Come and Meet Sue Yowell, Executive Director, The Learning Place
Sue Yowell
Founded in 1998 as an innovative skill-building center for learners of all ages, the Estes Park Learning Place became a charitable non-profit organization in February 2002 and serves the greater Estes Valley community. The Estes Park Learning Place believes education is the key that unlocks dreams. EPLP provides K-12 tutoring, GED coaching/tutoring and testing, SAT/ACT preparation, career development support, proctor tests from different colleges & Universities and more, for youth and adults in the Estes Valley.
Our program on November 21st will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Our annual Thanksgiving noon meal at Rotary will be Thursday, November 21st.
Thanksgiving Meal: Holiday ham and turkey Green bean casserole Mashed potatoes and brown gravy Sweet potato casserole Rolls Pumpkin Pie
RSVPs concluded Nov. 3rd.
Update from President Anne Slack
Congratulations to the 2025-2026 Rotary Board of Officers and Directorates and the 2024-2025 Foundation Trustees. We look forward to your administrative talents.
Due to recent complaints, please keep in mind that Rotary is non-political and welcomes members of different races and religions. We want to be respectful of our diverse backgrounds and make every member feel welcome and appreciated..
Our next few weeks are exciting as we participate in the Lighting of the Tree Ceremony on 11/23 and then the Catch the Glow Parade on 11/29. Both are scheduled for 5:30 PM but you’ll want to be there earlier to take part in the festivities. Scott Thompson, Bob Fulton, Lee Lasson, Jeff Lindberg, Larry Williams and Tim Moore have been working diligently to set the new structure of the Duck Race into motion. Be sure to support them in their efforts if only to be a presence at the events. The purpose is to raise awareness and build excitement for the May 3rd Duck Race.
Until next week,
Annie
Meeting Notes, November 14, 2024
President Anne Slack called the meeting to order.
Invocation by Lawrence Trifiletti.
Annie led the Pledge of Allegiance.
We sang “This Land is Your Land”, for Veterans Day and national elections, accompanied by Madison Casey.
Guests of Rotarians:
John and Mary Lynn Schwery, friends of Suzy Blackhurst.
Stephanie Sinnott joined us with husband Pete.
Joanie Jonell with husband Jim.
Carol Whiteneck with husband Jim.
David Schwarm of the Salvation Army camp.
Linea Carter.
From Estes Valley Voice, Patti Brown and intern Tssarh Raig.
Dr. Tom Leigh
Annie acknowledged birthdays.
Annie is grateful to the six members of the Duck Race organizing committee, and said they need help assembling the Duck Float. The next session is next Thursday the 21st after the Club Foundation Meeting.
Club Elections:
Carl Robicheaux presented the final reading of our slate of officers, committee directors, and foundation trustees for fiscal years 20204 - 2026. Motion was made by Jack Ford to elect the slate. Second by Beth Weisberg. Approved by hand vote.
Carl conducts final reading and vote for the slate.
Announcements:
Carl invited everyone to come for his gumbo tonight at the Legion to support the Chamber of Commerce.
Tara Moenning said our annual Christmas scholarship dinner will be Tuesday, December 10, from 5:00-8:00 at Twin Owls. 5:00 social hour with hors d’oeuvres. 6:00 buffet dinner of prime rib, salmon, and pasta. Entertainment by the vocal quartet we had last year. Reserve your place with Karol Rinehart.
The results of our foundation’s annual match of members donations were announced by Jack Boatman. Over $8,900 was donated to local non-profits by our members which the foundation will match for a total of over $17,800 to our community.
Scott Robbins reported on attending our District Assembly in Cheyenne. It was a beneficial day, meeting Rotarians and talking ideas with Bill Howell, President of Sunrise Rotary.
Neal Standard told the Joke of the day.
Happy Money:
Ron Gordon was happy that Neal has a ribbon on his chair and won the prize of the day. He was also happy to see Stephanie Sinnott here.
Neal Standard was happy to be here and also meeting tonight at his home Rotary Club Peak to Peak in Central City.
