Former member of the Monte Vista Chamber of Commerce, and President Emeritus of the OptiMystics Citizens Action Network Ken Hamko, celebrated his birthday with friends and family, who also held a retirement and going away party for him on Friday, Aug. 26. Hamko decided as part of his retirement he was going to leave on a trip and visit places such as Paris, France, and other cities. Hamko does not know where he will end up, or if he will return to Monte Vista, but he was touched by the outpouring of people who showed up for his party. Monte Vista Mayor Dale Becker and his wife Jennifer Becker were in attendance, along with City of Monte Vista Public Works Director Rob Vance and his wife Unita Vance. Councilman Jason Lorenz attended the party with his wife. Councilwoman Martha Lock was at the party along with City Manager GiGi Dennis and her husband Mark Lounsbury. Members of the OptiMystics including Adam Lock, Roy Aiken, Mark Renshaw, Tim Cantrell, Bridget Sandoval and her daughter, were also in attendance.