Remember to mark November 7th on your calendar as a “must attend” Thursday Rotary meeting. Jim Austin is presenting our Club Constitution required by Rotary International to replace our current Club Constitution from 1989 which is grossly out of date. BUT we need a two-thirds vote from our active members to officially accept it. That is 42 members. That will also be a good time to take a new picture of our club so be sure to come.
If you can't possibly attend in person please attend by Zoom or phone between noon and 12:30 for the votes on the club constitution. The Zoom address is listed in the Spoke as https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7985707369. Annie’s cell number is 970-231-6697.
Restoration Ranch was a wonderful experience. We ended up with just 4 people, 2 from Sunrise Rotary and 2 from the Noon Club. Kaylyn and Steve Kruger, caretakers of the ranch, showed us around the place and told us how they run it. They only allow one family to occupy the ranch at a time. It is intended to be a safe haven away from any work intrusions for a 48-hour break. If a First Responder has had a traumatic experience, i.e., a policeman has killed a suspect, or a fire fighter has encountered a scary situation, the Krugers will bring that person immediately to the ranch and reschedule whomever was already booked. They have hiking paths, games, places to sit and read a book, places to sit and enjoy nature, and places to be away from the pressures of everyday life.
We went with the intension of deciding whether or not to give them more financial support. Our conclusion was they definitely need, deserve, and should receive more money to carry on the wonderful work they are doing for our First Responders.
The Krugers originally were running Solitude Cabins. They were already creating a safe zone for First Responders when they met with Kathryn Severns-Avery. The Krugers have a special tie to Estes Park and have already served some of our people here through Restoration Ranch.
If you are ever in doubt about supporting First Responders, look at the amazing job the Firefighters did holding the Alexander Fire at bay. All of these people are a special group who need an escape from the pressures of their work. Restoration Ranch is that escape.
Until next time,
Annie
Meeting Notes for October 24
President Anne Slack rang the bell at 12:00.
Scott Thompson gave the Invocation.
Annie led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Madison Casey played the Song “God Bless America.”
Guests of Rotarians:
Gordon Slack, our Assistant District Governor
Gene Haffner
Announcements:
Annie Slack:
Today is “End Polio Now” Day.
There is no meeting next week.
A volunteer is needed for the 100% Paul Harris committee.
Beth Weisberg:
Tomorrow is “Pumpkin Day. Meet at the elementary school parking lot at 8:15 to help.
A Bright Christmas can is coming around, please donate.
Tom Maher: This is the 88th time Pumpkin Day has taken place. It originated with the owner of Brodie’s Market many years ago.
Scott Robbins: Come for a social at Inkwell on Nov. 2 at 8:30.
Jack Boatman: The Foundation Matching program is on until Nov. 7. $300 limit per member.
Scott Thompson:
Thanks to Scott Robbins for his work on the Duck Race last year.
The Duck Race will have more community involvement this year, including help with permits.
Construction is planned for a Duck for Catch the Glow parade and other events such as the Tree Lighting. The work will be at 1:00 on Saturday or Sunday for the next two weekends at Bob Fulton’s house. See Scott for details.
Carl Robicheaux:
His gumbo fundraiser will be on Nov. 14 at the Legion
He announced the slate of candidates for the club positions, which the Bylaws require to be read three times before voting. Nominations from the floor were requested but none were given.
Scott Thompson told a Joke.
Happy Money:
Kathy Groesbeck for joining the Paul Harris committee.
Karen Thompson for a successful wedding of their daughter. All went well.
Guy Van der Werf for being the next President-Elect.
Jim Whiteneck thanked Beth for the Pumpkin Distribution Day.
Gene Haffner for the beautiful drive up to Estes Park today.
Jim Jonell for a recent trip to Europe including a visit to the Rotary exchange student, Lucy.
Tom Maher for a 2001 club picture that he brought, and a 1928 club picture. Also, for the people who had seen the parachute hanging in the Legion Hall that saved his life.
Program:
Bill Smith introduced Julie Johnson Haffner, our District Governor. She discussed “The Magic of Rotary," including new initiatives, membership, and the good work that is being done by Rotarians around the world.
Slate of Nominees for Rotary Fiscal Year 2025-2026 - Third Publication
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..."
