John Youngquist: Candidate for the School Board gave a quick but lengthy overview of his candidacy. He is a former principal of East High School. It was noted Monaco South has supported the East High Constitutional Scholars program for 30 years. He is a SE Denver Kid who attended Rosedale and Merrill JHS. Graduated from TJ n 1984. His Father is a Minister at Christ Church. He is a CU grad and has been an educator for 35years, serving as a prin
cipal for 18 of those 35 years. His creed is to Understand your kids and the community. We must all unite around a value of service and optimism for the benefit of schools on all levels. Integrity, Equity, Synergy is key.
On Safety issues: we don’t do a good job in the schools. We have been failing the past few years. In 2020 John helped author a Letter to keep officers in schools, signed by 17 administrators and teachers. It was rejected and 3 years later disaster. Student Mental Health must be better addressed. There has been a marked increase in student suicides. Without a Transparent and functional system of administration, schools will continue to suffer. Nobody knows what DPS does or how over $1.3 billion is spent every year in the 90,000-student district. It is appalling and inexcusable. DEI (diversity-equity-inclusion) is a continuing unanswered issue and must be more clearly defined.
School Board members must learn how to communicate & better understand different opinions and positions. Listen 1st talk later. More work is needed upfront for work developing successful relationships. The current conundrum facing everyone in the district is that the City Council v. School Board is a festering roadblock. Good luck John. We wish you well.
DRAWING
Is there a drawing? $20-Jack of Clubs
CUP WINNERS: Joe Marci-Dave Peck-Robert Wardlaw-Tom Glazier- Karl Geil (2)
Drawing: Pat Bush-Nope Matt Dollarhide-Sorry Charlie
Chips and Name-tag: Frank Middleton-Not Today
President Casey gives a big Thank you to everyone for for visiting and leads in reciting the Creed.
Invocation lead by Greg Holt, “Giver of life may whatever we create belong to our youth and those who come before us. Grant us the time, energy & optimism to aid in the development of our youth. We strive to nurture future generations to prosper, and grant goodwill to all we meet.” The pledge of Allegiance followed with the ever-hopeful cry of Play-Ball!
Stephanie and Jan special needs and student organizations instructors at TJ are here to receive checks as presented by Kent Gloor on behalf of the Club, for their individual groups. Stephanie shares her grandparents were Optimist members. TJ is creating a garden for a teacher who passed away from cancer. The $700 check will be used for that purpose. Also, the Latino Club will receive $200 and the Unified Sports Org will receive $500 for equipment replacement.
Casey extends his gratitude and thank you to our greeters & guests. He then points out he is wearing a wrist-like playbook given to him by Matt Dollarhide. Omaha! Omaha! And he bravely asks the group a somewhat evocative question…. Is Everybody happy with breakfast? Comments varied in emotion, fact and humor. He also passed around a stack of handmade thank-you cards from the students of TJ delivered by Stephanie and Jan.
Tom Mauro: Thank you to those bringing in Coats & warm clothing for the 100 Hamilton Families. King Soopers pre-paid cards are also a helpful donation. Please give cash or check to Pat Bush for processing.
Michael Chavez: Presented a check for $750 from the Rockies. Hurrah! He reminded the Thanksgiving dinner is just around the corner Dinner on 11/16. We serve 500-800 Boys and Girls Clubs. Our Food Bank partner will provide all the food and we cover the cost. There is a 4:30 pm start. Bethany Lutheran will assist us again this year. For that we are very grateful. He is looking for assistance in picking up and delivering the prepared food. Also, Tri-Star Basketball is back on the court again commencing 4/6/24..png)
Craig Eley pounded on the podium and said opportunity is knocking. 1st Op is helping the Lions Club package and prepare glasses for their annual trip to Mexico. 2nd Op is volunteering for the Santa Haus. 3rd Op is 3 free Optimist shirts he has dieted out of. 4th Op is a new photo opportunity for those looking to improve their look in the directory.
Frank Middleton: Gave an update on membership. We have 13 new members but lost 10. He reminded us, EVERYONE is on the membership committee. There was a brief roundtable Q&A based on who do we solicit for new members. It is imperative we all carry Monaco South business cards & have them at the ready for any opportunity that may pop up.
Dropped members included: Ron Cisco, Cesar Camereno, Roy Jarett, William McGroarty, Robert Ruhl, Mike Hennessey, Alan Meyer, Steve Wera, Mark Smith, Ryan Mcintosh.
