BELIEVE THERE IS GOOD IN THE WORLD

Learn more by contacting us: estesrotarymembership@gmail.com

                    New Shoes for Ukrainian Children Who Have Lost a Parent in the War!

Since the war started most children haven't had any new shoes. Children attending a retreat in Poland put on by the Rotary Club of Zamosc, Poland, receive new shoes. Our club donated money for the group going to the retreat in August, 2026. Here is a link to the children saying Thank You!

Home Page Stories

Jim Jonell and Guy Van der Werf Discuss Shots in general and polio in particular

 

    

          Jim Jonell                     Like Grandfather, Like Grandson

Jim Jonell is a retired clinical psychologist who has specialized in adult and adolescent post trauma development. Jim has also had experience as a polio survivor and the issues of Post Polio Syndrome. Jim has been a strong supporter of Rotary’s efforts to stop this disease.

Guy Van der Werf, MD, grew up in the Netherlands, Florida and Arizona, graduated from Stanford University where he majored in the mathematical sciences (mathematics, computer science, statistics, and operations research), and received his medical degree from the University of Arizona College of Medicine.

After completing his family medicine residency, he worked at the Phoenix Indian Medical Center, before moving to Estes Park in 1992.  After two years at Timberline Medical, he helped found the Family Medical Clinic, now known as UCHealth Primary Care - Estes Valley Medical Center. Ten years ago, he returned to Timberline Medical, now known as the UCHealth Primary Care - Estes Park.

Over the last 34 years, he has had various leadership roles at the Estes Valley Medical Center (EVMC), including founder and medical director of the Family Medical Clinic (FMC), founder and president of the Management Services Organization (MSO), president and chair of the Estes Valley Physician Network (IPA), president and chair of the Estes Valley Health Network (PHO), Chief of  Staff of EVMC, medical director of Prospect Park Living Center, medical director of Estes Park Home Health Care and of the Hospice of the Estes Valley, medical practice leader of UCHealth Primary Care - Estes Park, as well as medical director of Cheley Camp and most other local camps.

In addition, he has been committee chair of the Medical Staff Pharmacy & Therapeutics, Infection Control, Bylaws, Credentials, Medical Executive Committee, and Quality Improvement committees.  Furthermore, he served on the Estes Park Medical Center Foundation Board, Boulder Valley Independent Practice Association (BVIPA) Utilization Management Committee, Park Recreation District as soccer coach, Park School District Committee on Talented and Gifted Children (TAG), and Boy Scouts of America as merit badge leader.  Recently, he founded Doctors Off the Clock, a group of retired physicians, to positively affect health care in the Estes Valley and the viability of EVMC.

Moreover, he has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Estes Park, serving in many capacities over the years and currently is serving as your president.

Finally, he has been married for 35 years to his wonderful wife, Leslie, has two amazing children, Ben and Annika, and two precocious grandchildren.  Life is good!

Jim and Guy will discuss immunizations in general and polio in particular. Jim will share his experience as a polio survivor, and will make a short presentation on what Rotary International has done over the last 45 years to wipe out this horrible virus. We encourage you to support Polio Plus, Rotary International's active effort to eradicate polio from the world. Please make sure to stay well immunized.

Our program on October 22nd will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.

Click on the link below to be admitted.

Meeting link:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/6699965961?pwd=SIazSZwTeOJFvlIrinb2QYB7ohYAoU.1

Rotary Weekly Luncheon

Place: American Legion

Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00

Cost: $20

Parking:  American Legion and the church only       

 

As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.

Thank You!

 

Walt Borneman Discusses Tales from the Road - 50 Years of Writing History

 

Walt Borneman

Walt Borneman has lived in the Mountain West and written about it most of his life. His experiences range from climbing its mountains and rafting its rivers to evacuating his hometown in the face of a monster firestorm. His book on Colorado’s mountains, A Climbing Guide to Colorado’s Fourteeners (with Lyndon J. Lampert), was first published in 1978 and in print for twenty-five years. Walt’s titles include the New York Times bestseller The Admirals and books about James K. Polk, western railroads, and Alaska. His book Reckoning: The American West on Edge will be published in spring 2027.

Our program on October 15th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.

Click on the link below to be admitted.

Meeting link:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/6699965961?pwd=SIazSZwTeOJFvlIrinb2QYB7ohYAoU.1

Rotary Weekly Luncheon

Place: American Legion

Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00

Cost: $20

Parking:  American Legion and the church only       

 

As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.

Thank You!

 

Come and Attend Our Annual Meeting

Guy Van der Werf

Club President Guy Van der Werf will lead our 2026 Club Annual Meeting.

Our program on October 8th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.

Click on the link below to be admitted.

Meeting link:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/6699965961?pwd=SIazSZwTeOJFvlIrinb2QYB7ohYAoU.1

Rotary Weekly Luncheon

Place: American Legion

Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00

Cost: $20

Parking:  American Legion and the church only       

 

As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.

Thank You!

 

Howell Wright Discusses The Interesting History of the Rooftop Rodeo

Howell Wright

Howell Wright has spent much of his life collecting monikers. At different times, he has responded to Dr., Professor, Colonel, Deputy, Agent, Officer, Clown, Bullfighter, and Author. It is in the capacity of these last three titles that he recently wrote The Rodeo With Altitude: The History of Estes Park's Rooftop Rodeo.

He began his rodeo career upon graduating from high school in Lonoke, Arkansas. After trying 21 bulls and not coming close to riding any of them, he realized bull riding was not in his future. However, while trying to figure out why he kept getting bucked off, he studied bull behavior. He learned that bulls were generally consistent in their bucking patterns, and when they deviated from their normal, there was a reason.

Howell was on the University of Arkansas Track and Field Team and was pretty quick on his feet, so he was asked by a friend if he would be a bullfighter for the Agri Day College rodeo. This began six years of professional rodeo, interrupted by two years in combat in Vietnam.

After Vietnam, he spent two years on the Marine Corps Rodeo Team at Camp Pendleton, Calif. Howell then moved to the East Coast, which began a long period when family, the Marine Corps, and professional life kept him away from rodeo.

However, in 2005 he and his family moved to Estes Park, where he joined the volunteer Rooftop Rodeo Committee for 2 years, and then served as its president for six years. As president, the committee won Best Small Rodeo Committee of the Year three times and was in the top five committees the remaining years. For the last several years, Howell has been one of the announcers for our rodeo parade.

Howell has written a series of short stories, and published two books. He is a certified Whisky Ambassador, the subject of a previous book he compiled and edited with other experts.
 

Our program on October 1st will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.

Click on the link below to be admitted.

Meeting link:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/6699965961?pwd=SIazSZwTeOJFvlIrinb2QYB7ohYAoU.1

Rotary Weekly Luncheon

Place: American Legion

Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00

Cost: $20

Parking:  American Legion and the church only       

 

As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.

Thank You!

 

Randy Repola Discusses the Estes Valley Fire Protection District Ballot Measure

 

Randy Repola

Randy Repola is the chairperson of the Estes Valley Fire & Safety Coalition, a citizen committee formed to advocate for the passage of a sales tax to fund the Estes Valley Fire Protection District. Randy served the Town of Estes Park for 20 years in positions which included Chief of Police, Chief of Public Safety and Town Administrator. He left the town in 2007 to work for the US Agency for International Development on projects in Iraq and Kosovo. He retired from the University of Colorado in late 2025 as the Chief of Police at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora where he oversaw police, security and Emergency Management. Randy and his wife, Elizabeth, returned to Estes Park full time in 2025, where they both serve the Estes Valley Fire Protection District – Randy as a firefighter and Elizabeth with the auxiliary. Randy is a graduate of Colorado State University with degrees in Economics and Business Administration.

 

Our program on September 24th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.

Click on the link below to be admitted.

Meeting link:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/6699965961?pwd=SIazSZwTeOJFvlIrinb2QYB7ohYAoU.1

Rotary Weekly Luncheon

Place: American Legion

Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00

Cost: $20

Parking:  American Legion and the church only       

 

As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.

Thank You!

 

Come and Hear Amanda Werner and Shari Gallegos Present Spotlight on Strokes

 

Northern Colorado Stroke Team

Amanda Werner, BSN, RN, MEDSURG-BC, SCRN, ASC-BC, and Shari Gallegos, BSN, RN, CEN, CPAHA, are members of UCHealth's Northern Colorado Stroke Team. Amanda serves as Program Manager for the regional stroke program and Shari is the Stroke Program Coordinator at Greeley Hospital. Together with a multidisciplinary team of clinicians and community partners, they are dedicated to improving stroke care through education, prevention, and system improvement efforts. Their passion is helping people understand that stroke is recognizable, treatable, and time-sensitive, empowering both community members and healthcare professionals to act quickly when every minute matters.


Our program on September 17th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.

Click on the link below to be admitted.

Meeting link:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/6699965961?pwd=SIazSZwTeOJFvlIrinb2QYB7ohYAoU.1

Rotary Weekly Luncheon

Place: American Legion

Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00

Cost: $20

Parking:  American Legion and the church only       

As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.

Thank You!

 

Remembering 9/11 - How Can We As Rotarians Work For Peace

         

Rick Life                                          Jim Jonelle

 

Rick is a retired Estes Park police officer with 30 years in law enforcement. He enjoys international travel and experiencing the world's cultures. He was on duty during 9/11, COVID, the 2013 flood, and multiple wildfires. He has helped people during many life changing events. He worked toward peaceful resolutions during the many conflicts he encountered.

Jim is a retired clinical psychologist who has specialized in adult and adolescent post trauma development.   At his clinic in Centennial, Colorado. they worked with many individuals and families who had developed severe trauma after 9/11.  Jim's experience was that the trauma was severe for many adolescents because there was so much change in their life as they got older.  They had issues of dealing with fear and difficulty trusting.

This discussion is a friendship building event for the Estes Park Rotary Club.
 

Our program on September 10th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.

Click on the link below to be admitted.

Meeting link:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/6699965961?pwd=SIazSZwTeOJFvlIrinb2QYB7ohYAoU.1

Rotary Weekly Luncheon

Place: American Legion

Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00

Cost: $20

Parking:  American Legion and the church only       

As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.

Thank You!

 

Come and Hear Carl Robicheaux and Trevor S. McGuire Discuss Estate Planning

        

Carl Robicheaux                                 Trevor McGuire

Carl Robicheaux graduated from Loyola Law School in New Orleans and is licensed to practice law in Colorado and Louisiana. Carl's vast experience in his varied legal career has spanned 33 years. He has represented individuals in small cases and multi-national corporations in multi-million dollar litigation. Carl moved to Estes Park and opened Elkhorn Law in 2018, devoting his practice to legal advice with a focus on elder issues, estate planning, business planning, probate, real estate, HOA law, and business formation.

Trevor S. McGuire was born in Houston, TX, but wised up and moved to the small town of Lampasas, Texas, in the hill country approximately one and one-half hour drive from Austin.

Trevor graduated from Lampasas High School as valedictorian and then pursued his undergraduate studies at Princeton University. He then worked for a few years in Austin for the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a non-profit “think tank.”

Trevor enrolled at Baylor Law School in Waco where he studied until COVID shut down the campus.

Trevor and his wife, Noel, moved to Estes Park and he joined Elkhorn Law while finishing up his law degree while working as an intern with Carl.

Trevor graduated from Baylor Law school and is licensed in Colorado and Texas.

He and his wife Noel are the proud parents of 3 young children. Their family is making Estes Park their home and, after Carl retires, Trevor will be taking over Elkhorn Law (Carl will still be around to assist the community and Trevor).

