BLOC Talk 8/25/25 addendum
Scott L. Replogle
77th CO/WY District Convention
Let me start by saying our convention was just outstanding. From
training on Friday followed by dinner at Nordy’s BBQ and then the
convention on Saturday. Our convention dinner was all fun and folic
as we had a theater group perform a murder mystery.
Our convention emcee was Abigail Nicholas who does an
outstanding job. Abigail is president of DTC. Loveland Mayor Jacki
March welcomed us and told us about Loveland. Loveland is
famous for an incredible sculpture park.
Our guest (motivational) speaker was Kathy Reilly. Her key point
while using matches as a metaphor was to emphasize it takes a
spark to get us going and light the fire under us. Kathy was well
received.
The Lt Governors got to highlight their club’s projects and/or
fundraisers. Bob Hamblin of Windsor Garden OC was nominated for
Governor-Elect for the 2026-27 year and was elected by a
unanimous show of hands. Governor-Designate Gary Banninga,
Windsor OC, will be our governor for the coming 2025-26 year. All
the officers were installed by SW Region Vice President Tony
Carpenter who used the seven dwarfs as part of the installation.
I recognized 5 clubs in the district for outstanding work with new
members and member retention. They were Bronze: DTC and
Monoco South, Silver: Ft Lupton, and Gold: Gateway and Heather
Gardens.I recognized the following individuals as follows: Excellence in
performance: Laura Mitchell, District Treasurer; Tom Mehl, Lt
Governor-Zone 7.
Best of the Best: Mary Grace Wake, Winsor Gardens; Linda
Williams, Tamarac.
Proclamation: Proclaimed August 23, 2025, as Steve “Yoda”
Gorrell” day.
There were two sessions of round tables in the afternoon discussing
various subjects germane to Optimism. A competitive bunny race
won by Bob Meyer was held during the break between sessions.
The evening dinner was a blast. This was preceded by the proverbial
cocktail hour. Our own Scott Replogle provided music which was
80’s themed.
The Murder Mystery dinner was, well, off the charts. The theme was
the 80’s. Each table had at least one suspect, and each were given a
script to use to describe themselves and provide clues when offered
“money”
. Scott was one of the potential suspects and his character
was a Doctor. Scott had to leave before completion, so Lou Medal
took over. The Optimists were about as good as the actual
performers. It was a blast.
All in all, a great weekend.
