BOCK Activities for 2024 – 2025 Optimist Year

Tuesday, October 1, 2024: Book club, Fountains of Silence by Ruta Sepetys.

Saturday, October 5, 2024: Fundraiser, Two BOCK members ushered at Western Michigan University hockey game.

Thursday, October 10, 2024; At the BOCK gathering our speaker was Shannon Kaplan a Physical Therapist at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy. Her presentation topic was Functional Fitness. She provided a set of exercises. The link: Exercises.pdf (PDF file size = 2,983 KB)

Friday, October 11, 2024: Fundraiser, Two BOCK members ushered at a Western Michigan University hockey game.

Saturday, October 12, 2024: Fundraiser, Three BOCK members ushered at a Western Michigan University football game.

Thursday, October 17, 2024: Fundraiser, Two BOCK members ushered at a Western Michigan University hockey game. 

Saturday, October 19, 2024: Fundraiser, Two BOCK members ushered at a Western Michigan University hockey game.

Saturday, October 19, 2024: Great Lakes Center of Autism Treatment and Research, 11th Annual Trunk or Treat! (https://www.autismtreatmentresearch.org/11th-annual-trunk-or-treat/), BOCK members decorated and displayed a fun farm-themed trunk.

Wednesday, October 23, 2024: PowerUp (https://www.radiant.church/powerup), 14 BOCK members and 2 guests packed 460 meal bags.  We also donated items for the high school food pantries.

Thursday, October 24, 2024, BOCK gathering: BOCK member Lyn Lenox gave a presentation on the NEW Personal Growth and Involvement Program: All the Changes! It is online and offered through the Optimist Institute. Link to registration information, OptimistInstitute.pdf (File size = 1,143 KB).

Saturday, October 26, 2024: Fundraiser, Three BOCK members ushered at a Western Michigan University football game.

Tuesday, November 5, 2024: Book club, The Women by Kristin Hannah.

Wednesday, November 6, 2024: Fundraiser, Three BOCK members ushered at a Western Michigan University football game.

Sunday, November 10, 2024: Fellowship, Western Michigan University, Shaw Theatre, 2:00 p.m., Legally Blonde: The Musical. After the musical, there was an optional supper at the University Road House, 1332 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006.

Friday, November 15, 2024, and Saturday, November 16, 2024: About 10 BOCK members attended the Michigan District Fall Gathering, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Auburn Hills, MI, Details: https://michiganoptimists.org/events/2024-25-fall-gathering/.

Friday, November 15, 2024: Fundraiser, Three BOCK members ushered at a Western Michigan University hockey game.

Saturday, November 16, 2024: Fundraiser, Two BOCK members ushered at a Western Michigan University hockey game.

Friday, November 22, 2024: BOCK Trivia Night; It was in Community Room West 106 at the Portage Zhang Senior Center, 203 E Centre Ave, Portage, MI 49002; Doors opened at 6:30 p.m.; trivia started at 7:00 p.m.; six persons per trivia team; cost per team was $150; coffee, water, and delicious desserts were provided; BYOB; Funds were donated to Bronson Pediatric Oncology & Hematology Specialists.

Friday, November 29, 2024: Fundraiser, Two BOCK members usher at a Western Michigan University hockey game.

Saturday, November 30, 2024: Fundraiser, Three BOCK members usher at a Western Michigan University football game.

Tuesday, December 3, 2024: Book club, The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024: PowerUp (https://www.radiant.church/powerup).

Friday, December 6, 2024: Fundraiser, Two BOCK members usher at a Western Michigan University hockey game.

Saturday, December 7, 2024: Fundraiser, Two BOCK members usher at a Western Michigan University hockey game.

Thursday, December 19, 2024: End date for club collecting children and adult hats, mittens, and gloves which were given to a local charity. The charity distributed them to those in need.

Friday, January 3, 2025: Fundraiser, Two BOCK members ushered at a Western Michigan University hockey game.

Saturday, January 4, 2025: Fundraiser, Two BOCK members ushered at a Western Michigan University hockey game.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025: Book club, Christmas Actually by Lisa Darcy.

Friday, January 24, 2025: Fundraiser, Two BOCK members ushered at a Western Michigan University hockey game.

Saturday, January 25, 2025: Fundraiser, Two BOCK members ushered at a Western Michigan University Hockey game.

February 2025: BOCK Essay contest.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025: Book club, Tom Lake by Ann Patchett.

Wednesday, February 5, 2025: PowerUp (https://www.radiant.church/powerup), 14 BOCK members pack meal bags. We also donated items for the high school food pantries.

Friday, February 7, 2025: Fundraiser, Two BOCK members ushered at a Western Michigan University hockey game.

Saturday, February 8, 2025: Michigan District Meeting, via Zoom, https://michiganoptimists.org/events/2024-25-winter-zoom-gathering/.

Saturday, February 8, 2025: Bowl For Kids Sake, https://thinkbigtoday.org/events/bowl-for-kids-sake/, BOCK contributed $1,150.

Saturday, February 8, 2025: Fundraiser, Two BOCK members ushered at a Western Michigan University Hockey game.

Tuesday, February 11,  2025: Bock members tutored second grade students at Comstock Elementary School.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025: BOCK Board Meeting, via Zoom.