Trevor and Carl will present “10 Things You Should Know About Estate Planning – Fall 2026.”

Our program on September 3rd will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.

Click on the link below to be admitted.

Meeting link:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/6699965961?pwd=SIazSZwTeOJFvlIrinb2QYB7ohYAoU.1

Rotary Weekly Luncheon

Place: American Legion

Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00

Cost: $20

Parking:  American Legion and the church only       

 

As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.

Thank You!

 

Come and Hear Ben Van der Werf Speak on Banking Safety

 

Ben Van der Werf

Ben Van der Werf

Ben Van der Werf is a native of Estes Park and a graduate of Rollins College, where he earned a double major in Economics and History. He began his career in financial services in 2015 with G2 Web Services, specializing in transaction laundering detection and risk monitoring for financial institutions and payment processors.

In 2020, Ben returned to Estes Park with his wife, Valerie, to raise their two sons, Alex and Sam.  Ben joined Bank of Colorado at that time as a Commercial Lender, serving local businesses and individuals meet their financing needs. In addition to his work at the bank, Ben serves on the board of EVICS and is an active member of the Rotary Club. During today's presentation, he will share insights on fraud prevention, banking safety, and practical steps individuals can take to protect themselves from scams and financial crime.
 

Our program on August 27th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.

Click on the link below to be admitted.

Meeting link:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/6699965961?pwd=SIazSZwTeOJFvlIrinb2QYB7ohYAoU.1

Rotary Weekly Luncheon

Place: American Legion

Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00

Cost: $20

Parking:  American Legion and the church only       

 

As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.

Thank You!

 

League of Women Voters in Estes Park
Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

   

    

Kathy Long                     Lisa Essman    



Kathy Long retired from a career in Montessori education in 2016. She has lived in Estes for 9 years and has been an active League member since she moved here. Kathy also enjoys gardening and volunteering in RMNP.

Lisa Essman is a retired attorney who worked for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Lisa's mother was an active League member here in Estes in the 90's and 2000's. Lisa plays a critical role in making Estes Recycles Day a successful event. She is the Volunteer Coordinator.

How did the League get started in Estes Park? Did you know that our League played an important role in the creation of the Library District and in the current status of Rocky Mountain National Park as a wilderness area. Kathy & Lisa will review some significant accomplishments along with what's new and changing for our League.

 

Our program on August 20th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.

Click on the link below to be admitted.

Meeting link:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/6699965961?pwd=SIazSZwTeOJFvlIrinb2QYB7ohYAoU.1

Rotary Weekly Luncheon

Place: American Legion

Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00

Cost: $20

Parking:  American Legion and the church only       

 

As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.

Thank You!

 

Come and Hear Dr. Andrew Newberg Discuss Neuroscience and Neurotheology

 

Andrew B. Newberg, M.D.
Andrew B. Newberg, M.D. is currently the Research Director at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital in Philadelphia. He is a Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences, with a secondary appointment in the Department of Radiology at Thomas Jefferson University. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Nuclear Medicine. He has actively pursued a number of neuroimaging research projects which have included the study of aging and dementia, epilepsy, and other neurological and psychiatric disorders.  Dr. Newberg has been particularly involved in the study of mystical and religious experiences, a field referred to as “neurotheology”.  He has published over 300 peer reviewed articles and chapters on brain function, brain imaging, and the study of religious and mystical experiences.  He has published 17 books which have been translated into 22 different languages. He was listed as one of the 30 Most Influential Neuroscientists Alive Today by the Online Psychology Degree Guide.
 

He has presented his work at scientific and religious meetings throughout the world and has appeared on Dr. Oz, StarTalk with Neil deGrasse Tyson, Good Morning America, Nightline, 20/20, CNN, CBS News, ABC World News Tonight, as well as in the nationally distributed movies: “What the Bleep Do We Know?”; Bill Maher’s “Religulous”; and “Awake: The Life of Yogananda.”  His brain scan images have been included in several major museum exhibits including the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia and the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore. His work has been featured in a number of major media articles including in Newsweek, Time, National Geographic, Discover, New York Times, O Magazine, Los Angeles Times, London Observer, Forbes, Washington Post, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Readers Digest.

 

Our program on August 13th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.

Click on the link below to be admitted.

Meeting link:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/6699965961?pwd=SIazSZwTeOJFvlIrinb2QYB7ohYAoU.1

Rotary Weekly Luncheon

Place: American Legion

Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00

Cost: $20

Parking:  American Legion and the church only       

As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.

Thank You!

 

EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT RYLA

DAVE BOON

Did you know?  

 
1) RYLA stands for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) - it is an award, a scholarship
 
2) That our Rocky Mountain RYLA was started in 1987 and was coed (52 girls and 53 boys) from the beginning
 
3)  Since the beginning of our RYLA it has been held at the YMCA of the Rockies
 
4) That Rotary started allowing women to join Rotary Clubs in 1989, two years after we started our co-ed RYLA
 
5) That our Young RYLA was started in 2002, and was the 1st in the US and 2nd in the world 
 
6)  In 2015, when RI President Ravi visited CO he stated, "Rocky Mountain RYLA is leading the RI world in youth leadership."
 
7)  Participants often say, "This has been a life change experience for me,"  "This has been the BEST week of my life,"  "THANK YOU Rotary!"
 
Come learn more about RYLA and YRYLA and hear first hand from the participants, counselors, and former Chairs on what this Rotary Youth Leadership Program is all about.  
 
Dave Boon is a former President of the RMRYLA Board of Directors, 3-Time YRYLA Chair and Senior Counselor for 20+ years.
No Meeting
 
 

Come and Hear Madison Casey Discuss Everything about Our Club’s Foundation—Annual Update to the Club

 

Madison Casey

Madison joined the Rotary Club of Estes Park in 2006, and soon thereafter became a part of our club’s Foundation, serving as Trustee, President and Investments Chair. 

The foundation brought the investment management of the endowment in house in 2009.   He was on the committee with Chair Marsha Yelick, who wrote our new investment management policy.

Madison is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and passed the CPA Exam, though did not practice to be certified.  He worked for 12 years as a stock analyst and client liaison in New York for Morgan Guaranty Trust Co. (now JP Morgan) and since merged Cyrus J. Lawrence Inc.

 

Our program on July 23rd will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.

Click on the link below to be admitted.

Meeting link:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/6699965961?pwd=SIazSZwTeOJFvlIrinb2QYB7ohYAoU.1

Rotary Weekly Luncheon

Place: American Legion

Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00

Cost: $20

Parking:  American Legion and the church only       

 

As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.

Thank You!

 

Passwords, Passcodes, Passkeys – Oh My!

"What you don’t know can hurt you!"

Lee Lasson

Longtime local technology consultant Lee Lasson will present "Passwords, Passcodes, Passkeys – Oh My!," a practical cybersecurity talk for home users and small businesses, on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM at American Legion Post #119, Estes Park.

Lasson will cover what everyone needs to know to stay safe online: passwords and password managers, passkeys, malware, the importance of updates, and how Artificial Intelligence is reshaping cybersecurity — for the better, if we can manage it. "My new job title may well be ‘AI Overseer,’" he quips.

Lasson has spent more than 40 years at the front lines of personal computing. He built Estes Park’s first dial-up Bulletin Board System in the early 1980s, brought early websites to the Town of Estes Park, the Chamber of Commerce, and the YMCA of the Rockies, and served as Associate Director of IT at the YMCA. Today he is President of FrontDesk, Inc., providing WordPress hosting and technical services to businesses and nonprofits, working alongside his daughter Cassie. A Rotary Club of Estes Park member since 2003, he has supported the Duck Race with technology for 23 years.

"I’ve learned cybersecurity as a necessity to survive on the web," Lasson says. "Come hear what you need to know — because what you don’t know can hurt you."

The public is welcome. 

Our program on July 16th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.

Click on the link below to be admitted.

Meeting link:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/6699965961?pwd=SIazSZwTeOJFvlIrinb2QYB7ohYAoU.1

Rotary Weekly Luncheon

Place: American Legion

Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00

Cost: $20

Parking:  American Legion and the church only       

As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.

Thank You!

 

Come and Hear Jeff Arnold Speak on the American Character
 
Jeff Arnold
 
Jeff Arnold’s family moved to Estes Park in 1971.  After graduating Estes Park High School in 1980 he attended the University of Northern Colorado majoring in history and earning his teacher’s license. Returning to Estes Park he was first employed by the school district in 1984.  During his career he taught middle school and high school social studies classes and coached boys’ and girls’ sports at both levels. He is best known for teaching 8th grade U.S. history for over thirty years. He took students on trips to Washington D.C. twenty-five times, with side trips to Baltimore and Gettysburg.  Arnold has a deep interest in American history in general and the Civil War in particular.  He is retired and spends his time reading about the Civil War and occasionally traveling to tour historic sites.
 
His program is on “The American Character.”  In it he describes what traditionally has been seen as the most notable characteristics of the American people, starting in the Colonial Period.  Themes of individuality and self-reliance will be covered using examples from history, along with political concepts of republicanism and “republican motherhood.”
 
Our program on July 9th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come Celebrate President's Night!
Thursday Night, June 18, 2026, at the American Legion
5:30 - 6:00  Social Time    Cash Bar
6:00 - 6:45  Dinner
6:45 - 7:30   Program
 
Annual Changing of the Guard
and Rotary Awards
 

Last Year's Award Winners
 
Rotary Service from a Distance - a new award, presented by Tara Moenning, to Thor Homme, Longley Parker, and Dave Evans.
 
Thor, Longley (on the screen), Dave, and Tara
 
The recipients of two Club awards were in attendance, each award presented by last year's recipient.
 
        
  Rotarian of the Year, presented            Living Legacy, presented by
   by Beth Weisberg to Mark Lee           Annie Slack to Tara Moenning
 
Find Out Who This Year's Winners Are!!
 
President's Night will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
 
Come and Hear Aaron Gellhaus
 

Aaron Gellhaus is Regional Director at Synthesia, where he recently opened the company's Austin office—its second US location following NYC. A international go-to-market leader, Aaron spent five years at Commerce (NASDAQ: CMRC), most recently leading GTM teams across Europe. He combines strategic thinking with operational execution, and is passionate about civic engagement and building high performance cultures and businesses. He's a University of Texas at Austin and Augustana University (SD) graduate and lives in Austin with his partner Lauren and son Griffin.
 
Aaron will discuss Synthesia: The application of AI in the real world
 
Come and Hear James Leithart Discuss Nehemiah Gateway
 
James Leithart 

James Leithart is a communications professional with a background in community development and extensive experience in strategic storytelling. His work integrates visual media, writing, and campaign development to clearly communicate mission, impact, and organizational values.

Since relocating to Albania in 2018, James has led and supported communications efforts across Nehemiah Gateway, including video production, website management, social media management, copywriting, public relations, and campaign strategy, contributing to the visibility and cohesion of the organization’s programs and initiatives.  
 
Our program on June 4th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Hear Doug Frisbie Speak about Estes Park Salud Foundation
 
 
Doug Frisbie and his spouse Eileen Flaherty moved to Estes Park in 1989 with their two young daughters.
 
Since moving to Estes Park, Doug served on the School Board for 8 turbulent years, conducted an ill-advised campaign for a seat in the Colorado House of Representatives, drove the shuttle, and learned to bake bread at Notch Top.  He retired in 2010, last working for Engineers Without Borders.

He started the Estes Park Salud Foundation in 1997 to support the Salud Clinic long before he understood what a foundation did, let alone how to grow a foundation. 
 
