Huron Valley Optimists White Lake, Michigan

Bringing out the best in kids
Home
About Us
Contact Us
Calendar of Events
Newsletter
Optimist Creed
Photo Album
Magic Hug Square Project
membership bio's
The Great Pumpkin Hunt
Community Flyers
Club Events
2011 Fishing Derby
2011 Golf Outing
Wild Joker Raffle
Optimist Essay Contest
 

Membership Biographies

 
 
 

Gregory R. Baroni (Greg),White Lake Twp.
Born & Raised, Det MI
Redford HS, OCC, Wayne St, Central Michigan University
Retired from GM (34 years)
Married to Marilyn, (3) step-children, (4) grand children
Likes  History, Gardening & Woodworking
President White Lake Historical Society, AD Council member United Methodist Church
Dream Job(if money no concern)   Township Supervisor
You might be interested to know:   Invited to Pres Reagan's & Pres Clinton's events when they came to Detroit. Attended 4th of July party with Gordie Howe & his family, Executive Director for Jr Achievement of SE MI for 13 years.
 
Robert Behnke
 
 
 
 
 
 
David Bernardi (Dave), Highland.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Judith R. Bernardi (Judie), Highland.
Born & Raised, Det MI
Henry Ford HS, Wayne State University
Employed by Huron Valley State Bank
Married to David, (3) kids, one grand-daughter
Belongs to: Rotary Club and Church
Dream Job: Travel & see kids more.  Personal Shopper, I love spending other people's money. I am very good at that.
You might be interested to know:   I went to Public School with Stevie Wonder. I read to him in classes we shared.
 
Debra Berry (Debbie Dear), Waterford
Born in Port Huron, MI. Raised all over MI mostly Detroit
Cooley HS,  CMU
Married, (3) grown children
Energetic but poor
Pets: Spanky, Scooby, Kramer, Calypso
Hobbies: Cycling, Gourmet Cooking, Quilting, Knitting, Hiking, Travel
Belongs to: 4H, OLHSA & MI District Optimists
Dream Job: French Hornist in the Paris Subway
You might be interested to know:  Had a Bone Marrow Transplant 1996-hiked the Alps 1 year later. (14,000 ft elevation)
 
Orv Borg
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Charles Brandt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Thomas Buechel (Butch), White Lake
Born in New Mexico, grew up in New Jersey and Michigan
Self employed, until disabled, as a builder from 1984-present
Married to wife Julie, Son Josh 24 and Daughter Jenny 20
Ruthie dog and Pepe LaPue the cat and lots of chickens & eggs 
 Hobbies are hunting, fishing and helping others
Dream job: Entertaining
You might be interested to know:  I am very blessed to have friends and family. 
LOVE is the key to life.
I like helping people with building problems.(handyman)
 
 
Patricia Kristich Carter (Pat), Highland
Born in Detroit, MI, Raised in Royal Oak,MI
Royal Oak Dondero HS, Detroit School Practical Nursing
Worked Henry Ford Hospital,RO Beaumont Hospital
Married to Doyle, Daughter Pam(Orlando) Son Scott & 2 grand- daughters Ava 10 & Helena 7.
Pet: Buddy a Golden Retriever
Hobbies: Dabble in Watercolors, watch grand daughter grow up.
Dream Job: Have the money to travel the world with family.
You might be interested to know:  Took care of Henry Ford II when I worked on the Gold Coast at Henry Ford Hospital.
 
Doyle Kennedy Carter (Big Bass Carter), Highland
Born Lourville, Iowa, Raised Detroit, MI
Pershing HS
Was Self Employed Carter Screen Inc. Livonia, Retired 2000
Married to Patricia, 2 kids, Pam and Scott and 2 grand daughters Ava and Helena.
Pet: Buddy, a  rescued and very lucky Golden Retriever.
Hobbies: Fishing and watching grand daughters
Dream Job: Going around &  making people laugh. Hospital, Malls, (Traveling comedian)
You might be interested to know: 
 
 Pamela Collins (Pam), White Lake,MI
Born & grew up in Johnstown, Pennsylvania
Clarion University
Some days I'm retired, but usually not
Divorced with 2 daughters and 3 grand children
2 Siamese cats, Zoe and Stanley
Docent at the Detroit Zoo, a Stephen Minister Leader and a Lay speaker
Dream Job: Wildlife Photographer
You might be interested to know:  I'm a self motivated learner and I truly like great adventures and travel.
 
