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.
President Anne Slack rang the bell at 12:00. Paula Edwards gave the Invocation. Annie led the Pledge of Allegiance. Madison Casey played the song “Take Me Out to the Duck Race.”
Guests of Rotarians:
Barry Hannigan introduced guest Bill Howell from Sunrise Rotary.
Announcements:
Annie Slack: the District meeting will be June 12-14 at Embassy Suites in Loveland. More information is at Rotary5440.org.
Jim Whiteneck asked for, and received, two volunteers for the Josh the Otter safety program for kindergarten children.
Mark Lee invited all to the scholarship presentation awards at the High School next Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. We are giving a record amount of money this year. The scholarship recipients will be invited to the Rotary lunch meeting on May 15.
Scott Robbins: the next coffee talk will be April 10 at 8:30 at Inkwell and Brew.
Gregg Jurgens asked everyone to please consider the cue cards on the tables and consider making a donation to the Foundation.
Tim Moore asked for more volunteers for take-down after the Duck Race.
Dave Boon is asking for two more students to attend RYLA. Check RMRYLA.org to apply.
Isaiah Johnson asked people to come at 10 a.m. for the finish line setup for the Duck Race.
Scott Thompson said that $137,000 worth of ducks have been sold so far, and $1600 raised for the Foundation. Tomorrow night there is a party at 5:30 at the Stanley Hotel to recognize all the workers on the Duck Race, so please check their website on the email you received to register for two free tickets. The Duck Race wrap-up party will be on May 9.
Scott Thompson told a ducky joke.
Happy Money:
Beth Weisberg is happy that Carl Robicheaux rescued some lost ducks from the river.
Tim Moore is happy that the prizes are now set for the Duck Race, and he thanked the volunteers who worked on it.
Carl Robicheaux is happy that people are volunteering while at the meeting, and notes that Gregg Jurgens never thinks Carl is happy.
Program:
Jack Ford introduced Melissa Gruber, who discussed the Veterans Housing Veterans project.
Melissa Gruber presents Melissa receives a “Piece
the Veterans program. of the Rock“ from Annie.
Adjournment:
Annie led the four-way pledge and rang the bell at 1:00.
Barry Hannigan, Scribe
Update from President Anne Slack
Lucky Duck & Guests
Our Rotary Duck Race is over after a year plus of consideration, planning, and implementing! We succeeded in supporting our local charities with approximately $205,000.
Now we can turn our attention to Scholarships. Do you know we are about to donate $132,500 to 17 seniors? A big “Thank You” to Mark Lee for organizing our Scholarship Program this year and to the committee composed of Tara Moenning, Beth Weisberg, Mike Connolly, Gregg Jurgens, Valerie Van der Werf, and myself. Be sure to come to the presentation at the High School, Wednesday night, May 7th at 6 PM. Most of the donors from around the Estes Valley will be represented, awarding our Seniors money to assist them to achieve their life goals.
Then, on Saturday, come join Scott Robbins and me at the Inkwell at 8:30 AM. It will be a time to just be together and share ideas.
Don’t forget the District Assembly on June 12-14! “The Rotary District 5440 conference is a 3-day experience featuring keynote speakers, Club awards and Rotarian awards, educational and interactive breakout sessions, presentations and inspiration for clubs, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, free time and networking, coordinated events and cocktail hours, and more!” You won’t regret it!
Wednesday May 7, 6:00 pm, at the High School. More in Announcements section of May 1 Meeting Minutes.
Wrap-Up Celebration – Friday, May 9th at 6:00 PM
Join us at the Holiday Inn for a relaxed and fun wrap-up party! We’ve invited all Rotarians, participating organizations, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners. There’ll be a cash bar and a chance to hear success stories from this year—and ideas for making next year even better. No RSVP needed for the Wrap-Up Party.
Coffee Talk
Date: Saturday, July 5, 2025 Time: 8:30 a.m. Place: The Inkwell Coffee Shop, 2nd floor
Presented by The Rotary Club of Estes Park
Scott Thompson reported in an email today that “this duck races (sic) one of the best ever. The beautiful weather sure helped. From the reports I saw we sold over 10,000 ducks and raised about $205,000 for the community.
It takes a team to have this kind of success and I truly appreciate everyone's help.”
Ballet Renaissance Dennis & Stilt Walker
Riverside EventsKid’s Zone
Our Wonderful Tech Team:
Lawrence Trifiletti, Bob Leavitt,
and Jeff Lindberg on right
New Member Application Update
Daffney Harroff
For those of you who read last week's Spoke article about our newest applicant for membership, Daffney Harroff, and wondered why didn't we include a picture of Daffney, it's really nothing personal. Daffney and I, Scott Robbins, your Membership Director, have been on different Rotary meeting schedules. We rectified that problem Saturday at the Duck Race, so now you have a photo of lovely Daffney to go along with the membership application article in last week's Spoke. Thanks for your understanding, Daffney!
Our Rotary Club Foundation will match all donations up to $25,000 to benefit the Estes Dementia Day Center initiative. Rotarians and the public are encouraged to use this grant to double their donation amount.
The Estes Dementia Day Center is expected to open in early 2026. Its mission is to provide a safe, stimulating experience for those suffering from early to mid-stage dementia, while also allowing respite for caregivers.
This initiative hopes to raise $500,000 prior to opening, in order to ensure the sustainability of the center. Donations are tax-deductible.
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.
