Mission Statement. By providing hope and positive vision, Optimists bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves.
Vision Statement. Optimist International will be recognized worldwide as the premier volunteer organization that values all children and helps them develop to their full potential.
Our greeters this exciting morning were Bill Morgan and Gary Strowbridge, both in fine form laughing and extending warm hands of welcome. We were also honored with 22 Jazz Band Students from Thomas Jefferson High School who had arrived by bus with all their instruments. Tom Glazier also arriving at the crack of dawn, was here to assist with their arrival. He was adeptly coordinating the bandstand setup area. Also, Early Bird Chris Dunphy was organizing and setting up the coffee service, making sure everyone was wide awake and ready for action.
MORNING ACTIVITY & CAMARADERIE Assorted T.J. students were prowling the room, many looking at the rifle case and Legion photos in amazement. Don Thomson’s table with three TJ Students were lost in conversation and enjoying the moment. Tom Overton was sharing his Silver Dollars discovery with Dr Bob and hopefully gathering facts on their value. Craig Eley with camera in hand, roamed about the room looking for guys in need of better head shots for the new directory (It’s a big job). Past President Everett Gardner popped in the door donning a bright green St. Paddy’s beard and announced he was looking for a new reed for his bagpipe. The Breakfast Buffet was jammed with hungry students, piling plates high with the sumptuous offering of scrambled eggs, sausage, fresh fruit, hash browns, bagels and juice. The coffee and conversations were merrily flowing about the room. Casey Funk was observed making the rounds and giving high fives. Allen Malask was enjoying the opportunity to share his private stock of French Vanilla coffee creamer. Tom Hoch, hurriedly and with great determination was busy setting up the connection for the ZOOM camera and screen.
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
President Larry Pulaski gaveled the gathered briskly at 7 sharp and announced a brief session of camaraderie was in order, due to the excitement and gathering of our morning guests and members. Shortly thereafter, Tom Kramis presented the Invocation: “We all hope for a better world through our Youth, as they take into the the future that which we teach and share with them. We pray they become brighter citizens and bring happiness and joy into the world.” The Pledge of Allegiance followed with the hopeful cry of “PLAY BALL!” Larry then introduced Music Instructor Robin Morissory and asked Tom Glazier to present her with a plaque honoring her commitment to the Club and a check for $2400. Funds to be used for partial expenses of the Band Trip to New Orleans, Memphis and Chicago.
GUEST
At the urging of Frank Middleton and as introduced by Bob Avery, Greg Osteravich, District Commissioner for the SE District (aka, Black Feather) of the Boy Scouts of America, shared his thoughts. In the past, he was a guest at a U-HILLS Club meeting and then went on to attend a Colorado/Wyoming Optimist District Conference in Colo Springs. He also noted we chartered a troop and remembers the Brain Bowl vividly.
COLORADO/WYOMING DISTRICT "GATHERING"
At the 2nd Quarter Conference members voted on term limits. There was a discussion related to online auctions. 200 basic “support bags” for homeless kids were produced. At the Town Hall session, the dual President concept was the topic of discussion. The Monaco South TJ winner of the Essay Contest will attend our meeting at the end of March. We are preserving the new Math program recently promulgated at TJ alive and will reorganize the mission. A Steering Committee is being assembled to discuss the future development and organizational structure of the Junior Golf Program that is now the responsibility of Monaco South.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Craig Eley: Getting ready for the new Directory. If you don’t like your photo, you have two options... Get another face or take a better picture. Also, please submit your business cards for $25 fee. The potential earnings by advertising in the Directory, has been increased to an estimated $2 million.
Pat Bush, Club Treasurer who is trying to give money away noted that to receive your reimbursements for the 2nd Quarter conference you must prove you attended. Lie detector is available for a small fee.
OI FONDATION
Tom Overton introduces Andy Towt as our Foundation Rep and presents him with new head wear. It is a bright red hat with O.I. Foundation logo. Andy offers a grateful thank-you and urges all members to please join Dime a Day. He has pins and Presidents Club will get you one as well.
OFFICER ELECTION
Jon Wachter: Honors present TJ band members and also those that are past Super Citizen winners. He reminds us that the Elections are coming, and Casey Funk has decided to become our 48th President, if the votes are there. Casey takes the microphone and reflects how he recently suffered a concussion that somehow led to additional arm twisting. Then adding with great aplomb to faithfully serve. A large round of applause with Casey! Casey! Casey! followed. Editor's Note: We still need two vice-presidents and a couple of Board members. The Nominating Committee this year consists of Joe Marci, Jon Wachter, Greg Young, and Tom Mauro. Please let them know if you are interested in being nominated for, Vice-President, or the Board of Directors for 2023-24. The Election will be held at the Friday, April 7 meeting.
JAZZ BAND
We were treated to a delightful and exciting musical presentation by the Thomas Jefferson High School Jazz Band led and conducted by Robin Morrissey. All 22 members were in full force and rocked the room with their sounds and rhythm. The band will be going on a road trip soon by air and bus to tour New Orleans, Memphis and Chicago. They will hang out with protégées and famous musicians. The band members volunteered a tremendous amount of volunteer hours to the Tree Lot this year and are benefitting from their labor by receiving $2400 for the Club as a thank you. They will perform with professionals along the way and are filled with great excitement and anticipation. Jazz artists born in New Orleans will be honored, the Memphis Civil Rights Museum and Chicago Vanderbilt College cadre of professors and instructors will also be visited. Of note: The Jazz Band has many Super Citizen members + One Eagle Scout Member. What a great group of young men and women.
