Come and Hear Jeff Arnold Speak on the American Character
Jeff Arnold
Jeff Arnold’s family moved to Estes Park in 1971. After graduating Estes Park High School in 1980 he attended the University of Northern Colorado majoring in history and earning his teacher’s license. Returning to Estes Park he was first employed by the school district in 1984. During his career he taught middle school and high school social studies classes and coached boys’ and girls’ sports at both levels. He is best known for teaching 8th grade U.S. history for over thirty years. He took students on trips to Washington D.C. twenty-five times, with side trips to Baltimore and Gettysburg. Arnold has a deep interest in American history in general and the Civil War in particular. He is retired and spends his time reading about the Civil War and occasionally traveling to tour historic sites.
His program is on “The American Character.” In it he describes what traditionally has been seen as the most notable characteristics of the American people, starting in the Colonial Period. Themes of individuality and self-reliance will be covered using examples from history, along with political concepts of republicanism and “republican motherhood.”
Our program on July 9th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Spotlight on Strokes Officer and Director Nominees 2027-2028 First Meeting of the Scholarship Committee International Service Committee Meeting Common Man Retreat Thank You Meeting Notes 9-17-26 Meeting Recording 9-17-26 From the Chaplain
Coffee Talk
Date: Coffee Talk delayed until September 12 due to Labor Day Weekend
Time: 8:30 a.m. Location: Raven's Roast
Be there or be square!
WHY DONATE TO ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
Every year, when you pay club dues, you are asked if you want to donate to Rotary International. Thank you if you already did this. If not, you can now.
Why do we donate?
1) As Rotary members, we share the same goal: making meaningful change in communities around the world. We’ll take on any challenge if we can make a difference for the good of all, including projects like these:
2) Depending on our donations per person, our club can receive District Matching Funds for Grants. Last year, we reached the $100/ member level, so we were eligible for $4000 in matching funds and received $3998 for EVICS Children’s Gardening, an EVICS monthly youth project, a summer and a Thanksgiving dinner for seniors through the Senior Center, and to help pay for the shredder truck that comes up for our community service/fundraiser in August. Well done!
You can donate by handing your donation to Gregg, or pay over the year by going to
Enrolling in Rotary’s recurring giving program, Rotary Direct, makes giving easy, fast, and secure. You can schedule a monthly, quarterly, or annual donation that empowers Rotarians to change lives in communities around the world.
Common Man for Ukraine Presentation Wednesday 4:00 pm July 22nd
Where: Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies 1700 Brodie Ave. Estes Park
Our Rotary Club International Service Committee has invited Steve Rand of the Common Man for Ukraine, a project started by the Plymouth, New Hampshire Rotary Club, to speak in Estes Park during their western tour of speaking to Rotary Clubs in Utah and Colorado. You are all invited as well as community members.
This project was born out of Steve's frustration to be able to do something for people suffering in the war zones of Ukraine. It followed the initiative of the Rotary Club of Zamosc, Poland who started a retreat program for mothers and children who have lost their husbands/fathers in the war with Russia
The Common Man organization supports the Rotary Club in Poland in the following areas:
Monthly retreats of 3 weeks for 35 children who have lost their father in the war
Monthly retreats of 1 week for 10 mothers who have lost their husband in the war
4 humanitarian aid convoys to safe houses in Ukraine war zones a year
Trauma counseling
On July 22nd at 4:00 pm in the Fellowship Hall, Steve Rand is stopping in Estes Park to talk about the work and experiences of the Common Man Foundation along with Rotary Clubs in Europe, the Poland Club and support for these programs from Rotary Clubs in the USA.
Estes Recycles Day Coming Up Soon
Estes Recycles Day will happen on Saturday, August 8th this year, including the Shred-A-Thon, an important fundraiser for our scholarship program. For the Shred, we are good with Volunteers. Once the flow slows down, people may leave as needed. Tara would like to encourage a few people to return at noon to help clean up, too. To volunteer, see Tara.
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.
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.