Currently, Doug is the president of the Estes Park Salud Foundation, a small group of members who have worked together for over 34 years to keep the clinic open for our uninsured neighbors.
 
Our program on May 28th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come Join the Duck Race Discussion
 
 
The 2026 Rotary Duck Race was another amazing success. 73 Estes Valley charitable organizations will benefit from all our hard work. Thank you to all for volunteering to help our Estes community be a better place. Thank you, thank you to our heroes, our 4 Big Ducks. Without you, the Duck Race would not have happened. 

With feedback from many of you, as well as local merchants and volunteers, there was a general sentiment that the community was happy with how the Duck Race was run.  And that we would like to have the Rotary Duck Race in 2027. With increasing economic stress in 2027, members of our community will be more reliant on our Estes charitable organizations. The need for the Duck Race remains to help these charities.
 
This Thursday, we would like to get more feedback about the 2026 Duck Race, and start organizing for the 2027 Duck Race. Our immediate need is to have our members step up to be Big Ducks. 

Looking forward to our get together this Thursday.
 
Our program on May 21st  will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Hear Dr. Amber Galey Discuss Skin Cancer Screening.
 
 
Dr. Amber Galey was born and raised in Iowa, attended the University of Iowa for her undergraduate degree and medical school. She completed her family medicine residency in Davenport, Iowa, where she met her physician husband. She worked as a family physician in Iowa for seven years before moving to Estes Park in 2025. Currently, she practices at the UCHealth Primary Care Estes Park clinic (formerly Timberline Medical).
Amber and her husband have two children. They enjoy raising their family, traveling, reading, and exploring the outdoors.
 
Colorado has a very high incidence of melanoma and other skin cancers.  Dr. Galey will be discussing skin cancer screening at our Rotary Club meeting.
 
Our program on May 14th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Hear Brian Tseng Discuss Safety in the Rocky Mountains
 
 
As a board-certified MD/PhD pediatric neurologist/neuromuscular physician-scientist, Brian Tseng is currently the CEO of The POLG Foundation, a rare disease research advocacy group [https://polgfoundation.org]. Throughout his career, he has led diverse teams to develop and bring forward many new medicines approved for use in infants and children with rare disorders in particular genetic.  Brian has deep experience in translational and clinical development of novel molecules (small, biologics, cell-based, AAV genetic replacement, and CRISPR-mediated gene editing) for infants and children. His most recent clinical/academic practice has been at Massachusetts General Hospital – Harvard Medical School and previously Colorado Children's Hospital. His Physiology undergrad degree is from Univ of Calif Berkeley and he has a PhD in molecular biology from MD Anderson Cancer Center – Univ of Texas at Houston McGovern Medical School. His pediatric internship/residency was completed at Denver Childrens Hospital and his pediatric neurology fellowship was at UCSF.
 
Dr. Tseng also teaches in several medical schools including with the Gates Foundation Univ of Sienna and volunteers on several Boards of non-profit Patient Advocacy and Patient Foundations. He is also on the Board of Directors for the N=1 Collaborative. [Our Story | N=1 Collaborative ].  
He is also NOLS Wilderness Medicine First-Responder, a Dept of Interior Parkmedic MD and serves on the RMNP Search and Rescue team here in Estes Park.
 
Our program on May 7th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
NO MEETING
 
 
Duck Race Week!
 
Estes Park Rotary’s 100 Year Celebration
 
 
Please join us to celebrate 100 years of our club with a presentation by our featured presenter Kurtis Kelly playing Joe Mills.
 
Other cast members are 1/4 Big Duck Chuck Bonza playing Al Hayden, and Club President Jack Ford playing a new prospective member.
 
Kurtis Kelly's synopsis:
Joe Mills (1880-1935) was a visionary. And a passionate Rotarian. He joined the new Boulder club in 1919, during his time as the University of Colorado's football coach. In the early 1920s, his Crags Hotel on Prospect Mountain hosted informal Rotary Club meetings for summertime residents and vacationers. In 1921, he championed a BIG idea: Estes Park would make a bid to be site for the 1925 international Rotary Convention--with worldwide attention. As biographer James Pickering describes it, this would be "the most daring and time-consuming civic undertaking of Joe's life."  Soon, Estes Park was in the chase, gathering financial pledges, architectural plans, and the support of regional clubs. It could have happened! And yet, the Dream of '25 was truly realized in the Dream of '26: Joe's efforts were the catalyst that brought together the very founders of Estes Park's new club. Time travel to this exciting time with storyteller and re-enactor Kurtis Kelly and the dream of mighty "Joe". 
 
    
             Joe Mills               Biography by Jim Pickering
 
A Zoom link for our program will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.

 
Come and Hear Chuck Scott Speak About Dick’s Rock Shop
 
 
Chuck Scott was involved in public education for 37 years as a coach, teacher and administrator.  For the last 8 years of his career, he was the Principal at Estes Park High School.  Currently, he owns the Red Rose Rock Shop and Dick’s Rock Museum with his brother Carl.  Also, he owns Coffee on the Rocks and Venue on the Rocks with his daughter Kenzie and her husband JD.  He is a Colorado native and has spent most of his life in rural parts of the state.  Estes Park is his favorite place to be.
 
Chuck will share with us a bit of the history of Dick’s Rock Shop, an Estes institution, which has been selling rocks from Colorado and from around the world since 1939. 
 
Our program on April 16th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Hear Ben Van der Werf Speak about Rowing
 
Ben Van Der Werf
 
Ben Van der Werf grew up in Estes Park, Colorado, and graduated from Rollins College with a double major in Economics and History. While attending Rollins, Ben discovered a passion for rowing. In 2014, Ben was recruited by Sunrise Training Systems to attend trials as part of Team USA’s selection process. Inspired by his experience, Ben continued rowing for Seattle Rowing Center, where he raced across the US and Canada as a professional athlete before transitioning to coaching collegiate rowing at Seattle University when he retired from competition.  
 
Ben returned to Estes Park in 2020 with his wife, Valerie, to raise their two sons, Alex and Sam. Ben is a lender with Bank of Colorado, serves on the board for EVICS, and is a Rotarian. He will be discussing rowing and sharing insights from his athletic career.
 
Our program on April 9th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come to the April 2nd Club Social
 
Taken from the recording of the March 12th Meeting
 
The April 2nd Rotary Club meeting will be a club social.
 
It is time for us to just hangout together and visit for an hour.
 
The goal is for all of us to get to know each other a little better.  And perhaps ourselves, too.
 
Guy Van der Werf will provide three questions for us to ponder and discuss in small table format.
 
Let’s have fun!
 
Our program on April 2nd will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Hear Dennis Gellhaus Speak on Pickleball
 
Dennis Gellhaus
 
Dennis Gellhaus, our former Rotary Club President, grew up in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and attended Northern State University. He married Robbie, his high school sweetheart, with whom he has two children and now a grandson. Subsequently, he graduated from St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City with a Master of Theology degree. He was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church in 1982, and served in various parishes for 11 years. He had an opportunity for ministry with emphasis on the elderly, and built two assisted living/memory care facilities in Aberdeen. He retired to Estes Park in 2017.

He will be sharing with us his new passion: pickleball. Pickleball is currently the fastest growing sport in the United States. 
 
Our program on March 26th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Hear Dr. Mike Grant Speak on Orthopedic Injuries
 
Dr. Mike Grant
 
Michael Grant, MD, grew up in Colorado, in the Green Mountain area. He completed his undergraduate education at Regis University and then attended Georgetown University Medical School on a military scholarship. After graduation, he spent two years as a flight surgeon, before finishing his orthopedic surgery residency at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center. After leaving the Army, he made his way back to Colorado, working in Longmont, Loveland, and then Estes Park. He has served the Estes community full-time since 2013, and is a member of the active medical staff at the UCHealth Estes Valley Medical Center (EVMC).
 
Dr. Grant will be discussing orthopedic injuries of the upper extremities.
 
Our program on March 19th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Hear Jason Van Tatenhove Speak on AI Ink
 
Jason Van Tatenhove
 
Jason Van Tatenhove is an accomplished author, journalist, and expert on political extremism and the challenges of the digital age. His work delves into the pressing issues of our time, including the intersections of technology, misinformation, and societal shifts. Jason’s expertise has been featured on CNN and MSNBC, where he’s joined hosts such as Anderson Cooper, Don Lemon, and Morning Joe to discuss his insights and his book, The Perils of Extremism. His experience includes working with Georgetown Law’s Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection (ICAP) and the National Holocaust Memorial Museum, where he has collaborated on combating extremism.

Jason’s latest work, AI Ink: Writing, Publishing, and Misinformation at the Dawn of the AI Age, is a groundbreaking guide for writers, editors, literary agents, and publishers looking to understand and leverage AI’s growing role in creative industries. Addressing AI's ethical dilemmas and opportunities, AI Ink offers thoughtful guidance and practical strategies for navigating this transformative technological landscape.

In addition to non-fiction, Jason’s fiction explores supernatural thrillers and speculative dystopias. His serialized sci-fi project, The Propagandist's Daughters, set in a cyberpunk Western world, is available on Amazon Vella and showcases themes of resilience and the human spirit in a fractured world.

Nestled in the creative chaos of the Colorado Rockies, Jason raises his daughters following the loss of his wife, who was his partner in writing and life. He writes The Edge of Insight, a weekly gonzo-styled editorial column for the Estes Park Trail-Gazette, and his bylines have appeared in Newsweek, Salon, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, Southern Poverty Law Center, and The Arizona Mirror. His Substack, Colorado Switchblade, delivers weekly pieces that continue to engage and inform his readership.

Jason’s writing is a tribute to resilience, authenticity, and the unyielding pursuit of creative freedom.
 
Our program on March 12th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Hear Barry and Mary Hannigan
 
Barry and Mary Hannigan
 
Barry Hannigan is known for his performances throughout the United States and in Europe. He has appeared as guest artist at a host of American universities, such as UCLA, Yale, Cornell, and the Universities of Oregon, Colorado, Illinois, Arizona State, and Texas. He is the recipient of many awards and prizes, including those from the Ford, Belin, Surdna, and Presser Foundations.  Hannigan recently retired as the Ellen Williams Professor of Music at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA., where he has received the Class of ’56 Lectureship for inspirational teaching. 

“Some in the near-capacity audience were moved to tears” is Robert Miner’s description of flutist Mary Hannigan’s playing at a performance on the Simply Grand series at NPR affiliate station WVIA in Scranton and Wilkes-Barre. Notable performances include Market Square Summerfest in Harrisburg with the Ying Quartet, the national convention of the Music Teachers National Association, and the McGraw-Hill Young Artists Showcase for radio WQXR in New York City. She was a member of the Harrisburg Symphony for many years.  Ms. Hannigan’s students have won recognition at the national and state level on many occasions: a former student holds the piccolo position in the Chicago Symphony; others have been selected as masterclass performers for the National Flute Association Convention and have performed on National Public Radio’s “From the Top.” 
 
Barry and Mary will present their experience trekking in Peru.
 
Our program on February 26th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Hear Mark Ulfers on American Diplomacy
 
Mark E. Ulfers 
 
Born and raised in the United States, Mark E. Ulfers, prior to joining the US Department of State and the Office of Overseas Schools in 2021 was an overseas school leader since 1987. 

