Slate of Nominees for Rotary Fiscal Year 2026-2027: Third Publication
Nominations for the Rotary Club Board for 2026-2027 are: Officers: President: Guy Van der Werf, President- Elect: Open, Past President: Jack Ford, Secretary: Sarah Walsh, Treasurer: Gregg Jurgens with Assistant Treasurer: Longley Parker, Sergeant-At-Arms: Bill Solms, Directorates: Club Administrator: Karol Rinehart, Membership: Scott Robbins, Youth Services: Ruby Bode - Interact, Dave Boon - RYLA, Chris Davis - Exchange Student.
Nominations for Foundation Trustees for three-year terms are: Gregg Jurgens, Suzy Blackhurst, Scholarships: Valerie Van der Werf, and Grants: Dale Bonza.
Per the Club’s Bylaws "the names of the nominees: (1) shall be published in three successive editions of the club newsletter prior to the election; and (2) shall be read by a Nominating Committee member to the membership at three successive regularly scheduled meetings..."
Thank you to all these Volunteers.
Annie Slack
Nominating Committee Chair
New Member Announcement
Gary Fanucchi has been approved by the members for membership in our club. We will hold a formal induction at an upcoming meeting as soon as we have received a badge for Gary. Please congratulate him.
Matching Donation Program 2025 Complete
Our Club sent $5,250 to thirteen local charities this month. Thanks to all the club members who participated!
This year’s donation recipients are: Art Center of Estes Park Bright Christmas Crossroads Ministry Estes Dementia Day Center Estes Park Learning Place Estes Park Museum Friends and Foundation Estes Park Salud Foundation Estes Park Crisis Advocates Estes Park Senior Citizens Center Estes Valley Library Friends & Foundation Restoration Ranch Salvation Army – High Peak Camp Historic Stanley Home Foundation
Jack, Pete Sinnott, and Madison Dale gives Claudine
for Estes Dementia Day Center the Library check
Organization Applications for the 2026 Duck Race Announced
The Great Estes Park Rotary Duck Race will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026. It is time for participating organizations to sign up!
The online application form is available on the Duck Race website: epduckrace.org/organization-signup. Participating Organizations need to complete the online form by January 31, 2026
The 2026 Friendship Card is Available
For only $10, this discount card provides discounts to locals and visitors alike. The card is honored at 71 Estes Park restaurants, shopping, and service businesses. Who can you think of that would be thrilled to receive a Friendship Card from you this December?
In the past, proceeds from card purchases have helped Rotary finance a clean water project at a school in India, a program for children at EVICS, and tools for the Estes Park High School auto shop. You can help support deserving projects with your purchases!
Gifts of “stocking stuffers” come to mind as an early thought for Christmas, and remember to treat yourself for the coming year. Some Estes Park folks give them out to thank customers or to help visiting family and friends save on their souvenirs.
The photo this year was donated by Marsha Hobert. Marsha is well known for her professional photography, particularly of outdoor scenes and animals. We thank Marsha for this generous photo of an inquisitive fox for this year’s card.
You can purchase your cards at Cabintique, Country Market, The Visitor Center, Macdonald Book Shop, Mad Moose, the Quality Inn, Safeway Guest Services, and Wynbrier Home & Wynbrier Ltd. Pick up the brochure for a listing of participating merchants. This year’s participating merchants and locations in town where Friendship Cards can be purchased are also online at https://www.facebook.com/EPFriendshipCard.
Coffee Talk
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026 Time: 8:30 a.m. Place: The Inkwell Coffee Shop, 2nd floor
Be there or be square!
Meeting Notes for November 20, 2025
President Jack Ford rang the bell at 12:00 Bill Smith gave the Invocation. Jack led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Guy Van der Werf read the nominees for the various club officers for the third time. We will vote on the slate at the first meeting in December.
Guests of Rotarians
Jack introduced the visitors: Lois Sumey, Marty Yochum, Leslie Van der Werf, Eric Blackhurst, Sandy Lasson, and Robbie Gellhaus.
Madison played the song “Come Ye Thankful People, Come.”
Announcements:
Scott Robbins announced that Gary Fanucci will rejoin and become our newest member. He is sponsored by Scott and he will be inducted to the club soon.
JoAnn Batey encourages all members to attend the Stanley Home Open House on Dec. 13 and 14. Please make a reservation as they can only allow 50 people in the home at once.
Dennis Gellhaus announced that the Foundation will meet today at 1:30 at the Quality Inn.
Dale Bonza is delighted that 27 members participated in the club’s matching progam. She is also delighted about the many contributions for the Estes Dementia Day Center.
Karol Rinehart announced that the Scholarship Dinner will be on December 9 from 5-8 p.m. at the Twin Owls. Please consider adopting a table.
Happy Money
Pete Sinnott is delighted for all the contributions to the Estes Dementia Day Center. He says “Thank you!!
Tom Gardner is happy that his grandchild just received a scholarship, and that another grandchild has been awarded a full ride to the University of Iowa.
Jim Austin is happy to see everyone and happy about the donations to the Estes Dementia Day Center and Bright Christmas.
Program
Guy Van der Werf introduced two speakers: Claire Molle and Sean Doherty, who presented Nick Molle’s film “Water The Sacred Gift.” Nick was unable to attend. Two portions of the excellent film were shown to the club. The film is available for streaming on the Rocky Mountain Channel, and you are encouraged to sign up to support the channel.
Jack gives Sean and Claire a piece of the rock
Adjournment
President Ford led the pledge and rang the bell at 12:45.
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.
