A Three-Part Presentation on the Russia-Ukraine War
Chapter 3: “Glory Rotary:
Wow, What Do Ya Know. We Did That!?
Our club’s third installment with Milt Garrett will feature how American Rotary Clubs stepped up to support Congress’s reestablishment of an old 1948 Truman program to help Russia – when we were friends. (We got at it, big time.)
What made conservative Newt Gingrich and liberal Dick Gebhart, unwittingly, come together and create opportunities for American Rotary Clubs to shine? (And SHINE WE DID! This shining will lead to a big surprise for you.) Did you know 450+ American Rotary Clubs supported the reestablishment of Truman’s program? Gee, why did 13 Rotary Clubs in District 5440 get involved with Russian entrepreneurs? (Some Colorado clubs spent $14,000 for Russian entrepreneurs.) Sure, service to others is the highest form of happiness, but why did we choose Russians? And now … our club is involved with Ukraine, thanks to the leadership of Ron Gordon and Chuck & Dale Bonza.
We have answered the question why Russia and Ukraine are in conflict. Now it’s “Why is Rotary even involved over there?” But first, there will be a short, fun show at Milt’s start, about something that older country Russia has that we’ve maybe missed. Dr. Garrett has discovered some darn interesting and unusual features that are worth sharing. And, don’t forget to stick around for the $500 door prize.
Our program on October 2nd will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Economic Development & Workforce Council Luncheon Menu Rotary Club of Estes Park 100 years old in April of 2026 Membership Minute New Member The 2026 Friendship Card Meeting Notes Meeting Recording
Notes for September 25, 2025
President Jack Ford rang the bell at 12:00. Bill Solms gave the Invocation. Jack led the Pledge of Allegiance. Madison Casey played the song “April Showers.”
Guests of Rotarians
Guy Van der Werf introduced the guests: dentist Gene Oja, Steve Misch from Sunrise Rotary, and Leslie Van der Werf, his wife. Longley Parker was also in attendance.
Announcements:
Chuck Bonza has friendship cards, see him to get one.
Carl Robicheaux needs one more volunteer for Elk Fest this coming weekend.
Annie Slack : the Duck Race committee will meet today. A sign-up is coming around, so please consider volunteering.
Happy Money
Ben Van der Werf is happy for Rick Life and for Ruby Bode attending the football game.
Rick Life for a pain-free workout (thanks, Guy!) and for Rick's daughter’s work at Disney.
Longley Parker is happy to be back and visiting friends here.
Dennis Gellhaus is glad Annika is here and in honor of Guy Van der Werf’s birthday.
Pete Sinnott announced that the recent walk raised $8100 for the Estes Dementia Day Care center. He is also delighted that the “100 Women” club chose it as their charity, and that EDDC has received their 501c3 designation.
Valerie Van der Werf wished her father Guy a happy birthday.
Barry Hannigan is happy he’ll spend the month of October cycle touring in France.
Bill Solms is happy that we have two Dr. Van der Werf’s present.
Madison Casey is happy for seeing Longley and that the 501c3 came through.
Jack Ford’s son and wife are coming to visit.
Annie Slack is happy to see Longley.
Program
Jack Ford introduced dentist Annika Van der Werf, whose presentation was on all aspects of dentistry, including descriptions of the 12 specialties for persons who need help beyond regular dental visits.
Annika's Presentation Jack presents a Piece
of the Rock to Annika.
Adjournment
President Ford led the Four-Way Pledge, and rang the bell at 1:00.
Barry Hannigan
Rotary Meeting Recording September 25, 2025
Dr. Annika Van der Werf, board-certified in periodontology and dental implant surgery, presented Healthy Smiles, Healthy Lives
2025 Elk Fest Photos!
A Big Thank You to ALL
The Rotarians in the photos are Dennis Gellhaus, Anna Robicheaux, Carl Robicheaux, Scott Robbins, Bill Solms, Chuck and Dale Bonza.
Have You Wanted
to be on
The Rotary Club Board?
Here is your opportunity. There are two Board positions open that need a volunteer to serve.
President Elect Nominee means a commitment to be on the Board in 2026-2027 as President Elect, and set up Speakers for the Rotary meetings. That member will become President the fiscal year of 2027-2028.
Youth Services Director is a two-year commitment starting in the fiscal year of 2026-2027, and continuing through 2027-2028. However, that is an open Board position now, so if a member volunteers, they will immediately complete the open position and then assume their own term next July.
Youth Services Director is responsible for developing and implementing projects that are related to youth, schools, and career development.
Please contact Guy Van der Werf for President Elect Nominee position at gvanderwerf@estesvalley.net; and Grant Delbecq for Youth Service Director position at grdelbecq@msn.net..
Thank you,
Annie
Nominating Committee Chair
Membership Committee meeting after Rotary on Thursday, Oct. 2 - Update
Would you like to:
recruit new members;
reach out to fellow club members who need support;
help design and produce club promotional materials;
entice new groups of people to join our club in a less formal way than our traditional meetings,
like to organize club socials?
The Rotary Club of Estes Park is an exclusive group of like-minded folks, but that doesn't mean that our Membership Committee is exclusive as well. We welcome any and all club members with open arms! If any of these activities appeal to you, join the membership meeting on October 2! All of our committees are vital to the success of our club, but one that is absolutely vital is the Membership Committee. We do a lot of good things in this club, but we can't do them if we don't have members who volunteer to support our activities. PLEASE think about what you can do to expand membership and enhance our experience as members in this club. Come to the meeting on October 2, 2025 after our regular meeting.
Coffee Talk
Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026 Time: 8:30 a.m. Place: The Inkwell Coffee Shop, 2nd floor
See you there!
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.
