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.
On this last Friday morning of 2023 members were greeted by the dynamic duo of Tom Glazier and Allen Malask, shown here greeting Allen Pierce and Michael Chavez.
In lieu of the invocation, Bryce Slaby and Karl Geil joined together to remember who have died since 1991 (37 in all) by reading each name and ringing a bell.
GUEST
Karl Geil introduced Danesh, the father of a Super Citizen at Hamilton Middle School. Danesh thanked the club for honoring his son. Their family immigrated from Afghanistan recently. Danesh is considering joining our club in the near future.
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
President Casey reminded us that the OI President, Tracy Huxley would be visiting us on January 19. Casey has invited members of the Tamarac Optimist Club to visit on that day. We also have a great speaker. Jim Saccamano, longtime Bronco Public Relations VP will share some insights into the Bronco organization. The meeting will start at 6:50 in order to give both Tracy and Jim some time to speak.
MEMBER NEWS
Bill Litchfield's son who was a Thomas Jefferson graduate recently died. He was 52.
Tom Hoch's older brother who, according to Tom, could tell jokes better than Tom, died on Christmas day. Our condolences to both.
Casey Funk's new grandson was baptized in Argentina last Saturday. Congratulations to Casey!
Harry Fegley shows his souvenir cup from Denver Zoo Lights, which he got while hanging out with the elephants last night.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tom Mauro asked for suggestions for teachers who should be considered for the Excellence in Education award. If you have an individual in mind, please contact Tom at 303-929-5314 or tmmauro@gmail.com.
Pat Bush asks that if you have any expenses connected with the Christmas tree lot, get him the receipts as soon as possible, so he can give an accurate accounting of our biggest fund raiser.
CHRISTMAS BASKETS
Michael Chavez reported that club members delivered 35 Christmas baskets to families in the area. Bob Avery shared that he and Greg Holt visited on lady who gave them a gift for their generosity. Michael says this is a great example of the impact that we have on the community, and the camaraderie among the club members.
OI FOUNDATION
Bob Hamblin, who is a member of the Windsor Gardens Optimist Club and the District Representative for the OI Foundation, gave a brief video presentation of how the scholarship for the essay contest had changed a person's life and urged us to continue our excellent support of the Foundation. Andy Towt, Club Foundation Rep. followed with a plea for participation in the Dime-a-Day program. Andy also recognized individuals who are members of "The President's Club", who have given $250 to the Foundation. They are; Harry Fegley, Pat Bush, Curt Boell and Bob Avery. The Club also received a banner patch for a contribution of $365 in 2023.
SPEAKER
Mark Metevia shared information from 5280 Magazine about Denver's biggest problems:
The 16th Street Mall - Needs to be updated, widening of sidewalks, more trees, improved lighting, replacing the granite pavement.
Roughly 1/5 of downtown office space is vacant and of those that are leased, only half the workers are occupying cubicles on any given day.
Traffic getting in and out of downtown.
Crime in the central business district and Union Station while Denver Police is understaffed.
What to do with homeless which seems to be always increasing.
How to increase the foot traffic and retail outlets throughout Downtown.
Planning for the future -updated master plan for Civic Center Park, River Mile Development along the mile of the Platte River as it winds around down.
DRAWING
Can you draw the six of spades for $120? Several tried and all failed. The pot continues to grow.
Hard to believe I once had a phone attached to a wall, and when it rang, I picked it up without knowing who was calling.
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
PLEASE NOTE: Some 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 2023-2024 47th Year — Chartered in 1976
2022-2023 Officers
Officers:
Casey Funk, President
Matt Nelson, Vice President
Tom Glazier, Vice President
Jake Baker, Secretary
Pat Bush, Treasurer
Larry Pulaski, Immediate Past President
Directors:
Second Year: Vaughan Kendall, George Buzick, Tom Hoch, Ken Jeung,
First Year: Carl Brown, Al Gapuzan, Greg Holt, Mario Sani
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
Larry Pulaski 2022-2023
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.
On this last Friday morning of 2023 members were greeted by the dynamic duo of Tom Glazier and Allen Malask, shown here greeting Allen Pierce and Michael Chavez.
of the invocation, Bryce Slaby and Karl Geil joined together to remember who have died since 1991 (37 in all) by reading each name and ringing a bell.
Karl Geil introduced Danesh, the father of a Super Citizen at Hamilton Middle School. Danesh thanked the club for honoring his son. Their family immigrated from Afghanistan recently. Danesh is considering joining our club in the near future.
President Casey reminded us that the OI President, Tracy Huxley would be visiting us on January 19. Casey has invited members of the Tamarac Optimist Club to visit on that day. We also have a great speaker. Jim Saccamano, longtime Bronco Public Relations VP will share some insights into the Bronco organization. The meeting will start at 6:50 in order to give both Tracy and Jim some time to speak.
Casey!
Bob Hamblin, who is a member of the Windsor Gardens Optimist Club and the District Representative for the OI Foundation, gave a brief video presentation of how the scholarship for the essay contest had changed a person's life and urged us to continue our excellent support of the Foundation. Andy Towt, Club Foundation Rep. followed with a plea for participation in the Dime-a-Day program. Andy also recognized individuals who are members of "The President's Club", who have given $250 to the Foundation. They are; Harry Fegley, Pat Bush, Curt Boell and Bob Avery. The Club also received a banner patch for a contribution of $365 in 2023.
Mark Metevia shared information from 5280 Magazine about Denver's biggest problems: 
Can you draw the six of spades for $120? Several tried and all failed. The pot continues to grow.