Margaret Monroe is 2010-11 Optimist of the Year

The annual Royal Oak Optimist Club awards and installation dinner was held on Tuesday October 25th at ViaNove in Ferndale. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of Margaret Monroe as the 2010 / 2011 Optimist of the year. 

Margaret is a lifelong Royal Oak resident and community activist as well as a a volunteer with the 44th District Court in the probation department. Her contributions to the Optimist Club include being a key member of the planning committee for the annual Bowl-A-bration fundraiser and a judge for the annual essay contest. She participates in all of the club activities including as a presenter for the annual Youth Appreciation Awards and helping with the 11 Mile cleanup each spring and fall. Visit the regular Optimist meeting any Wednesday morning and Margaret will tell you about the little "Zoomer " car and you may even hear her sing a Christmas song. 

Margaret was presented by last year's Co-Optimists of the year Jay and Patty Dunstan. Congratulations Margaret.

Club President Shannon Jovic also presented a special award to Dawne Ripinski in acknowledgement for her past eight years as a board member and president in 2007-08.

Earlier in the evening, Shannon gave her state of the club address and highlighted the many achievements of the Optimist Club throughout the year. Club member Marc Katz, who is a past District Governor and has held many positions at the District, presided over the installation of officers and directors for 2011-12. They are:

OFFICERS

Shannon Jovic - President

Jay Dunstan - Vice President

Patty Dunstan - Secretary

Reid Beyerlein - Treasurer  

DIRECTORS

Bonnie Borque

Jim Plecha

Al Pruner

Mike Ripinski

Brett Tillander

John Timmerman

If you would like to learn more about the Royal Oak Optimist club visit the website at www.royaloakoptimists.org or stop in any Wednesday morning 7:15 AM at Jimi's on Washington in downtown Royal Oak. Breakfast is on them.