Mark first served the Singapore American School community in the Republic of Singapore, then became head of school to lead the first American school on the island of Cyprus. He then was hired into the Taipei American School in Taiwan, serving as headmaster for nine years. Mark became the head of school at Frankfurt International School in Germany in 2005.  Beginning July 2010, Mark was appointed the head of school for the American School of Paris. Repatriating back to the United States in July 2018 after 31 years overseas, Mark was the executive director of the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE) – committed to leadership development for future-ready overseas schools around the world.           
 
Mark divides time between Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife Wendy, and their primary residence in Estes Park, Colorado.  His children, Adam and Lara, are products of international education, both speak Chinese and continue to draw on a world of experiences from being raised overseas. 
 
Our program on February 19th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Jean Rissmiller on Rotary’s Journey
to Bring Clean Water to the Achuar
in the Ecuadorian Rainforest
 
Jean Rissmiller in Ecuador, 2nd from right in front row
 
Deep in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest lies Kutsutkao, an Achuar village long burdened by unsafe water and preventable illness. Through Rotary’s Global Grant program, a $42,080 initiative brought clean, potable water—and with it, health, opportunity, and empowerment—to more than 2,000 residents across Kutsutkao and neighboring villages. This presentation will share the project’s goals, planned outcomes, and the global collaboration that will benefit the local communities with better health, improved education for the children, empower the women, and build on the MAANA Chicken Project—each made possible through access to safe water.
 
Jean Rissmiller has been a Rotarian for eight years. She joined the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club in Estes Park, Colorado, in 2018 and served as Club President during the 2023– 2024 Rotary year. She currently serves as Area Governor for the two Rotary clubs in Estes Park.
 
A multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Jean has actively participated in Rotary at both the club and district levels. She has attended a Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada, completed two Rotary Leadership Institutes, and participated in numerous District Conferences. Her involvement in the annual District 5450 WASH Symposiums inspired her to author Global Grant #2572915 — a clean water project bringing safe drinking water to the Achuar community deep in the Ecuadorian Rainforest.
 
Jean holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Her professional career was spent in international marketing for global high-tech software companies in North Texas, including EDS, Texas Instruments, CA Technologies, and Broadcom. After retiring in 2020, she worked part-time at the Bank of Estes Park during the COVID-19 pandemic “just to stay busy.”
 
Jean and her husband, Mark, share a love of international travel and enjoy spending time with their ten grandchildren.
 
Our program on February 12th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
 
Come and Hear Mayor Gary Hall
 
Mayor Gary Hall

Gary Hall and his wife Linda came to Estes Park in 2003 after both of their daughters finished college. Gary worked at Estes Park Health for 18 years, overseeing operations, which included ancillary clinical departments as well as IT, Facilities, and more. Prior to that he had a 27-year career in software development and database management. Gary and Linda play music around town and have hiked/climbed all of Colorado’s fourteeners and love the mountains. Gary was elected Mayor of Estes Park in April 2024 and tries to listen to all, maintain civil discussion with all, and work to keep Estes beautiful and unique. There is much to be done ahead, thanks for your help and your service. Ever onward!
 
Our program on February 5th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
 
No Meeting - Fifth Thursday
 
The History of Rocky Mountain RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards)
 
 
RYLA is an intensive leadership experience for young people with leadership potential, organized by Rotary clubs and districts, where youth develop leadership skills, while having fun and making connections.

Youth leaders build communication and problem-solving skills; discover strategies for becoming dynamic leaders in their schools and communities; learn from community leaders, inspirational speakers, and peer mentors; unlock their potential to turn motivation into action; and form lasting friendships.

David Boon will share with us the story of how Rocky Mountain RYLA came about, and how we Rotarians continue to impact youth in our communities.

Boon is a founding member of Fort Collins Rotary After Work Club (RAW), past president of RAW twice.  In addition, he is a past president and BOD member of Rocky Mountain RYLA, involved with YRYLA and RYLA for the past 23 years as a Senior Counselor and Past Chair of YRYLA three times.  He has been the recipient of the RI Four Avenues of Service Award.  And is the newest member of our EP Rotary Club.

Boon is the retired Executive Director at Children’s Speech & Reading Center and the retired Executive Director at United States Tennis Association WY District.

Finally, he is the author of “My Wish:  Don’t Get Swept Away As a Teen”.  This amazing survival story, involving Dave and his wife June, was highlighted on The Today Show, CNN, MSNBC, USA Today, and Oprah.  And shaped his RYLA journey.  
 
Our program on January 22nd will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Christina Kraft and Colleen DePasquale Discuss the Economic Development & Workforce Council
 
       
           Christina Kraft                            Colleen DePasquale
 
What makes our community thrive?
The Economic Development & Workforce Council (EDWC), of the Estes Chamber of Commerce, plans for and promotes the economic development of the Estes Valley in ways that are compatible with qualities that make Estes Park a unique mountain community, while building a stronger and more broadly-based economy and tax base; advise and assist existing local businesses to reach their full potential; and attract new businesses that create primary jobs and new employment opportunities.  
The EDWC plays a vital role in sustaining economic health in the Estes Valley by supporting our businesses and workforce through both opportunities and challenges.  The EDWC helps ensure a resilient local economy and high quality of life for residents and visitors alike.
 
Christina is a born and raised Colorado native. She graduated from the University of Colorado Leeds School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in Business with an emphasis in Finance. Her banking career began in 2004 at First National Bank - Alaska, where she served as a Loan Officer in Fairbanks, Alaska. In 2013, she returned to Colorado and joined the Bank of Colorado team in Estes Park. Within a year she was promoted to Market President and has remained there ever since.
 
Today, Christina is still a resident of Estes Park and enjoys being an active member of the community. Her involvement includes United Way, Junior Achievement, Small Business Development Center, and the Chamber of Commerce. Currently, she serves as the Chair of Estes Park Economic Development Corporation and board member since 2015, Treasurer of Estes Valley Investment in Childhood Success and board member since 2015, and Treasurer of the Rocky Mountain Conservancy and board member since 2019.
 
Colleen DePasquale has more than 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, working with Marriott and Interstate hotels from Manhattan to Denver, as well as 2 years in Moscow, Russia opening Marriott brand hotels. She spent the past decade as the President and CEO of the Greater Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce and its Foundation. The Chamber’s focus on connecting, empowering and unifying the community provided opportunities for members to grow their businesses and advance their careers through educational and event programming. Colleen holds the values of collaboration and advocacy as core to a Chamber’s success.
 
During her time in Southwest Florida, Colleen was also involved with several boards that enhanced her ability to connect people in the community. She has earned her I.O.M. designation as a graduate of the U. S. Chamber’s Institute of Organizational Management and also graduated from the U.S. Chamber Foundation Business Leads Fellowship Program. The national fellowship program trains and equips leaders from state and local chambers of commerce with resources, access to experts, and a network of peers to build their capacity to address the most pressing education and workforce challenges.
 
When she’s not working hard to build the Chamber and Foundation, you’ll find Colleen spending time with her daughter, enjoying craft beer, and strolling through the beautiful natural landscape of Estes and the national park.
 
Our program on January 15th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Hear Cole Evanek
 
Cole Evanek in China
 
Cole Evanek grew up in Estes Park, Colorado, before graduating from Colorado State University and moving to China with his wife. He traveled that country extensively, learning Mandarin Chinese along the way and visiting more than 20 Chinese provinces. Cole spent one year living in Shanghai and four years living in the Southwestern city of Guiyang. While there, he taught English, tennis, and Western Culture, and also worked as a writer. Cole is currently a law student at the University of Colorado, Boulder. 
 
While in China, Cole developed an understanding of its culture and history that he hopes can help challenge some of the prevailing misconceptions about China in American public discourse. He will discuss daily life in China, how ordinary Chinese perceive America, and the changed political landscape of the country following the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
Our program on January 8th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
No Meeting
 
Happy New Year!
 
Come and Hear Brian Schaffer of Crossroads
 
Brian Schaffer 
 
For the past 7 years, Brian Schaffer has served as the Executive Director of Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park.  He also serves in a volunteer role as a Chaplain for Estes Valley Fire Protection District.  He is active in various committees around town, and especially enjoys his work with the Estes Valley Community Fund that supports nonprofit organizations.  Prior to this he served in Alaska with the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness, providing system support and collaborative leadership for agencies working with people experiencing homelessness. He was also an Outreach Pastor at the largest church in the state, and led New Hope Compassionate Ministries as their Executive Director while simultaneously serving as the Lead Pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship.  Brian was active on advisory boards for the Salvation Army and Anchorage Cops for Community, and served as a volunteer prison chaplain. In each of these assignments he worked collaboratively with multiple service agencies, businesses, and volunteers to bring hope and healing to people in their time of need. Before this, he served in pastoral assignments in Texas, and as a missionary in Central America and the Caribbean.
 
Our program on December 18th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Hear Greg Muhonen
and David Greear
 
          
      Greg Muhonen                                David Greear               
 
Greg Muhonen, received his BS degree in Civil Engineering from Stanford University and completed Graduate Studies in Arctic Engineering at the University of Alaska, Anchorage.  He is a Licensed Professional Engineer in Colorado who has used his training and life experience to serve the transportation needs of Larimer County residents for over 39 years. His civil engineering work spans private land development, land use entitlement review, traffic engineering, municipal policy, and public works capital project design and construction. In July 2024, he completed his 10th year as the Estes Park Director of Public Works, where he oversaw all aspects of the Streets, Parks, Engineering, Facilities, Parking, Transit, and Fleet functions for the Town of Estes Park.  In April 2025, he began a new role as the Town’s Stormwater Engineer.
 
David Greear is a graduate of the University of Texas, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering.  He brings over 34 years of engineering experience as Public Works Director in State, County and City government.  He served as the Public Works Director for Travis County in Central Texas.  David joined the Town of Estes Park as Public Works Director in 2025.
 
Muhonen and Greear will discussing Estes Park Public Works projects past, present, and future.
 
Our program on December 11th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Hear the Estes Park High School Treble Choir
 
           
            Estes Park Schools Welcome                   Xmas Choir
               Credit: Estes Valley Voice                             
 
Estes Park High School offers 4 choral ensembles for student participation and exploration of musical arts.  These include Concert Choir, Treble Choir, Tenor/Bass Choir, and Major 13. Treble Choir is a choral ensemble for any level of student that sings soprano or alto. While the focus is largely performance-based, this group's concentration is learning a vast array of repertoire, proper vocal technique and ensemble singing.  

This Thursday, Treble Choir will help us get in the mood for the Holidays.
 
Our program on December 4th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
No Meeting
 
 
Happy Thanksgiving!
 
Come and Hear Nick Molle
 
        
Nick Molle on location
 
Nick Molle, producer, host, and writer, has traveled the globe from Alaska to Australia in search of the unusual, the extreme and the unforgettable. His serious purpose with a touch of humor has won him many awards for his productions.
 
Nick has hiked, documented, and filmed Rocky Mountain National Park for over 20 years. When not in the Rocky Mountains, he follows a passion for inspirational destinations.
 
A love of nature, quest for knowledge, and search for adventure have taken him to exotic destinations including the Costa Rican Rainforest, Alaska’s Prince William Sound, Australia’s remote Northern Territory, and the troubled Mayan villages of Guatemala.
 
His 2015 documentary, The Living Dream: 100 years of Rocky Mountain National Park earned a Regional Emmy nomination.
 
His previous releases with American Public Television include Wildside with Nick Molle: Costa Rica and the A Walk in the Park with Nick Molle series featuring Real Rocky, Rivers of the Rockies, Nature of the Beasts, and Birds Without Borders.
 
Nick will be discussing his latest documentary Water: The Sacred Gift.
 
