What's behind the Ukraine debacle? Find out on Thursday
Sharon Tennison, Founding President and 30-year CEO of the Center for Citizen Initiatives (CCI) in San Francisco, will speak at the Rotary Club of Estes Park at their regular noon Rotary meeting on Thursday, October. She will discuss the Ukranian crisis.
Ronald Reagan said, "Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall." It was Tennison's work long before President Reagan could speak that line that allowed Gorbachev to break up the Soviet Union into 15 countries.
In 1983, Tennison, as an average American citizen, organized a delegation of mainstream professional Americans to go to the USSR, as “citizen investigators.” Her deep apprehension regarding the increasingly dangerous US-USSR relationship was the motivation for this trip. CCI was founded after the travelers returned home. It quickly mushroomed into a not-for-profit agency that took thousands of Americans as “citizen diplomats” to the USSR between 1983 and 1991.
In 1989, CCI began implementing the first ever business-training program in the USSR for Soviet entrepreneurs. Early owners of “cooperatives” from Russia and the former Soviet Republics began traveling to America for month long internships in American companies. They paved the way for CCI’s future economic development training programs that were funded by the US government beginning in 1993. Concurrently, Tennison was given a White House appointment as one of 13 Board Members to oversee President Clinton’s new Russian-American Enterprise Fund (RAEF), a $350 million fund, which supported the development of small business across Russia.
To date, more than 6,000 Russian small business owners have graduated from CCI’s US-based business management training programs. They come from over 700 Russian cities and towns across 71 of Russia’s 89 regions. Training has been conducted in more than 50 industry subsectors, from private bankers to bakers, dentists to farmers, newspaper editors to product manufacturers and many more. Training and hosting was provided by more than 30,000 American volunteers in over 15,000 US companies in some 500 American cities across 45 states.
CCI maintains contact with many of their Russian alumni. Most of the Russian businessmen and women have gone on to build mid-sized Russian companies. These alumni represent a potentially powerful network of community leaders across Russia. They have organized Rotary Clubs and have initiated myriads of charity projects in their local communities. They have formed entrepreneurs’ associations that are active in confronting local government officials, who have often been corrupt and hostile to business interests.
Tennison raised over $60 million dollars and the equivalent of over $20 million in in-kind contributions from American civic clubs, US volunteer business trainers/mentors and home hosts. When America’s severe financial crisis spread to Russia, the largest ever business program between the US and Russia closed in 2009. CCI has never taken any Russian government funding.
Several months each year, Tennison travels throughout Russia doing evaluations, surveys and visits to businesses and homes. Some say she probably has the most in depth grasp of any Westerner regarding what Russian citizens think and how Russia’s middle-to-small business sectors today are evolving across their country.
Jack Mattock, Jr., U.S. Ambassador to the USSR, 1987-91, recently said Sharon's Center for Citizen Initiatives, "... organized and managed a series of remarkably successful efforts to bring Americans and Russians together to achieve a common goal." Mattock said, she was instrumental in replacing "... misunderstanding on the personal level with habits of cooperation [that] facilitated our official efforts, to bring the Cold War to an end, and to cooperate with the Soviet Union's successor states.”
A Paul Harris Rotarian, Sharon Tennison is a recipient of the coveted Rotary International “Service Above Self Award.”
Kathy Groesbeck recently moved to Estes Park from Topeka, Kansas where she and her husband, Alan, lived at three different intervals for a total of 32 years. She grew up in Riverton, KS and after graduating from Riverton High School, attended Kansas State University in Manhattan, KS and received B.S. and M.S. degrees in Foods and Nutrition in Business. After working several years in the nutrition education field, she became a stay-at-home mother to raise three outstanding children, Eli, Darcy, and Raleigh, with her husband, Alan. During those years being busy at home, she became active with the Junior League of Topeka and served in several leadership positions. Kathy worked for several years as a facilitator for business and industry training classes offered by Kaw Area Technical School. She also worked at the United Way of Greater Topeka as a consultant in planned giving. She retired at the end of 2013 as the Executive Director and Development Director of The Library Foundation at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library after twelve years of service. Kathy was a member of the Leadership Greater Topeka Class of ’91 and was the first community volunteer to serve as the Community Campaign Chair of the United Way of Greater Topeka Campaign of 1999. Kathy is a member of P.E.O., Chapter EP in Topeka, KS. Kathy and her husband, Alan, are grandparents to three precious grandchildren with two more to be born soon. Kathy has a passion for cooking, reading, flower gardening, and hiking in national parks with her family.
