Andy Hitch (53) is a native of Estes Park. As a young man he worked in many restaurants, construction jobs, and was a wrangler at a guest ranch. At 21, he and his wife Michelle started a music store in Loveland and ran it for 18 years. The economic collapse in 2008 hit their business hard and they were forced to close. With what little they had left; they started an ATV rental business in Estes Park in 2009. Truth be told, it was a blessing in disguise. Andy grew up 4 wheeling and riding ATV’s. It had always been his true passion; he just never saw a possibility for making a living at it. Since 2009, Backbone Adventures has grown considerably. In 2022, Bonnie Nutt (a long-time employee), accepted the General Manager position. Their goals going forward are to build a stronger foundation, get more involved in the community, and grow in a sustainable way.
Our program this week will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided. Click on the link below to be admitted.
Rotary Weekly Luncheon Place: American Legion Time: Lunch served from 11:30 - 12:00
Cost: $20 Parking: American Legion and the church only
Update with President Dennis Gellhaus
55 days till the Duck Race! ! Get your ticket packets on line! Quack Quack!
Remember we will be sorting 8500 ducks next week after our meeting on the 23rd at the Quality Inn.
Spring forward as activities start picking up. It’s always a time of renewal and enjoying the longer days and looking forward to nicer weather.
Thanks for listening Dennis
Donations for Disaster Relief in Turkey/Syria
We hope that you can help support communities in need, with a gift to our Turkey/Syria Disaster Response Fund today.
Ron Gordon, International Services Committee Director, wants to make it as easy as possible for you to donate to this fund. Our Club deadline for receiving all donations is Thursday, March 23. Since Ron has to fill out a Multiple Donor Form for Rotary International, earlier donations (March 16) would be appreciated.
Checks should be made payable to "Rotary International Foundation" with memo "Disaster Response Fund - Turkey/Syria
Checks may be given to our Treasurer on meeting days or mailed to Rotary Club of Estes Park, P.O. Box 1365, Estes Park, CO 80517. These donations DO receive Paul Harris credit!
If you have questions or wish to donate online by credit card, please call Ron first at 970-586-0370.
He will even come pick up your check if you desire.
The Privilege of Rotary Membership
Dale Bonza
Meeting Notes for March 9, 2023
President Dennis Gellhaus called the meeting to order.
Dale Bonza gave the Invocation.
Dennis led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Madison Casey led the song “Too-ra-loo-ra-loora” for St Patrick’s Day coming.
Guests:
Karen Thompson introduced our speaker’s wife, Robin Williams, and their friend Marian Aldrich.
Annoucements:
Community Service Committee will meet today after this meeting.
The Golf Committee meets after today’s meeting.
Rotary Foundation meets March 16 at Quality Inn.
In place of our committee meeting on 4th Thursday March 23, go to Quality Inn to sort ducks. We need everyone!
Annie Slack is arranging commemorative water bottles for delegates here at our District Conference in June.
See future Spokes for details.
She has gotten funding from our club, Visit EP, and hopes for Sunrise to join in.
Visit Estes Park wants to support restaurants during Frozen Dead Guy Days as well as Rotary so they are offering both Rotary Clubs $250 each if we attend Sunday brunch at Latitude 105 on March 19.
Annie said our club social budget has $400 to subsidize our dinner at Legion with coupons worth $10 per person before visiting the Observatory on March 30 for the 5th Thursday event. Get tickets from Annie.
Lee Lasson joined our club 20 years ago!
President Elect Karen Thompson attended Rotary PETS training for an intense weekend of training for future club presidents, along with Annie and Gordon Slack, Jean Rissmiller, President Elect (PE) for Sunrise Rotary, Bill Howell, PR nominee and his wife Judy.
Karen is pleased to announce that Annie agreed to be our next president after Karen.
Great news to have continuity in our leadership!
One other item of note: The Rotary Foundation is now using the Rotary Club P.O. Box. They no longer have a separate P.O Box.
New Member Induction:
Annie inducted new member Chris Davis, sponsored by Pete Sumey.
Chris then gave his new member bio. Welcome!
Pete Sumey, Chris Davis Chris Introducing Himself
Annie Slack, President
Dennis Gellhaus
Jim Jonell told some jokes.
Happy Money:
Barry Hannigan had a fabulous time on his trip to the Galapagos Islands. He highly recommends Roads Scholar trip.
Carl Robicheaux is happy his infant grandson’s treatments since birth have been successful!
Wayne Newsom is happy for Scott and Karen’s 40th anniversary and he got to celebrate with them in Mexico.
Scott Robins said we have a table at the Legion for display of Duck Race Adoption forms during Frozen Dead Guy Days on Sunday March 19.
Lee Lasson donated $20 for his 20 years in the club.
Jim Jonell is delighted that the last diagnosis has proved correct for treatment and his voice is improving.
Ron Gordon was happy to announce wife Vivian is donating $1,000 to challenge us to match for aid to Turkey and Syria for the earthquake.
He has $620 match so far and urges us to donate to this via Rotary International.
It must be done by 2 weeks from today March 23 so he can get money to RI by March 31.
Instructions are in the Spoke but make check to Rotary International Foundation. Memo: Disaster Relief sponsor fund for Turkey/Syria. Mail to our club box PO 1365.
Program:
Karen Thompson introduced the program- Gary Williams told us about his hobby of sculpture in bronze, described the processes, and showed us samples of his sculptures.
Gary Williams describing his sculptures
Bronze Carved Wood
White Buffalo Indian Plaque for Father in Law who at
18 was on Iwo Jima
Adjournment:
We closed with the Four Way Test.
Madison Casey, scribe
Rotary Duck Race 2023 Preparations
Lucky Duck Button
Preparations for the 2023 Rotary Duck Race are in full swing! Duck Adoptions are happening, Sponsors are being signed up, and merchant prizes are being recruited.
Mark your calendars:
Duck Race Committee Meeting
Thursday, March 16, 5 p.m., Wasson Room of the Library
Zoom link: www.epduckrace.org/zoom
The Great Duck Sort
Thursday, March 23, 1:30 p.m., Quality Inn
Yes, indeed, folks. As planning for the 2023 Duck Race scurries to a May 6 conclusion, we have two upcoming events. First of all, our regular Duck Race Committee meeting will be held this coming Thursday. (See above). Please come to hear about all of the exciting improvements for this year’s race!
Secondly, Gregg Jurgens is hosting the annual Duck Sort at the Quality Inn immediately after our regular Rotary Meeting on March 23. It’s a great chance to dust off those dormant basketball skills. You know, it takes a lot of hands to sort 9,000 ducks and get them all lined up in the right barrel! Be there or be square! It is bound to be a quacking good time!
Scott Robbins
Little Duck
Mark Your Calendar
for
Frozen Dead Guy Day Bands & Bloody Sunday Brunch
March 19, 2023
No Reservation Necessary
Visit Estes Park will give $250 to our Club in exchange for you bringing friends and family to a buffet at Latitude 105 Alehouse. They have offered the same opportunity to the Sunrise Rotary Club.
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