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.
We were graciously and warmly greeted by Kevin Dempsey this morning. Tom Mauro was helping out, even though he was not on the official greeters list. Lots of activity around the Greeters table made this an especially energetic morning. Frank “The Dealer” Middleton was merrily handing out playing cards to arriving members, scattering the gathered to new seating locations. A Camaraderie Day Tradition started by Frank a few years ago.
MORNING ACTIVITY Karl Geil and Bryce Slaby, enjoying his continental breakfast, were engaged in hounding the ghosts of Presidential musings. Gary Strowbridge was circulating the room talking about poker and upcoming adult activities. Tom Hoch, he of ZOOM technology, was busy setting set up while searching for regular online attendees including Randy “Texas” Marcove and Bob “Santa Fe”. Avery.Tom Mauro on his determined and relentless mission, prowled the room looking for Board and Officer candidates. Bud Olson was seen having a good time talking with Mark Metevia while looking for table #10. New member Guest, Don Dillon was meeting with the guys at our welcome table. Prez Casey working diligently on the March birthday list had a wry smile on his face. Gary Jerman enjoying conversations with “Lucky Card” Dr. Bob Finkelmeier, Allen Malask, Harry Fegley and Noel “Show me the Money” Hasselgren. George Buzick was packing an important package of Essay Medallions. Pat Bush announcing, “I’m feeling good and not smoking anything”, while Mike McMahon with his morning banana and Greg Young shared stories. The trio of GregHolt-Larry Pulaski-Tom Kramis were heartily chatting it up at the buffet table. GUMS roving reporter Robert Wardlaw curiously looking around the room sidled up to Dr. Bob & Noel looking for gossip and important news items.
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
President Casey Funk gaveled the gathered to attention at 7:01 sharp and asked Kevin to present the Invocation, “Teach us to accept that which we cannot change”, let us optimistically solve problems and deliver solutions of thoughtful understanding. Let there be peace among us by sharing that which we know to be true and helpful. Let us strive to be the solution and not the problem in all we do.
President Casey Remarks: “This must be Camaraderie day”. It is traditional to sing birthday greetings to Monthly celebrants, and we now honor the flowing with our Special rendition of “Happy birthday to you… Paul Bernard, Josh LiPuma, Bob Sweeney, David Telpner, and Woody Thibodeau.” It was a musical moment to remember. Casey reminded the Board meeting is Monday at 6:30 and good grub will be served. By-Laws will be presented for approval. He also thanked all the attendees to the District Conference. He also noted new member Zabih Danesh will be featured at our next meeting whereby we profile and learn about our newest members.
GUESTS
Do we have any Guests? Frank Middleton introduced Don Dillon who then took the microphone and gave a big Thank you for the hospitality and noted he been trying to come to a meeting and become an extended family member of both Greg Young and the Optimists.
Past President Larry Pulaski: Introduced Ryan Williams as a new member who showed with some green and is excited about joining Club. He noted this is his third time time here. Ryan works diligently with Veterans, is honored to be a member of this group and looking forward to helping out.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Tom Hoch: Reported, beginning 3/11/24 ALL Veterans will have access and general health coverage with the Veterans Administration.
Karl Geil reminded everyone the Denver/Aurora Regional Contest for History Day in Colorado will be held March 16th at East High School. Anyone interested in being a judge should show up early for training. He also reported Medicare Advantage may now pay dues for service club members over the age of 65. The District Newsletter carried coverage of the benefits as well.Tom Kramis: Announced the TLC (Tree Lot Committee) will meet 3/20 at Phil Perington’s Office 5353 W Dartmouth Ave. Suite 509 @ 4:00. Please RSVP. Topics of discussion will be Marketing, led by Denny Dressman and Trailer options by Phil Perington, Tom Kramis and Greg Holt.