Judi Crawford
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Julia Christine Denton,(Judy, Julia, JJ), Waterford, MI
Born & raised in Pontiac, MI
St Freds-Grade, Middle & High School
Employed at White Lake Police Dept as Secretary to the Chief.
Divorced with 3 sons, 4 grand children & twin great-granddaughters
 I have a dog Missy (Maltese)
I enjoy working with photos, painting, biking and decorating.
Church of The Holy Spirit member
Dream Job:  Personal Shopper
You might be interested to know:  Traveled to Australia, England & Scotland 
 
 Renata C. Erickson (GF), White Lake, MI
Born in Detroit and grew up in Southfield, MI
Southfield-LathrupHS, OCC, Wayne State University, St. Mary's College
 Employed by Thomas M. Cooley LawSchool as an Enrollment & Student Services Administrator
Married for 25+ Interesting Years to Thomas
2 sons Trevor (22) and Evan (17)
Pets: Duncan (Dashund)  Leah (Border Collie/Lhasa Apso Mix
Hobbies are Antiquing Garage Saling.
Dream Job:  Philanthropist
You might be interested to know:  I have held over 30 jobs from Video/Film Production & Editing, TV Traffic, Radio, Animation,  Sales & Marketing, Advertising, Real Estate, Education, Funeral Pre-Planning, Collections, Graphic Services.  Iwould love to write a book-mostly about my employment experiences. 
 
 Thomas E. Erickson, White Lake, MI
Born in Detroit and raised in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Bloomfield Hills Andover HS, OCC(Liberal Arts, Electronics)
Temporarily Unemployed
Married to Renata 
 2 sons Trevor(22) Evan(17) AKA " Plaz" the rapper 
Pets:  Duncan and Leah
Dream Job:  Inventor
You might be interested to know:  Hobbies: Flyfishing (Enthusiast, Teacher) , Pro Photographer(Bill Williams Studio), Chief Photographer(J.D. Hicks), Garage Bands(Guitar, at one point I had 8 guitars), Artist(sculptor, Wood carving, Cast Aluminum, Construction), Painting,(drawing, ink & pencil), Hot Rods, Motorcycles, Golf, Baseball, Electronics, Computers, Poet, Writer, Metrology, Machinist, Inventor, Hang gliding. 
 
Joe Erlich
 
 
 
 
 
 
Linda Erlich
 
 
 
 
 
 
  Kenneth L. Fouty II (Ken), Waterford, MI
Born in Toledo,OH raised in Oregon, OH
Clay HS, Owens CC: Law Enforcement, University of Toledo: Criminal Justice Administration, Trinity Lutheran Seminary: Master of Divinity
Employed Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church:Associate Pastor/Mission Developer
Married to Nicole with3 chhildren Kenny(6), Eddie (3 1/2), Andy (2)
1 Dog named Licorice
Hobbies include, Fine Wine, Outdoor Grilling, Cooking, Martial Arts, Fishing
Besides church the other organizations I belong to are Rotary, Waterford/Pontiac Elks
Dream Job:  Chef
You might be intersted to know:  I achieved the rank of Eagle Scout 
 
Suzanne Gabli
 
 
 
 
 
 
John Gore
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dennis Griffin
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jeff Harnack
 
 
 
 
 
 
Julie Ann Hass, Highland, MI
Born in Pontiac, MI raised in Highland, MI
Milford HS, MSU, MSU College of Vet Medicine, Virginia, Maaryland College of Vet Med, the Ohio State CVM
Self Employed at Veterinary Care Specialists, Milford, MI
Married Peter Barnes, 2 children
Pets: Darwin, Zelda, Gracie, Riley, Pagan, Violet & Lizzy
I belong to Milford Rotary, AVMA, AAHA, Michigan VMA, Huron Valley Chamber, Highland Chamber, Lakes Area Chamber
 
Alan Heavner
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mary Hydorn, Rose Township
Born in Dearborn, raised in Highland, MI
Lakeland HS, University of S.Carolina(Biology '84), Oakland University(Physial Therapy'87)
Owner of Kids in Motion Pediatric Therapy Services since 1993
 Married to Marty, son Matthew born'84, son Andrew born '87
Pets:  2 horses, 1 dog and 5 cats
Hobbies include:  Horseback riding,running,scuba diving and travel
Member of Highland Business Assoc: H.V. Chamber; Lakes Chamber; Business Network International(Milford)
Dream Job:  My job without the admisistration. 
  
