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OPTIMST INTERNATIONAL
  • 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.
GREETERS
We were greeted this morning by the bubbling and effervescent Vaughn Kendall and Chris Dunphy. Chris was doing double duty as he had already energetically and efficiently set up our coffee service, while the breakfast buffet unfolded with delicious, scrambled eggs, plump juicy sausages, cheddar hash browns, fresh fruit, vegetable tray and multiple assortments of bagels and juice options.
EARLY MORNING ACTIVITIES
 Harry Fegley was wearing his Full Animal Zoo volunteer jacket and telling tales of wild goings on at the zoo. Tom Mauro had finally found his Rockies jacket and was predicting the  Rockies will be lucky to win 60 games, based upon his recent visit to Spring Training with Mike White. PaulStratton and George Buzick were in serious conversation talking about middle schools,  attendance and grading systems in flux. Karl Geil a long time resident of Zoomland was on the screen once again this morning and we are wondering if we will ever see him in person again. We all miss his presence. A spry and healthy Don Roth is back- good to se his smiling face. Al Gapuzan, Josh LiPuma and Matt Nelson were busy talking and working on  business deals. Meanwhile, paparazzi Craig Eley prowled the gathered in search of new photos for the Directory. It was a busy and energetic morning with lots of Springtime conversation and camaraderie.
CALL TO ORDER
President Larry Pulaski gaveled the crowd to attention at 7:03 sharp. Tom Yagley
 presented the Invocation tribute to George Washington, “God of our Ancestors... As we commemorate Our First President Washington, we recall that the penalty for treason was death, yet he was willing to risk that for a cause he felt was just. We thank you, God, for sending our nation a man who did just that.” The Pledge of Allegiance followed with rousing cheer of                                    “PLAY BALL!!” 
PRESIDENT'S CORNER
Prez Larry brought us up to date on the March TLC (Tree Lot Committee) meeting with attending members-Tom Kramis, Pat Bush, Larry Pulaski, Tom Glazier, Andy Towt, Ed Collins, Greg Holt, Allen Malask, George Buzick, Dan Rodriguez and Phil Perington. Committee Chair Tom Kramis added that a plan is developing, whereby an Administrative Chair and 3-member TAP(tapping into our resources) committee will help organize our volunteers and develop a schedule for overall operation and assembly of the 2023 tree lot facility. Details as they unfold will be shared with the entire club membership. Of Note: Vaughn Kendall, Steve Kady and Chris Dunphy have already committed to the activity.   Larry also reminded Most Precious Blood School needs a Super Citizen Speaker. Finally, History Day is just around the corner and Karl Geil is looking for volunteers.
GUEST
 
Do we have any Guests: Frank Middleton introduces Terry Burns a 35 year customer of the tree lot. Terry lives in the area and shared his thoughts, admitting it  was time to perhaps take the next step and join in the fun. We all hope he will become a member in our service to youth and friendly camaraderie.
NEW MEMBER INDUCTION
Allen Meyer and Sponsor Greg Young took the stage and stood for the Induction led by President Larry. All went well, congratulations and a hearty welcoming applause followed.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
Tom Mauro: East H.S. Has admitted they need a police presence similar to when the Bloods and Crips were terrorizing the School on the 90’s.  A contribution for the Debate team is also needed.
 
 
Don Thomson: Reminded us of the Health Fair at Augustana Lutheran Church on April 15. He also asked for continued support of the Super Citizen Program
Greg Young: has information about some of the measures to be voted on in the April 4 Municipal Election in Denver. Copies are on the bar. (Pat Bush wondered if we could also get a beer.
Frank Middleton: Rockies personality,  Bob Gebhardt will soon be our guest speaker. Please think about bringing a guest. He also added the New Member race for winning a weekend at the Frisco condo of Bob Meyer  is tightening.
Guest Speaker;
 
Diana Romero-Campbell Candidate for City Council District 4.
Diana is a Denver native born at St. Joseph an undisclosed years ago. She resides in Bible Park. As a girl she walked to Hamilton M.S and graduated from TJ. She comes from a family of life long Public School  teachers. Her sister is teaching in Aurora , Dad taught in Littleton and Mom at DPS. She has spent most of her life-30 years, advocating for women and children.  During the pandemic she spend many hours assisting and mentoring kids. Public Safety is  safety first and foremost in our schools. Defunding the police is not the solution. Common sense and community cooperation is key to a healthy environment.
Diana then took questions:
 
Q. What is your position on 2O-Park Hill Conservation Easement? Supports inasmuch, in her opinion, this has become a zero sum conversation. This followed with a comment that there has been a flee to the suburbs that started way back in1993 when the summer of violence campaign actually began. Where and why are people leaving is a major concern.
 
Q. Why are the police quitting? There is a loss respect in the community. DPD has 200 admitted there are at least  positions vacant and everywhere street visibility and administration is under-staffed.DPD has been forced to “do more with less.” She states City Council can’t change change everything because it is up the  up to Mayors  office and the budget deciding what is a priority.
 