The first reading of the Officer and Director nominations for 2015-16 from the Nominating Committee occurred at the Oct. 2 club meeting, followed by the second reading on 10/9 and the third reading on 10/16. Elections will be held on the 16th. Nominees are as follows:
President Brad Rosenbaum called the meeting to order.Rick Taylor offered the invocation. Larry Corbett led us in singing “Edelweiss”, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Guest introductions were led by Bruce Brown: We welcomed visiting Rotarian Pat Moore from Houston, will soon be moving here.David McClain visiting from Sterling where he is President-Elect. Jill Zerhan introduced her guest Gary Batha.
Raffle/pool
Dave Evans said the prize is now up to $510 for the Broncos game Sunday.
Announcements
Shred-a-thon—Tara Moenning reminded us it is Saturday October 11 from 9:00 to 1:00 at the Fairgrounds. She is happy that all of our staffing is covered and that Chuck Bonza got a donation from Diane Rambo of Rambo Liquors to cover the cost of the shred truck so thank Diane!
Rotary International grant for Glen Haven is $168,000, Chuck Bonza reported, for wells and septic repair. The three Estes Rotary clubs have sponsored and are implementing this. They are accepting applications for grants and 17 have been received. Now this joint Rotary committee verifies the applications for residents to receive the grants.
Pumpkin distribution—Jay Harroff said October 23 will be the annual pumpkin give-away to the elementary school children. He needs volunteers to meet at 7:30 at Safeway where the store personnel will load the pumpkins onto a trailer that Bill Van Horn provides. Then we go to the school to give out the pumpkins to the children. Safeway donates the pumpkins and people to load them. Jay also needs a volunteer to write the publicity.
Rick Taylor’s membership report announced Rotarians who are leaving our club and he thanked them for their service—Marcia Logan, Jill Anderson, Mark Richards.
Ward Nelson said Youth Exchange needs volunteers to help interview applicants to be outbound exchange students. See Susan Fereday to volunteer. This committee is a joint effort of the three Rotary clubs.
President Brad reminded us that we need a new chair for the Farmers’ Market staffing next year.
Birthday Drawing
Congratulations to Pat Barnett for winning the birthday drawing.
Officer/Director Nominations
Brad read for Pete Sinnott the officer nominations for next year:
President elect—Thor Homme
Secretary—Rita DuChateau
Treasurer—Longley Parker
Sergeant at Arms—Bob Brunson
Fund Development—Linda Tippett
International – Anastacia
Youth—Dmitri Galcovsky
Foundation trustees—Susan Fereday, Marsha Yelick
Program
Claudine Perrault introduced our speaker Stan Crader, author of three novels. He gave an interesting and entertaining talk on the Art of Writing--what it is like to be an author and how he writes. His books are available at our library. The first is “The Bridge”.
The Rotary Club of Estes Park Foundation has announced the opening of the application process for the 2014-2015 Community Rotary Grants Program. The Foundation, in partnership with the noon Rotary, invites grant proposals from charitable or other tax-exempt organizations in the Estes Valley. The deadline for receipt of the completed applications is January 2, 2015. Awards will be announced in late January 2015.
”It’s anticipated that these proposals will support programs and projects that help foster the general well-being of our community while advancing the principles and purposes of Rotary,” said Dave Evans, Community Grants Chairman for the Foundation. “The recipient organizations address a wide variety of causes, including support for the arts, for youth and the elderly, as well as overall community needs.”
Charitable non-profit organizations may download both the application and guidelines from the Rotary Club's website at www.rotaryclubofestespark.org under the heading, “Community Grants.” Requests for hard copy of the application and guidelines may be mailed to The Rotary Club of Estes Park Foundation, PO Box 1854, Estes Park, CO 80517. Please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Rotary Club of Estes Park
Board Meeting
September 11, 2014 - 10:00 a.m.
Theater at the Other Side
Members Present: Brad Rosenbaum, Scott Thompson, Rick Taylor, Longley Parker, Chuck Bonza, Pete Sinnott, Ward Nelson, Bob Brunson, Anastacia Galloway, Linda Tippett. Members Absent: Dana Fritz, Pete Sumey Other Attendees: Jim Austin
Call to Order: President Brad Rosenbaum called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m.
Additions/Changes to the Agenda: No additions/changes to the agenda
Secretary: Pete Sumey was absent
• Minutes of the August 7, 2014 meeting were approved on a motion by Ward Nelson and second by Pete Sinnott.
Community Service: Chuck Bonza
• See Sergeant-at-Arms report.
President: Brad Rosenbaum
• Pres Brad announced the Windsor club donated money for Glen Haven Flood Relief. The head of the CSU Landscape Dept is donating his services for landscaping downtown Glen Haven. The project will take 1-2 years. Brad suggested using the money for a landscape project. It was proposed that the Windsor donation be presented to Dave Johnson, president of the Glen Haven homeowner’s association and fund keeper. Chuck Bonza may have information on how to proceed.
President Elect: Scott Thompson
• Larry Corbett will present at an upcoming Thursday meeting.
