President Thor Homme called the meeting to order.
Chuck Bonza gave the invocation.
Dave Evans led us in singing “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling” for St. Patrick’s Day, accompanied by Madison O’Casey on piano, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the USA.
Jay Harroff led guest introductions. We welcomed several guest Rotarians: Paul Foreman of Colorado Springs Broadmoor Club. Phyllis Dieckman of Higginsville, Missouri. Lynn Luzadder from College Park (Orlando) Florida. Guest of Rotarians: Guy Van Der Werf introduced Dr. Richard Payden, second year resident in Family Practice here in Estes.
Scott Thompson presented a groaner of a joke
Chuck Bonza, Community Services Chair, introduced Paul Foreman of Colorado Springs who made a presentation. His grandsons drowned in the Big Thompson River a year ago and so he and his son have started a project to educate children on water safety. He learned that drowning is the leading cause of death of children ages 1-4. They are raising money to buy copies of a children’s book for each student in the elementary school with CD called “Josh The Baby Otter” to educate children on this. Then, a bidding war followed between Jay Harroff and Ron Gordon, who each promised each other’s money. With the help of other club members, over $500 was raised to buy these books.
Kathy Groesbeck and Madison Casey then talked about “Salute to Americana” our club’s annual musical fundraiser for scholarships. Kathy bought one ticket for each night and gave it away to the Rotarians who had an American flag sticker taped under their placemat. Jay Harroff and Bob Benight won. Then Madison detailed the 6 fabulous local groups performing on the Friday night show.
Tara Moenning announced our Shred-a-Thon fundraiser will be held at the Community Church parking lot. We will also be joined by the Free-cycle and electronics recycling folks.
Leading into Happy Money, Thor said he has not heard from Robert Ludlum who we have missed being with us the past couple weeks.
Harry Livingston was glad to be with us. He said this is only his third time at Rotary in the past twelve years that his wife Mary has had Alzheimer’s
Jarry Harroff gave a Daphne report on his daughter. She is in 9th grade and getting her driver’s permit.
Jack Overly remembered how his grandson used to play with Daphne when visiting here. He is now an honor student in his junior year in high school and a top musician on many instruments.
Bob Brunson gave Happy Money for Robert Ludlum.
Bill Sohms is happy his wife is fine after a mild heart attack.
Ward Nelson is happy that his daughter, Kirby Hazelton, is assistant coach of girls’ soccer and they have won both games so far.
Program: Ron Gordon introduced the program on “Estes Thrives”, a new initiative to link the community and the school. Laura Case, Vice President of the Board of Education and Sheldon Rosenkrance and Superintendent described this initiative. By partnering with local businesses, community leaders, educational leaders and students, Estes Thrives hopes to guide decisions at the district level that will keep the district focused on success for its graduates in our rapidly changing economy.