Q. Are contractors ruining neighborhoods? Growth is happening too quickly and there is a housing shortage of  50,000 units m/l. The 4th District is majority suburban SFH and the developers have their eyes on increased development.. whatever that may be. How do we build a community together is the real issue.
 
Q. What needs to be addressed in the community Parks , etc.? We need Crossing lights-BIBLE PARK.  Bike path at  Yale and Holly is dangerous and needs to be completed. Auto thefts are a major issue.
 
Q. Teachers v. Violent students? Looking into it.
 
Q. Services for Parks and Recreation not funded-staff and resources available? The current proposed solutions on the table is the the formula wrong. Less confusion in planning department and linked communication between is key.
 
Q. Are developers required to help pay their way.? They should be.
 
Q. Should police standards be changed like Aurora? Maybe.
Comment from the audience: We must Change current dysfunctional sentencing guidelines and show more respect for the police-met with applause.
 
Q. Is quality better than quantity? We do need more people interested in DFD &  DPD. Teachers Human Resources protocol needs to looked at for realistic performance standards.
Thank you Diana.May good fortune be with you. You are always welcome to share your thoughts and information with the Club should you be elected.
IS THERE A DRAWING? 
$50 for the 10 of clubs
Cash Cups-Wyatt McCallie-Frank Middleton-Mike White-Greg Hurd-RandyBruns-Phil Perington
Lucky Card: Pat Bush & Phil Perington. Sorry Charlie, no tuna today.
Name Tag-Greg Holt-Nope.
 
Creed led by Our Guest Diana
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Editor's Note: If you have a few minutes, take a look at this video submitted by Bob Avery: A presentation by a current Optimist member who wasn't very successful in her early life. Our activities do make a difference.  https://youtu.be/W4iRKvH_DzQ
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Carl Brown
March 6
 
David Telpner
March 10
 
Paul Bernard
March 15
 
Josh LiPuma
March 18
 
Woody Thibodeau
March 25
 
Johnny VanNess
March 30
 
Upcoming Events
Super Citizen-Most Precious Blood
Most Precious Blood School
Mar 28, 2023 10:30 AM
 
Junior Golf Committee Meeting
American Legion Hall
Mar 31, 2023
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
 
Weekly Meeting
American Legion Hall
Mar 31, 2023
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
 
History Day State Contest
University of Colorado Denver
Apr 01, 2023
7:30 AM – 3:30 PM
 
BOARD MEETING
American Legion Hall #1
Apr 04, 2023 6:30 PM
 
OFFICER ELECTIONS
American Legion Hall
Apr 07, 2023
7:14 AM – 8:00 AM
 
Weekly Meeting
American Legion Hall
Apr 07, 2023
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
 
Super Citizen-Holm
Holm Elementary School
Apr 07, 2023
8:00 AM - 9:45 AM
 
Weekly Meeting
American Legion Hall
Apr 14, 2023
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM
 
Super Citizen-McMeen
McMeen Elementary School
Apr 14, 2023
8:45 AM - 10:45 AM
 
View entire list
Speakers
Mar 31, 2023 7:30 AM
The Early Years of the Rockies
Apr 14, 2023 7:30 AM
Assistance League of Denver
Apr 21, 2023 7:30 AM
pilot and CU Student
Apr 28, 2023 7:30 AM
Respect for Law Recognition
View entire list
 
 
   
 
 
 
OI Foundation Reminder: If you use Amazon to order products, you can earn money for the Foundation by signing on to  http://smileamazon.com
 
 
See the Online Events Calendar @http://www.monacosouth.org/Events/Calendar
 
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 Larry Pulaski 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.
Topic: OCMS Friday 7:00 AM Meeting
Time: 6:30 AM Mountain Time (US and Canada)
Every week on Friday Morning
 
 LINK
Join  Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/8678115309?pwd=bHFtUkJ6WURsdlJ1Qlo2Zkxla1ZuQT09

Meeting ID: 867 811 5309
Passcode: 2021
 
 
Optimist Club of Monaco South 2022-2023 47th Year — Chartered in 1976
 
                        2022-2023 Officers                                                                                
President           Larry Pulaski           303-956-1202      
Vice President   Matt Nelson             720-774-0758
Vice President   Steve Kady               303-931-1470
Secretary           Jake Baker                412-680-0765
Treasurer           Pat Bush                   303-750-9409
                            2022- 2023 Board of Directors 
 Joe Marci             303-847-7844      Tom Glazier          303-522-5214  
 George Buzick     303-803-2268      Casey Funk           720-656-2255
 Vaughn Kendall   303-910-6590      Ken Jeung             720-849-6241
 Kent Gloor           303-880- 5444     Tom Kramis         303-917-5299  
 Tom Hoch             303-332-9338                                       
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
 
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.