For the past 7 years, Brian Schaffer has served as the Executive Director of Crossroads Ministry of Estes Park. He also serves in a volunteer role as a Chaplain for Estes Valley Fire Protection District. He is active in various committees around town, and especially enjoys his work with the Estes Valley Community Fund that supports nonprofit organizations. Prior to this he served in Alaska with the Anchorage Coalition to End Homelessness, providing system support and collaborative leadership for agencies working with people experiencing homelessness. He was also an Outreach Pastor at the largest church in the state, and led New Hope Compassionate Ministries as their Executive Director while simultaneously serving as the Lead Pastor of New Hope Christian Fellowship. Brian was active on advisory boards for the Salvation Army and Anchorage Cops for Community, and served as a volunteer prison chaplain. In each of these assignments he worked collaboratively with multiple service agencies, businesses, and volunteers to bring hope and healing to people in their time of need. Before this, he served in pastoral assignments in Texas, and as a missionary in Central America and the Caribbean.
Our program on December 18th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Rotary Club 100-Year Birthday Party Team Leaders Meeting Coffee Talk Updated
New Member Application Community Clean-Up Day on April 25 Meeting Minutes Meeting Recording
Just for Fun
Meeting Changes
Because the first Thursday of January is New Year's Day with no meetings, the Foundation and Duck Race Committee meetings in January have each been moved a week later:
January 15th - Duck Race Committee meeting (not Jan. 8th, as previously announced)
January 22nd - Rotary Foundation Meeting
These changes are reflected in the Upcoming Events sidebar. The times and locations are unchanged.
Dave Boon Change in Membership Application
In accordance with our bylaws, the Board of Directors is referring Dave Boon’s application to convert his honorary membership in the Rotary Club of Estes Park to a regular membership. We request the approval of the membership for this change.
Dave Boon brings a wealth of experience, both in Rotary and outside Rotary. His qualifications include:
Charter member of the Fort Collins After Work Rotary Club (2003);
President and Board of Directors member of Rocky Mountain RYLA;
Co-chairperson Estes Park Rotary youth programs;
Board member Estes Park Learning Place;
Member EP School District Planning Committee;
CEO Children’s Speech and Reading Center (2015-2023);
CEO Empowering Opportunities, a nonprofit organization dedicated to education of impoverished girls in Nepal (2015 – present);
US Tennis Association Wyoming and USTA Youth Tennis Foundation CEO (2008-2015);
Author, My Wish: A Teen Road Map for Finding Hope and Happiness.
Any comments and concerns about this action should be expressed in writing to President Jack Ford or myself no later than Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
Thank You.
Scott Robbins Membership Director 720-838-3215
Scholarship Dinner Follow-up
Wonderful comments were received from attendees of the dinner last Tuesday. The food was outstanding, and the entertainment was a joyful addition.
Thank you’s go to Madison Casey, Jack Ford, Dennis Gellhaus, Gregg Jurgens, Karol Rinehart, Carl Robicheaux, and Valerie Van der Werf for their splendid contributions.
The floral centerpieces, new this year, were a cherished prize to those at the tables with a “star” located at their place. Kudos also to Thad Eggen and Sandra Huerta for the beautiful setting and delicious food. (They contribute the cost of the venue as their donation to the Scholarship Fund.)
If you were unable to attend this year, start planning for next year’s event—Tuesday evening, December 8th, 2026!
Phil and Tara Moenning
Meeting Notes 12/11/25
President Jack Ford called the meeting to order and presented the Invocation.
Jack led the Pledge of Allegiance.
We sang “Jingle Bells”, accompanied by Madison Casey.
Happy Money:
Lee Lasson is SO happy wife Sandy got through kidney stone complications and sepsis. She was treated here and then rushed to hospital below. She is resting at her sister’s in Loveland.
Annie Slack thanks us for asking about Gordon and said he is doing well. He had his first post op visit and said it was the first time he was feeling near normal.
Pete Sinnott is happy for Sandy.
Beth is donating in honor of Annie and Gordon, who said to donate to Happy Money when they couldn't agree on splitting Thanksgiving expenses.
Guy Van der Werf greatly enjoyed our scholarship dinner at Twin Owls. He thanked the committee and said it was a fabulous evening of food, camaraderie, and music. He is also happy that Estes Park Health merger with UC Health is complete.
Suzy Blackhurst is happy that she had so much help to get out Christmas decorations and decorate the whole house. She mentioned it to one person at Thanksgiving and it snowballed to 6 people coming to help!
Paula Edwards appreciated the help walking in the wind today. She is proud of our club’s participation in Bright Christmas. Beth Weisberg shopped for 6 adults and 10 children, and Gregg gave space at Comfort Inn to organize and wrap.
Scott Robbins is happy that Lee is so patient training Dave Evans and himself in learning our audio-visual system. Also, Lee and Mark Lee figured out how to fix our mic and sound problem. He is also happy for Sandy recovering.
Jim Austin reviewed Bright Christmas. He and Jean started it 41 years ago with 3 families. This year, they will distribute to 120 families this Saturday.
Jim visited Virgil Holtgrewe, who is dealing with blood clots in his lungs. He welcomes calls and visits, and Jim will go again next week. Jim has his contact information for anyone.
Today is the monthly Shelter Box day, and Jim led with his $10. He has a fact sheet on Shelter Box showing the 12 countries they are in and an international budget of $6 million. Rotary International partners with them. Our club has given $4,000-5,000 in the last two years.
Jim Austin discussing Shelter Box
Announcements:
Annie reminded us that the Friendship Card is now on sale for $10 and makes a great stocking stuffer. Also, there is no Duck Race meeting today; next is January 8.
Beth Weisberg said our club gave $750 to Blue Santa, and she read the thank-you letter from the Chief.
Program:
We welcomed Greg Muhonen and David Greear, who presented a very informative summary of the many and varied public works improvements done in Estes over the last 10 years of Greg’s tenure as Public Works Director. David has been with the department for one year and is taking over the leadership from Greg, who is stepping back to the role of Stormwater Engineer.
Greg and David discussing past, present, and future projects
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.
