Come and Hear Ben Van der Werf Speak on Banking Safety

Ben Van der Werf

Ben Van der Werf is a native of Estes Park and a graduate of Rollins College, where he earned a double major in Economics and History. He began his career in financial services in 2015 with G2 Web Services, specializing in transaction laundering detection and risk monitoring for financial institutions and payment processors.

In 2020, Ben returned to Estes Park with his wife, Valerie, to raise their two sons, Alex and Sam.  Ben joined Bank of Colorado at that time as a Commercial Lender, serving local businesses and individuals meet their financing needs. In addition to his work at the bank, Ben serves on the board of EVICS and is an active member of the Rotary Club. During today's presentation, he will share insights on fraud prevention, banking safety, and practical steps individuals can take to protect themselves from scams and financial crime.
 

Our program on August 27th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.

Click on the link below to be admitted.

Meeting link:

https://us05web.zoom.us/j/6699965961?pwd=SIazSZwTeOJFvlIrinb2QYB7ohYAoU.1

Rotary Weekly Luncheon

Place: American Legion

Time: Lunch served from 11:30 – 12:00

Cost: $20

Parking:  American Legion and the church only       

As a courtesy to our members, please silence your cell phones during the meeting.

Thank You!

September 3rd LUNCH MENU

Meeting Notes 8-20-26

Dennis Gellhaus called the meeting to order, as President Guy is on vacation in Nova Scotia.
John Jonell offered thoughts in Swedish and English.   
Dennis led the Pledge of Allegiance.
We sang “Oh What a Beautiful Morning”, accompanied by Madison Casey.

Guests of Rotarians

Bill Smith introduced guests:

• Joanie Jonell
• Richard Kimple, our summer Rotarian

Announcements:

• Carl Robicheaux updated us on John Denver Concert August 22 for scholarships.  It is good that ticket sale numbers are close to last year’s and great, that we are $4,100 ahead of last year.
• Joann Batey invited us to the annual Stanley Home Gala, Saturday, August 29. Tickets are on sale on their website.
• Beth Weisberg said our club has donatied to causes that were matched by District Grants that require at least one volunteer from our club to participate. We have 3 gardening events with EVICs with young children. These are crafty activities and we need a volunteer, or two is more fun, for one of them at Cave Cat Garden Store Sept 18 from 4:00-5:30.
• Lee Lasson again asks for help for the IT crew to facilitate our meetings. The need is DIRE. The current 3 Rotarians cannot keep up this level of service that requires two people for each meeting. Join to learn about technology and help produce our meetings.
• Madison Casey said there is no Rotary Foundation meeting today. They will next meet on their regular day in September.

Happy Money:

• Richard Kimple has enjoyed 12 years of volunteering in our National Park in the Indigenous Connections Program. This programming was cut last year but he invites us to to one more event tomorrow at Meadow Mountain Visitor Center at 2:00 presented by Native Americans.
• Ben Van der Werf is happy to have purchased his first new car in 10 years – 2025 Telluride.  He would be even happier to have  volunteers to be his Little Duck and Sponsorships Chair.  
• Annie Slack is happy for the success of her Crutches 4 Africa collection at the Shred-a-thon and the photo in the newspaper. She says there will be another opportunity to contribute on Labor Day weekend at the Sunrise’s Arts & Crafts Fair downtown.   The Head of Crutches will be there accepting items.
• Scott Robbins is delighted that his son has been visiting and has taken charge of his construction project.
• Carl is has $2 to honor Tom Maher and is deighted with the John Denver success and volunteers participation.
• Tom Maher was happy to be able to stand up for Happy Money and that he found an Elder to respect – Harry Livingston sitting beside him is 99.  
• Carl Robicheaux is going Of Counsel by end of October which means he is semi-retiring from law practice.
• Chuck Bonza said our Poland rep is getting ready to deliver our shoes to Ukrainian kids.
• Richard Kimple is happy for his 57th wedding anniversary.
• Kathy Long from Leage of Women Voters was happy to be presenting to us today.

Program:

The Estes League of Women Voters presented their club history, accomplishments, current activities. Presenting were Kathy Long, Robin Converse, and Lisa Essman.

   Kathy Long presenting                    Kathy Long with the T-shirt

   Lisa Essman presenting        Robin Converse presenting

Dennis gives Lisa, Robin, and Kathy each a Piece of the Rock

Adjournment

We concluded with the five-way test.

Notes by Madison

Meeting Recording August 20, 2026

League of Women Voters in Estes Park; Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow

EVERY ROTARIAN EVERY YEAR

Donating to Rotary means providing clean water and sanitation, health, and hope in areas that were once ravaged by diseases like polio, as well as economic development and new opportunities. Your financial help makes all this happen, and more.

Every Rotarian is encouraged to give something every year. You can donate once, or choose an ongoing monthly or quarterly gift. Click here https://my.rotary.org/en/donate

Scholarship Committee Invitation

The 2026-27 Scholarship Committee will begin working in September. If you are interested in serving on the committee or would like more information about the responsibilities and commitment, please reach out to Valerie Van der Werf.