Our program on November 20th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Thanksgiving Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Rotary Thanksgiving Menu for Thursday, November 20th.
Turkey, Holiday ham, green bean casserole, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, salad, rolls, pie. 
 
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Meet Bob Fixter
 
Bob Fixter
 
Bob Fixter has been an Estes Park downtown merchant since 2005. Fixter graduated from the Nebraska Wesleyan University and from the Gemological Institute of America. He moved from Lincoln, Nebraska, where he was a gemologist for a local jewelry store. Currently, he owns Fall River Jewelry & Antiques. This is a place to find one of a kind jewelry, gifts, museum-quality collectables, autographs, and commemorative items from our nation's history.
 
In celebration of our nation's 250th anniversary, Bob will be talking about what his store will be doing to honor our country’s history. 
 
Come and Hear Terry Rizzuti
 
Terry Rizzuti and Raisin
 
Terry P. Rizzuti was born in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in 1946, to second-generation Italian-Americans. He joined the Marine Corps in 1966 and served a tour in the northern I-Corps area of South Vietnam as a “grunt” from October 1966 to November 1967, assigned to the 2nd Squad, 2nd Platoon of Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division, occasionally attached to the 1st or 3rd Divisions. He was awarded the Purple Heart for shrapnel wounds received on May 2, 1967.
 
Rizzuti graduated with an English Literature degree from the University of Oklahoma (OU) in 1977, and then completed two years of graduate-level literature studies. He worked in various OU positions between 1980 and 1996, and helped found OU’s Vietnam Memorial Scholarship Association. He is currently a member of Flinch Forward and The 26th Marines Association, as well as a life member of The American Legion, The Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Disabled American Veterans, and The Khe Sanh Veterans Association.

Rizzuti proudly served two one-year terms (2016 – 2018) as Commander of American Legion Post 119 in Estes Park, Colorado, and seven one-year terms as its Service Officer. He's currently a member of Post 119's Foundation Board, and was selected for Estes Park’s Katie Speer Philanthropist of the Year Award in 2017.

Currently, Rizzuti is a writer (author mostly) living in Estes Park. The Second Tour, his first novel and best work (in his opinion), was begun in 1984 and is now in its umpteenthth version. It's been taught in 5 universities alongside the best of the best Vietnam War novels. He considers it a work-in-progress for as long as he’s alive.
 
Our program on November 6th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
No Meeting - 5th Thursday
 
 
Come and Hear Thaine Norris, Founder of Walking Together Press, devoted to supporting grassroots libraries in Africa.
 
Thaine Norris
 
Thaine Norris is the founder of Walking Together Press, a non-profit Christian publishing company devoted to supporting grassroots libraries in Africa through global book sales and by providing free library editions. Thaine worked primarily as a software engineer, but as a follower of Jesus, he has sought ways to integrate ministry into daily life, which has led to many rich adventures both locally and globally. Thaine and his wife, Erika, are long-time residents of Estes Park, having raised their six children here.
 
Our program on October 23rd will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come to the Club Annual Meeting
 
Jack and Guy agree that Thursday’s meeting should be a fun event, decorating the solar panels we will ship to Ukraine. They still need to have a conversation about what questions they will ask the participants to discuss while the panels are being decorated.
 
Our program on October 16th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Hear about UTSD from Suzanne Jurgens and Matt Allen
 
             
           Suzanne Jurgens,                                      Matt Allen,
            District Manager                               Operations Manager
 
Suzanne Jurgens has been a resident of Estes Park since 1986 and raised her family in the community. Prior to joining the Upper Thompson Sanitation District, she was employed with a local engineering firm. Ms. Jurgens began her tenure at the District in 2014 as Financial Officer and advanced to Assistant District Manager in 2020. Following the retirement of former District Manager Chris Bieker in January 2025, she assumed the position of District Manager. Ms. Jurgens is dedicated to supporting the District’s ongoing success and is committed to guiding its evolution as it enters a new chapter of wastewater service for the Estes Valley.
 
Since 2012, Matt Allen has served the Upper Thompson Sanitation District in the Collection Department, first as an Operator and subsequently advancing to Foreman and Superintendent. In 2021, he was appointed Operations Manager, assuming responsibility for both the Wastewater Treatment Facility and the Collection Department. A lifelong resident of Estes Park, Matt has worked in the local wastewater industry since 2007. He finds fulfillment in serving the Estes Valley and remains committed to protecting the region's natural resources and environment.
 
Suzanne and Matt will be providing an update on the Upper Thompson Sanitation District and its future plans. 
 
Our program on October 9th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Hear Milt Garrett - Part 3
 
Milt Garrett
 
A Three-Part Presentation on the Russia-Ukraine War
Chapter 3: “Glory Rotary:
Wow, What Do Ya Know. We Did That!?
 
Our club’s third installment with Milt Garrett will feature how American Rotary Clubs stepped up to support Congress’s reestablishment of an old 1948 Truman program to help Russia – when we were friends. (We got at it, big time.)
 
What made conservative Newt Gingrich and liberal Dick Gebhart, unwittingly, come together and create opportunities for American Rotary Clubs to shine? (And SHINE WE DID! This shining will lead to a big surprise for you.) Did you know 450+ American Rotary Clubs supported the reestablishment of Truman’s program? Gee, why did 13 Rotary Clubs in District 5440 get involved with Russian entrepreneurs? (Some Colorado clubs spent $14,000 for Russian entrepreneurs.) Sure, service to others is the highest form of happiness, but why did we choose Russians? And now … our club is involved with Ukraine, thanks to the leadership of Ron Gordon and Chuck & Dale Bonza.
 
We have answered the question why Russia and Ukraine are in conflict. Now it’s “Why is Rotary even involved over there?” But first, there will be a short, fun show at Milt’s start, about something that older country Russia has that we’ve maybe missed. Dr. Garrett has discovered some darn interesting and unusual features that are worth sharing. And, don’t forget to stick around for the $500 door prize.
 
Our program on October 2nd will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Hear Dr. Annika Van der Werf
 
 
Dr. Annika Van der Werf is a Colorado native, born and raised in Estes Park.
She attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska for both her undergraduate work and for her degree in Doctor in Dental Surgery (DDS). She then pursued her three-year surgical post-graduate specialty training with the Department of Periodontology at Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland.. Dr. Van der Werf’s research activities involve an emphasis on risk factors affecting the onset and severity of peri-implantitis after dental implant placement.
Dr. Van der Werf was recognized with multiple awards during her training, including the International College of Dentists Student Humanitarian Award, Dr. Michael McGuire Award for leadership, and the Dr. Joseph Schwartz Award for academic excellence. She is board-certified in periodontology and dental implant surgery. She maintains active professional affiliations with the American Dental Association, Colorado Dental Association, and American Academy of Periodontology. Dr. Van der Werf practices periodontology at Longmont Periodontics.

She enjoys living in Longmont but frequently heads up the canyon to Estes for hiking and to be an adoring aunt to her nephews.
 
Our program on September 25th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Hear Milt Garrett - Part 2
 
Milt Garrett
 
A Three-Part Presentation on the Russia-Ukraine War
Chapter Two - “Hey Putin! What’s That Burr Under Your Saddle?”
 

Our club’s next installment, Chapter Two with Milt Garrett, will feature the Root Causes, how Putin involved his country in that terrible conflict in Europe.

It is best to get to those answers by following the practice the Japanese use by asking “Why,” repeatedly. That way, we will find the root cause to one or more reasons. Therefore, that is exactly what we will learn today: Why Russia/Putin has done what has been done with Ukraine, with a surprise or two.

When we met last, a member of our audience asked something to the effect of why Mr. Putin and NATO were in conflict. Answering, Dr. Garrett gave away today’s first big surprise, the first root cause, when he revealed Mr. Putin asked Bill Clinton to join NATO. (Our speaker suggests you own a copy of that 29-minute video interview; give him your name and email address. No charge.) (There are no handouts this time.) Also, be prepared for a surprise counter-argument from many Russians – and a special American guest for proof. Hold on. This meeting’s event will be a bit different.

The presentation concludes by asking if that war could’ve been prevented, and what is it Mr. Putin wants to end this dastardly war? 

 

Our program on September 18th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Jim's and Jim's Excellent Adventure
 
                    
Jim Whiteneck and Jim Jonell on their adventure         
 
This week's Rotary Noon Club meeting will feature two of the active club members. Drs. Jim Whiteneck and Jim Jonell spent most of the month of June visiting parts of Scandinavia. Jim J. spent nine years researching, teaching, and directing a student counseling at the University of Uppsala Sweden. Jim J still speaks fluent Swedish, and this trip was like going home for him and introducing Jim W. to his adopted country. Their program will share their experience of meeting wonderful international people, visiting some of the Scandinavian historical sites and natural wonders.
 
Our program on September 11th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Hear Milt Garrett
 
Milt Garrett
 
A Three-Part Presentation on the Russia-Ukraine War
Part 1 - Hey Putin. Ukraine Ain’t for the Takin’
(As for Crimea, ….?)
 
From a Statesman to a Despot: What’s the back story on Russia, Crimea, and Ukraine that you’ve not heard? It’s a complex saga with many moving parts, requiring inspection from every angle. With its past and present, our challenge internationally is, are we going to have a rules-based global order, or rule by the sword (or nukes)?
 
Today’s speaker has 20+ years with Russian companies, Russian company CEOs, Russian families, and clients in 3 countries simultaneously: Russia and Crimea, Ukraine, and America. International Management consultant Dr. Milt Garrett, and club member, has worked with over 2400 clients in 224+ Russian cities including those in Crimea, and 12 in Kyiv. Our speaker is still in daily conversations with persons from all these locales, giving him current perspective, and hundreds of stories needing to be heard. As a professor on five Russian university campuses, he has developed perspectives on Ukraine, and some different implications of this dastardly war.
 
 Dr Garrett has carefully researched past and present regional matters and their global impact. He has an educated perspective on how boundary lines have been drawn as they are now, and how the people of the region have reacted, surprisingly in one case, to recent events and territorial changes. Our speaker’s informational sources are valuable and credible, and he has academic and professional insights blended with personal relationships that makes his perspective poignant and authentic.
 
Because of limited time, we’ll examine just a few of the many reasons Ukraine was invaded by her northern neighbor. And, Rotary’s significant influence in that part of the world: Russia, Ukraine, and Crimea. For those asking: “Why does Ukraine matter?”, you’ll leave with an extensive list of 35+ possibilities. This hour of enlightenment is being personally presented by Dr. Milt Garrett. He is quick to caution that the complexity of this subject can only be developed in three short chapters; only the very basics can be exposed, like a flat river rock across the lake. After our October 2nd presentation, a Q&A, and a $500 door prize (yes, he did pay $500 for this), he will be providing extra time at the end of the presentation to engage with those wishing for more.  Stick ‘round.
 
Our program on September 4th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Hear Ed Grueff
 
Ed Grueff and friends
 
Ed Grueff started in the restaurant business in Chicago in 1971. In 1977 he made his way to Estes Park, where he opened and ran several restaurants and businesses, including the Bighorn Restaurant, Mountain Man Restaurant, Ed’s Cantina, Estes Park Brewery, Longs Peak Grilling Company, Twin Owls Steakhouse, and most recently the Sugar Shack.
Not ready to fully retire, he found a location in Loveland in 2023 and began converting it into a dog foster/rescue. He began fostering dogs in May of 2024 and now fosters for the Pet Association of Estes Park. In the last year, Buddy’s House has fostered and helped adopt out 70-80 puppies and dogs.
 
