League of Women Voters in Estes Park Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow
Kathy LongLisa 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.
As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.
Thank You!
AUGUST 20TH LUNCH MENU
RSVP needed for Rotary lunch
Please note that the RSVP deadline is now Mon. instead of Tuesday at noon.
RSVP DEADLINE, MONDAY, August 17th BEFORE 12 NOON. RSVP to Karol:kj.rinehart@aol.com
Rotary Lunch Menu for Thursday, August 20th:
Kabobs (meat/veggie), rice, salad, dessert.
RSVP to Karol: kj.rinehart@aol.com before 12 noon, Monday.
Included In This Spoke Edition
LWV in Estes Park - Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow Lunch Menu - Note new RSVP date. Every Rotarian Every Year Scholarship Committee Invitation Joann Batey in Scotland John Denver Tribute Concert More Shredathon Thanks Meeting Notes 8-13-26 Meeting Recording 8-13-26 From the Chaplain
EVERY ROTARIAN EVERY YEAR
Donating to Rotary means providing clean water and sanitation, health, and hope in areas that were once ravaged by diseases like polio, as well as economic development and new opportunities. Your financial help makes all this happen, and more.
Every Rotarian is encouraged to give something every year. You can donate once, or choose an ongoing monthly or quarterly gift. Click here https://my.rotary.org/en/donate
Scholarship Committee Invitation
The 2026-27 Scholarship Committee will begin working in September. If you are interested in serving on the committee or would like more information about the responsibilities and commitment, please reach out to Valerie Van der Werf.
Joann Batey at Pitlochry Scotland Rotary meeting Tuesday 11-Aug-2026 noon
John Denver Tribute Concert
With Link to Sponsorship Form Update
The John Denver Tribute Concert website has gone “live”. The concert will be held on Saturday, August 22nd, 2026 at the Ruesch Auditorium at the YMCA of the Rockies. Tickets can now be purchased at the Visitor’s Center and MacDonald’s Book Shop.
The website address is: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/john-denver-tribute-concert-tickets-1988557930300?aff=oddtdtcreator. There will be many opportunities to serve, but the first will be for all of the membership to become a sponsor. Sponsors will receive assigned seating with 4 tickets at the $500 or higher level, 2 tickets at the $250 level and 2 general admission tickets at the $100 level. Please give this important fundraising event your consideration and watch for an email with the accompanying material to be emailed to you soon.
Update from Tara: We want to thank those who have already become sponsors for the concert and encourage those that have not to do so😊. Also, I will be passing around a list of locations for a poster, and will want people to sign up for a (one) location to place a poster. For example, Chuck took one to put up at the Presbyterian Church, Carl took one to put up near his office, etc. Annie took one for Ace Hardware. Pick a place you frequent, and put a poster there.
More Shredathon Thanks
Since we didn’t have a Happy Money time on Thursday (understandable because of the excellent speaker), I would like to thank all of the Rotary Volunteers with a special thanks to Jill and Karol for their excellent work at the Shred truck. The “unloaders” lifted around 9,000 lbs. of paper for shredding! There were no “accidents” because of the excellent traffic direction volunteers.😊
We ended up collecting $3,353. With a grant from the District, the final total will have to be announced later by Gregg.
There were a total of 543 cars that “attended” and the Shred truck had 137. Annie had a carload of crutches and other assist devices for her Crutches for Africa collection. There was a picture of both her car and the Shred truck in the Friday EP News.
Tara
Meeting Notes for August 13, 2026
President Guy Van der Werf rang the bell at 12:00.
Dennis Gellhaus gave the invocation.
Guy led the pledge of allegiance.
We sang “America, the Beautiful” accompanied by Madison Casey.
Announcements:
Carl Robicheaux reminded everyone of the John Denver concert on August 22. He needs two ice chests and would love to have more sponsors. He will send information via email to the volunteers next week.
Valerie Van der Werf announced that the Scholarship Committee will begin to meet soon, as school has started. Please see her if you are interested in joining the group.
Scott Robbins reminded everyone that dues are due. Please get yours in as soon as possible if you have not done so already.
Ben Van der Werf said the first meeting of the Duck Race will be after the presentation.
Program:
President Van der Werf introduced the speaker, Andrew Newberg. He is currently the Research Director at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital in Philadelphia. He is also a Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Science. He discussed his research on Neurotheology, the study of how various religious practices can make changes in the brain . The presentation was very well attended, with 25 visitors coming to hear Mr. Newberg speak.
Andrew Newberg presenting Guy gives Andrew a Piece of the Rock
Adjournment:
President Guy led the five-way test and rang the bell at 1:00.
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.
