Jean Rissmiller in Ecuador, 2nd from right in front row
Deep in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest lies Kutsutkao, an Achuar village long burdened by unsafe water and preventable illness. Through Rotary’s Global Grant program, a $42,080 initiative brought clean, potable water—and with it, health, opportunity, and empowerment—to more than 2,000 residents across Kutsutkao and neighboring villages. This presentation will share the project’s goals, planned outcomes, and the global collaboration that will benefit the local communities with better health, improved education for the children, empower the women, and build on the MAANA Chicken Project—each made possible through access to safe water.
Jean Rissmiller has been a Rotarian for eight years. She joined the Estes Valley Sunrise Rotary Club in Estes Park, Colorado, in 2018 and served as Club President during the 2023– 2024 Rotary year. She currently serves as Area Governor for the two Rotary clubs in Estes Park.
A multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Jean has actively participated in Rotary at both the club and district levels. She has attended a Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada, completed two Rotary Leadership Institutes, and participated in numerous District Conferences. Her involvement in the annual District 5450 WASH Symposiums inspired her to author Global Grant #2572915 — a clean water project bringing safe drinking water to the Achuar community deep in the Ecuadorian Rainforest.
Jean holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Business from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. Her professional career was spent in international marketing for global high-tech software companies in North Texas, including EDS, Texas Instruments, CA Technologies, and Broadcom. After retiring in 2020, she worked part-time at the Bank of Estes Park during the COVID-19 pandemic “just to stay busy.”
Jean and her husband, Mark, share a love of international travel and enjoy spending time with their ten grandchildren.
Our program on February 12th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Come Celebrate President's Night! Interact Club Service Project John Denver Tribute Concert with Sponsorship Form Meeting Notes Meeting Recording
Coffee Talk Update
We had a fine turnout and very productive impromptu Coffee Talk on Saturday.
After relocating to the Raven's Roast since The Inkwell upstairs was closed for remodelling, our participants, Val Van der Werf, Dave Evans, Dave Boon, Jim Jonell and myself had a very productive discussion about ways we can build membership, especially among younger folks. There were also some great ideas of service and educational activities that may be of interest both to existing members and potential ones. I knew it was not going to be an ordinary coffee talk when Val showed up with a pen and spiral notebook! And she took lots of notes! We will do some more research on these thoughts and see what sticks for the club. Thanks to everyone for a very lively, stimulating, and creative Coffee Talk!
Scott
Happy 70th Birthday, Bill!
Bill Smith with his grandchildren
Meeting Notes for February 5, 2026
President Jack Ford rang the bell at 12:00. Carl Robicheaux gave the Invocation. Jack led the Pledge of Allegiance. We sang “America (My Country ‘Tis of Thee),” a cappella.
Guests of Rotarians
Guy Van der Werf introduced a visitor, Mary Mesropian.
Happy Money:
Valerie Van der Werf is happy her two kids are potty trained.
Guy Van der Werf is happy that he took his two-year-old grandson to lunch.
Larry Williams is happy we have 73 organizations participating in Duck Race sales.
Scott Robbins is happy his wife is here and that she now has more free time.
Announcements:
Pete Sinnott introduced the new executive director of the Estes Dementia Day Center, Debbie Unruh.
Chuck Bonza is delighted that we now have a permit for the Duck Race and 73 participating organizations. They need help with people to be Riverwalk concierges, who will be patrolling and answering questions on race day. More financial sponsors are needed as well.
Scott Robbins said that Jill Zerhan had surgery, and that he feels lucky that he found out. As a result, some members are starting a “member buddy program”, where communication about other members will be strengthened. Someone will call you in the near future to discuss it.
Valerie Van der Werf announced that the Scholarship committee will meet next Friday at the Quality Inn.
Jack Ford reminded everyone of the Kickoff Day presentation at the Legion at 6:00 on February 19.
Debbie Unruh, Executive Director of
Estes Dementia Day Care Center
Program
Guy van der Werf introduced Mayor Gary Hall, who updated the club on the many issues pertinent to Estes and that he deals with in the mayor’s office.
Mayor Gary Hall presents an overview
of our Town government in 2026
Adjournment
President Ford led the pledge 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.
