Dr. Annika Van der Werf is a Colorado native, born and raised in Estes Park. She attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska for both her undergraduate work and for her degree in Doctor in Dental Surgery (DDS). She then pursued her three-year surgical post-graduate specialty training with the Department of Periodontology at Oregon Health and Sciences University in Portland.. Dr. Van der Werf’s research activities involve an emphasis on risk factors affecting the onset and severity of peri-implantitis after dental implant placement.
Dr. Van der Werf was recognized with multiple awards during her training, including the International College of Dentists Student Humanitarian Award, Dr. Michael McGuire Award for leadership, and the Dr. Joseph Schwartz Award for academic excellence. She is board-certified in periodontology and dental implant surgery. She maintains active professional affiliations with the American Dental Association, Colorado Dental Association, and American Academy of Periodontology. Dr. Van der Werf practices periodontology at Longmont Periodontics.
She enjoys living in Longmont but frequently heads up the canyon to Estes for hiking and to be an adoring aunt to her nephews.
Our program on September 25th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Economic Development & Workforce Council Luncheon Menu Rotary Club of Estes Park 100 years old in April of 2026 Membership Minute New Member The 2026 Friendship Card Meeting Notes Meeting Recording
Meeting Notes for September 11, 2025
President Jack Ford rang the bell at 12:00. Jack gave the Invocation. Jack led the Pledge of Allegiance. Madison played the song “Loch Lomond”.
Guests of Rotarians
Lawrence Trifiletti introduced the guests:
Jean Wanano
Deb Trailomar
Donna Thomas
John Gellenhausen
Joe Butler
Eric Waples
Sharon & Wayne Groome
Donna Chapel, Past-President of Rotary Club of Fort Collins
Marilyn Maher
Joe Bonas
Bradley Walker
Michael Fallon
Happy Money
Tom Maher is happy his wife Marilyn came to hear the speaker.
Jim Austin is happy to see so many visitors.
Dennis is happy his wife Robbie and close friemd Donna are here.
Grant Delbecq is happy his kids and family are coming on Sat, and that Allenspark Community group has heard about Rotary this week.
Joe Bonas is happy his wife is starting a new business, and is doing well.
Milt is happy for the good reception, newspaper coverage, and lots of friends who came.
Announcements
Dale asked about interest in the Foundation matching their donations this Christmas. Will follow up with an email.
Dennis announced the Foundation Board meeting at Quality Inn today.
Beth: a Duck Race Committee meeting here next Thursday after the Club meeting. She also announced the Club is adopting a family for Bright Christmas, and is accepting donations.
Annie:
Thanks to those who have volunteered for Elk Fest, but half of the jobs are still open and need volunteers. Annie is circulating a sign-up sheet.
Sunrise Rotary's Autumn Gold has a raffle, and tickets can be purchased online.
The Club Board slate must be complete by next week in order to proceed toward voting. Two positions must be filled: President Elect Nominee and Youth Services Director. If interested, please talk to Guy.
Bill Smith - Chaplin's report:
Carol Whiteneck is recovering well from surgery.
Ron Gordon is recovering from a broken leg. He said that since it was his left leg, he can drive.
Also, Bill is taking over Invocation recruiting from Wayne Newsom, who is moving out of town.
Jim Austin: Each month, Jim accepts donations for Shelter Box, an international organization providing important help efficiently.
Program:
Guy introduced Milt Garrett, who presented Part 2 of the 3-part series on the Ukraine-Russia war, focusing on root causes, "burrs under Putin's saddle".
The Big4 as we have named ourselves, Beth, Suzy, Chuck, and myself, have worked hard gathering information on ideas for the May 2, 2026 Duck Race. We will be bringing that information to all of you so you can decide how you want the 2026 race to be developed. We will be discussing the course of the race, the dump of the ducks, the theme, and much more.
Everyone is welcome. I will be sending out an email to all the Team Leaders and anyone who specifically signed up for working the Duck Race later this week.
Our meeting will be held at the Legion after this week’s Rotary meeting. We hope to see you there.
Annie
Membership Committee meeting after Rotary on Thursday, Oct. 2 - Update
Would you like to:
recruit new members;
reach out to fellow club members who need support;
help design and produce club promotional materials;
entice new groups of people to join our club in a less formal way than our traditional meetings,
like to organize club socials?
The Rotary Club of Estes Park is an exclusive group of like-minded folks, but that doesn't mean that our Membership Committee is exclusive as well. We welcome any and all club members with open arms! If any of these activities appeal to you, join the membership meeting on October 2! All of our committees are vital to the success of our club, but one that is absolutely vital is the Membership Committee. We do a lot of good things in this club, but we can't do them if we don't have members who volunteer to support our activities. PLEASE think about what you can do to expand membership and enhance our experience as members in this club. Come to the meeting on October 2, 2025 after our regular meeting.
Coffee Talk
Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026 Time: 8:30 a.m. Place: The Inkwell Coffee Shop, 2nd floor
See you there!
Elk Fest Reminder
Carl Robicheaux needs help staffing the Beer Garden portion of the Elk Fest: Saturday 9/27, 9am-6pm, and Sunday 9/28, 9am-5pm, plus tear down on Sunday. This is one of our major fundraisers for the club funds for Projects.
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.
