Robert Luisana's presentation on Thursday, May 2nd, is a quick discussion of the current problems with Healthcare...cost, snowballing prescription drug cost, inefficiencies in the system and the problem of people being uninsured. He also covers the proposed options for change in the health field.
Rob Luisana graduated from East Carolina University, in 1973, where he was Student Body President. He is a former Guilford County teacher and basketball coach, as well as serving as President of the North Carolina Association Educators for Guilford County Schools, 1981- 83. He has worked as a health insurance broker and consultant for the past 37 years, working with corporations and individuals on all aspects of healthcare and insurance. Over the past five years, he has been a frequent presenter on healthcare issues, including NPR and Politico. Among his activities, he is captain of the Guilford County, Senior Games Basketball Team….. “Deadmen Dribbling”
Rob is married to Karen, an antique dealer and showroom director. They have two grown boys and five grandchildren.
Our program this week will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided. Click on the link below to be admitted. Meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7985707369
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!
Save the date: President’s Night, Thursday, June 13th, 5:30 - 7:30 at the American Legion.
Meeting Notes for April 25, 2024
President Karen Thompson called the meeting to order.
Lawrence Trifiletti led the Invocation.
Karen led the Pledge of Allegiance.
We sang “America the Beautiful”, accompanied by Madison Casey.
Guests of Rotarians:
Roberta Raworth who is joining our club from Sunrise
Rick Life’s wife Sandy is with us today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
Karen acknowledged birthdays and anniversaries.
Card
We signed a card for Michelle Mann who is still having mobility troubles.
Announcements:
Jim Whiteneck got 2 more volunteers today to complete his crew to read “Josh the Otter” to the four kindergarten classes next Thursday at 8:30 at school.
Tara Moenning said annual town cleanup is this Saturday at 9:00 at the Visitor’s Center.
You can also see Tara or Beth today on to get a route and bags in advance and start work anytime.
Carl Robicheaux needs people to walk the river with him, or the bank, to clear out obstacles for the ducks.
This is also this Saturday at 9:00 and starts at Nicky’s.
Kirk’s Fly Shop will provide waders for those needing them.
Chuck Bonza said he works the crowd at Duck Race to sell duck tickets and answers questions.
For those in doubt on a charity, he offers them the slip of paper (on our tables today) that has a QR code to our Rotary Foundation.
He tells them it is for our community grants to these charities and is determined by our members’ giving.
Take a slip for ourselves and support our Foundation grants!
Big Duck Scott Robbins had duck race announcements, 9 days to go:
Breakfast is now available at the Wapiti Colorado Pub which is at the starting line in the old Nicky’s.
$20 and starts at 7:00.
Spouses and all committee members invited along with our members.
HE NEEDS A COUNT TO WAPITI BY TOMORROW FRIDAY APRIL 25.
Merchant Prizes – Thanks to Tim & Beth and crew we have 325 prizes.
We got more sponsors recently but can always use more.
Duck adoptions are at 3,674.
Dave Boon said we need youth to attend RYLA and Young RYLA.
We only have one.
We and Sunrise are each sponsoring
2 Young RYLAs (7th grade)
1 RYLA (high school).
Lawrence Trifiletti received his blue badge today and Joan Batey got hers recently.
New member Induction:
Annie Slack inducted Rick Life back into our club.
Wife Sandy stood with him
Sponsors Chuck and Dale Bonza were present.
L to R: Dale Bonze, Sandee Life,
Rick Life, Chuck Bonza
Rick delivering his
2 minute biography
Joke of the Day
Lawrence Trifiletti told the joke in Scott’s absence.
Happy Money:
Rick Life is happy that his daughter Lexi advanced at Disney to her dream job as an "Imagineer” who design the creative content of the park.
Karen was happy for Lawrence telling the joke instead of her.
Annie was happy that
Roberta is joining our club and
for Rick Life joining today.
Suzy Blackhurst is so happy Rick is joining our club again.
He was on the club board when she was president and was terrific.
Beth is happy that 18 volunteers got our merchant prizes.
Dave Boon and Bill Solms were happy for Rick joining our club.
Ruby Bode was happy
for Rick and wished him luck interviewing for Police Chief.
She was happy that Sandy Life got out of teaching school today.
Also, the Youth in Action group at school gave $2,000 from their fundraiser to 10 organizations.
