Editors Note: Sign of the times- Completely empty parking lot at The American Legion Hall on Thursday, December 3, at approximately 1:00 p.m. For the human ramifications see the following e-mail received by Greg Young and his response. (Heather was the breakfast cook for our Friday morning meals.)
Greg,
Yesterday, as I drove down Monaco I had a moment of pure HaPpInEsS thanks to Monaco South Optimists. I had to share it with you!!!
I had to run an errand that took me past your Christmas tree lot. My mind was focused on a million different things, and I was basically operating on auto pilot. It wasn’t until I reached Evans Ave, that it clicked… “Did I just see the MSO Christmas Tree Lot?!?” Suddenly I was snapped out of the stupor I’ve been in. I immediately doubled back to see if I had imagined it.
As I pulled into the lot and saw the all the trees in the distance, I became hopeful. As I got closer and closer to the fence, I was filled with a warm fuzzy feeling and an excitement that I haven’t felt in months. I couldn’t get there quick enough to see if it was you guys. When I saw your signage, I let out the biggest sigh and started to cry tears of joy (I’m tearing up right now, too). I’m SO, SO, SO elated that you guys were able to keep up your tradition!!!! The gate was shut, but there were a couple of vehicles inside. I drove around the perimeter of the fence hoping to see someone, just so I could say HELLO and have some semblance of normalcy from my past. I thought about getting out of my car and yelling “Merry Christmas!!!!” I’m sorry that I wasn’t able to see anyone, but I took a moment to just sit, reflect and relish in the sense of hope for our country and humanity. Leave it to the MSO’s to make sure that in these crazy times they will do their part to make sure that the happiest time of the year goes on!!!! Thank you for the renewed sense of peace and optimism that seeing your lot gave me.
The Friday after Thanksgiving I wanted to touch base, just to say hi. I was missing you all and the camaraderie and excitement of the opening day of the tree lot. Unfortunately my computer was in the shop, life took over and it got put on the back burner. I’m so glad that instead of a simple e-mail, I had the experience that I had instead. I don’t see many people these days, but I will tell everyone I know, that if they need a Christmas tree… to go see you guys!!!
I hope that everyone is doing well and staying safe. Please tell everyone I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of a NEW YEAR!!!
Take Care,
Heather
Thank you so much. We miss you as well. The tree lot is operating at half speed on a limited inventory and limited time frame. We will be sold out by Saturday and then shut down. Since we are making limited income we need to come up with another project for next spring.
I hope the Legion Hall will be back open next spring. If so will you be back as well??
Merry Christmas and here’s to a better New Year!!
Al the Best,
Greg
President Dan Rodriguez Zoomed the meeting to order at 7:00 a.m. After the invocation and the pledge, President Dan introduced our speaker for the day, our own Paul Simon. As most of you know, Paul is a Past President of Monaco South and a Past Governor of the Colorado/Wyoming District.
Member News
Frank Middleton is recovering from a urinary tract infection (UTI) and will be back with us soon.
Pat Bushwas injured in a car/bicycle accident. Trooper that he is, Pat showed up to work his shift at the tree lot on Saturday, but was sent home by management.(Gary Miller)
Tom Kramishas worked tirelessly to ensure a successful tree lot experience this year in spite of the Covid-19 conspiracy.
Announcements
Brain Bowl
Karl Geil announced that the virtual Brain Bowl will be held January 30 and that volunteers are need. As of now 46 teams are signed up. Details are being worked out by the committee and training will commence in early January. Please let Karl know if you can volunteer. (e-mail Kjgeil57@gmail.com)
Colrado Rockies
Joe Marci has been in touch with the Colorado Rockies who aren't sure whether they will have fans in the stands for this season, but may possibly have some opportunities for volunteer organizations next Spring/Summer. Joe will stay in touch.
Junior Golf
Joe also announced that two qualifying matches are being planned at Flatirons Golf Club in Boulder and at Meadow Hills. These will be held June 4 and June 10-11. Joe said that the Golf Expo will be virtual this year and they are still working on the details.
Christmas Food Baskets
Michael Chavez said that we will be delivering food baskets on Saturday December 19. Michael also suggested that we might put some new, unwrapped toys in the baskets. We will be delivering about 75 baskets, so we need about 15-17 volunteers. Michael also commended Allen Pierce and Jim Easton for the excellent outcome of the school oriented Thanksgiving Baskets. All the families and the schools were very appreciative.
Honey-Honey-Honey
No Honey at Tree Lot - The Tree Lot did not sell honey from Craig Eley's beehives this year, so if you would like to buy a bottle or two for your own use of for gifts, contact Craig directly at craigceley@gmail.com. The cost is $10 for an 8 oz. jar.
Christmas Tree Lot
Tom Kramis has done a fantastic job of ensuring the success of our lot! With Joe Marci in the role of Yoda and Greg Young as The Money Guy, Tom has weathered all the trials and tribulations of the Great Pandemic and closed out a hectic successful Christmas season. Thanks to President Dan for the wonderful signage that kept the lot within the prescribed limits of the Covid protocol and let people know we were still in existence. Thanks to all of those who contributed in various capacities throughout the past 2 weeks. Thanks especially to members of the Tamarac Optimist Club for their assistance in pricing the trees. We had many compliments on the great experience people had in getting their Christmas trees, in spite of the obstacles presented by Covid19 protocol. On Saturday afternoon there were, unfortunately, many long time customers who showed up to find almost no trees left. Through the super salesmanship of those members, especially Gary Miller and Gary Strowbridge, the entire stock of trees was sold.
Thursday-Aproximately 100 of 400 tress still left to sell
A few more trees delivered on Saturday
Saturday at the Tree Lot with about 100 trees left unsold
Photos by Steve Kady
The Last of the Christmas Trees - Saturday 12/05/2020
(Photos by Steve Kady)
Gary Strowbridge sells another tree
Last tree standing -with Gary Miller
Good Bye Covid Christmas!
December 5, 2020
THE END!
Sunday December 6, 2020
Tom Kramis- Our Fearless Leader - breathes a sigh of relief as he and his Merry Band say goodbye to the 2020 Monaco South Optimist Club Christmas Tree Lot.
WELL DONE!!!
The Tear-Down Crew ends the 2020 season
Top 20 Lot workers (with hours worked) are:
KRAMIS
TOM
80
MARCI
JOSEPH
55
GLOOR
KENT M.
50
PAUL
RUSS
38
PERINGTON
PHILIP B.
37
BUZICK
GEORGE
31
YOUNG
GREG W.
28
BUSH
PATRICK
25
MILLER
GARY
23
METEVIA
MARK
22
HOLT
GREG
20
SMITH
MARK
19
HASSELGREN
NOEL
18
ROTH
DON
14
GLAZIER
TOM
14
STROWBRIDGE
GARY E.
13
GALLAWAY
KEITH
13
RODRIGUEZ
DAN
12
SCARBOROUGH
JOHN
10
COLLINS
EDWARD F.
10
A total of 51 members worked.
With Allen Malask as honorable mention for providing all-night security on the lot.
Paul Stratton 303-366-6375 Pat Bush 720-254-3741 Craig Eley 303-758-9499 Greg Young 303-759-3921
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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.
We meet each Friday at 6:45 a.m.
Back Street Tavern
1150 S. Galena St.
Aurora, CO 80247
United States of America
