What an unbelievably exciting year it has been for our group. Even with the challenges thrown at us, we really hit our stride and gelled as an organization in 2022. I started this blog simply by listing everything that’s transpired since January. A list that is nothing short of amazing.
- February. Officially kicked off the Monte Vista Bicycle Rack Project.
- March. Sponsored a poop bag dispenser at Skeff Nature Trail.
- May. 2nd Annual Cinco de Mayo Street Festival, downtown.
- June. Ken’s battle with cancer & decision to depart on a world tour.
- June. Established “Connecting People, Creating Community” slogan.
- July. Started our monthly VIBE meetings.
- August. Governor Polis phone call about the OptiMystics.
- August. Revision & expansion of the board of directors to 5 people.
- August. 2nd Annual Beer Fest & Car Show in Chapman Park.
- August. Joined the RERC steering committee.
- October. Monte Vista’s Halloween Festival. Worked together with 4 other non-profits.
- November. Became a fiscal sponsor for SLV Fast Friends, AKA Draggin’ on Dirt.
- December. Coop with the Art Council for a Christmas Parade float.
- December. Hosted a Holiday Meet & Greet.
In addition, this year:
-We worked behind the scenes in support of the ever expanding 3rd Friday Art Walks.
-Our social media and website engagement has continued to grow. Nearly 150,000 page views, plus 244 Facebook members and growing.
-We introduced new T-shirts, tumblers and other really cool swag, this year. We also donated a couple dozen OptiMystics branded coffee mugs to Grammy’s Kitchen. All of this thanks to member Marie McColm.
-We had four unique, artistic bicycle racks installed around Monte Vista. More are on the way for 2023.
-We launched a new program to help bring together businesses, leaders, owners and potential business members by hosting 6 unique VIBE meetings. Each meeting features special local guest speakers who have a heart for our business community.
-We continue to have other non-profits, organizations, businesses and individuals reach out to us. They are drawn to us by what we’ve already accomplished for our town and are asking about our programs, how they can become involved, and even about fiscal sponsorship opportunities.
Additionally, we worked with and in support of numerous other local businesses & organizations through support, collaboration and donations, including:
- Proud Military Parents & Supporters.
- Rain Brews & Grammys Kitchen.
- The Mystic Valley Art Council.
- The Monte Vista Food Bank.
- National Night Out (MVPD).
- The Poor Boy Car Club.
- Monte Vista Chamber.
- The LOR Foundation.
- 3rd Friday Art Walks.
- The Crane Building.
- SLV Fast Friends.
- MVEDC.
Our expanded board is the perfect mix of people who loath long, laboriously unnecessary meetings as much as I do. It took no time for everyone to adopt our already established, efficient way of making decisions, an internal Message Group. The fact of the matter is, when things come up and decisions need to be made, we do so quickly, logically and without the need to “wait until the next month’s meeting.” Granted, not everything fits into this nice box, but the majority does, I absolutely love the efficiency in which we operate as a cohesive team and remain indebted to our board. “They Rock!”
One of the really exciting highlights this year was the phone call from our own state Governor. Upon hearing of our work Governor Polis called us and we took it on conference, giving Monte Vista City Manager Gigi Dennis-Lounsbury an opportunity to speak for the city, as well as offering us an opportunity to invite the Governor to the upcoming Potato Festival. Thanks to the efforts of the OptiMystics, the little town of Monte Vista has the positive attention of the Colorado state government.
Once again this year, we could not have accomplished everything we did without the deeply appreciated support of so many others. At the top of the list are our event sponsors, listed below. Just as important to us are the City of Monte Vista, the Monte Vista Police Department & Monte Vista Public Works. The fine folks behind these government agencies are always willing to lend a hand in support of our efforts. Specifically, we want to give a great big shout out to City Manager Gigi Dennis-Lounsbury, Police Chief George Dingfelder and Public Works Director Rob Vance. Thank You!
Of course, all of our members and volunteers are a key asset to getting anything done and we appreciate each and every one of them too. It’s so exciting to see new faces showing up at our meetings, only to become familiar faces over time. We’re also thankful for the ever growing list of vendors that continue to be a part of our events.
Last but certainly not least, YOU. The citizens of Monte Vista and surrounding towns of the San Luis Valley, who attend our events, support our efforts, and reach out to us for more information. Thank You!
Our 2022 Sponsors include RG Bank, SLVREC, Ciello, Monte Vista Coop, The LOR Foundation, Rising Fenix A&P, Sandhill Inn & Suites, SLVoices, San Luis Valley Broadcasting, Waste Management, Rocky Mountain Memorabilia, Krazie Pete’s Bounce Houses, Miracle Boy, Inc., San Luis Valley Amateur Radio Association, Monte Vista Journal, Burris & Sons Bucking Bulls, The Comm Shack, FaeMoon Wolf Designs & Grammys Kitchen/Rain Brews.
Here’s looking at an exciting 2023!
Adam Lock, President
OptiMystics CAN!