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.
Economic Development & Workforce Council Luncheon Menu Rotary Club of Estes Park 100 years old in April of 2026 Membership Minute New Member The 2026 Friendship Card Meeting Notes Meeting Recording
Meeting Notes for September 11, 2025
President Jack Ford rang the bell at 12:00. Annie Slack gave the Invocation. Jack led the Pledge of Allegiance. Madison played the song “God Bless America.”
Guests of Rotarians
Bill Smith introduced the guest, Jill Zerhan, who is becoming a member.
Announcements:
Carl Robicheaux needs more volunteers for Elk Fest, both for Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 28th.
Annie Slack said the slate of nominees for club committees is almost complete, except for the position of President-Elect. There is also a vacancy for help with youth services, including Interact, RYLA, and exchange students.
Carl asks for Elk Fest Annie reports slate
volunteers and board vacancies
Wayne Newsom is retiring from finding people to do the invocations. Please consider helping.
Beth Weisberg announced that the Community Service Committee is meeting today after the noon meeting to vote on Bright Christmas and Blue Santa. Also, the first Duck Race meeting will take place on Sept. 25 after the regular meeting.
Wayne is retiring Beth announces Community
Service and Duck Race meetings
Scott Robbins: The Membership Committee will meet on Oct. 2. They have a lot of new ideas and would like help to accomplish them.
Jack Ford: Please check The Spoke before you schedule meetings in order to avoid conflicts.
Pete Sinnott said that there will be a walk around Lake Estes this coming Sunday at 12:30 p.m. to support the Estes Dementia Day Care center. Fee is $20, cash or check, and they would love extra donations.
Rotarian Stories
Ben van der Werf told his Rotary story.
Ben tells his Rotary Story
Happy Money
Jim Austin is happy to see everyone.
Program
Jack Ford introduced Jim Jonell and Jim Whiteneck, who presented a travelogue about their trip to Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.
Jim & Jim's presentation
Adjournment
President Ford led the Four Way Pledge, and rang the bell at 1:00.
Barry Hannigan
Meeting Recording September 11, 2025
Drs. Jim Whiteneck and Jim Jonell spent most of the month of June visiting parts of Scandinavia. Together they present, Jim's and Jim's Excellent Adventure!
Have You Wanted
to be on
The Rotary Club Board?
Here is your opportunity. There are two Board positions open that need a volunteer to serve.
President Elect Nominee means a commitment to be on the Board in 2026-2027 as President Elect, and set up Speakers for the Rotary meetings. That member will become President the fiscal year of 2027-2028.
Youth Services Director is a two-year commitment starting in the fiscal year of 2026-2027, and continuing through 2027-2028. However, that is an open Board position now, so if a member volunteers, they will immediately complete the open position and then assume their own term next July.
Youth Services Director is responsible for developing and implementing projects that are related to youth, schools, and career development.
Please contact Guy Van der Werf for President Elect Nominee position at gvanderwerf@estesvalley.net; and Grant Delbecq for Youth Service Director position at grdelbecq@msn.net..
Thank you,
Annie
Nominating Committee Chair
Kudos
From Club President Jack:
A big Thank You! to our Chaplin Bill Smith for agreeing to take on the job of scheduling volunteers who offer the Invocation at the beginning of our weekly meetings. And another Big Thank You! to Wayne Newsom who has done this job for more than twenty years.
Elk Fest Reminder
Carl Robicheaux needs help staffing the Beer Garden portion of the Elk Fest: Saturday 9/27, 9am-6pm, and Sunday 9/28, 9am-5pm, plus tear down on Sunday. This is one of our major fundraisers for the club funds for Projects.
Do you know a Club Member who needs assistance? Maybe a ride to meetings, or just a phone call to keep in touch? Please contact Bill Smith 970-420-1033 or billsmithbronx1956@gmail.com.