Mary Ann Jayne
 
 
 
 
 
 
Diana Lee Kastner. White Lake, MI
Born in Pontiac, MI, raised in MI,AZ, CA, FL
Arizona HS, Mott HS, Trade School Waterford Twp
 Employed by Pontiac Lake
Married to Gary, 1 son John and 2 grandchildren Nick & James
Pets: "Yatzee & Skiffy (Working Animals)
I enjoy Scrap Booking and camping 
I belong to JC's Fisk Farms and Kingdom Hall
Dream Job:  Working in State Parks  
  
Eileen Kowall
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mike Kowall
 
 
 
 
 
 
David LaBreche
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dianne LaBreche
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kelley LaFontaine
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Cynthia (Cindy) LaRose, White Lake,Mi
Born and raised in Highland Park, MI
Got a BS and MA from Wayne State University
Retired teacher from Farmington Public School System
Married to husband Ken. Nieces, Nephews and great nieces and nephews
Hobbies are golf, travel, computers, bowling and painting
Dream Job: Professional Golfer
You might be interested to know:  I like to golf.  I like to try new things...New adventures.  Deep sea fishing (Mexico & Florida)
 
Elsie Landin
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Robert Legato(Bob), White Lake, MI
Born and raised in Detroit,Mi
Went to Nativity E. Det and MCC Lawrence Tech.
Retired from Ford Motor Company
Widowed with 10 children, 20 grand-children and 15 Great-Grand children.   His pets include Tippy and Rosie (dogs)
Hobbies are playing Tenor Sax. (Also a Barbershop singer)
He is a member of Church of the Holy Spirit. 
 
 Lewis C. Mahacek (Big Lew), White Lake, MI
Born in Wheeling W. Virginia, Raised in Grand Rapids, MI
Creston HS, Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Jr College and Western University
Retired after 41 yrs as Area Sales Manager for Good Year Tire & Rubber. Also 5 years at Armour Meats
Married to Diana.  Three children & 8 Grand children. First names all start with  M's!!
Plays Trombone, Banjo and String Bass and Sings. Sang with Prince of Peace Choir and Barbershop. 
Dream Job: Touring with a Big Band
You might be interested to know: Earned a Scholarship in Track to Western University, Toured with Les Brown Band & Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe and Angie Dickinson 
 
Mark Matthews
 
 
 
 
 
 
Theresa McCann
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mary McDonell
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dave McManamon
 
 
 
 
 
 
Jack Miesel
 
 
 
 
 
 
Toniann Miesel
 
 
 
 
 
 
Alex Murray
 
 
 
 
 
 
Bill Murray
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Beverly V.  Orndorf (Bev), White Lake, MI
Born in Detroit and Raised in Dearborn, MI
Earned a BA from Eastern Michigan U, and Masters from MSU
Retired from the Livonia Public School System
She is a widow
Hobbies are golf and cooking
Belongs to 2 golf leagues and volunteers at Huron Valley Hospital
Dream Job:  I am in my dream job, retired, volunteering and having fun.
You might be interested to know: My passion for teaching will always be part of my life.  
 
Lawrence Ostrowski (Library Larry), White Lake, MI
Born and raised in Erie, PA
Employed as Director of White Lake Township Library
Married and has 2 cats (Moses & Miirian) and 1 horse (Harvey)
Enjoys Biking and Painting
Belongs to Church of the Holy Spirit and WL Historical Society
 
You might be interested to know:I'm Doyle's BFF!!
  
 
Lawrence Rodney Pesek ( Larry), White Lake, MI
Born in Chicago and raised in Detroit, MI
Went to Finney High School
Employed at Munk's Motors Waterford as Master Mechanic for 25+years 
 Son Lucas and 2 pet Brittanies(Jack & Jill), his babies.
 Hobbies are many latest is restoring & using cast iron cookware.
 Belongs to NRA St Patrick's Men" Club,BSA, Wag and IDOS
 You might be interested to know:  Dream Job would be owning my own shop!
 
 
Carol Peters, Clarkston, MI
Born in Det and Raised in Troy, MI
Seaholm HS and Oakland University
Employed by LaFonataine Auto Group
Married with 2 sons, Ryan and Adam and a dog named Bella
Hobbies are shopping resale shops for unusual items
Belong to the Rotary, HBA, Clarkston, HVCC, Waterford, Fenton and Brighton
Dream Job: Helping the needy-Organizations for a cause
 
Keith Phillips
 
 
 
 
 
 
Patricia Pilchowski (Triscia), Highland, MI
Born in Malta and Raised in Detroit, MI
Benedictine HS and UD/Wayne State
Highland Township Supervisor
Married with 3 grown children and 3 grandchildren & 1 on the way.
Enjoys walking and reading
Belongs to the Huron Valey Youth Assistance
You might be interested to know:  I'll have to think on that one, I'm pretty boring.
 