Our program on August 28th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Meet District Governor Elect Albon Shaw
 

District Governor Elect Albon Shaw

Having joined Rotary in 2014, Albon has enjoyed participating in many different roles. His penchant for saying “Yes!” was quickly discovered and led to him being nominated to the board of directors shortly after joining, then being chosen to serve as president of Casper Five Trails Rotary for 2018-19. That year his club was honored with the Outstanding Club President of a Medium/Small Club award. He has served on and headed many club committees, including public relations & membership. Internationally, Albon and his daughter, Elle, traveled to Nicaragua for a service trip with Rotarians from the Gillette Energy Rotary Club providing school uniforms, and school supplies, and doing repairs on schools. He attended the Rotary International Convention in Toronto, has hosted 3 international exchange students, and has supported several other international projects. He’s also had the honor of participating in the Emerging Leaders program at Zone Institute. At the district level, Albon has served on the nominating committee helping to choose upcoming District Governors, and served as the Assistant Governor for the Central Wyoming Rotary Clubs in Casper & Douglas.
Professionally, Albon has been in Real Estate since 2009, and is an Associate Broker at Real Estate Leaders. He also currently manages a real estate investment & construction business Shaw Investments that his wife and fellow Rotarian, Kammi Shaw, hopes to one day take back over after her massive brain bleed on June 2, 2024. Together they have three adult children and four fur babies that they love spending time with whenever they get a chance. 
 
Our program on August 21st will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Discuss the Future of The Great Estes Park Rotary Duck Race
 
  
DuckHug
 
Today, we will be discussing our Rotary Duck Race. The focus will be on the 2026 Rotary Duck Race and how to make the duck race a sustainable event for the foreseeable future. 
 
At our May 22nd workshop, we had a discussion about this year’s Duck Race - what worked well and what did not work, what needs to be changed, what needs improvement, what can we do better. To make the 2026 Rotary Duck Race successful, our club will have certain needs:
 
1.  Fun!  If it is fun, then it is beneficial to all concerned!
2.  A decision by our club to be all in to continue this longstanding club activity and service to our community.
3.  A decision on how to simplify the Rotary Duck Race. Make it manageable so that any member of the club can lead this endeavor.
4.  Ask that all members of the club help and participate in some capacity to make the Rotary Duck Race successful. 
5.  Recognition that all members may have more than one role:  there will be needs prior to race day and on race day.
6.  Delegate to and trust the duck race subcommittees to complete their tasks and run the Rotary Duck Race.
7.  Big Duck and Little Duck are here to facilitate, not run and manage, the duck race. They will have access to a duck race manual that outlines all aspects of and roles on how to facilitate the Rotary Duck Race.
8.  Fun!  If it is fun, then it is worth doing!
 
Guy Van der Werf will be facilitating today’s discussion.
 
Our program on August 14th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Meet Lars Sage, Art Center
 
Lars Sage
 
Lars was born and raised in Connecticut. He earned a BA in English, and MFA in Theatre from two schools in North Carolina. He first lived in Estes Park from 1989 to 1992, and returned permanently in 2012. After moving back to Estes, Lars volunteered for, and then was hired by the former Cultural Arts Council of Estes Park, working there for three years. He spent three years with Earthwood Collections, before being hired as Gallery Manager for the Art Center from June 2019 until 2023. He took a sabbatical, but has returned as of February of this year.

Before becoming Gallery Manager at the Art Center, Lars served on the Board for the Art Center for three years. He was one of the founding organizers and original Board member of the Estes Arts District, now serving as Vice President. He is former President and now Vice President on the Board for the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies, and has directed a number of plays. He served on the Board for the Estes Valley Partners for Commerce, which evolved into the Chamber of Commerce, and presently serves as a Board member.
 
Lars will discuss the State of the Arts in Estes Park, and will be covering the Art Center of Estes Park, the Estes Arts District, and the Fine Arts Guild of the Rockies.
 
Our program on Aygust 7th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
No Rotary Meeting Thursday
July 31, 2025
 
 
Be Sure to Join Us for our Next Rotary Meeting
August 7, 2025
 
Behavioral Health, Counseling and Psychotherapy Services in the Estes Valley
 
Presented by Blake Nicholson
 
Blake Nicholson
 
Blake Nicholson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years of clinical and leadership experience, specializing in individual psychotherapy, crisis assessment, utilization management, program and policy development. Currently serving as an Individual Psychotherapist at UCHealth in Estes Park, Colorado, Blake provides counseling and therapy in both individual and group settings, coordinates care planning, and supports patient discharge and resource referrals.  He holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Kansas and is licensed in Colorado.
 
Our program on July 24th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
Come and Meet Lori Spalsbury, Los Alamos National Laboratory
 
Lori Spalsbury
 
Lori Spalsbury graduated from Estes Park High School and subsequently attended Caltech where she studied astro-physics and geo-physics. After a ‘gap year’ of teaching high school mathematics in the Alaska bush, Lori went on to complete her masters degree in astrophysics at UMaine. Since then, Lori has served in various roles on numerous NASA and NOAA missions, including as operations lead and scientific researcher on the Juno mission to Jupiter; data analyst and processor on the MAVEN Mars orbiter; flight software test engineer on the James Webb Space Telescope; and payload instrument subject matter expert on the GOES and JPSS weather satellites. Lori currently works for Los Alamos National Laboratory where she continues to work on scientific and national security space missions in a wide range of capacities. 
 
Presentation Topic: Space Mission Architecture
Lori will present an overview of the high-level design and implementation of a space mission as defined by its mission objective, independent of whether the objective is driven by science, national security, or commercial industry.
 
Our program on July 17th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
Come and Meet SoYoung Lee, Executive & Artistic Director at Rocky Ridge Music
 
SoYoung Lee
 
SoYoung Lee currently serves as Executive & Artistic Director at Rocky Ridge Music. She received her Doctorate in Musical Arts in Piano Performance from the University of California, Santa Barbara. She has held director positions at Baldwin-Wallace College Conservatory Adult Education & Preparatory Department, Millikin University Preparatory Division, and the Boulder Arts Academy & Boulder Ballet. A strong believer in the concept of artist as entrepreneur, she co-founded two organizations: Colorado-based AirTurn, a company dedicated to empowering musicians through technology; and Notes at 9,000 at Winter Park, a multi-genre music competition that launches emerging musicians by providing concert opportunities, funding, and mentoring. She is passionate about building community through the arts and is a trustee of the National Guild for Community Arts Education, Boulder County Arts Alliance, and is an advisory board member of Upbeat Colorado, and Americas for Conservation + the Arts.
 
An award-winning pianist and a Regents scholar, SoYoung is a recipient of the Ernő Dohnányi Piano Prize and the Gwendolyn Koldofsky Accompanying Fellowship at University of Southern California. She recently released a CD, In This World, with flutist Claudia Anderson. Equally at home as a teacher, she served on the music faculty at Millikin University and State University of New York, Fredonia, and was a visiting Piano Pedagogy faculty at the University of Colorado, Boulder. SoYoung enjoys her multi-faceted career as a performing artist, administrator, teacher, producer, and arts advocate.
 
SoYoung will discuss Rocky Ridge Music: Its Beginnings, Present, and Future
 
Our program on July 10th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
No Meeting
 
 
No meeting July 3, but articles abound:in this edition:
  • Rotary International Convention in Calgary
  • Jane Harroff's Celebration of Life
  • President's Night pictures!
  • Coffee Talk
  • The International Committee asks for project ideas.
  • A Saturday Tour Event - Updated
  • Dues Reminder - Updated
  • We Need Help!
 
Come Celebrate President's Night!
Thursday Night, June 18, 2026, at the American Legion
5:30 - 6:00  Social Time    Cash Bar
6:00 - 6:45  Dinner
6:45 - 7:30   Program
 
Annual Changing of the Guard
and Rotary Awards
 

Last Year's Award Winners
 
Rotary Service from a Distance - a new award, presented by Tara Moenning, to Thor Homme, Longley Parker, and Dave Evans.
 
Thor, Longley (on the screen), Dave, and Tara
 
The recipients of two Club awards were in attendance, each award presented by last year's recipient.
 
        
  Rotarian of the Year, presented            Living Legacy, presented by
   by Beth Weisberg to Mark Lee           Annie Slack to Tara Moenning
 
Find Out Who This Year's Winners Are!!
 
President's Night will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
 
 
Note: The next Rotary meeting is July 9th. Enjoy the break!
 
Our Club's Rotary Foundation
 
Its Purpose; How It Works; What It Does;
Its Current Status
 
Presenters:
 
                
Barry Hannigan                         Madison Casey
 
Barry Hannigan is currently President of the Rotary Foundation and will teach us about that organization.  Previously he was known for his performances throughout the United States and in Europe. He has performed in Russia, China, England, Ireland, Norway, and New Zealand. He has appeared as guest artist at a host of American universities, such as UCLA, Yale, Cornell, and the Universities of Oregon, Colorado, Illinois, Arizona State, and Texas. Hannigan recently retired as the Ellen Williams Professor of Music at Bucknell University in Lewisburg, PA., where he received the Class of ’56 Lectureship for inspirational teaching. His students have earned graduate performance degrees in piano at schools such as Peabody Conservatory, Eastman School of Music, and the New England Conservatory.
 
Madison Casey has been Past President of the Rotary Foundation but now serves as a Trustee and Investment Chair.  He will teach us about the financial side of the Foundation.  He has been part of our Rotary Club Foundation’s investment since we brought the management in-house in 2009.  He was on the committee with Chair Marsha Yelick, who wrote our investment management policy.
 
Madison is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and passed the CPA Exam out of college, though did not practice to be certified. He worked for 12 years as a stock analyst and client liaison in New York for Morgan Guaranty Trust Co. (now JP Morgan) and then the since merged Cyrus J. Lawrence Inc. He has an MBA in Finance & Management, Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and a BS in Business Administration, Accounting concentration, with Distinction, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
 
Our program this week will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided. Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
 
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
 Time:  Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
 Cost:  $20
 Parking:  American Legion and the church only       
 
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
 
No Meeting
 
 
Fifth Thursday
 
What is the Future
of Our Signature Event
The Rotary Duck Race?
 
Harry Livingston
His Hat from the first Duck Race
 
Be sure to come to our Thursday meeting this week as we will be discussing how to proceed with our Duck Race.  We had a successful event raising over $204,000 for 74 charitable organizations.  The event was a one-year experiment with a different format of four initial “flights”, followed by a fifth flight of the first 25 winners from each of the previous four flights.  The grand prize winner of $10,000 was a local man.  Attendees were happy and reported enjoying the event.  There were several issues that came up in the months before the race that need to be carefully considered, as it not only affects our Club, but the organizations that depend on adoptions for funding.
 
These issues included our Rotary name absent in publications on the race, insurance, communication within the club and within the community, decision-making, leadership, Board consulting and approval, finances, and more.  We will only be able to discuss a few subjects this week but it is a beginning.
 
Thursday’s meeting will allow the entire Club to partake in determining how to proceed next year.  Change is always different and can be uncomfortable, but is often necessary for the betterment of a situation.  Come share positively in a work session to address the future of the Rotary Duck Race.
 
Our program on May 15th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Come and Hear the 2025 Rotary Scholarship Recipients
 
Mark Lee presents Rotary scholarships
to 18 graduating seniors.
 
