Dennis Gellhaus, our former Rotary Club President, grew up in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and attended Northern State University. He married Robbie, his high school sweetheart, with whom he has two children and now a grandson. Subsequently, he graduated from St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City with a Master of Theology degree. He was ordained an elder in the United Methodist Church in 1982, and served in various parishes for 11 years. He had an opportunity for ministry with emphasis on the elderly, and built two assisted living/memory care facilities in Aberdeen. He retired to Estes Park in 2017.
He will be sharing with us his new passion: pickleball. Pickleball is currently the fastest growing sport in the United States.
Our program on March 26th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
The next Scholarship Committee meeting will be on Friday, March 27th at 1:00pm at the Quality Inn.
PRESIDENT ELECT TRAINING SEMINAR 2026
This weekend was President Elect Training Seminar or PETS as it is fondly called. It is our District’s training sessions for new President Elects (PE) and President Elect Nominees (PEN). The Nomination Committee is so thrilled and appreciative to Rick Life for stepping forward to accept the position of PEN. Guy Van der Werf has been looking for a PEN since last July.
Rick came forward in December and said he was interested. By February he was pretty sure he wanted to commit to being a PEN. I put forward a motion at the February Club Board Meeting that we support Rick in attending the PETS conference this weekend, hoping it would convince him how wonderful Rotary can be.
He told me last Thursday just before our meeting he was ready to accept the President Elect Nominee position. We were so grateful and pleased. I knew he would be a great leader for our club and would enjoy getting involved with Rotary at a deeper level. Here are pictures from this weekend of Guy and Rick as they celebrated PETS. They were also able to share their experience with the Sunrise Rotary’s new officers, Stacey Windsor-Cole, PE, and Sunny Schmidt, PEN, as well as our Area Governor, Jean Rissmiller. Be sure to congratulate both Guy and Rick when you see them, for stepping forward to lead our club.
Annie
Past President 2024 -2025
Nomination Committee Chair
Rick and Guy at PETS LtoR Stacey, Sunny, Jean,
Rick, and Guy at PETS
Jill Zerhan Membership
Jill Zerhan
Another Former Member is back in the fold!
Jill Zerhan was inducted into the Rotary Club of Estes Park for a second time on March 5, 2026. She was a club member from about 2009 to 2017, leaving to be nearer her children on the Front Range. She has been an active volunteer with a number of Rotary activities including: the Duck Race, the Shred-a-thon, the school pumpkin distribution, and the Golf Tournament. She also helped out at the Wallowing Hole at the 2025 Elfest and officially began her service to the club at our annual duck sort event on March 12. In addition to her volunteer work with our Rotary Club, she has volunteered with the American Red Cross in Westchester, OH and Nashville, TN.
Jill was originally from Farmington Hills, MI. She worked for forty-seven years as an RN in a wide variety of capacities. One thing she is most proud of is starting pet therapy programs in a couple of different medical facilities. She travelled extensively in the U.S., following her husband’s career in the insurance business. She has lived in Ohio, Indiana, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Jill is divorced, has two children and two teenage granddaughters. She remains close with her ex-husband, who also lives in Estes Park.
When asked about why she wants to be a member of the Rotary Club of Estes Park, she says, “for two reasons. First, it’s a great way to meet people, and secondly, helping people is in my bones. Nursing and the spirit of service never ends.” Although not officially a member of our club, she volunteered for this year’s Elkfest, and is committed to helping with the 2026 Duck Race.
Tara Moenning is Jill’s sponsor. Seeing Jill’s engagement with the club over the past six months, I have to believe that this will be an easy task for Tara.
Jill has been regularly attending meetings, except for a short time recovering from a medical procedure. Let’s show her what a welcoming, supportive club we are. Please greet her and welcome her back to the Club the next time you see her.
Scott Robbins
Meeting Notes for March 19, 2026
President Jack Ford called the meeting to order.
Dennis Gellhaus presented the Invocation on the Pursuit of Happiness.
Jack led the Pledge of Allegiance.
We sang “Oh What A Beautiful Morning”, accompanied by Madison Casey.
Guests of Rotarians
Guests today are Neil Standard and Marty Casey. Wendy Aschenbach attended for the second time and is joining our club!
Announcements:
Dennis said our Foundation meets after this meeting at 1:30 at Quality Inn.
Annie Slack said Duck Race buttons are available at front table.
Happy Money:
Carl Robicheaux is happy that Bill Solms gave him $2 for Happy Money.
Bill Solms enjoyed Dennis’ Pursuit of Happiness invocation.
Annie is delighted that Rick Life agreed to be nominated for Club President Elect!
Rick said he is looking forward to being Club President, and he is going to PETS training tomorrow.
Neil Standard remembered Nick Molle’s many contributions to the town and as a great person.
Jim Austin had known Nick Molle since he moved here and reminded us that Nick had been a member of our club.
Jim also thanks Rick Life for serving as President.
Dave & June Boon will have the Young RYLA booth at PETS conference tomorrow.
Scott Robbins was grateful for Nick Molle’s help promoting the Duck Race over the years.
Scott is also happy that Wendy Aschenbach is joining our club.
Neil Standard said he will be stuffing 400 Easter eggs today with his Rotary club in Blackhawk for 150 kids to find at Easter.
Program:
Guy Van der Werf introduced Dr. Mike Grant, our local orthopedic surgeon at UC Health who old us about the many joints issues and treatments.
Dr. Mike Grant presenting Jack gives Mike a Piece of the Rock
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.
