Born and raised in the United States, Mark E. Ulfers, prior to joining the US Department of State and the Office of Overseas Schools in 2021 was an overseas school leader since 1987.
Mark first served the Singapore American School community in the Republic of Singapore, then became head of school to lead the first American school on the island of Cyprus. He then was hired into the Taipei American School in Taiwan, serving as headmaster for nine years. Mark became the head of school at Frankfurt International School in Germany in 2005. Beginning July 2010, Mark was appointed the head of school for the American School of Paris. Repatriating back to the United States in July 2018 after 31 years overseas, Mark was the executive director of the Association for the Advancement of International Education (AAIE) – committed to leadership development for future-ready overseas schools around the world.
Mark divides time between Alexandria, Virginia, with his wife Wendy, and their primary residence in Estes Park, Colorado. His children, Adam and Lara, are products of international education, both speak Chinese and continue to draw on a world of experiences from being raised overseas.
Our program on February 19th will be held in person, but a Zoom link will be provided.
Come Celebrate President's Night! Interact Club Service Project John Denver Tribute Concert with Sponsorship Form Meeting Notes Meeting Recording
COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE
WILL MEET ON FEBRUARY 26
The Community Service Committee will meet on Thursday, February 26, to discuss and vote on a request for $922.27 from Project funds to purchase much-needed uniforms for EP High School HOSA Future Health Professionals students to wear to conferences and other activities. We will meet at the American Legion immediately following our regular noon Rotary meeting.
Details about this project have been emailed to all Community Service Committee members. If you have not received that email or would like more information, please contact Beth Weisberg at weisberg.family@verizon.net . All members of the club are welcome to attend the meeting, even if you aren't a member of the Community Service Committee.
The meeting on February 26 will be short, but we need a quorum in order to vote. Please try to attend, as everyone's feedback is valuable. If you can't attend but want to vote on this project, please email your proxy with a yes or no vote, to Beth.
Look What Friendship Card Sales Support!
Mark Lee, one of our club’s Rotarians, traveled to Rajahmundry this past Saturday to inaugurate and turn on the new water filtration system which has just been installed.
Mark also just returned from a visit to Dayavu Home where the septic system project was completed recently. Here is the new bathroom connected to the new septic system. The boys were very happy to have a safe clean bathroom.
Everyone in the Bethania organization is so thrilled to have had support from Rotary on these projects, and they asked Mark to relay their thanks and appreciation. There are 78 very happy young boys at these two homes.
It is money raised by the Friendship Card together with the aid of a Rotary District Grant that makes it possible for our Rotary to contribute to these projects.
The front and back of the new Dayavu bathroom,
along with the new septic system
Meeting Notes for February 12, 2026
President Jack Ford rang the bell at 12:00. Paula Edwards gave the Invocation. Jack led the Pledge of Allegiance. We sang “I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing", accompanied by Madison Casey.
Guests of Rotarians
Scott Robbins introduced a visitor, Rick Papineau.
Happy Money:
Rick Life is happy for Karol Rinehart’s lunch menus.
Bill Solms is happy that Karol helped him with a technical issue.
Beth Weisberg is happy that she now has a capable dog sitter.
Scott Robbins is happy that he received excellent emergency care last week.
JoAnn Batey is happy that Scott is here.
Jack Ford is happy that he has a new sixth great-grandson.
Announcements:
Dave Boon asked for help with senior counselors for RYLA. Also, there is a fund raiser on March 5 for Partners: please consider helping.
Chuck Bonza reminded everyone of the Duck Race team leaders meeting today, and that Kickoff Day is at the Legion at 6:00 on February 19.
Valerie Van der Werf announced a meeting of the Scholarship committee tomorrow at 1:00 at the Quality Inn.
Chris Davis asked everyone to help with the duck sorting, which will take place after the regular meeting next week.
Program
Guy Van der Werf introduced Jean Rismiller. Jean spoke about a Rotary Global Grant project in Ecuador, providing clean water for the Achuar people in the jungle region of Ecuador.
Jean Presents Jack gives Jean a Piece of the Rock
Clean Water Project
Adjournment
President Ford led the pledge and rang the bell at 1:00.
Barry Hannigan
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.
