Aaron Gellhaus is Regional Director at Synthesia, where he recently opened the company's Austin office—its second US location following NYC. A international go-to-market leader, Aaron spent five years at Commerce (NASDAQ: CMRC), most recently leading GTM teams across Europe. He combines strategic thinking with operational execution, and is passionate about civic engagement and building high performance cultures and businesses. He's a University of Texas at Austin and Augustana University (SD) graduate and lives in Austin with his partner Lauren and son Griffin.
Aaron will discuss Synthesia: The application of AI in the real world
July 16th's Luncheon Menu
RSVP needed for Rotary lunch, Thursday, July 16th, 2026
Remembering 9/11 Upcoming Meetings Photographer Volunteer Needed Two New Member Application Bios Coffee Talk Meeting Notes 9-10-26 Meeting Recording 9-10-26 From the Chaplain
Rotary District Conference
Innovation Summit
2025 - 2026
The District Conference this weekend was energizing and inspiring! It was held at the Hilton Fort Collins on Saturday. Speakers included Larry Kendall, a founding partner of The Group, Inc. and Alex Goryachev, a world reknown specialist in the digital revolution and AI. Both gentlemen referred to the high ethical standards of Rotary mentioned in the 4 Way Test.
Larry Kendall spoke about having a vision. Once you have a vision then it is “how” and “what” to achieve that vision. Alex Goryachev spoke about our changing communication via AI. It is his opinion that by 2028 all the knowledge in the world will be available via AI.
Six Break-Out sessions were available in the morning and again in the afternoon. I attended “The Engagement Catalyst: Helping People of All Ages Navigate Life” given by Sara Colorasa, PhD. She spoke about what the different generations enjoy and how Rotary needs to be open to altering how it holds its meetings in order to attract new, younger members.
Every year at District Conference there is a Rose Ceremony for Rotarians that passed over the last year. I had the honor of carrying a beautiful yellow rose in memory of Karen Lewis McClure, Dave Evans’ dear wife.
Next year’s Summit will be held in Casper, Wyoming June 4-5,2027. Be sure to put it on your calendar. You won’t be disappointed!
Annie
John Denver Tribute Concert
With Link to Sponsorship Form Update
The John Denver Tribute Concert website has gone “live”. The concert will be held on Saturday, August 22nd, 2026 at the Ruesch Auditorium at the YMCA of the Rockies. Tickets can now be purchased at the Visitor’s Center and MacDonald’s Book Shop.
The website address is: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/john-denver-tribute-concert-tickets-1988557930300?aff=oddtdtcreator. There will be many opportunities to serve, but the first will be for all of the membership to become a sponsor. Sponsors will receive assigned seating with 4 tickets at the $500 or higher level, 2 tickets at the $250 level and 2 general admission tickets at the $100 level. Please give this important fundraising event your consideration and watch for an email with the accompanying material to be emailed to you soon.
Update from Tara: We want to thank those who have already become sponsors for the concert and encourage those that have not to do so😊. Also, I will be passing around a list of locations for a poster, and will want people to sign up for a (one) location to place a poster. For example, Chuck took one to put up at the Presbyterian Church, Carl took one to put up near his office, etc. Annie took one for Ace Hardware. Pick a place you frequent, and put a poster there.
Membership Minute
Hello, friends. There is still time to sign up for our Rotary Planting and Weed Pulling day in cooperation with the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition and Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley. We will get together at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 16 at the intersection of Raven Ave. and Lone Pine Dr. Tools and gloves will be provided. We will each be responsible for sun protection clothing and sunscreen. Close-toed shoes are highly recommended. For additional information, email me and I can send you the flyer that the EVWC provided. Right now we have seven volunteers signed up for this worthwhile event. We will have the sign-up sheet at Thursday's meeting or you can just drop me a note at estesrotarymembership@gmail.com.
Saturday, June 6 we held our monthly Coffee Talk get-together at the Raven's Roast Coffee Shop. A delightful, wide-ranging conversation ensued. Our collection of participants included Jack Ford, Dave Evans, Wendy Aschenbach, her sweetie, Chris, and myself. We learned about Dave's professional life as a programmer, shared a variety of wild animal encounters, learned how a couple of us overcame trauma during our teen years and even talked about Rotary a bit. Thanks to all who came. It's much better to have others at the table to minimize my tendency to talk to myself!
That's all folks!
Meeting Notes 6-4-26
President Jack Ford called the meeting to order. Ben Van der Werf presented the Invocation, based on Scouting. Jack led the Pledge of Allegiance. We sang “I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing”, accompanied by Madison Casey.
Guests of Rotarians
Wendy Aschenbach presented the guests:
Laura Livingston, daughter of Harry Livingston
Neil Woodley, Michelle Mann's father
Richard Kimple, visiting member from Ellenwood, KS (His son is a 4th-generation Rotarian.)
Announcements
John Menier, former commander of this American Legion post, announced that the Legion is taking the lead with the town in celebrating our 250th birthday of the country, July 4th, and Colorado's 150th anniversary. It's starting with a gala at the Legion on July 2nd.
Beth Weisberg read a thank-you note from the Estes Valley Crisis Advocates for the matching money from our Foundation's Matching Donor campaign.
Max Guinn announced that the Bank of Estes Park is doing a Community Appreciation Open House, June 24th, 4 to 6. Also, he still has Rotary bracelets.
Tara Moenning announced two club events in August:
Recycling Day on August 8th: A volunteer signup sheet will be circulated in our meetings, where you can sign up directly, or indicate that you have already responded to an email from Lisa Esman. We have a few people on the Shred-a-thon truck, and Annie Slack may need help collecting crutches for Africa.
The John Denver Tribute Concert on August 22nd: Sponsor forms are available either by email or on the table by Gregg, and you can either mail the form and check to our Foundation at the po box, or bring them directly to Gregg. All sponsors will have designated seats at the concert.
Carl Robicheaux, speaking for our club secretary, Sarah Walsh, referred to the dues and notices sent out, and requested that, if possible, you go on Club Runner to change your information, rather than write it on the sheet. All members can do that, and it would save Sarah and Gregg the time and effort of copying the information into Club Runner.
Karol Rinehart reminded us of President's Night's coming up on June 18th, from 5.30 to 7.30. If you haven't signed up, please see Karol.
Rick Life announced that when he becomes the president-elect, he will be organizing the programs. If you have ideas for programs, please let him know.
Scott Robbins invited us to two events:
Working with the Estes Valley Watershed Coalition, we're going to be planting plants at 1700 Raven Street at the Habitat for Humanity property.
Coffee Talk this coming Saturday, at the Raven Roast at 8.30.
Happy Money
Carl is happy that Jack did such a great job as president this past year, and is happy that Bill Solms is doing well.
Annie is happy to acknowledge Paula Edwards accepting the historian position.
Michelle Mann said how happy she is to be here and to see everyone.
Gregg Jurgens thanked Jack for a great year, and thanked Ben for being Big Duck.
Ben said he's going to be happy about all the help everybody else in the club is gonna give him as Big Duck.
Program
Michelle introduced James Leithart, who gave an update to the presentation he gave a few years ago about Nehemiah Gateway,
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.