We were treated to classic jazz renditions that included Watermelon Man, a stirring solo, melodic saxophone, snappy trumpets and trombones, soulful flutes and brisk drumming. Great sounds filled the room that concluded mightily with SRO applause from a grateful and pleased audience. A Case of mugs will be presented later after they return from their trip. It was a wonderful morning of good cheer, great music and camaraderie. Thanks to all the TJ Jazz Band members. We love you and wish you safe and happy traveling. Editor's Note:
Meetings will be held at the American Legion Hall 5400 E Yale Ave. While there be no two way communication, you may observe (and listen to) the meeting on Zoom
OCMS President Larry Pulaski is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting
PLEASE NOTE: All Friday meetings will be simulcast on Zoom in “listen and watch only” mode. All members are encouraged to attend the live meeting when possible.
Optimist Club of Monaco South 2022-2023 47th Year — Chartered in 1976
2022-2023 Officers
President Larry Pulaski 303-956-1202
Vice President Matt Nelson 720-774-0758
Vice President Steve Kady 303-931-1470
Secretary Jake Baker 412-680-0765
Treasurer Pat Bush 303-750-9409
2022- 2023 Board of Directors
Joe Marci 303-847-7844 Tom Glazier 303-522-5214
George Buzick 303-803-2268 Casey Funk 720-656-2255
Vaughn Kendall 303-910-6590 Ken Jeung 720-849-6241
Kent Gloor 303-880- 5444 Tom Kramis 303-917-5299
Tom Hoch 303-332-9338
Past Presidents
Bob Rhue 1976-77
Jerry Whitlow 1977-78
Bill Kosena 1978-79
Duane Wehrer 1979-80
Curt Jefferies 1980-81
Frank Middleton 1981-82
John Young 1982-83
Pat Bush 1983-84
Bob Hugo 1984-85
Tom Mauro 1985-86
Curt Lorenzen 1986-87
Oscar Sorensen 1987-88
Lupe Salinas 1988-89
Bob Avery 1989-90
Bill Litchfield 1990-91
Bill Walters 1991-92
Kent Gloor 1992-93
Gary Strowbridge 1993-94
Mark Metevia 1994-95
Bob Safe 1995-96
Tom Overton 1996-97
Peter Dimond 1997-98
Ralph Symalla 1998-99
Cy Regan 1999-00
Stan Cohen 2000-01
Don St. John 2001-02
Jack Rife 2002-03
Karl Geil 2003-04
Bryce Slaby 2004-05
Donlie Smith 2005-06
Paul Bernard 2006-07
Greg Young 2007-08
Phil Perington 2008-09
Ron Cisco 2009-10
Ed Collins 2010-11
Randy Marcove 2011-12
Paul Simon 2012-13
Jon Wachter 2013-14
John Oss 2014-15
Michael Chavez 2015-16
Craig Eley 2016-17
Jim Easton 2017-18
Everett Gardner 2018-19
Bob Meyer 2019-20
Dan Rodriguez 2020-2021
Tom Kramis 2021-2022
T H E O P T I M I S T C R E E D — Promise Yourself . . . To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for
anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
Our greeters this exciting morning were Bill Morgan and Gary Strowbridge, both in fine form laughing and extending warm hands of welcome. We were also honored with 22 Jazz Band Students from Thomas Jefferson High School who had arrived by bus with all their instruments. Tom Glazier also arriving at the crack of dawn, was here to assist with their arrival. He was adeptly coordinating the bandstand setup area. Also, Early Bird Chris Dunphy was organizing and setting up the coffee service, making sure everyone was wide awake and ready for action.
Assorted T.J. students were prowling the room, many looking at the rifle case and Legion photos in amazement. Don Thomson’s table with three TJ Students were lost in conversation and enjoying the moment. Tom Overton was sharing his Silver Dollars discovery with Dr Bob and hopefully gathering facts on their value. Craig Eley with camera in hand, roamed about the room looking for guys in need of better head shots for the new directory (It’s a big job). Past President Everett Gardner popped in the door donning a bright green St. Paddy’s beard and announced he was looking for a new reed for his bagpipe. The Breakfast Buffet was jammed with hungry students, piling plates high with the sumptuous offering of scrambled eggs, sausage, fresh fruit, hash browns, bagels and juice. The coffee and conversations were merrily flowing about the room. Casey Funk was observed making the rounds and giving high fives. Allen Malask was enjoying the opportunity to share his private stock of French Vanilla coffee creamer. Tom Hoch, hurriedly and with great determination was busy setting up the connection for the ZOOM camera and screen.
Pulaski gaveled the gathered briskly at 7 sharp and announced a brief session of camaraderie was in order, due to the excitement and gathering of our morning guests and members. Shortly thereafter, Tom Kramis presented the Invocation: “We all hope for a better world through our Youth, as they take into the the future that which we teach and share with them. We pray they become brighter citizens and bring happiness and joy into the world.” The Pledge of Allegiance followed with the hopeful cry of “PLAY BALL!” Larry then introduced Music Instructor Robin Morissory and asked Tom Glazier to present her with a plaque honoring her commitment to the Club and a check for $2400. Funds to be used for partial expenses of the Band Trip to New Orleans, Memphis and Chicago.
Tom Overton introduces Andy Towt as our Foundation Rep and presents him with new hea
d wear. It is a bright red hat with O.I. Foundation logo. Andy offers a grateful thank-you and urges all members to please join Dime a Day. He has pins and Presidents Club will get you one as well.
J
