A Three-Part Presentation on the Russia-Ukraine War
Part 1 - Hey Putin. Ukraine Ain’t for the Takin’
(As for Crimea, ….?)
From a Statesman to a Despot: What’s the back story on Russia, Crimea, and Ukraine that you’ve not heard? It’s a complex saga with many moving parts, requiring inspection from every angle. With its past and present, our challenge internationally is, are we going to have a rules-based global order, or rule by the sword (or nukes)?
Today’s speaker has 20+ years with Russian companies, Russian company CEOs, Russian families, and clients in 3 countries simultaneously: Russia and Crimea, Ukraine, and America. International Management consultant Dr. Milt Garrett, and club member, has worked with over 2400 clients in 224+ Russian cities including those in Crimea, and 12 in Kyiv. Our speaker is still in daily conversations with persons from all these locales, giving him current perspective, and hundreds of stories needing to be heard. As a professor on five Russian university campuses, he has developed perspectives on Ukraine, and some different implications of this dastardly war.
Dr Garrett has carefully researched past and present regional matters and their global impact. He has an educated perspective on how boundary lines have been drawn as they are now, and how the people of the region have reacted, surprisingly in one case, to recent events and territorial changes. Our speaker’s informational sources are valuable and credible, and he has academic and professional insights blended with personal relationships that makes his perspective poignant and authentic.
Because of limited time, we’ll examine just a few of the many reasonsUkraine was invaded by her northern neighbor. And, Rotary’s significant influence in that part of the world: Russia, Ukraine, and Crimea. For those asking: “Why does Ukraine matter?”, you’ll leave with an extensive list of 35+ possibilities. This hour of enlightenment is being personally presented by Dr. Milt Garrett. He is quick to caution that the complexity of this subject can only be developed in three short chapters; only the very basics can be exposed, like a flat river rock across the lake. After our October 2nd presentation, a Q&A, and a $500 door prize (yes, he did pay $500 for this), he will be providing extra time at the end of the presentation to engage with those wishing for more. Stick ‘round.
Our program on September 4th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Happy New Year! Rotary Duck Race Vests Are Coming No January Duck Race Team Leader Meeting Coffee Talk
Meeting Notes 8-28-25
President Jack Ford called the meeting to order.
Invocation by Tim Moore.
Jack led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Guests of Rotarians:
Former club member Jill Zerhan was back and will be rejoining us.
Rotarian Dona Burke from Houston.
Former club member Rene Moquin.
Rene Moquin made a presentation requesting us to call our U.S. Senators and ask for them to support home health care. Home care for the elderly is preferable to more expensive facilities and the personal disruption it causes to the patient. He is an advocate for our Dementia Day Center that our club supports.
René Moquin discussed calling our Senators
Song
We sang “I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover” accompanied by Madison Casey.
Induction for New Members:
Scott Robbins inducted Ben and Valerie Van der Werf, who transferred back into our club after their move here. Sponsor is Guy Van der Werf.
Guy, Valerie and Ben Van der Werf, Scott
Rotarian Stories
Valerie gave her member biography.
Announcements
Jack announced many birthdays and anniversaries.
Scott Robbins said the next Coffee Talk will be September 6, a week from Saturday.
Jack Ford asked for volunteers to scribe our meetings to help Barry and Madison, and volunteers to learn the Zoom and audio/visual tasks to run our meetings with Lee Lasson.
Program:
Guy introduced Ed Grueff, who told us about Buddy’s House, his dog rescue, foster, adopt organization, located off Masonville turn-off from Hwy 34. He coordinates with our Estes Pet Association and Meg Mizzoni, who also spoke to us about that organization here. They both accepted donated pet equipment.
Ed Grueff , Guy, and Meg Mizzoni
Happy Money:
Ben Van der Werf is happy to be back at our club.
Jay Harroff celebrates his 86th birthday and he donated $172 for his twin brother too.
Tom Gardner celebrates his 59th wedding anniversary with wife Linda.
Annie Slack is happy to have Ben and Valerie in our club.
Jim Whiteneck is happy for Tara Moenning and committee and volunteers for the successful John Denver Tribute Concert.
Scott Robbins is happy for Ben and Valerie, and to have Jill Zerhan rejoining us.
Tom Maher thanks Tara for chairing the John Denver concert.
Tara then thanked everyone for their work and support and said we made $23,485 for scholarhips!
Our guest today Dona Burke from Houston said she is District Governor and she is having their District Conference HERE at our convention center. She and her family are long time summer residents on upper High Drive and her Rotary colleagues love coming here too. She has money available for projects and plans on doing one with us here!
JoAnn Batey and Dona Burke
Adjournment
We concluded with the four-way test.
Submitted by Madison
Meeting Recording August 28, 2025
Ed Grueff talked about Buddy’s House that fostered and helped adopt out 70-80 puppies and dogs for the Pet Association of Estes Park in the last year.
JDTC 2025 End Result
Some of the Group Helping with the JDTC
The end result for the 2025 John Denver Tribute Concert will be $23,485!
Elk Fest Reminder
Carl Robicheaux needs help staffing the Beer Garden portion of the Elk Fest: Saturday 9/27, 9am-6pm, and Sunday 9/28, 9am-5pm, plus tear down on Sunday. This is one of our major fundraisers for the club funds for Projects.
We are fortunate to have the Duck Rack each year. It helps us purchase food items such as eggs, milk, and meats for our clients. It also helps us cover a portion of a person’s rent payment to keep them from an eviction. Last, but not least, the proceeds from the Duck Race help us subsidize the Meals on Wheels that some of our neighbors wouldn’t be able to afford if it wasn’t for these funds.
From Rut Miller - Executive Director of EVICS
For EVICS, the Duck Race is more than a fundraiser; it’s direct help for local families. Proceeds keep childcare within reach, fund car-seat safety checks, and connect parents and youth with one-on-one support. A few quick lines Rotarians should know:
“Every duck sold is more than a donation - it’s childcare, safety, and support for local families.”
“Duck Race dollars keep our kids learning and local parents working in the Estes Valley.”
Karen McClure's Celebration of Life
Karen’s Celebration of Life will be held this Wednesday, September 3rd, at 2 PM at the Presbyterian Community Church of the Rockies, followed by a reception. The service will be live-streamed and recorded for those unable to attend in person. Both the live stream (shortly before the service) and the recording (shortly after the service) can be accessed by scrolling down on this link: pccrusa.org. Plan to go to support our fellow Rotarian and friend, Dave Evans.
For further information in Karen’s obituary, refer to the August 8, Estes Park News.
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.