Jim Jonell was happy his wife Joanie was here with him today.
Carl was happy that Bill Solms greeted him and that Ron Gordon is here.
Annie is looking forward to Carl’s gumbo tonight
Bill Solms was happy for our many guests today.
Scott Robbins was also happy for our guests today and said as Membership Chair he will meet them all
Program:
From Estes Park Health, David Batey, Board Chair, and Vern Carda, CEO presented the signed Partnership Letter of Intent with UC Health.
Dave Batey discusses the letter Vern Carda, Estes Park Health
of intent to merge with UCHealth CEO, also discusses the merger.
Adjournment:
We ended with the four-way test.
Submitted by Madison
Meeting Recording 10/14/2024
Vern Carda, CEO of Estes Park Health, and David Batey, Chair of Estes Park Health Board of Directors, shared an overview of the merger with UC Health.
Matching Donation Program Provides $17,870 to Support Local Non-Profits!
The Club Foundation provided a total of $8,935 in matching donations to 20 Estes Valley non-profit organizations selected by our club members.
The club member checks, along with a matching check from the Foundation, and a letter identifying the primary donors and explaining the Foundation’s matching charitable donation program, were mailed to the non-profit organizations in November.
With the matching from the Foundation, a total of $17,870 in donations to local non-profit organizations.
Thanks to all the club members who participated.
Rotary Club of Estes Park (Noon Rotary) Supports ShelterBox for Disaster Assistance
Rotary Club of Estes Park (Noon Rotary) Supports ShelterBox for Disaster Assistance.
The Rotary Club of Estes Park is proud to continue its support for ShelterBox with our latest donation.
ShelterBox USA recently announced a matching grant to the Rotary Zones 33 and 34 Disaster Recovery Fund for victims of hurricanes Helene and Milton. The hurricanes devastated communities, displacing countless families and destroying thousands of homes from the Carolinas to Florida.
Rotarian Jim Austin has been collecting donations for ShelterBox at Rotary meetings each month, so he already knew how important their work is. When he presented the current need for help to the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Estes Park, they unanimously voted to donate $3100 to this fund. With the matching grant, the donation comes to $6,200 that will be used for survival and recovery supplies in hard-hit areas.
ShelterBox is an international nonprofit established by Rotarians in Great Britain. It provides shelter, survival supplies and tools to victims of natural disasters and political strife around the world. ShelterBox USA is one of several organizations around the world which raise funds for ShelterBox.
Jim Austin
From Scott Thompson: A Request for Help with the Duck Float
We need volunteers to decorate the duck "float" for the Catch the Glow Parade and the Lighting of the Trees Ceremony. The tasks are simple and don't require heavy lifting or special skills. Some tasks are in a heated garage—just remember to dress warmly. Others involve assembling little ducks with messages about the duck race on paper tied around their necks, which we'll distribute at the parade on November 29th. Our duck will be stationed at The George Hix Riverside Plaza prior to the parade and will shine brightly during the Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on November 23rd. Mark your calendars, come out, and enjoy the duck festivities!
Your presence for the entire time isn't necessary, but a few hours of your time would be greatly appreciated. We've been gathering at the residence of the Grand Duck, Bob Fulton, located at 731 Pole Hill Road, just east of Estes off Highway 36. Status of the preparations, and any additional needs, will be reported at the Club meeting this Thursday, November 21.
CHRISTMAS DINNER REMINDER
Please Join Us for
Spirits, Sparkles, Students, and Scholarships
December 10th, 2024 5 pm to 8 pm
Twin Owls Steakhouse
Social Hour - 5 pm: hors d’oeuvres including Cajun Elk Bites and Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops
Dinner - 6 pm: buffet with Prime Rib, Salmon, and Basil Pesto Pasta
Entertainment - 6:45 pm: Simpatica quartet
Dessert - 7:15 pm
Dress Business Casual
Buy a Table: for 4 - $600; for 6 - $900; for 8 - $1200; Individual - $150 will be paired with others
Email to register:kj.rinehart@aol.com
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.
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