Historically, Americans began celebrating George Washington’s Birthday just months after his death, long before Congress declared it a federal holiday. It was not until 1879, under President Rutherford B. Hayes, that Washington’s Birthday became a legal holiday, to be observed on his birthday, February 22.
Washington’s birthday was celebrated on February 22 until well into the 20th century. In 1968, Congress passed the Monday Holiday Law to “provide uniform annual observances of certain legal public holidays on Mondays.” By creating more 3-day weekends, Congress hoped to “bring substantial benefits to both the spiritual and economic life of the Nation.”
Today, George Washington’s Birthday is one of only eleven permanent holidays established by Congress. One of the great traditions followed for decades has been the reading by a U.S. senator of George Washington’s Farewell Address in legislative session, which remains an annual event to this day.
It is a beautiful winter morning, clear and crisp We are greeted by Jim Swenson and Frank Middleton this morning. The bell is rung promptly by President Tom at 7.
President Tom gives a belated award to Tom Hoch, who joins us this morning in person rather than by Zoom, after some extended time in Barbados, and Greg Holt who put in a lot of time at the Tree Lot this past holiday season. Thank you Tom and Greg.
President Tom reads the invocation this morning. Oh merciful God, please help us and guide us in our everyday lives as we attempt to live in Optimistic life.
A great breakfast of croissant egg and sausage sandwich with potatoes. During the board meeting last night it has been decided to continue breakfast supplied by Café de France, beyond the end of this month, as had been previously announced. Do support the club and Café de France as they supply us with a delicious meal.
Phil Perington and our newest member, Mario Sani enjoy the delicious breakfast
Frank Middleton talks about membership. Frank hopes to create awareness of club membership which is the life blood of Monaco South Optimist Club. This year we started out at 117 members. We lost 3 members this past year. We have gained 3 new members, so that puts us at even. Frank is hoping to re focus on welcoming new members and keeping them engaged in the club activities. If we bring in 3 new members we would be recognized as a legacy club and receive $50 from the district. Frank also talks about King Soopers cards and how we can contribute to the club by using this card to purchase groceries with a percentage of purchased items going to the club.
The Board also talked about forming a Tree Lot committee with the aim of generating ideas on how to improve the operation and experience for the lot. Tom mentions the need to start replacing some of the old lights, which are unreliable and some are broken. Tom Hoch has been appointed to the committee for new lights. Mark Metevia has also been nominated along with Al Gapuzan. We are off to a strong start, and Jeff Wilson says he will also lend his talents. Exciting news. Phil Perington and Alan Malask round out the strong showing. Ed Collins also gives an affirmative when asked to serve
Announcements:
SUPER CITIZEN NEWS
Kent Gloor talks about the recent Super Citizen at Samuel Elementary. 30 deserving students. 5th Graders at the school receive a laptop for school work. Noel Hasselgren helped with pictures at the assembly.
The 2nd Super Citizen assembly of the year for Lowry Elementary will be Friday February 25th. Lowry splits up the school and will have two assemblies – one at 12:30pm and another at 1:30 pm. As was done in November, the presentations will be done via Zoom. Paul Stratton and Greg Young will be in attendance representing Monaco South. If any member would like to join us, please email Paul at paulcurry3111@gmail.com and he will forward the Zoom link details once they are available.
Don Thomson met Monday with the new Principal at McMeen Elementary about restarting their Super Citizen program. Don is very excited about renewing the assemblies with a new administration there with good things to come.
MEMBER NEWS
No good deed goes unpunished! Russ Paul tells us his apartment is evicting him, and is looking for a new place to live. Russ recently helped another tenant who was on the verge of being evicted during a health crisis, and has come under the wrongful dealings of a system with no regard for the welfare of it’s clientele. Phil Perington also explains that the administration for this apartment building has been dealing unfairly with Russ and there will be a hearing to present the facts. Joe Marci has been very helpful with Russ and Phil thanks Joe for helping take Russ to church, medical visits and so on. We hope the best for you Russ!
The husband of Tara Boivin, Norman, passed away January 29th of COVID. Tara and Norm own The Backstreet Grill where our club held several meetings during the pandemic. He was 61. Services were held on Saturday February 18. The club is going to plant 10 Memorial trees in his honor. These trees are planted in a forest with the greatest need at the best suitable time of the year. Usually, Spring and Fall.
