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The Optimist Club of Alpena recently held its 50th annual installation banquet at the Elk's Club and installed Sylvia Stoinski as the organization's first woman president.

Outgoing President Dana Howard gave comments on his year as leader of the Alpena Optimists and handed out awards to several deserving Optimists from the past year.

The four Optimist of the Quarter Awards went to Marlin Dorr for his many years serving as treasurer, Jim Mott for his work at Optimist Acres and new member recruitment, Sylvia Stoinski for running the Optimist concession trailer and Ken Bock for his work organizing the Bump & Run, Mud Bog, wrestling concession, and Punt Pass & Kick.

Howard honored Chuck Beal for his work with the Brown Trout Festival, Mike Dennis for his work maintaining Optimist Acres, Pat Pfeifer for procuring donations to the club and recruiting new members, and Mark Hulsey for taking over the treasurer's job with limited time.

Howard also gave special recognition to members Cody Lancaster and Joe Garber for their many years of service to the Brown Trout Festival.

One final award, the President's Citation, went to Ken Bock for the many hours he puts in to support the club. The President's Citation is signed by Optimist International President Don Sievers.

Finally, Howard talked about the Optimists community partners without which the Optimist Club could not function. They are Lafarge Corporation, Alpena Regional Medical Center, WATZ and WHSB, The Alpena News, Pepsi, and the many small businesses that give selflessly to support the club.

Mark Stoinski, assistant governor for Region 1 of the Michigan District, administered the oath of office to the new officers for the Alpena Club. The officers installed for the 2009-10 year are Sylvia Stoinski, president; Mark Stoinski, secretary; and Mark Hulsey, treasurer. Board members serving the second year of their two-year terms are Chuck Beal, Jeff Shea, Ken Bock, Bill Lancaster and Cody Lancaster. Board members beginning their two-year terms are Mike Dennis, Jeff Taphouse, Bob Murdock, Pat Pfeifer and Pete Wilson.

As the first woman president of the Optimist Club of Alpena, Sylvia Stoinski will have company at the state level as the Michigan District Governor for the 2009-10 year is also a woman.

In looking ahead Stoinski confirmed the Optimists' commitment to community service through their several annual events such as Spring Break Fun Day, ice rink at McRae Park, kid's fishing event, Oratorical Contest and many others.