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.
Come Join the Duck Race Discussion Foundation Board meeting today New Member Application President’s Night Innovation Summit BECOME OUR ROTARY’S HISTORIAN John Denver Tribute Concer Duck Race Video and Pictures Meeting Notes Meeting Recording
Foundation Board meeting today (May 21st)
Open Positions on Rotary Board
2026 - 2027
Even though we have already approved our Officers and Directors for next fiscal year, we still are lacking a President Elect Nominee (PEN) and now have the Youth Services Director open as of the end of May.
President Elect Training Session (PETS) is coming up in March and is an excellent convention. If you are interested in being PEN, the Board will be paying for your attendance at this conference. You won’t regret it as you meet many Rotarians from our District, as well as hear amazing stories about Rotary’s service around the world. This year PETS will be held at the Embassy Suites in Loveland, so it is even more convenient than previous years when it was held in Westminster.
Ruby Bode was elected into the position of Youth Services and is active in it now as it was open. But she will be resigning as of May 31, 2026. In my mind, this is an extremely important seat as you are influencing the youth of our town in the benefits of leadership and giving to others who are needy.
If you are interested in either position, please contact me at anneslack@aol.com or 970-231-6697.
Annie
Duck Race Sponsors: Why?
When Suzy Blackhurst told us Thursday that we have a goal of $36,000 for Duck Race Sponsorships, did it surprise you? Well, off the top $20,000 is being offered for 3 cash prizes. The goal here is to create an environment for our nonprofits to solicit adoptions that is much more attractive.
Production costs for the Duck Race come in about $27,000 (Entertainers, equipment rentals, replacement rubber ducks and so on.) Since we have a Duck Race Nest Egg that carries over from year to year, the goal is to breakeven and keep that amount over $20,000 available for the committee next year.
Also, our sponsors like to support the community (one very famous restaurant owner downtown), and others like the exposure to keep their name in front of the community.
This year as our sponsors sign up, you will see on the front page of the Duck Race Website, a 'carousel' of logos spinning to identify sponsors we are thanking. http://www.epduckrace.org
Duck Race Vests
New Duck Race vests are available!
They will resemble the ones Alta Wachs created for us many years ago, which are featured in race day pictures over the years.
Each one is custom-made and will have the Rotarian's name on the front.
Order yours from Dale Bonza, dbonza1@aol.com. $30 each. Please specify the name you would like on the front and the size you require.
The fabric arrives this week, so get your order in now.
Meeting Notes 01-15-26
President Jack Ford called the meeting to order and presented the Invocation.
Jack led the Pledge of Allegiance.
We sang “America the Beautiful” accompanied by Madison Casey.
Guests of Rotarians:
Tara Moenning introduced guests.
Mark Koepke is a friend of Bill Solms.
Spouses here today are David Batey and Marty Casey.
Happy Money:
Carl Robicheaux has a $2 bill honoring Tom Maher, and two more happy dollars that Bill Solms has a friend.
Suzy is sad that a friend of her daughter Lindsay was detained in Minneapolis by ICE, and happy that she found a knowledgeable attorney.
Jay Harroff followed Nebraska football all the years with his Nebraska wife Jane, but this year their basketball team is 17-0 for the first time. On the other hand, Jay is from Indiana and now his basketball university is playing for the national championship in football. He donated $225 to celebrate both.
Tara Moenning appreciates the Indiana necklace she is wearing today, that some kind anonymous person put in her mailbox.
Bill Solms answered Carl.
Ruby Bode has $20 for her 20 years in our public schools. It has been announced that she is leaving at the end of the school year and moving to Arkansas to follow her husband who has a great opportunity there. She is happy that our school’s latest evaluation just came in with its highest achievement in history.
Chuck Bonza is happy that our solar panels are in Ukraine, distributed, and in use as their power continues to be intermittent.
Chuck said we now have a source for duck vests, and he urges everyone to get one and continue the tradition. Price is subsidized at $30. Order them from Chuck or Dale.
Jack Ford donated to keep Carl and Bill separated.
President Jack said today is the monthly shelter box donation day. Jim Austin could not attend today, so Jack is passing the bucket to collect.
Announcements:
Suzy Blackhurst handed out sheets to sponsor the Duck Race. We have $14,000 of cash and pledges and our goal is $36,000 with 6 weeks left. She has a list of businesses and wants us to take a list and contact them.
Annie is sorry for Ruby leaving and is excited for her opportunity. Ruby will continue as Interact coordinator until May 31, but then we need a replacement. Also, PETS training is coming in March, so this is a great time for someone to step up to fill our President Elect position.
Ruby gave us a report of the numerous fundraisers the 8 Interact members have had, and the amounts donated and work they have done for numerous causes in town.
Program:
Guy Van der Werf introduced Christina Kraft and Colleen DePasquale to present the Economic Development & Workforce Council and discuss economic development in the Estes Valley. Christina is President of our Bank of Colorado and Colleen chairs this council and leads the Chamber of Commerce.
Christina Kraft presents the EDWC and Jack gives Christina
economic development in the Estes Valley a Piece of the Rock
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.