The 2022 Golf Expo will be at the Colorado Convention Center in Hall F, February 25-27.We have several members staffing it. They will share info on the 2022 Junior Optimist Golf Program. The schedule is listed below
FRIDAY 10-6 SATURDAY 9-5 SUNDAY 10-4
Bud Black Mario Sani Russ Paul
Ron Barns Larry Pulaski Gary Strowbridge
Joe Marci Ken Jeung Bob Meyer
Bob Meyer Frank Middleton Joe Marci
Joe Marci
In the absence of Andy Towt, our OI Foundation Club Representative, Greg Young reminds us that this club has one of the best records in all of Optimist International for participation in the Dime a Day Program. By contributing $36.50 ( one dollar/day you can support this fund which provides money for OI Scholarship programs, like Oratorical, Essay and Communication Contest for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Let’s not forget about this program
SPEAKER
Christopher Sherry is the chairman of Merrick which is an employee owned company. Merrick is an engineering company that was started here in Denver in 1954. Christopher has been with company 34 years, and is an Air Force veteran. Chris tells us that Merrick being an employee-owned company helps hold each employee accountable. They are an engineering company specializing in survey work. The company does work in 4 primary markets. National security market includes department of defense. Merrick helped design the new NORAD facility at Peterson Air Force Base, along with North Command they helped design. Chris graduated from the Air Force Academy, and is proud that Merrick helped design part of the control tower at the Academy as a tribute to 9/11. Merrick helps NNSA, National Nuclear Security Administration which makes the triggers for nuclear weapons. They do this at 3 locations around the country. The have clearances with DOD and NSA for this work. 2nd market is Life Sciences which includes research for plant, animal and human sciences. The design, validation and of the implementation of labs that do research for Life Sciences. What has changed as a result of COVID 19 are the protocols for doing this work because of the current conditions. 3rd segment is Civil Engineering, including transportation, land development and infrastructure. Merrick is in 13 states, Canada, Mexico and various other spots around the world. Each employee is a share holder of the company. As CEO Chris is in the business of managing people. Energy and chemicals, oil and gas including products that result from them. Second submarket is sustainable proteins, if you have heard of impossible burger, Merrick is involved in process engineering for this company. Power is another submarket Merrick is involved with. Due to time constraints President Tom thanks Chris for his time and what an interesting presentation/speech. Chris is also the incoming President for the Area Boy Scouts.
DRAWING
Do we have a drawing? $60 in the pot. 3 of Diamonds is the lucky card. Joe Marci takes the first cup, Jim Swenson takes a cup, Alan Malask takes a cup, Gary Strowbridge takes a cup, Pat Bush also picks a card, Phil Perington takes a card, Mark Metevia take the last cup. President Tom calls his own name from the jar and takes a card. Alas no one has the lucky card and the pot grows for next week.
We rise and recite the creed.
INTERESTING STUFF FROOM STEVE KADY
The year is 1920, "One hundred years ago." What a difference a century makes! Here are some statistics for Year 1920:
The average life expectancy for men was 47 years.
Fuel for cars was sold in drug stores only.
Only 14 percent of homes had a bathtub.
Only 8 percent of homes had a telephone.
The maximum speed limit in most cities was 10 mph.
The tallest structure in world was Eiffel Tower.
The average US wage in 1919 was 22 cents per hour.
The average US worker made between $200 and $400 per year.
A competent accountant could expect to earn $2,000 per year.
A dentist earned $2,500 per year.
A veterinarian between $1,500 and $4,000 per year.
A mechanical engineer about $5,000 per year.
More than 95 percent of all births took place at home.
Ninety percent of all Doctors had NO COLLEGE EDUCATION! Instead, they attended so-called medical schools, many of which were condemned in the press AND government as "substandard."
Sugar cost four cents a pound.
Eggs were fourteen cents a dozen.
Coffee was fifteen cents a pound.
Most women washed their hair once a month and used Borax or egg yolks for shampoo.
Canada passed a new law prohibiting poor people from entering into their country for any reason.
The Five leading causes of death were:
o Pneumonia and influenza
o Tuberculosis
o Diarrhea
o Heart disease
o Stroke
The American flag had 45 stars.
The population of Las Vegas, Nevada was only 30.
Crossword puzzles, canned soda & beer, and iced tea hadn't been invented yet.
There was neither a Mother's Day nor Father's Day.
Two out of every 10 adults couldn't read or write.
Only 6 percent of all Americans had graduated from high school.
Marijuana, heroin, and morphine were available over counter at local drugstores.
Back then pharmacists said, "Heroin clears complexion, gives buoyancy to mind, regulates stomach, bowels, and is a perfect guardian of health!" (Shocking?)