Students, parents, relatives, teachers, and members of donor organizations all gathered in the Estes Park High School auditorium on Wednesday night to honor the 2025 graduates of Estes Park High School and Eagle Rock School.  
Rotary presenters, Annie Slack, President of Noon Rotary, Mark Lee, Rotary Scholarship Chair, and Barry Hannigan, Rotary Scholarship Committee member, took the stage to present $153,500 to 18 graduating seniors. This was a record amount, reflecting the club’s longstanding support for continuing education.
The scholarship recipients will introduce themselves and discuss their plans.
 
Our program on May 15th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Rotary’s Decision to Fight Polio
 
Children on Polio Ward 1950's
 
This week’s program is a video on how Rotary started its Polio initiative.  Poliomyelitis is just as paralyzing today as it ever was.  It is a virus that enters the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in hours.  It can infect anyone of any age but mostly attacks children under the age of five.  While it cannot be cured or prevented, it can be eradicated by vaccines.
 
When I was a child I can remember my father, a physician, lining my sister, brother and myself up in his office and administering the vaccine to us.  I had friends with polio but did not realize the seriousness of it when I was a child.  We have members of our club who have suffered from polio.  It is a devastating disease.
 
Rotary and our partners have worked worldwide to eradicate polio. Rotary members have donated more than $2.7 billion and innumerable volunteer hours to protect nearly 3 billion children in 122 countries from this paralyzing disease.
 
When Rotary and its partners formed the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) in 1988, there were 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries every year. Today, we have reduced polio cases by 99.9 percent, and just two countries continue to report cases of wild poliovirus: Afghanistan and Pakistan.
 
Be sure to come see this amazing story of how Rotary took on eradicating Polio.
 
Our program on May 8th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Come and Meet Melissa Gruber, Director of Development
Veterans Community Project, Longmont
 
Melissa Gruber
 
Melissa Gruber is the Director of Development for Veterans Community Project (VCP) of Longmont, a role she has held since April 2023. Raised in Colorado Springs, Melissa has always been deeply committed to serving those who served. Her career has been dedicated to the Veteran nonprofit sector, with a focus on development, community engagement, and awareness.
At VCP of Longmont, Melissa finds the greatest fulfillment in working alongside dedicated partners—like Sunrise Rotary—who share a passion for fixing Veteran homelessness in Colorado. Her leadership fosters meaningful connections that drive impactful change in the lives of Veterans, and their families, across Colorado.
Melissa is married to her husband, Nick, and together they share their home with three energetic dogs who keep them on their toes.
Melissa will present on the work VCP is doing, and how Rotarians can get involved.
 
Our program on May 1st will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
1stRotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Come Celebrate Our Club’s
Achievement of 100% Paul Harris
 
Paul Harris
April 19, 1868 - January 27, 1947
 
The presentation of Paul Harris Fellow recognition is The Rotary Foundation's way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programs.  It is named for our founder, Paul Harris, a Chicago lawyer who started Rotary International with three business associates in 1905.  This week we are celebrating every member’s contribution to become a 100% Paul Harris Club.
 
Becoming a 100% Paul Harris Club means that every member has contributed either financially or through donor points $1000 toward The Rotary Foundation.  The Rotary Foundation (TRF) transforms our gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.  The generous contributions to the Foundation are essential for securing and growing Rotary programs. Donations to TRF go to projects in one of seven areas of global and community service: promoting peace, fighting disease including Polio, providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene, saving mothers and children, supporting education, growing local economies, and protecting the environment.  These programs advance world understanding and goodwill.
 
It is a distinct honor for The Rotary Club of Estes Park to have every member represented so generously in the work of the Foundation, and a rare occurrence for a club to achieve this 100% status.
 
This coming Thursday we will be honored by having our District Governor Julie Haffner come to distribute Paul Harris Awards to our members.  Our District Governor Elect Karen Morgan, and Area Governor Gordon Slack, will also be present.  Our members contributed a total of $12,986.87 to achieve this goal.  These dollars were matched 2 for 1 to make our club a 100% Paul Harris Club.
 
Our program on April 24th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Come and meet Mark Lee, Chairman, Bethania Kids North America & Member of Estes Park Rotary Club
 
Mark Lee and Bethania Kids
 
Mark has worked in the Information Technology industry for the last 43 years, and his work takes him to India frequently. After witnessing the impact of extreme poverty on India's children, he started volunteering for a charitable organization, Bethania Kids, dedicated to providing hope and wholeness to these children. Bethania Kids is a registered 501(c)3 organization led by dozens of volunteers across the United States and Canada, and is currently supporting more than 1,000 orphaned and at-risk children in southern India. Mark is currently serving as the volunteer chairman of this organization.
 
Mark will address the challenges faced by so many children in India, and the work of Bethania Kids to provide them with support. He will also discuss recent connections made with local Rotary Clubs in southern India that are also providing support to these children.
 
Our program on April 17th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Come and Meet Courtney Hill, COO, YMCA of the Rockies
 
Courtney Hill
 
Courtney Hill is the Chief Operating Officer for YMCA of the Rockies. Courtney first moved to Estes Park in 1993, graduated from Colorado State University in 1999 and began her career with the YMCA in 2003. She has filled various roles at the YMCA and became COO in 2023, where she provides strategic oversight of the operations, human resources, and strategic planning for the Estes Park and Winter Park locations as well as for camp. In her free time, Courtney enjoys being outdoors and spending time with her husband and two adult children (all three of whom were raised in Estes!). 
 
Courtney will provide an overview of the YMCA - from mission and impact to facts and figures.
 
Our program on April 10th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Come and Meet the Candidates Running for the Park Hospital Board
 
Estes Park Health Entrance
 
Come join us to hear five candidates: Tim Cashman, Thomas E. Leigh, Max Salfinger, Ralph Strickland and Janet Zeschin. Each will present a timed 4-minute introductory talk, followed by questions from the members. The candidates may hand out any information they wish. Please be thinking about questions you might want to pose to the candidates, and have them written down so that we can lose no time in having them answered.
 
More information about each candidate - QnA, picture, and bio - can be found on the Estes Park Health website with this link: 
 
Our program on April 3rd will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Come and Meet James Pickering
 
Dr. James H. Pickering
 
James H. Pickering, since 2006 Estes Park 's Historian Laureate, and the author of over 30 books and articles on Estes Park and Colorado history, will be speaking about his most recent book, He Came and Stayed: Pieter Hondius, The Estes Park Years.
 
Our program on March 27th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Come Join the Open Workshop 
 
Club President Anne Slack
 
Annie will conduct an open workshop to discuss what the different pillar discussions arrived at for Club goals. More information can be found in the Update article below.
 
Our program on March 20th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Come and Meet Mindy Rickard
 
Mindy Rickard
 
Mindy Rickard is retired from working in Long Term Care and with older adults for over 30 years  in Northern Colorado.  She has a degree in Gerontology from the University of Northern Colorado.  She is an active volunteer at the Estes Valley Library where she facilitates The Book Club for Mortals and helps individuals complete their medical advance directives by appointment. 
 
Mindy will speak on Advance Directives
 
Our program on March 13th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Come and Meet Nathan Scott, Community Relations Specialist, Foothills Gateway
 
Nathan Scott
 
Nathan Scott's career started with the Navy, and includes work at AmeriCorps, at an international cancer charity, and as executive director of a non-profit specializing in recruitment of volunteers. He has a bachelors degree, and Masters in Communication at Western Illinois University.
 
Nathan will provide an overview of Foothills Gateway.
 
Our program on March 6th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Continued Workshop
Setting Goals
for Our Club’s Future
 
President Annie
 
By request from our members we will be conducting another workshop this coming Thursday to continue our discussions from January.  We’ll divide up into our pillar groups and work to establish specific goals for the next three years.
 
I have added several subjects to each pillar for members to consider.  These subjects developed out of the results of our January workshop.
 
Come and have fun.  If you really want to change groups, you may.  Be sure that everyone participates and shares their ideas.  I also was advised to not worry about reporting results at the end of our workshop but to allow maximum time for discussion.
 
See you Thursday.
 
Our program on February 27th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Come and Meet Doug Frisbie, President, Estes Park Salud Foundation
 
Doug Frisbie
 
Doug Frisbie and his spouse Eileen Flaherty moved to Estes Park in 1991 with their two children 1 and 3.  Doug served as a member of the local board of education for eight years. His employment included Engineers Without Borders and manager of Larimer County's Estes Park Office. 
 
Doug will address the financial crisis facing Estes Park's Salud Clinic. The presentation will discuss the causes of the crisis, its implications for the Estes community and its tourist economy and what is needed to resolve the crisis.
 
Our program on February 20th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Come and Meet Jean Tasker, Fundraising Director, The Bridge of Estes
 
Jean Tasker
 
Jean will speak about the mission of The Bridge of Estes, which is to bridge the gap between the wellness needs of cancer patients with local resources and support. This is done by teaming up with local providers to offer services and products to help patients manage the physical, emotional, social, and financial side effects of ongoing cancer treatments.
 
Our program on February 13th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
No Meeting
 
Credit: Gretchen Troop Photography, Estes Valley Voice
Skijor 2025
 
President Anne Slack Presents Workshop on
Membership Satisfaction Surveys
 
     
Anne Slack and Grant Delbecq
 
Anne Slack and Grant Delbecq gathered the data from eleven surveys our members completed, and divided the responses into five categories.  Board members will lead discussions of the five groups to plan strategies for the next three years.
 
Shurie Scheel, District Visioning Chair, presented the idea last week of Four Club Pillars: Membership, Fundraising, Club Management, and Service.  The five categories from the data received from the surveys will be combined into four categories.
 
Here is your chance to have a direct effect on how our Club operates. Come and participate in this workshop to improve our Club’s growth.
 
Anne graduated with a degree in Sociology from Eckerd College (formerly Florida Presbyterian College) and later earned a Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Texas Tech University.  She practiced in Amarillo, TX before moving to Estes Park in 2001 where she set up Mountaintop Physical Therapy.  She also founded Healing Waters, a pool with a treadmill that would allow people to exercise while recuperating from various illnesses or surgeries.
 
She is happily married to John Gordon Slack, a fellow Rotarian with the Sunrise Club, and has two adult children, Nancy Lugo who lives in Abilene, TX, and David Slack who lives in Los Angeles, CA.
 
Grant Delbecq grew up in Dearborn Michigan with his parents and brother.  He attended Michigan State University where he earned a degree in Packaging Engineering with additional studies in Physical Distribution, the forerunner of Supply Chain.  Upon graduation in 1981 he moved to Dallas, TX, and took a job with LTV Aerospace.  He met and married his wife, Carol, and went on to get a MBA at Southern Methodist University.  Carol and Grant added two children to their family during this time period: Dillon and Samantha.  They now have one grandchild.
 
Our program on January 30th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Come and Meet Vice Governor Shurie Scheel
 
Shurie Scheel
 
Shurie lives in Thermopolis, WY with her husband, Phillip, and their two children, Kaden (their 15 year old son) and Alayna (their 13 year old daughter). They own a propane retail company that services about 100 mile radius around Thermopolis. The Scheel’s are both very active in the community and the State. Shurie served as the Rotary District Governor in 2021-22, and is the current District Trainer and Vice Governor. She also serves as the Emerging Rotary Leaders program chair for Rotary Zones 26 & 27. Her passion in Rotary is training Rotarians to better serve their clubs, working with clubs to develop Action Plans and their membership, and the work she does in Kenya to bring clean water to rural schools and homes.
 
Shurie will analyze the results of the Membership Satisfaction Survey.
 