Kimberly Potts
 
 
 
 
 
 
Kenneth Roesler(Ken), Highland, MI
Born in Det and Raised in Highland Park, MI
Highland Park HS, Wayne State University
Retired from GM
Married to Nancy, 2 daughter (Michelle & Jenny) and 5 grandchildren
Like motorcycling, fishing and golf
Belong to Cornerstone EPC Brighton, Project Mercy-Ethiopia/Haven Hill Foundation
Dream Job:  Philantropist
 
Nancy Roesler
 
 
 
 
 
 
Richard G. Russell, Jr (Dick), Highland, MI
Born in Toledo, OH and Raised in Sylvania, OH
Sylvania HS(1964),  B. Mechanical Eng, GMI, FlintMI, Lawrence Tech, U of Indiana Center of Philanthropy, Grantsmanship Center LA, CA
Retired GM (40 yrs,10 months): GM Powerstain Div:Small Block V Engine Team
Widowed with 1 married son Todd( 2 grand daughters), 1 married daughter Tracy W. Cleveland area and 1 reclusive cat (Silver)
Enjoy campfire and dutch oven cooking
Scouting 32 years: Sr Advisor Explorer Post #28 Highland Twp Fire Dept
Chairman-Chief Pontiac Programs. Great Lakes Council Activities Committee, Highland Goodfellows, Highland Twp Adult Activities Center-Advisory Council Board Member.
You Might be interested to know:     Historical Reenactor:1740s Buckskinner-Trapper/Trader, 1770s Colonail Quill Maker.
 
Helen Jane Shackleford, White Lake, MI
Born & Raised in Rogers City,MI
Rogers City HS
Retired, Widow with a daughter (Christine) and 2 grandsons(Jeremy & Robert.   A dog named Patches and Cat named Mamastripes
Enjoy knitting, crochet, Bingo and Reading
Belong to the Senior Center
Dream Job:  Helping Old People  
 
Beverly Spoor
 
 
 
 
 
Rick Squires
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Denise Stefanick, White Lake, MI.  Grew up in Livonia, MI. Went to Churchill HS.  Graduate of Michigan State-Accounting and Wayne State MLIS & MBA.  Employed at White Lake Library as Deputy Director. Married with 3 children agaes 22,18 and 15.  Pet dog called Bingo  is a Soft-Coated Wheaton Terrier.
Hobby is reading (Surprised?)
 
 
Denis Stevens
 
 
 
 
 
Jim Swartzell
 
 
 
 
 
 
Carmen V. Talbot (Carm), Waterford, MI
Born in Highland Park, Raised in Detroit, MI
Cooley High School
Retired from Oakland County
Happily Single
Son Jeff, Daughter Cheryl and Grandkids,Jason, Andrew, Hanna, Adam and Alex
Enjoys Puzzles, writing poetry, watching our Red Wings and Tigers
Dream Job:  I have it!!!!!!!
You might be interested to know:  I attended the Inauguration AND the Inaugural  Ball of President George Herbert Walker Bush
 
Michael Sebastian (Mike) Willihnganz, Highland, MI
Born Feb, 1939, in Chicago & moved to Kenmore (Buffalo suburb), soon after moved to Westacres in 1949 till 1956. Last year of High School in Detroit(BOOHOO)   3 years in Army(2 yr assignment to NATO HQ Paris France)Worked several yrs before college. Schoolcraft, then Wayne State.Got married at 30 & got BA Economics, in 1990(no money 2 kids).
Went back to WSU for MA studies in Linguistics(much more intersting)Married Wendy 2000 & we traveled in Europe, China, Canada & Mexico.
You might me interested to know: I wrote The China Sand Wedge in 2009 & am working on a sequel. Currently active with Optimists, Hosteling, Huron Valley Council for the Arts & newly elected VP for Village Fine Arts Association. 
 
 
Wendy Lee Willihnganz, Highland, MI
 Born in Birmingham, MI grew up in Connecticut, Pennsylvania & Il
Schooled at Illinois Weslyn, Western, OCC-Oakland,& Wayne State
I am a Watercolor Instructor
Married to Mike with 6 children, 7 grand children a dog named Lilly and 2 cats, Daisy and Dillon
Enjoys Art, Knitting and many more crafts
Belong to the ValleyTole & Brushbenders Art Club, HVCA, Questers and Optimists
Dream Job:  To be a wonderful artist.   Webmaster note:  I think she IS a wonderful artist!!
 
Bonnie Wittman
 
 
 
 
 
 
Scott Wittman
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Barbara Workman
 
 
 
 
 
William Wozniak (Bill)