Did you have a good time at President’s Night?  I thought it was wonderful.  There was such a congenial feeling among all the members.  After a year of controversy with the Duck Race, it was really nice to feel everyone being at peace within the Club.

 

Jack, our new President as of July 1, 2025, delivered an impassioned speech talking about the need to work together, volunteer for jobs, and move forward united for good...this year’s Rotary International logo.  

 

 

We started with a new award this year because we have some amazing members that either don’t live here or are unable to come to meetings regularly. The award is Rotarians at a Distance, and Tara presented them to Dave Evans, Thor Homme (who drove from Texas to celebrate with us!!), and Longley Parker.  These three men are so humble and do amazing, repeated long-standing work for our club.  Dave edits the Spoke.  Thor supports our Scholarship and 100% Paul Harris programs.  Longley handles our moneys along with Gregg Jurgens.

 

I enjoyed being able to report that Daffney Harroff received our Spirit Award. It is given to one who exemplifies the spirit of Rotary and became a member during 2024/25.  Daffney certainly fit that description.  Sadly, she has left Estes Park to return to Kansas.  Hopefully she will join a Rotary club there so she is able to continue volunteering her services as she did here.

 

Tara Moenning received our Living Legacy Award.  This award goes to a Rotarian who represents enduring commitment and steadfast dedication.  Tara has been recognized for just these very traits along with her amazing accomplishments and participation previously both as Rotarian of the Year and for Distinguished Service.

 

Jim Whiteneck received our Distinguished Service Award on 6/05/25 due to traveling in Scandinavia with his friend and fellow Rotarian Jim Jonell on President’s Night.  Jim has served as past President, Sergeant-at-Arms, Foundation President, on the Duck Race and John Denver Tribute Concert committees.  The list goes on!

 

Mark Lee received our Rotarian of the Year Award.  This award goes to the Rotarian who demonstrates long service to the club and that is Mark Lee.  He received the Distinguished Service Award in 2023.  He has served as Scholarship Chair for two years which required dedicated, committed work to gather as many applicants as possible. He was not only involved in local community service but international service as well, bringing a project to our club of, Bethania Kids in India, an organization that supports at-risk and orphaned children in southern India.,

 

Then there were members retiring from positions after a number of years of continued service.  Ron Gordon has served for seven years as International Service Chair, and Tara Moenning has served for five years as Fund Development Co-Chair with her husband Phil.

 

There are many others in our Club who have contributed in some way over the years and we appreciate all of them.  But there are some that work behind the scenes, and really don’t want recognition even though they deserve it.  Jack Boatman works on grants.  Gregg Jurgens is our Treasurer along with Longley on three accounts: Club, Foundation and Duck Race.

 

And then there is Karol Rinehart who never wants to be recognized.  She does a thousand jobs for the Club organizing our meals, keeping track of our events, setting up our meeting room as necessary, ordering flowers as needed; she is one amazing lady serving Rotary.

 

Finally, I have to tell you if you haven’t already figured it out, what a wonderful new President you have elected.  Jack Ford is a dedicated Rotarian, a very knowledgeable man with years of experience as a Priest giving him a heart of gold.  He will lead our Club with firm but gentle guidance.  You are in good hands with him as you will be with our President Elect Guy Van der Werf, also a wonderful and capable Rotarian.

 

Thank you again for this year as your President.  It has been a privilege and honor.

Annie