Rotary Club of Estes Park
President’s Night—Changing of the Guard
June 18, 2026—American Legion
President Jack Ford called the meeting to order.
Dennis Gellhaus gave the Invocation.
Jack led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rotary Annual Awards Presentations
- Spirit Award: Presented by Jack Ford to Valerie Van der Werf.
- Rotarian of the Year: Presented by Mark Lee to Chuck Bonza.
- Distinguished Service: Presented by Longley Parker to Gregg Jurgens.
- Living Legacy Award: Presented by Tara Moenning to Madison Casey.
Jack gives Valerie the Spirit Award Mark Lee gives Chuck the
Rotarian of the Year Award
Longley gives Gregg the Tara gives Madison the
Distinguished Service Award Living Legacy Award
Rotary Foundation Board Presentations
Jack Ford recognized the 2025/2026 Rotary Foundation Board
- Dennis Gellhaus– President
- Anne Slack – Vice President
- Suzy Blackhurst - Secretary
- Madison Casey – Treasurer/Investments
- Anne Slack – Rotary Club Board Liaison
- Valerie Van Der Werf – Scholarships
- Grants – Dale Bonza
- Gregg Jurgens – Assistant Treasurer
Jack also introduced the 2026/2027 Foundation Board.
- Dale Bonza
- Dave Boon
- Madison Casey
- Jack Ford
- Gregg Jurgens
- Valerie Van der Werf
Rotary Club Board Presentations
Jack recognized the 2025/2026 Rotary Club Board:
- President Elect - Guy Van der Werf
- Treasurers – Gregg Jurgens and Longley Parker
- Secretary – Sarah Walsh
- Past President/Foundation Liaison – Anne Slack
- Community Service Director – Beth Weisberg
- International Service Directors– Dale and Chuck Bonza
- Fund Development Director – Carl Robicheaux
- Membership Director – Scott Robbins
- Sergeant-at-Arms - Bill Solms
- Youth Services Directors – Dave Boon, Chris Davis, Ruby Bode
- Club Administration Director – Karol Rinehart
Changing of the Guard Presentation 2026/27
Jack inducted the 2026/2027 Estes Park Rotary President, Guy Van der Werf, and gave him his President’s Pin & name badge.
Guy then recognized outgoing President Jack Ford, giving him his Past President’s Pin and Badge.
Paul Harris Award: Guy continued by commenting that it is tradition that the outgoing president receive a Paul Harris Fellowship Award provided by the Estes Park Rotary. Jack is already a Paul Harris Fellow +8, which is the highest Rotary award. Guy announced that Jack has generously chosen to give the gift of 1000 points he received tonight to the Four Ducks: Chuck Bonza, Suzy Blackhurst, Anne Slack, and Beth Weisberg.
Guy Van der Werf then inducted the President Elect, Rick Life.
Guy presented the 2026/2027 Board Members:
- President — Guy Van der Werf
- President-Elect — Rick Life
- Secretary – Sarah Walsh
- Treasurer – Gregg Jurgens and Longley Parker
- Past President/Foundation Liaison – Jack Ford
- Community Service Director – Beth Weisberg
- International Service Directors – Dale and Chuck Bonza
- Fund Development Director - Carl Robicheaux
- Membership Director – Scott Robbins
- Sergeant-at-Arms – Bill Solms
- Youth Services – Dave Boon and Chris Davis
- Club Administration Director – Karol Rinehart
Jack gives Guy his Guy gives Jack his
President badge Past President badge
Guy inducts Rick Guy thanks the members and
discusses the coming year
Sam wears the Duck Race hat given to Big Duck Ben by Jack
Adjournment
Guy led the four-way test and adjourned the meeting
Barry Hannigan
