Salvation Army Bell Ringing
We were pleased to have Carl Esquivel and Bill Van Sickle from the Salvation Army as our guests at our last meeting. Bill has been our contact each year for the Christmas bell ringing for the past 10 years or more. Bill by contrast has been doing bell ringing for more than 30 years! Bell ringing represents the most important fundraising effort for Salvation Army during the year, so all who ring make a big difference. Carl presented President Gary with an award for the many years of faithful noise from Smoky Hill Rotarians.
Internation Travel Opportunities
Bev Edwards announced several upcoming international travel opportunities for Club members.
Smoky Hill is participating in a project in Montenegro. The project involves supplies and tools for special education students throughout the country. This is a large project with all of the Rotary clubs in Montenegro. Project sponsors and participants are known to host fun and exciting celebrations when a project is completed. No dates have been set yet, but the dedication is anticipated for 2026.
Also anticipated for 2026 is a potential trip to Bulgaria. Smoky Hill is participating in a medical equipment project at a hospital in Razlog, Bulgaria. The project is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bansko-Razlog in the southwest corner of the country. Smoky Hill has worked with the project sponsors and organizers in the past, and participated in another medical equipment project in the city.
Finally, a trip has been arranged to visit Nepal, November 14 through November 28, 2026. The trip will center around the Nepal vocational education project, which Smoky Hill is participating in. The excursion is arranged by Moraway Adventures, a travel company specializing in this area. The cost is $3,850 per person (excluding international airfare), which includes all lodging, transportation, and most meals. In addition to visiting the project locations, there are many touring adventures included.
If you are interested in any of these trips, contact Bev Edwards at bedwards@rmlawgrp.com, or 303-921-5156, to be included in the planning process. A detailed brochure has been created for the Nepal adventure, which Bev will forward upon request.
Offsite Visit
There will be an offsite on April 27 to Food Bank of the Rockies (20600 E 38th Ave., Aurora, CO 80011) We will meet in the main lobby at 11:45 AM. Lunch will be provided. Charlene Moser, FBR Corporate Partnerships, will share some remarks about this wonderful new facility. We will have the opportunity to go on a walking tour.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Clay Fell