Program:
Annie introduced Dawn James, Treasurer, of Estes Valley Watershed Coalition. She described their broad mission, starting after the 2013 flood, to now address the health of water, forests, and wildlife.
Dawn James receiving a
Piece of the Rock from
Pres. Karen
We ended with the four-way test.
Madison Casey, scribe
Lawrence Trifiletti has completed his
"Good Beginnings" Requirement
He is now a full member of
The Rotary Club of Estes Park
Lawrence Trifiletti
Last chance to quack for 2024!
We Are Family!
We are less than a week away from the 2024 Estes Park Rotary Duck Race Festival! You can adopt ducks right up to the Duck Drop at 1:00 p.m. Saturday. Come on down to enjoy the full flavor of the festival. Come to Bond Park to do and hear some West African-style drumming starting at 10:30 a.m. with Djembe Jive. As an alternative you can head to Riverside Plaza and listen to our new Mayor, Gary Hall and Share the Road and the Highland Brass Quintet. After that you can head to the Duck Drop at 1:00 p.m. at Nicky's Resort and the Wapiti Colorado Grill where the Riverside Ramblers will play, the Estes Park High Scholl Choir will sing, and our own Dave Scott will send the ducks off with his trumpet just like the Kentucky Derby! Make no mistake, you will hear no quacking sounds coming from Dave's horn! Roll on down to Riverside Plaza and the finish line where Curtis Kelly will emcee and the Highland Brass Quintet, Neilson and Nicholson will perform. Sunny Boy Jim Jack Jones will play at Bond Park at 1:00 p.m. followed by our headliner, Cowboy Brad will play all our 70's favorites. If you happen to get hungry for some street food, we will have three food trucks at bond Park to choose from. For those that think they have a knack for predicting the bowel movements of ducks, come by Nicky's at the Start or at Riverside Plaza. And if you are not so good at predicting the results of the Duck Squats, take solace in the fact that you are contributing to the Rotary Foundation.
It sounds like a full day of quacking good fun to me! See you there!
Scott Robbins
Big Duck 2024
Community Clean Up Day
CANCELED ON SATURDAY DUE TO SNOW
April 27, 2024
BE SURE TO CLEAN YOUR AREA
BEFORE THE DUCK RACE!
Contact Tara with questions for where you can work and to get trash bags and safety vests: tara@aspenbrookinvestiments.com.
Share a Dinner With Robert Luisana
Our May 2nd Speaker
Mama Rosa's
May 1st, 6 PM
Go Dutch
Robert Luisana is wondering if there is anyone in our Rotary, who would like to join he and his wife for dinner Wednesday, May 1st. They would love to hear about life at Estes Park from someone local. He doesn’t consider himself to be a charming dinner companion, but says his wife Karen definitely is.
Rob's presentation on Thursday, May 2nd, is a quick discussion of the current problems with Healthcare...cost, snowballing prescription drug cost, inefficiencies in the system and the problem of people being uninsured. He also covers the proposed options for change in the health field.
The president of the Rotary Club of Five Points in Columbia reported Rob’s talk is educational and informative. He provides unbiased information on all sides of the issue, although he does share his thoughts based on his experience. At no point was there any “sales pitch” or push for his services. I think you will find his presentation to be an eye-opener on an issue we all have come to accept, but which could be a lot better. Olivia Jones, Attorney at Law
Please contact Annie if you would like to join them for dinner. 970-231-6697, anneslack@aol.com
Josh The Baby Otter Volunteers
Josh The Otter will be coming to visit the Estes Park Elementary School Kindergarten classes at 8:30 AM on Thursday, May 2. The kids are very excited to learn about Josh! We have four volunteers who will read Josh‘s storybook to each class.
Thanks for your help!!!
Jim W.
Ron Gordon Selected
to
Pull the Rope to Release the Ducks
May 4th!
Ron Gordon 2023 Duck Release
We are so honored to have Ron Gordon pull the rope on the Duck cage this year. Ron will have been a member of our Rotary Club for 32 years come this June! He has served as Club Service Director, Club President, Foundation President, and is currently Director of International Service. Like most members, he has served on many committees. Most notably, he was on the Rotary Scholarship Golf Committee for over 20 years.
He and his wife, Vivian, have attended quite a few District Conferences and International Conventions. They look forward to their continued involvement in the many exciting future activities of the Rotary Club of Estes Park!
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.
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