Nominations for the Rotary Club Board for 2025-2026 are: Officers: President: Jack Ford, President-Elect: Guy Van der Werf, Past President: Anne Slack, Secretary: Sarah Walsh, Treasurer: Gregg Jurgens with Assistant Treasurer: Longley Parker, Sergeant-At-Arms: Jim Whiteneck, Directorates: Club Administrator: Karol Rinehart, Community Services: Beth Weisberg, Fund Development: Carl Robicheaux, Membership: Scott Robbins, International Services: Open, Youth Services: Jim Jonell.
Per the Foundation Bylaws “The six trustees elected from the General Membership of the Club shall be nominated by the regular Nominating Committee of the Club, and election shall take place at the time of the election of the regular officers of the Club.
Nominations for the Rotary Club Foundation are: Club Liaison: Anne Slack, and the six Trustees including President: Barry Hannigan, Vice President: Jim Whiteneck, Secretary: Jack Boatman, Treasurer: Madison Casey, Trustee/Scholarships: Mark Lee, and Trustee: Dennis Gelhaus. Gregg Jurgens will continue to serve on Finances as a consultant.
From Tara: A Reminder to Save the Date
Tuesday evening, December 10th, 2024, the Spirits, Sparkles, Students, and Scholarships dinner will be held at the Twin Owls Steakhouse. This is a Rotary Foundation Annual Fundraising Scholarship Dinner.
More information to follow.
THANKS TO OUR PUMPKIN DAY VOLUNTEERS
It was a little cold, but dry and sunny on October 25, 2024, as 14 Rotarians and 12 High School Youth in Action students set up 510 large orange pumpkins in front of Estes Park Elementary School. This was the 88th annual pumpkin giveaway to Estes Park's elementary school students, says Rotary Club member Tom Maher. Tom brought the project to the Rotary Club of Estes Park when Ron Brodie, owner of Brodie's Supermarket, died in 1979, and our club has continued the tradition ever since. Safeway donated the pumpkins, and Rotarian Sue Fereday picked up the pumpkins from Safeway and delivered them to the school on her flatbed truck, as she has done for many years.
Everyone was all smiles, and it's hard to tell who had more fun -- the children, their teachers, the High School YIA students, or our own Club members. Thanks again to everyone who joined us this year!
Beth
Pumpkin Distribution Volunteers Pumpkins and Kids
Coffee Talk
Mark your Calendars!
Hello, all you bloviators! This is just a short notice to mark your calendars for
Coffee Talk, Saturday, November 2, 8:30 a.m.
Upstairs at the Inkwell coffee shop.
Come on down! Invite your friends! Join us for conversation & perhaps some storytelling. At this stage in our lives we all have stories to tell.
I will be there early to stake out a table, so come join me. I hate to drink alone!
See you on November 2 at 8:30 a.m. at the Inkwell!
Scott Robbins
Membership Director
Our Bright Christmas Family Collection Continues
Our collection to buy Christmas presents for our "adopted" Bright Christmas family this year will continue through October. How large of a family we can "adopt" will depend on how much money we have collected by October 31.
For anyone still wanting to donate, donations in any amount are appreciated. Cash or checks are welcome. If writing a check, please make it payable to Rotary Club of Estes Park, and be sure to write "Bright Christmas family" in the subject memo line. Please give all donations to Gregg Jurgens.
To all who have already donated so generously, thank you!
Double Your Donation to Your Favorite Local Charity!
2024 Matching Charitable Donation Program - Ends Nov. 7
The Rotary Club of Estes Park Foundation is conducting a matching charitable donation program this fall to supplement donations to local non-profits.
The maximum matching donation amount is $300 per member and the minimum donation amount is $50. Rotary Club of Estes Park members will be able to apply for matching donations from the Foundation between October 10 and November 7, 2024.
The Foundation will be providing matching donations to any qualified 501(c)(3) organizations serving Estes Valley residents and in good standing with the Colorado Secretary of State.
The application form which provides detailed instructions is available at the weekly club meetings. You will also be receiving an email with the application form attached.
NOTE: Since this is the last week, if you plan to mail in your donation please email Jack Boatman so we know it is coming in the mail.
If you have any questions, please contact or email Jack Boatman (email: http://jack.boatman7@gmail.com / Telephone: 832-623-5647)
From The Chaplain
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.
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