There were about 230 reported murders in the ENTIRE U.S.A.
I am now going to forward this to someone else without typing it myself. From there, it will be sent to others all over WORLD all in a matter of seconds! It is impossible to imagine what it may be like in another 100 years.
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Larry Pulaski
February 1
Tom Kramis
February 2
Craig Eley
February 6
Cy Regan
February 6
Eldon Strong
February 7
Russ Paul
February 10
Frank Ross
February 17
Nick Picucci
February 17
Jim Tapp
February 19
Bob Avery
February 26
Don Thomson
February 28
FUTURE SPEAKERS
*MSOC members
Friday Feb 18 Christopher C. Sherry, PE | Chairman, CEO/Pres. Merrick & Company
Friday Feb 25 Kent Gloor*, How Synthetic Fertilizer for food led to the rise and fall of the third reich.
Friday Mar 4. Captain Brian Norton &/or Captain Ben Bramwell, DFD Engine #22
Friday Mar 11 Ryan Bresnahan, Promoting Health for yourself and Community
Friday Mar 18 Kayla GabehartAssociate Director, National History Day in Colorado
Friday Mar 25 Camaraderie Day
Friday Apr 1 Casey Funk*, The Colorado River Compact
Friday Apr 8. Mike Henninger & Sarah Bramlett, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
Friday Apr 15 Gordon Close, Guitars for Vets
Friday Apr 22 Camaraderie Day. Officer elections
Friday Apr 29 Tamara Kirch, Creating a Mental & Emotional 1st Aid Kit
Friday May 6. Frank Rowe*, Denver Park Trust update
Friday May 13. OPEN
Friday May 20. Camaraderie Day
OI Foundation Reminder: If you use Amazon to order products, you can earn money for the Foundation by signing on to http://smileamazon.com
Commencing May 14 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 Tom Kramis 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 2020-2021 45th Year — Chartered in 1976
2021 - 2022 Officers
President Tom Kramis 303-917-5299
Vice President Larry Pulaski 303-956-1202
Vice President Chris Dunphy 720-297-3111
Secretary Phil Perington 303-832-4578
Treasurer Pat Bush 303-750-9409
2021- 2022 Board of Directors
Stephen Avery 720-775-7700 Joe Marci 303-847-7844
George Buzick 303-803-2268 Casey Funk 720-656-2255
David Peck 925-890-2531 Dan Rodriguez 303-521-5120
Steve Kady 303-931-1470 Kent Gloor 303-880- 5444
Tom Glazier 303-522-5214
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
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.
It is a beautiful winter morning, clear and crisp We are greeted by Jim Swenson and Frank Middleton this morning. The bell is rung promptly by President Tom at 7.
In the absence of Andy Towt, our OI Foundation Club Representative, Greg Young reminds us that this club has one of the best records in all of Optimist International for participation in the Dime a Day Program. By contributing $36.50 ( one dollar/day you can support this fund which provides money for OI Scholarship programs, like Oratorical, Essay and Communication Contest for Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Let’s not forget about this program
Christopher Sherry is the chairman of Merrick which is an employee owned company. Merrick is an engineering company that was started here in Denver in 1954. Christopher has been with company 34 years, and is an Air Force veteran. Chris tells us that Merrick being an employee-owned company helps hold each employee accountable. They are an engineering company specializing in survey work. The company does work in 4 primary markets. National security market includes department of defense. Merrick helped design the new NORAD facility at Peterson Air Force Base, along with North Command they helped design. Chris graduated from the Air Force Academy, and is proud that Merrick helped design part of the control tower at the Academy as a tribute to 9/11. Merrick helps NNSA, National Nuclear Security Administration which makes the triggers for nuclear weapons. They do this at 3 locations around the country. The have clearances with DOD and NSA for this work. 2nd market is Life Sciences which includes research for plant, animal and human sciences. The design, validation and of the implementation of labs that do research for Life Sciences. What has changed as a result of COVID 19 are the protocols for doing this work because of the current conditions. 3rd segment is Civil Engineering, including transportation, land development and infrastructure. Merrick is in 13 states, Canada, Mexico and various other spots around the world. Each employee is a share holder of the company. As CEO Chris is in the business of managing people. Energy and chemicals, oil and gas including products that result from them. Second submarket is sustainable proteins, if you have heard of impossible burger, Merrick is involved in process engineering for this company. Power is another submarket Merrick is involved with. Due to time constraints President Tom thanks Chris for his time and what an interesting presentation/speech. Chris is also the incoming President for the Area Boy Scouts. 
DRAWING