Friday, February 14, 2025: Fundraiser, Two BOCK members ushered at a Western Michigan University hockey game.

Tuesday, February 18,  2025: Bock members tutored second grade students at Comstock Elementary School.

Tuesday, February 25,  2025: Bock members tutored second grade students at Comstock Elementary School.

Friday, February 28, 2025: Fundraiser, Two BOCK members ushered at a Western Michigan University hockey

March 2025: Prepared for BOCK oratorical contest on Tuesday, March 25, 2025.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025: Book Club, The Measure by Nikki Erlick.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025: BOCK members tutored second grade students at Comstock Elementary School.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025: BOCK members tutored second grade students at Comstock Elementary School.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025: Four BOCK members assisted at the Book Fair at Comstock Elementary School.

Thursday, March 13, 2025: Essay contest winners read their essays at the BOCK morning gathering.

Thursday, March 13, 2025: Four BOCK members assisted at the Book Fair at Comstock Elementary School.

Tuesday, March 18, 2025: Bock members tutored second grade students at Comstock Elementary School.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025: Bock members tutored second grade students at Comstock Elementary School.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025: Oratorical Contest was at 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time, in the 2nd floor conference room at the Portage Public Safety building, 7810 Shaver Road, Portage, MI 49002.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025: Bock members tutored second grade students at Comstock Elementary School.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025: Book Club, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025: Bock members tutored second-grade students at Comstock Elementary School.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025: via Zoom, BOCK Board Meeting.

Thursday, April 10, 2025: Oratorical Contest winners gave presentations at BOCK morning gathering.

Tuesday, April 15, 2025: Bock members tutored second-grade students at Comstock Elementary School.

Tuesday, April 22, 2025: Bock members tutored second-grade students at Comstock Elementary School.

Tuesday, April 29, 2025: Bock members tutored second-grade students at Comstock Elementary School.

BOCK Activities: Events for and with Kids

Chartered on September 29, 1988.

 

Michigan District of Optimist International has 90 clubs (as of December 2024).

 

Club Presidents Optimist Year
Dan Mills
2024 – 2025
Carmen Jonaitis
2023 – 2024
Diane Marquess
2022 – 2023
Theresa Mills
2021 – 2022
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
Giina Cifolelli
1990 – 1991
Randy Schoof
1989 – 1999
Janet Gillette
1988 – 1999
Club Presidents Optimist Year
Dan Mills
2024 – 2025
Carmen Jonaitis
2023 – 2024
Diane Marquess
2022 – 2023
Theresa Mills
2021 – 2022
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
Giina Cifolelli
1990 – 1991
Randy Schoof
1989 – 1999
Janet Gillette
1988 – 1999
Club Presidents Optimist Year
Dan Mills
2024 – 2025
Carmen Jonaitis
2023 – 2024
Diane Marquess
2022 – 2023
Theresa Mills
2021 – 2022
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
Giina Cifolelli
1990 – 1991
Randy Schoof
1989 – 1999
Janet Gillette
1988 – 1999

BOCK Activities: Club Bonding Events

Chartered on September 29, 1988.

 

Michigan District of Optimist International has 90 clubs (as of December 2024).

 

Club Presidents Optimist Year
Dan Mills
2024 – 2025
Carmen Jonaitis
2023 – 2024
Diane Marquess
2022 – 2023
Theresa Mills
2021 – 2022
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
Giina Cifolelli
1990 – 1991
Randy Schoof
1989 – 1999
Janet Gillette
1988 – 1999
Club Presidents Optimist Year
Dan Mills
2024 – 2025
Carmen Jonaitis
2023 – 2024
Diane Marquess
2022 – 2023
Theresa Mills
2021 – 2022
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
Giina Cifolelli
1990 – 1991
Randy Schoof
1989 – 1999
Janet Gillette
1988 – 1999
Club Presidents Optimist Year
Dan Mills
2024 – 2025
Carmen Jonaitis
2023 – 2024
Diane Marquess
2022 – 2023
Theresa Mills
2021 – 2022
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
Giina Cifolelli
1990 – 1991
Randy Schoof
1989 – 1999
Janet Gillette
1988 – 1999

BOCK Activities: Fundraisers

Chartered on September 29, 1988.

 

Michigan District of Optimist International has 90 clubs (as of December 2024).

 

BOCK Activities: Clubs BOCK started and assists

The Smile Always Uganda Foundation Optimist Club, assists 2023.
The Rise Optimist Club, Kalamazoo, founded 2022.
Movers and Shakers Optimist Club of Greater Grand Rapids, founded 2020.
Portage Central High School Rise & Shine Optimist Club, founded 2019.

Chartered on September 29, 1988.

 

Michigan District of Optimist International has 90 clubs (as of December 2024).

 

BOCK Activities: Videos

BOCK Video 1

Theme: Guidelines for Essay and Oratorical Contests.

Narrator: Theresa Mills, BOCK President-Elect, 2020 – 2021 Optimist Year.

Created: December 2020

Time: 29 minutes and 29 seconds.

Link to video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f162g3956Wo

BOCK Video 2

Theme: Living the Optimist Creed

Narrator: Dan Mills, Club President, Optimist Year 2017 – 2018

Created: April 2018

Length: 2 minutes  and 21 seconds

Link to video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHA-Bc6JBao