Tom Glazier introduced his neighbor Todd Weber. Todd was a big help with Tom’s neighborhood tree clearing project. He looks like he knows how to lift trees - what an asset!
Bob Avery introduced Dan Winn. Dan received a free breakfast card at the tree lot last year, but doesn’t remember who gave it to him. His kids were McMeen Super Citizens and are now at Thomas Jefferson High School. Thanks for being here Dan, and thanks for Bob for making sure he felt welcomed.
Linda Williams, Lt. Governor of Zone 6, visited our Board of Directors
meeting this past Tuesday evening. Linda, who is a member of the Tamarac Optimist Club is already familiar with many of the club members who are involved in a number of Colorado/Wyoming District functions.
WE HAVE ANNOUNCEMENT(S)!
President Funk gave a report on the board meeting that was held Tuesday night. A budget discussion was the main topic, with the club projecting to run a deficit of $12,000 for the year. The board voted to amend the budget so that the projected deficit would be lowered to $6,000. Part of the discussion about items that lead to a deficit was our Friday morning meeting breakfasts. We need to sell 23 breakfasts each week to break even. Today we had 20 sales, so not enough. Also, the board decided to subsidize membership dues a few years ago, and in some cases, we are losing approximately $30 per membership. The board will need to vote on whether or not to continue this program, so it is possible next year’s dues will be higher.
Speaking of dues, the deadline for dues is 12/31. There are 30 members who have yet to pay and face the risk of having their membership revoked. Please reach out to Pat Bush to get your dues in now!
Steve Kady said that he is working with Denver Firefighters to once again help us out at the tree lot. He asked that we please show our appreciation when they arrive and make sure they realize the difference they make for us. Their many hands make light work that saves significant time, energy and effort for our club. Let them know!
50TH ANNIVERSARY!
Br
yce Slaby and his wife are celebrating 50 years of marriage this weekend. They are going to Canada for two weeks to mark the happy occasion.
THANKSGIVING DINNER
Michael Chavez announced that the Bill Walters Thanksgiving dinner is coming up on Thursday night, November 16th. 20 people from Bethany Lutheran will be joining our club and helping out at the Boys and Girls Club:
Where? 3480 W. Kentucky Ave. Denver CO 80219
We will be serving 750 meals at that location, and we will also be staffing the dinner for approximately 250 people at Girls Inc.: 1499 Julian St. Denver 80204
The start time is 4:30 for both locations, so sign up please!
THANKSGIVING BASKETS
Jim Easton let us know that Thanksgiving basket delivery is coming up on Saturday November 18th. We will meet at the Safeway at Monaco and Yale, with a drive through pick up line in the parking lot. Sign up, bring friends and family and help make Thanksgiving special for some needy families. Then head over to the tree lot! In past years when we had demand for more baskets than our budget allowed, some members stepped up and sponsored a basket. The cost this year will likely be $35-$40 a basket. If you are interested in being a sponsor, you can make a check out to Monaco South, or to Optimist International if you would like a tax deduction. Either way please bring a check to
Pat Bush and tell him you want to help with this project.
Greg Holt delivered some tree lot updates, including letting us know that the staffing scheduler is live at
www.msocxmas.org You can also find that link when you go to our home page at
www.monacosouth.org - it is the first link listed on the right side of the page. Friday morning at 10:08 am, you also received an email with the link and extensive instruction on how to sign up for a shift. It’s that time again! Log in and pitch in to make our biggest fundraiser a wild success!
Greg says that next Friday November 17th is the lot set up day. The trailer and tree racks will be brought to the lot, and we will have two teams working, one at the lot and one at the storage until. We will start after our Friday morning meeting, so please plan on that. We will likely need a couple of shifts on Saturday the 18th, and then trees will arrive either Monday the 20th or Wednesday the 22nd - stayed tuned to your email for updates. Friday the 24th will be the first day of operation. Greg and the tree lot committee have create a new position call the MSOC lead, so that there will be a person to manage the volunteers from other organizations or high schools when they arrive and get those groups up to speed and working effectively.
Tom Kramis let us know that next week’s Friday meeting will be including training for cashiers and also on scheduling tree lot shifts. This year there will be five types of trees: Nordman, Noble, Frasier, Grand, and Douglas. Smaller “Charlie Brown” trees will be marketed in a small plastic stand this year, rather than a wooden base.
TREE LOT CASHIER TRAINING
Hi All,
I am holding a training session for all who are interested in understanding how to operate the Square Terminal that we use for tree lot sales. It is recommended that all Day Managers are familiar with the system so that they can assist cashiers on their day who might have questions.
The training will be at my house (3983 S Olive), on Wednesday, November 15th from 7 – 8 pm. Please try to arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time. Also please invite anyone else you know who will be working the lot and needs this information.
Let me know if you have questions.
Thanks,
Greg Young
NEW MEMBER INDUCTION
Pres
ident
Casey Funk presided over a new member induction.
Matt Dollarhide and his sponsor
Tom Glazier came to the stage, and Matt proudly stated him desire to come into our fold. He received a pin (Casey handed it to him, afraid of poking him) and some hearty applause. Welcome Matt! And well done Tom!
This being camaraderie day, November birthdays were celebrated. This month’s rendition of Happy Birthday was performed in a particularly raucous fashion. Tom Hoch will upload the performance to Spotify soon.
DTC OPTIMIST ONLINE AUCTION
Let's help out another club in fund raising and get some good stuff in the process!
The annual DTC (T1DOC) online auction is up and ready to go!! The auction opens up for bidding at 5PM sharp Friday, November 10th! That is only 1 week away!! The auction site is: www.32auctions.com/DTCOptimist2023. It is now open for you or anyone to look at.
DRAWING
Did we have a drawing? Of course, we had a drawing!
$50 was up for grabs, and the 9 of Spades held the key.
Cups O’cash went to: Bill Litchfield, Dave Peck, Larry Pulaski, Al Gapuzan, Tom Hoch, Pat Bush. Mike McMahon tried to find the 9 but came up empty. Phil Perington had the chance for the big money, but graciously gave the opportunity to new member Matt Dollarhide. No luck this time for Matt - but the club is lucky to have him! Nametag drawing: the accurately identified Gary Strowbridge was given an opportunity, but no luck this time. Sorry Gary!
Don Thomson was asked to lead us in the recitation of the creed, which is did admirably: Promise Yourself, to be so strong…
The sun was up a little earlier this week, as were our greeters Mark Metevia and Dave Peck. They made sure our lively group of Optimists received a warm welcome on this Friday, November 10th, 2023.
President Casey Funk called upon Eldon Strong to deliver our invocation. Eldon offered a special message for Veteran’s Day. The liberty we value so dearly has been fought and died for, and it is appropriate to reflect, and to honor our service veterans. Eldon asked the club members in the room who represent service in the different branches of the military to stand and be recognized.
