Estes Park Rotary Spoke for May 12, 2016 (May 08, 2016)

This week: The Old Gallery in Allenspark—A Center for Community & The Arts

Founder and Board Member Margie Patterson and Executive Director Micha Kurz Ben David will speak on Thursday, May 12, at the Rotary Club of Estes Park, at their regular noon meeting. They will present the story of The Old Gallery, which has become a center for community activities and the arts for the Allenspark mountain community.

The mission of The Old Gallery is to provide resources and opportunities to enrich lives in our mountain communities. Programs and activities are offered in in five areas: human services, the arts (visual and performing arts), wellness, education, community events, and visitor services. The numerous offerings can be found on their website www.theoldgallery.org.

Margie Patterson was one of the founders of The Old Gallery, which occupies the building of the former Westin Art Gallery on Highway 7 at the intersection of the turn into Allenspark. In 2008, Margie and her colleagues rescued the building from its use as an ATV Rental and proposed XXX porn gallery, established a 501c3 organization, and made the gallery into a thriving center of activity. Last year, an extensive renovation of the 1940s building was completed, bringing the building up to code and creating an inviting space for all.

Margie has lived in Allenspark for 10 years. She and her husband, Glenn, first came to the area in 2000 as naturalists at Peaceful Valley Ranch where they led hikes for 9 years. They are avid skiers and hikers (they hiked 265 miles on the John Muir Trail in 2011). Margie is well known to Estes Park audiences as a professional pianist as she performs, teaches, and volunteers as accompanist for local groups and musicians. Also, she teaches privately in her home and at the Rocky Ridge Year-Round Academy in North Boulder. She recently received her doctorate in piano performance from the University of Colorado, Boulder.

Margie’s involvement with The Old Gallery is a continuation of similar non-profit work she’s been involved with for over 30 years. She started a community soup kitchen and food pantry (The Open Table) in Concord, MA, which recently celebrated its 26th anniversary. She also spearheaded a major renovation of her children’s cooperative pre-school, doing a lot of the construction work as well as fundraising.

Micha Kurz Ben David is the new Executive Director of The Old Gallery. He was born and raised in Jerusalem. Micha an artist and a writer, he provides political analysis about Jerusalem to politicians and academics, but most of all he dedicates his time to consulting grassroots community organizations on strategic development plans. He is thrilled to get to know the magic of the mountains and the communities they host, and is very excited to be working at the Old Gallery.

Micha has been involved in community leadership and organizing from a very young age as a founder of three Israeli Scouts centers. After his military service, Micha founded Breaking the Silence, an organization of Israeli veterans speaking out about the occupation of Palestinian territories. Later he founded Grassroots Jerusalem, a platform for Palestinian community organizing.

Spotlight on Duck Race Volunteers

Lucky was the star of the day, posing for photos with hundreds of fans and keeping spirits high despite the weather.

Jay Harroff and Daffney sold lots of duck-themed treasures at Nicky's.

Big Duck Rene Moquin thanked the crowd for supporting 64 charities by adopting ducks.

Thor Homme and Bill Solms sold cold beers to cold people, quite a feat.

Bond Park volunteers Debbie Delaney, Rene Moquin, Brad Rosenbaum and his son, Tara and Phil Moenning were part of an army of helpers that made the day a big success!

The day's heroes braved sleet, thunder and lightning to retrieve over 6,000 sponsor and adopted ducks. Thanks to all who were in the water on Saturday.

Photos from May 5 Meeting

Look who returned to help with the Duck Race Welcome back, Tom Maher.

Proud grandfather of Broadway soon-to-be-stars, Tom Gardner.

Bob Marshall is looking for help in recruiting Boy Scouts.

Thanks to technical assistance from Marsha Groome and Ward Nelson, Mica Martino was able to make her presentation to the club. Thanks, Mica, for a great glimpse into your year in Estes Park..

This week: The Old Gallery in Allenspark—A Center for Community & The Arts

Spotlight on Duck Race Volunteers

Photos from May 5 Meeting

Service for Betsy Evans Thursday