Don Roth, and in from bullpen to stand in for no show, was the ever-reliable Al Gapuzan. The morning was filled with good cheer and many high fives. The breakfast buffet arrived early with a twosome energetically setting up the table with delicious offerings. Gary Strowbridge swung into action and made sure the coffee was plenty hot and ready to be guzzled

 

MORNING ACTIVITY
 Our returning potential new member Matt Dollarhide was the first to purchase Raffle tickets…getting one for himself and one for Tom Glazier(his Sponsor). Matt is a carpenter and handyman visiting for the second time and looks like he’s ready join with the the Optimists. Welcome aboard Matt.
 He also spent some interesting time talking with Everett Gardner about purple beards and other important stuff.  T-Bird Peck was lamenting his run in with a bad fuel pump, on his 57’Thunderbird last week. There were five participants in the “Name the Sox contest”. Dr. Bob was the alert and lucky winner for a free breakfast. Pat Bush was holding court at table #1 and making up for lost time in good fashion. President Elect Casey Funk dug deep into his pocket and purchased a block of Raffle tickets. Way to go Casey!!  Prez Larry was busy hooking up the Zoomsters and getting banners in place.
 
Club Secretary Jake Baker arrived early and spent the early hour working the room in pleasant conversation. Our Guest Speaker Kathleen Chandler, realizing she was the only gal in the room was enjoying the camaraderie and good cheer. Bill Litchfield, in a moment of glee, was introducing himself as a new member. Thumper Kady once again held his post as the first entry in the drawing pot.  Early bird arrivals Harry Fegely and Ed Collins were busy making the rounds and setting up the room. Smiling Bill Morgan and Mark Metevia shared time talking violins and event planning. Laughter filled the air when someone asked Tom Mauro how the Rockies were doing. The room was filled with good natured energy and off to a rousing start.

President Larry Pulaski gaveled the gathered at 7:02 sharp and Past President Everett Gardner presented the Invocation, “Inspire us all to spread the message of prosperity and good will.” Our positive attitude can become contagious when we speak words of optimism to our youth and those we meet and serve. Let us always look at the bright side and bring hope to those who may be down. Our actions speak louder than words. The Pledge of Allegiance followed with a determined cry of Play Ball!

 

 

 

 

President Larry informed the group there will be NO Brent’s Place pancake breakfast this year.Greg Young: Presented details of the Brents Place Block Party. They are in search of volunteers. Please sign up if you are interested.

 

The The Colorado/Wyoming District Convention is just around the corner on August 18-19 in Ft. Morgan. Any member attending will be reimbursed for lunch expense. Sign up at: https://www.optimistcowy.org/conferences/

 

The Board meeting 8/2 at the Legion Hall starting @ 6:30. Food and beverage is on the table.

 

The Principles to Breakfast is next Friday followed by The Hamilton Fall Festival.

 

Andy Towt: proudly reported Curt Boell has given $ 365 to the Dime a Day campaign. WOW! What a nice surprise-thank you Curt. It should be noted Curt is one of our most steady and loyal volunteers at the Tree Lot every year.

 

Joe Marci: Shared his recent adventure with Bob Meyer at the O.I. International Golf Tournament in  Florida. Colorado has the largest group of young golfers with 40+ participating. These are a  fantastic collection of  young golfers from around the world. A low round 74 was achieved by a Colorado Player. Many college Scouts were there. Players and Family were all eager to get in front of such a large contingent.  There was good mix of Winners from many countries.

 

 

Jon Wachter: The Scottish Festival is next weekend 8/4 in Sedalia area.  He still needs a few more sign ups on the volunteer list. U-Hills Optimists are sponsoring part of the event and it is their big fundraiser. Call Jon for details:

303-204-5645

 

 

SPEAKER
Kathleen Chandler-Independence Institute of Colorado (IIC)Representative for  9 years
She and her husband live in Aurora, as both Mother & Father & Grandparents. A graduate from UCCS with a degree in political science her interests lie in local government and coalition building.
 Topic of Discussion-Ballot Issue lowering taxes aka:
Proposition HH (Preparation H large size)-In the opinion of IIC
 

This ballot Initiative is basically about Personal and Economic Freedom. For the Record Legislative Ballot issues are alphabetical and Citizen Initiatives are by Numbers.
 
“This is a Ballot issue we don’t know a lot about” due to the complexity of the layers of authority and taxation controlled by County Assessors and didactic formulas in local counties. The property owner Is directly and immediately impacted by local authorities. By using Mill levies to adjudicate total tax bills and special interest Districts i.e., fire, schools, police, etc. it becomes complicated and not easy to understand. This is why it originated in the Legislature. Because taxes are paid in arrears the impact is delayed and the overall formula used changes year to year. Current property assessments will be reflected in 2024-25 cycle. The purported tax savings are lengthy and inversely corrosive, in the opinion of IIC.
 
There has been a net loss of population in Colorado due to rising costs of housing and taxes. The spread between lower and higher income is becoming wider. Up until recently, the Gallagher Amendment kept residential taxes lower, due to in part the way Commercial properties were assessed. With the sunset of Gallagher and the continued assault on the Tabor Taxpayer Bill of Rights this is a monumental issue and bellwether of things to come if passed. As a note, Senior citizens get a “Break” on the first $40,000 assessment of their primary residence. The savings only benefits if the value goes down, however. Households earning less than $100,000 per year may benefit. With the increase in water and sewer rates this Initiatives purported benefits are actually a wash in many communities.  Proposition HH is complicated and identified as a “Lower tax” on the Ballot Title dissertation. Read carefully and vote in your best interest. Please contact Kathleen at the IIC for further clarification. We thank our speaker for her presentation and welcome a return after the election.