HAPPY BUCKS
Casey happy for his daughter’s birthday. Tom Overton happy to be back from Mexico. Don Thomson happy the parts for his new hip are in and will be inserted soon. Bryce Slaby kinda happy about his 50th anniversary. Gary Jerman happy for his girlfriend of one year. Karl Geil happy his son has new professorship position. Mark Metevia happy to be back from a wonderful river cruise. George Buzick happy for his daughter being back in Denver. Tom Glazier really happy to be here. Craig Eley happy for his 50th wedding anniversary in Raleigh NC B&B with the grand kids. Gray Strowbridge is happy his Patty wife got over covid and he didn’t get it. Denny Dressman is happy for all the marketing volunteers. Dick Nicoloff is happy to be 2 going to Florida to see grandkids. Michael Chavez is happy the Lazik surgery on left eye was successful. Greg Young is happy for Don Dillon. Zabih Danesh is happy to be able to share happiness after many hardships and to be among new people feeling and being an optimist. Also, happy his mom was discharged from hospital after car accident. Frank Middleton is happy for his 17th anniversary and celebrating at a famous Steak house. Karl Geil is happy to be celebrating his celebrate 35th anniversary as well. Tom Mauro is happy he finally got his Rockies ticket to exchange for games he really wants to attend. Pat Bush is happy his wife B.L. Is out of the hospital and feeling well. Phil Perington is happy George Buzick delivered the Medallions for our winners at the Essay Awards ceremony next week with the TJ Jazz Club.
Pat Bush announced $46 was collected to go into our Childhood Wellness program.
Grateful Announcements:
Frank Middleton: Honored Tom Glazier, Michael Chavez, Tom Mauro, George Buzick & Tom Overton for bringing in new members.
Gary Jerman: He is Optimistic about the Rockies and bet $10 for them to win the World Series. $4,000 payoff.
George Buzick: A grateful thanks to morning behind the scenes volunteers Mark Metevia (Speakers); Gary Strowbridge(set-up); webmaster Greg Young; and Tom Hoch and Larry Pulaski for Zoom I.T. And let's not forget Dr. Bob and Noel Hasselgren at the money table.
BOY SCOUT AWARD- From Greg Holt (Photo by Bob Avery)
On February 29, 2024, the Greater Colorado Council of the Boy Scouts of America, recognized Greg Ostravich, a Monaco South Optimist Club Member, at their Annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet with their Duty to God Award.
“The Duty to God Award was created to recognize registered Scouters who have demonstrated an exemplary history of transformational leadership in supporting and promoting the spiritual foundation of Scouting at the Council level. It acknowledges the unswerving dedication to faith, fellowship, and service of those whose character embodies the moral principles and shared ideals of the Boy Scouts of America. The award distinguishes Scouters who selflessly work to prepare youth for life by perpetuating the merit and legacy od a Scout’s duty to their Creator.”
Please congratulate Greg when you see him.
DRAWING
Is there a Drawing?
$80 - 2 OF Diamonds wins the pot.
Draw of the Cards: Pat Bush- Nope. 2nd Draw: Tom Glazier wins!!
Cups: Kevin Dempsey-Greg Holt-Jerry G-Robert Wardlaw-Mike McMahon(2) MAGICALLY pulls his own number on 2nd ticket!
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.
President Casey Funk gaveled the gathered to attention at 7:01 sharp and asked Kevin to present the Invocation, “Teach us to accept that which we cannot change”, let us optimistically solve problems and deliver solutions of thoughtful understanding. Let there be peace among us by sharing that which we know to be true and helpful. Let us strive to be the solution and not the problem in all we do.
Frank Middleton introduced Don Dillon who then took the microphone and gave a big Thank you for the hospitality and noted he been trying to come to a meeting and become an extended family member of both Greg Young and the Optimists.
Tom Hoch: Reported, beginning 3/11/24 ALL Veterans will have access and general health coverage with the Veterans Administration. 
On February 29, 2024, the Greater Colorado Council of the Boy Scouts of America, recognized Greg Ostravich, a Monaco South Optimist Club Member, at their Annual Volunteer Recognition Banquet with their Duty to God Award.
0 - 2 OF Diamonds wins the pot.