Our program on January 23rd will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Hear from Scott Thompson and Bob Fulton about this year's Duck Race
 
Scott, Lucky, and Bob
 
Scott Thompson and Bob Fulton are jointly leading the team for the 2025 duck race, They will present a talk highlighting many aspects of their work, focusing on the new concepts in development for this year’s race. From team organization to race logistics to event promotion and design, much is on the drawing board. And with the race less than four months away, things are moving fast!

Scott is a long-time club member, last serving as Big Duck back in 2011. Bob is a friend to Rotary, having served as a community volunteer for the duck race since 2022. Scott and Bob are co-leading the team making the 2025 Duck Race a reality.
 
Our program on January 16th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Come and Meet Courtney Hill,
Chief Operating Officer, YMCA of the Rockies
 
 
Courtney first moved to Estes Park in 1993, graduated from Colorado State University in 1999 and began her career with the YMCA in 2003. She has filled various roles at the YMCA and became COO in 2023, where she provides strategic oversight of the operations, human resources and strategic planning for the Estes.Park and Winter Park locations as well as for camp.
 
Courtney will provide an overview of the YMCA - from mission and impact to facts and figures.
 
Our program on January 9th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
No Meeting
 
Credit: Alan Lipkin, Estes Valley Voice
 
Holidays Together
 
No Meeting
 
 
Happy Holidays
 
Come and Hear Dr. Alan Denney and the Estes Park High School Tenor/Bass Choir
 
Alan Denney
 
The Estes Park High School Tenor/Bass Choir is an ensemble of 11 high school freshmen who love to sing. The group meets daily at 8 am for rehearsal and they perform a variety of styles of repertoire. For this performance, they will be singing 4 holiday selections, including the stirring, "Stopping By Woods", by poet Robert Frost. EPHS sophomore, Geneva Thomas, will also be performing one selection today.
 
Choirs from Estes Park High School have performed in Carnegie Hall 5 times. The combined choirs annually sing the National Anthem at a Denver Nuggets game.
 
Dr. Alan Denney is in his twentieth year at Estes Park High School. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from Indiana State University, a Master of Music in Music Theory and Composition from Colorado State University, and a Doctorate of Arts in Choral Conducting from the University of Northern Colorado. Dr. Denney has studied conducting with Dr. James Jordan, Dr. Gary Graydon, and Dr. Rodney Eichenberger. 
 
Our program on December 19th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Come and Meet District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair Chris Woodruff
 
Chris Woodruff
 
Chris Woodruff became a Rotarian in 2000 when he joined the Rotary Club of Greeley - Centennial.  In the club he has served as Secretary, President and Foundation Chair and now Treasurer. 
 
At the district level, Chris served as Assistant Governor for the Estes Park, Colorado clubs, Awards Committee chairman, TRF mentor and as a member of the District Foundation Committee.  He presented at several District Assemblies and served as a facilitator, and now as the Chair for High Country PETS. He also served as a trainer at the Rotary Zone training for incoming District Governors. He is currently the District Rotary Foundation Committee Chair.
 
Chris served as District Governor for D5440 from 2019 thru 2021.
 
Chris will be discussing the work and value of the Rotary Foundation (TRF), what kinds of work is being done with the resources, and how our club is doing in its giving this year.
 
Our program on December 12th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
 
Come and Meet Wynn Walent, Executive Director - Locally Haiti
 
Wynn Walent
 
Locally Haiti was founded in 1989 under the name the Colorado Haiti Project. The relationship between the rural community of Petit Trou de Nippes and Locally Haiti, is deeply rooted in shared history, and the conviction that when Haitian leaders have access to resources, they will achieve progress in their communities. 
 
Wynn first traveled to Haiti after the earthquake of 2010 to assist with relief efforts. He intended to stay for two months before returning to the U.S. for graduate school, but the powerful experiences he collected while supporting Haitian relief and development efforts stirred Wynn so deeply that he decided to defer his graduate studies and remain in Haiti. Over the course of the next two and a half years he lived and worked full time in Haiti, developing a deep appreciation for the importance of Haitian leadership and self-determination. 
 
The presentation provides an overview of Locally Haiti's major programs with a focus on their current district grant, an agricultural and community health initiative supporting family farms and agricultural education in Haiti. 
 
Our program on December 5th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
No Meeting
 
 
Happy Thanksgiving!
 
Come and Meet Sue Yowell, Executive Director, The Learning Place
 
Sue Yowell
 
Founded in 1998 as an innovative skill-building center for learners of all ages, the Estes Park Learning Place became a charitable non-profit organization in February 2002 and serves the greater Estes Valley community.
The Estes Park Learning Place believes education is the key that unlocks dreams. EPLP provides K-12 tutoring, GED coaching/tutoring and testing, SAT/ACT preparation, career development support, proctor tests from different colleges & Universities and more, for youth and adults in the Estes Valley.
 
Our program on November 21st will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Come and Meet Vern Carda and David Batey
 
         
          Vern Carda, CEO of                    David Batey, Chair of Estes 
           Estes Park Health                    Park Health Board of Directors
 
Vern Carda moved to Estes Park from Billiings, Mont., where he spent time managing regional strategy for a collection of 13 hospitals spread across the eastern portion of Montana and into Wyoming.
He is originally from Armour, S.D., and earned his undergraduate degree in Hospital Administration from the University of South Dakota. He earned a masters degree in Computer Systems Management from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb.
 
David Batey has worked at ExxonMobil, New Jersey Medical School, Duke Univ. Medical School, Johnson & Johnson, Rutgers Univ., and Ball State Univ.
He has volunteered at Estes Park Medical Center, Estes Park Development Corp., Estes Park Trail-Gazette, YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Non-Profit Resource Center, Estes Valley Broadbend Engineering Project, Estes Park Ambassadors, Estes Park Newcomers, Estes Valley Community Center, and Estes Park One Percent Sales Tax Campaign.
His education includes Kalamazoo College, BA, Psychology; Ball State University, MA, General and Experimental Psychology; Rutgers University, PhD, Clinical Psychology; Medical Psychology Internship, Duke University Medical School; Postdoctoral Fellow, New Jersey Medical School; Rutgers University/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, MPH; University of Texas School of Public Health, DrPH.
 
Vern Carda and David Batey will share an overview of the merger with UC Health.
 
Our program on November 14th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Come, Vote, and Meet Walter Borneman
 
 
The Rocky Mountain Conservancy, the official nonprofit partner of Rocky Mountain National Park, is one of the oldest and most effective friends groups in the National Park Service. Walt Borneman, president of the Conservancy’s Board of Directors, will share how the Conservancy supports conservation and education in the park with the support of members and donors.
 
Our local Conservancy supports Search & Rescue, wildlife conservation, environmental research and education, wildfire prevention and post-fire restoration, trail maintenance and construction, Rocky’s Junior Ranger program, and more. In addition, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy completed construction of the Rocky Terraces workforce housing on Highway 66 to support park staff, interns, and researchers. Audience members are encouraged to bring their questions.
 
Walt Borneman has served on the Conservancy’s board since 2019, and stepped up to board president in February. He is well known as the co-author of A Climbing Guide to Colorado’s Fourteeners, first published in 1978, and has advocated for Colorado’s natural resources as the first chairman of the Colorado Fourteeners Initiative and as president of the Colorado Mountain Club Foundation. Borneman earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees in history from Western State College of Colorado and received his law degree from the University of Denver. He is also the author of many books and articles about mountains, railroads, and the American West, as well as American military and political history.
 
Our program on November 7th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
No Meeting
 
 
Happy Halloween!
 
Come and Meet Our District Governor, Julie Johnson Haffner
 
District Governor Julie Johnson Haffner
 
The International Rotary theme for the year is The Magic of Rotary!  Julie is expected to focus on Rotary International's new initiatives, membership, and the good work that is being done by Rotarians around the world.  The theme is meant to put focus on all the projects and activities that our Club accomplishes, both locally and internationally.
 
Julie, a professional fund raiser and a Colorado native, was one of the first women to join Rotary in northern Colorado. During her nearly 35 years as a Rotary member, she has served as an Assistant Governor in District 5440; President of the Rotary Club of Loveland (CO); an active member of several District committees; a trainer at PETS and a presenter at District assemblies and conferences. Her district includes 52 Rotary clubs in Wyoming, Northern Colorado, Eastern Idaho and Western Nebraska. Julie is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, a member of the Paul Harris Society and a major donor.
 
Julie graduated from Colorado State University with a B.S. in Consumer Sciences and a minor in business. After leaving full-time business, Julie created her consulting business, Blue Jewels LLC, to teach nonprofit organizations how to build their boards, grow their fundraising capacity and expand their leadership skills. Currently, she serves on the boards of the Children’s Museum of Northern Colorado and Sunrise Community Health. Julie is also a member of Kappa Alpha Theta and PEO.
 
Our program on October 24th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Around the World: Flight to End Polio
 
The trip that couldn't be done
 
Cousins Peter Teahen and John Ockenfels piloted a single piston-engine airplane around the world in 2023 to raise awareness and money for Rotary’s End Polio Now program. The flight took 90-days, made 37 landings in 19 countries, and involved 24 fundraisers. Only 702 pilots in history have ever achieved this feat, and less than 270 are alive today!
 
Both Peter and John are longtime Rotarians and members of the International Fellowship of Flying Rotarians. They are both recipients of Rotary’s two highest honors, “Service Above Self”, and the “Service Award for A Polio Free World”. As pilots, they have qualified for the prestigious Circumnavigator Diploma from the Federation Aeronautique Internationale.
 
Peter and John departed Cedar Rapids, Iowa on May 5, 2023 in their 1977 Cessna T210M airplane, and successfully returned home 90-days later on July 30.
 
Our program on October 17th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Click on the link below to be admitted.
Meeting link:
Rotary Weekly Luncheon
Place: American Legion
Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20
 
Rotary Club of Estes Park
Service Above Self 
Since May 6, 1926
Club Information
Welcome to our Club!
Estes Park

We meet In Person
Thursdays at 11:30 a.m.
American Legion Post 119
850 N St Vrain Ave.
P.O. Box 1365
Estes Park, CO 80517
United States of America
Cost of lunch is $20. No meetings on 5th Thursdays.
District Site
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Officers And Directors
President
Guy Van der Werf
President Elect
Rick Life
Treasurer
Gregg Jurgens
Secretary
Sarah Walsh
Past President
Jack Ford
Club Administration Director
Karol Rinehart
Community Service Director
Beth Weisberg
Fund Development Director
Carl Robicheaux
International Service Director
Chuck Bonza
International Service Director
Dale Bonza
Membership Director
Scott Robbins
Big Duck
Ben Van Der Werf
Sergeant-at-Arms
Bill Solms
Youth Services Director
Chris Davis
Club Young Leaders Contact
Dave Boon
RSS
India’s Bharat Pandya selected to be 2028-29 Rotary International President
Pandya, a surgeon from Mumbai and past Rotary International director and Foundation trustee, has been chosen to lead Rotary in 2028-29.
Rotary projects around the globe – August 2026
Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Thailand.
Stay for a vacay
After you’ve discovered a world of culture at the Rotary International Convention in Barcelona, consider staying in Spain or touring Europe for a quick and easy vacation.
High-tech classroom upgrades open pathways for girls in India
High-tech upgrades help girls in India turn aspirations into reality
Ohio club serves up pancakes with potential
The Rotary Club of Logan, Ohio, uses funds from its annual pancake breakfast to support youth in their community
Speakers
Jim Jonell, Guy Van der Werf
Oct 22, 2026
End Polio Now
David Dunne
Nov 12, 2026
District Governor Nominee
Dave Boon
Nov 19, 2026
Rotary Projects in Nepal
View entire list...
Photo Albums