• The 5th Thursday in September will host a program featuring a poet using an unusual approach to writing poetry joined by students from Eagle Rock school. Sunrise and Long’s Peak Rotarys are invited.
• Program presenters have not yet been scheduled for October 23, November 11, and December 20.
Past President/Foundation Report: Peter Sinnott
· Bucket 3 is dwindling with a balance of ~$1,917. Linda mentioned the peach sales generated approximately $665 additional dollars.
· The Joint Task Force between Foundation and Club seems to favor a more restrictive Grant process than what is currently being used. Pete feels a 2nd meeting might be needed for wordsmithing..
· Rotary International's grant to Glen Haven is now considering work done after August 12th by the Allocation Committee. If the request is less than $4,000 the Committee would grant payment of the entire amount. If the request is greater than $4000 the Grant Allocation Board will receive and rule on the request. Pete asked who might be willing to be a rep on this Allocation Committee. Brad Rosenbaum agreed with a request that Dale Bonza be approached to consider acting as his back-up.
Membership: Rick Taylor
• We may have two members resigning.
• Dmitri Galcovski will give his 3 minute talk for his blue badge on September 18. Kathy Groesbeck will give her 3 minute talk for her blue badge on September 25.
• Rick is going to meet with the Membership Committee after meeting with Brad to prioritize possible differentiations in membership levels.
Club Service: Dana Fritz
• Dana was on vacation.
International Service: Anastacia Galloway
• Collaborating on project with Sunrise International Director.
Sergeant-at-Arms: Bob Brunson
• Bob requested clear communication regarding equipment needs for weekly meeting setups. It was suggested he roll all equipment out every week in the event it is needed. Bob will consider this.
• He confirmed that the projector was given to us by the EP Library
• Vendor profits at Farmers Market are up this year; parking is more inconvenient
• Through Rotary participation - the little red wagons and the establishment of customer pickup zones -have contributed to happy customers who we hope appreciate Rotary’s service.
• Bob suggested purchasing a Rotary canopy which could also be used at the Duck Race, Golf Tournament, etc. Brad thought perhaps sharing the cost of the canopy with the Duck Race might be something to pursue.
• Action Item: Bob is going to price information booths with a 4-post canopy. Purchase to be made in Spring for possible use at Duck Race.
• Bob reminded us that a new chairperson would be needed for Farmers Market next fiscal year Treasurer: Longley Parker
• Longley confirmed the SAR report, first received by Brad, should then go to Longley
• In light of Jim Brownfield’s resignation, Longley made a motion we employ Kathy Ash to do taxes for the club. Scott seconded the motion. The motion was approved.
• Action item: Longley will pay Marcy Predmore for our portion of food she purchased for the social. Fund Development: Linda Tippett
• The Fund Development Committee has met twice and is working on the “Musical Interludes” fundraiser scheduled for February, ’15, along with brainstorming several other events.
• There was a healthy turnout of 15 for the FIRST TUESDAY lunch at Molly Bee’s. This may appear as ‘fund spending’ but may result in ‘fund raising’ as we solicit sponsors, partnerships, donations.
• Linda took over this year’s peach sales for Lori Gaglio. Revenue generated was ~$625.
Additional Business:
• Ward Nelson announced Dmitri Galcovski would like to be Noon Rotary’s communications rep between Interact’s Youth Committee meetings and the Board. Dmitri would report back to Ward.
• Jim Austin suggested that - per the club’s Policies and Procedures - we apply for 501(3c status and get a sales tax license if we plan on fund raising over $25K within 12 days /year. Alternatively we could revise the Foundation’s Constitution and have them take over any fund-raising sales.
Meeting adjourned at 11:25 a.m. The next meeting will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2014.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Tippett, for Pete Sumey, Secretary
Rotary Quote of the Week
"...We must adjust Rotary to the Rotarians and not the Rotarians to Rotary."
- Carl-Wilhelm Stenhammar, 2005-2006 Rotary International President
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Rick Taylor
October 7
Larry Corbett
October 8
Roger Thorp
October 9
Norm Carver
October 13
Al Sager
October 15
Jack Overly
October 16
Linda Tippett
October 27
Pat Barnett
October 28
Anniversaries
Tom Maher
Marilyn
October 8
Jack Vaughan
Kay
October 12
Lee Lasson
Sandy
October 15
Earl Matson
Nancy
October 21
Join Date
Tom Anderson
October 1, 1981
33 years
Dana Fritz
October 2, 1997
17 years
Brad Rosenbaum
October 6, 2011
3 years
Annie Slack
October 10, 2002
12 years
Tad Diedrich
October 19, 2000
14 years
Sue Fereday
October 25, 2012
2 years
Jay Harroff
October 29, 1998
16 years
Bulletin Editor
Rita DuChateau
(If you have any comments or questions, please contact the editor)
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Kathy Groesbeck
