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.
Both OI President Tracy Huxley and Jim Saccamono presentations were recorded on Zoom. Go to:
On this crisp January morning, those who attended this special meeting were greeted by Al Gapuzan and Tom Glazier. Special because our Optimist International President, Tracy Huxley was in attendance, as were members of the Tamarac Optimist Club and our speaker, Jim Saccamono. The meeting started early this morning, in order to give both Tracy and Jim plenty of time to speak to our club. George Buzick read the invocation and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag.
GUESTS
There were many guests today, including several members of the Tamarac Optimist Club.
Pat Bush introduced his neighbor and fellow soccer coach, Wade Prichard. Pat and Dr. Bob have both been coaxing Wade into joining our club.
Here for the third time was Tom Overton's neighbor, John Burnett.
Mark Metevia invited his CPA, Joe Raymer, self-employed tax preparer.
President Casey introduced Bill Wymer, long time resident of SE Denver and TJ graduate. Colorado/Wyoming Governor Mary Grace Wake and Governor-Elect Bill Ashbee joined us, as escorts to Tracy.
Wade Prichard
SPECIAL PEOPLE
Charter members of MSOC formed in 1976
Left to right- John Young, Bill Litchfield, Greg Hurd, Kent Gloor.
Tamarac Ladies
Mary Grace Wake -CO/Wy Governor
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW BYLAWS ARE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR REVIEW
Casey Funk has updated our Club Bylaws to incorporate changes required by OI. Please review these bylaws and be prepared to vote on them on March 15th.
The Proposed Bylaws can be downloaded from our website. Go to www.monacosouth.org and click on the LINK: Proposed Bylaws. You will be prompted to sign on to view and download. While you are signed on, check your member profile, and update any missing or changed information. Please contact Casey with any questions on the Bylaws.
Please contact Greg Young if you have any questions about the website or need help with logon.
MCMEEN ELEMENTARY
Don Thomson submitted the following information regarding the migrant situation at McMeen: The clothing drive for children has been excellent. The Tamarac Club has collected 4 bags of clothes and $255 over the last two weeks. Don and Joyce Thomson have collected over $100 and done all the shopping at ARC, during Senior Discount days. Claire Merril and Bonnie West have headed up the Tamarac drive.
McMeens's total enrollment has increased to over 650 students, with 150 new students, both documented and undocumented. We all are making a visit today, January 19, to meet with the social worker and volunteer. We have seen Optimists in action - we still need your contributions. Sincerely, Don.
BRAIN BOWL
Karl Geil announced that: "The Brain Bowl is Coming! The Brain Bowl is coming! One of the premier activities in the Colorado/Wyoming District and a main reason for President Tracy's visit, the first of the World-Famous Optimist Brain Bowl events will happen tomorrow, January 20. A second event will happen on January 27, at Standley Lake High School. The Championship will be held at Hamilton Middle school on February 10.
SWEETHEART BREAKFAST
The annual Sweetheart Breakfast will be held at the Cafe du France on Friday February 16, instead of our regular meeting. Details to follow
OPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
Tracy Huxley is a lifetime Optimist! She was born into an Optimist family. She followed in her father's steps as a President of Optimist International, after holding almost every leadership position in the organization. She is the 4th woman president of OI and the 1st Canadian woman. Tracy is from London, Ontario Canada and is the same age as Monaco South Optimist Club. Tracy reminded us that the International Convention will be held at Niagara Falls (The Canadian Side), June 23-26. She also reminded us that it takes some time to get a passport, so check it out now. Tracy recently attended the Rose Ball parade and watched the OI float being built.
Tracy's message for the morning involved the Mission of Optimist International "By providing hope and a positive vision, Optimists will bring out the best in youth, our communities and ourselves."
Tracy stressed that the "ourselves" element should never be forgotten in performing our tasks as an Optimist (with a Capital "O"). In her mind there are three points to focus on:
Put things in perspective!
Focus on solutions - don't dwell on problems.
When in doubt, lean on the first tenet of the Optimst Creed; Promise yourself to be so strong that no one can disturb your peace of mind.
SPEAKER
Jim Saccomanospent 36 years with the Denver Broncos, serving in a variety of roles before his retirement at the conclusion of the 2013 football season.
Jim is a very entertaining speaker with lots of insights into the Broncos football team and what the future holds. Jim is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Jim says that Sean Payton, current Bronco's coach is "charming to know, but not to work for." He also had high praise for both Pat Bowlen (former Bronco's owner) as a "Players Owner". Pat was frequently in the locker room, personally checking on players, and treated everyone with respect. Jim said that he hopes Broncos can get back to the caliber of football they demonstrated from 1973 to 2016, when they had more Super Bowl wins than losing seasons. Now we know how the other half lives. Jim claims that most fans have the attitude of "All we want is success... and we want it now". Jim responded with knowledge and humor to questions from the audience and provided valuable insight into the Bronco's organization.
Thanks to Jim for an excellent presentation from a real Bronco's "insider"!
DRAWING
We have a drawing! Mario Sani, ever the gentleman, gives his chance at winning $150 to OI President Tracy Huxley, who promptly draws the Seven of Spades, which is the card needed to win! (Is this Fate or Fix- we will never know) Congratulations to Tracy for being the lucky winner!
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
PLEASE NOTE: Some 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 2023-2024 47th Year — Chartered in 1976
2022-2023 Officers
Officers:
Casey Funk, President
Matt Nelson, Vice President
Tom Glazier, Vice President
Jake Baker, Secretary
Pat Bush, Treasurer
Larry Pulaski, Immediate Past President
Directors:
Second Year: Vaughan Kendall, George Buzick, Tom Hoch, Ken Jeung,
First Year: Carl Brown, Al Gapuzan, Greg Holt, Mario Sani
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
Larry Pulaski 2022-2023
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.
On this crisp January morning, those who attended this special meeting were greeted by Al Gapuzan and Tom Glazier. Special because our Optimist International President, Tracy Huxley was in attendance, as were members of the Tamarac Optimist Club and our speaker, Jim Saccamono. The meeting started early this morning, in order to give both Tracy and Jim plenty of time to speak to our club. George Buzick read the invocation and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our flag.
ere were many guests today, including several members of the Tamarac Optimist Club.
right- John Young, Bill Litchfield, Greg Hurd, Kent Gloor.
Don Thomson submitted the following information regarding the migrant situation at McMeen: The clothing drive for children has been excellent. The Tamarac Club has collected 4 bags of clothes and $255 over the last two weeks. Don and Joyce Thomson have collected over $100 and done all the shopping at ARC, during Senior Discount days. Claire Merril and Bonnie West have headed up the Tamarac drive. 
Karl Geil announced that: "The Brain Bowl is Coming! The Brain Bowl is coming! One of the premier activities in the Colorado/Wyoming District and a main reason for President Tracy's visit, the first of the World-Famous Optimist Brain Bowl events will happen tomorrow, January 20. A second event will happen on January 27, at Standley Lake High School. The Championship will be held at Hamilton Middle school on February 10..jpg)
NTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT
