As summer prepares to turn to fall and I write our latest blog, we bid a fond farewell to our friend, first President and Co-Founder of The OptiMystics, Ken Hamko. To say he has been a large part of the driving force behind what we’ve accomplished over the past 3 years is an understatement. We first met in the summer of 2019 and it didn’t take long for the ideas to start flowing and an endearing friendship to form. As Ken embarks on a whirlwind European tour, we all wish him the best, as his retirement years finally commence. Thank you my friend, for all that you did to aid us in getting this started.
Our second annual Beer Fest & Car Show is finally behind us. It was another amazing day filled with awesome cars, twice as many local vendors, great food, delicious beer and so much more. We added even more depth this year by including the SLV Sword Guild, new food vendors, belly dancers and a corn hole tournament. Of course, we couldn’t do this without the cooperative efforts of the Poor Boy Car Club. Richard Garcia and his team are absolutely a blessing to work with. You can read more about the event in the Monte Vista Journal. And yes, very tentative plans are already under way for next year’s festival, which promises to be even bigger and better.
There were two things that stand out in my mind, regarding the Beer Fest & Car Show. One came just days before the event. How exciting it was to receive a personal phone call from Colorado Governor Jared Polis. He thanked The OptiMystics for our positive, forward thinking efforts in Monte Vista and wished us well with our annual Beer Fest & Car Show. The Governor called in part to say that he wouldn’t be able to attend our event this year, so I invited him to the SLV Potato Festival on September 10th. Why Not? Let’s show him how Monte Vista celebrates something The San Luis Valley is so well known for.
The other memory that stands out was as everything was set to start Saturday morning. Three hours of semi-controlled set up chaos plus months of preparation now lay behind us; and the festivities were ready to officially begin. It was then that for me, time culminated in one brief slice of unique togetherness, across Chapman Park. As our National Anthem poured forth, I rose proudly, savoring the moment. Everyone was standing, facing the flag, hatless, many with hands over their heart, some even singing. It was a priceless slice of Americana to behold…and truly a privilege to be a part of.
Earlier this summer, we kicked off monthly VIBE or Very Important Business Engagement meetings. In just a few short months, we’ve brought together dozens of small business owners, (virtual and brick & mortar); broadcast, print & digital media representatives ; members of the City of Monte Vista, potential business owners, managers and more. Our meetings include special guest speakers who touch on a variety of topics that are relevant to our businesses today. Speakers through the end of 2022 include Tara McCarroll, Master Tax Advisor for H&R Block, Ivette Attencio, MV Community Officer for the LOR Foundation, Gigi Dennis, Monte Vista’s City Manager, and Andrea Oaks-Jaramillo, URGED’s Executive Director. We welcome you to join us on the first Tuesday of every month for more OptiMystics CAN VIBE. Please email us to be put on the monthly email notification list.
Two more bicycle racks were recently installed in downtown Monte Vista with two more on the way soon. We’re placing artist created bike racks in convenient locations around Monte Vista, thereby providing locations to safely secure bikes and increase bike traffic with uniquely designed racks. Sponsorship is only $200.00 for each one of these unique artistic creations. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of this wonderful, artistic project in Monte Vista. Click here for The Sponsorship Order Form and get yours ordered today.
Collaboration with other local non-profits is rising to a new level this fall. We’re working hand in hand with the Monte Vista Emergency Food Bank and the Mystic Valley Art Council, to bring a family fun Halloween Festival to downtown Monte Vista on October 28th. We’ll be blocking off Adams Street for an evening that will include trunk or treating and other fun activities. Among other things planned, we’ll have a costume contest and local businesses will be handing out candy. The OptiMystics are excited to be working with these two fine organizations to bring this new event to our town. Just another way we’re Connecting People and Creating Community!
The OptiMystics signed on as part of the Steering Committee for the EPA’s Technical Assistance for the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities. We’ll have the opportunity to network with one another and exchange experiences on planning and implementing outdoor recreation initiatives for Monte Vista. We look forward to bringing you new information on this exciting program, as things get under way in late September.
Finally, we’ve made some revisions to our internal structure and how we operate. Going forward, The OptiMystics are now a board of five, as follows:
- Adam Lock, Sr. President & Secretary.
- Mark Renshaw. Vice President.
- Dustin Sigaty. Treasurer.
- L. Roy Aiken. Official Announcer & Board Member.
- Sheri Tearpak. Board Member.
The new board also unanimously decided to keep Ken Hamko on as President Emeritus. What an exciting time as we continue to expand our efforts as a group.
Hanging out downtown and bantering around seemingly crazy ideas just a few years ago, I never could have imagined that this would mature to the point where our positive impact is being widely recognized, even at the state level. I am so proud and thankful to each and every one of you who have supported our revitalization & beautification projects all along the way. You attend our meetings, sponsor our events, provide support & information, donate resources, and even volunteer your time. I truly appreciate each and every one of you for what you do to help our progress as we continually move into an exciting and rewarding future for our wonderful town. Thank you one and all.
Adam Lock Sr.
President & Co-Founder