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
MARDI GRAS
Our greeter today was the tan Tom Hoch, recently returned from Barbados. Tom reports that the temperature in Barbados was slightly higher than the 4 degrees Fahrenheit we were experiencing this crisp morning. He shared enthusiastic and warm greetings with all of our chilly meeting attendees.
President Larry Pulaski began our meeting by asking Bob Meyer to deliver our invocation. Bob chose a Valentine’s Day theme on the miracle of love, with a reminder to let those we love know on a regular basis. He then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
SAMUELS ELEMENTARY
Dick Nickoloff reported that a Super Citizen assembly was held at Samuels Elementary two weeks ago. He said it was successful and entertaining as the lucky students were honored.
BRADLEY ELEMENTARY
Andy Tout reports that Bradley Elementary’s Super Citizen assembly was held yesterday. Andy missed it since it was moved up one day and he was driving across Nebraska. Jon Wachter was there, and the school staff took photos.
TREE LOT AFTERMATH
Tom Kramis says that the TLC held a meeting two nights ago. The are working on creating a staffing, administration and operations positions, plus an organizational chart. Tree lot season never ends.
President Larry Pulaski presented a plaque to Tom Kramis and another to Joe Marci recognizing their hard work on the tree lot and the impact the proceeds have had for kids in our communities. Joe has been working on the tree lot for close to 50 years, first with the Jaycees and then with Monaco South. Larry estimates that there have been over $1M in proceeds during Joe’s involvement!
Bob Meyer let us know that Jr. Golf qualifying tournaments are coming up in May and June. Bob has information on sponsorship opportunities that he passed around, or contact him if interested. After today’s club meeting, an organizational meeting for a new Jr. Golf Committee will be held.
MEMBERSHIP
Frank Middleton gave us a membership update. Bob Meyer has graciously donated his townhome in Frisco to help promote new club membership. The member who brings in most new members by April 21st will get to stay in Frisco for a week. Chris Dunphy is in the lead right now, but there is time to catch up and pass him! Just ask! Neighbors, co-workers, friends and other optimists in-waiting.
EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION AWARDS
Tom Mauro took to the stage for this year’s Excellence in Education Awards. Tom says that this is at least the 20th year of this club program recognizing deserving teachers.
JEFFRA FRANK - SLAVENS ELEMENTARY
Tom Hoch, our club’s Super Citizen representative at Slavens Elementary introduced Kurt Siebold, Slaven’s principal (and MSOC member). Kurt in turn introduced Jefra Frank, the award recipient from his school. Jefra is a 4th grade teacher who also works with the students in the gift and talented program, so is involved with Destination Imagination and the Brain Bowl. She has been at Slavens more that 16 years, and Kurt says she excels at getting parents involved in the different programs and fundraising efforts at the school. Jefra took the microphone and
said that she feels it is important for kids to be involved and excited in their education, and to have a sense of community while at school. She thanked the club for the recognition and the programs we support.
SARAH MCREYNOLDS -MCMEEN ELEMENTARY
Don Thomson, our Super Citizen representative at McMeen Elementary, took to the stage. He asked Mike White to join him, who also participates in the assemblies. Don’s experience with McMeen goes back to 1992. He estimates that over 6,000 students have received awards during that time. Don feels that Sarah McReynolds, today’s award recipient, has the innate ability to bring out the best in every student, and acts as a mentor, personal friend and motivator. In the classroom, Sarah has the love and respect of every student, and they respond accordingly. Don then invited Andria Hinman, McMeen Elementary’s principal to the stage and to share a bit about her school and Sarah. McMeen is a truly international school, with 32 different languages spoken. Also, half of classes are dual language. Andria says that Sarah teaches Kindergarten and is in her 5th year at McMeen, and has been teaching for 12 years in total. Sarah is well-liked and builds deep and lasting relationships with students. Andria say that compassion and understanding are at the heart of everything Sarah does.
Sarah herself then spoke. She is from Illinois and said she has wanted to be a teacher since the 5th grade and has never wavered. She expressed her thanks to her principal and the club.
DRAWING
Dr. Bob Finkelmeier did his weekly stroll around the American Legion while carrying a bedpan and a stack of plastic cups. And no one found it unusual! That is because we had a drawing!
$90 lurked in the pot, and the 4 of Spades was all that was needed to take it home.
Cups of easy money went to:
Phil Perington
Dick Nickoloff
Tom Glazier
Ron Gustas
Craig Eley
Tom Hoch
Dick Nickoloff had his number called a second time and broke a lot of hearts by finding the 4 of Spades! Well done Dick - you are $90 richer!
Andria Hinman, McMeen Elementary’s principal, concluded our meeting by leading us in our Optimist Creed: “Promise Yourself…”
FROM "DR BOB" FINKELMEIER
"Spring training means flowers, people coming outdoors, sunshine, optimism and baseball. Spring training is a time to think about being young again."
- Ernie Banks
Ernest Banks was born in 1931, the depths of the Depression, in Texas, the 2nd of 12 children. His mom wanted him to be a minister. His dad worked in construction and warehouses, and on the side played semi-professional baseball for various Black teams in Texas; he wanted Ernie to be a baseball player. Dad would eventually win this one.
In high school Ernie lettered in basketball, football, and track. His high school didn't have a baseball team, so he played semi-pro in the area.
In 1951 he was drafted into the Army and served at a post in Germany, occasionally playing basketball with the Harlem Globetrotters. After his two years in the Army he played a season for the Kansas City Monarchs, hitting .347. This got the attention of the Chicago Cubs who signed the 22-year-old. He got a few dozen at-bats with the Cubs that season and hit .312.
The following season he stuck, playing all 154 regular season games for the Cubs, hitting .275 with 19 HR and 91 RBI and finishing 2nd in NL Rookie of the Year balloting behind some guy named Willie Mays. (The AL Rookie of the Year that season was some guy named Yogi Berra.)
Banks played his 19 major league seasons all for the Cubs. He was an All Star 11 of those seasons. He was NL MVP in 1958 when he hit .313 with 47 HR and 129 RBI, and repeated the MVP feat the following season when he hit .304 with 45 HR and 143 RBI.
The first half of his career he was a shortstop and won a Gold Glove there in 1960. But a knee injury he had suffered in the Army was slowing him in the middle infield, and he spent the back half of his career at first base.
For his career "Mr. Sunshine" hit .274 with 512 HR and 1,636 RBI. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977, being named on 84% of the ballots.
"Mr. Cub" loved the game of baseball. Back in the day of doubleheaders he used to tell his teammates, "It's a beautiful day for baseball! Let's play two!"
Ernie Banks passed away in 2015, days shy of his 84th birthday. He is of course buried in Chicago.
Pitchers and catchers reported this week. Let's PLAY BALL!!!
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.
