2019 – 2020 Optimist International year.







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