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University Hills (Denver) Rotary Club
*the BEST Rotary Club on earth* (according to Rotary International Club's Past President Cliff Dochterman)
Speaker Phil Beaver on Artificial Intelligence
Stories
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Rotary Meeting 5-10
Patrick Plank filled in for Bob Morrison Dave McKinley gave the Inspiration and let the club in the pledge. Announcements Zoo Day Friday 17th: We will be dark at Maggiano's for Zoo Day. Jay, David Henniger and Elizabeth have organized the event that they anticipate the club will sponsor 80 special needs students at the zoo. If you plan to attend, please arrive at about 10:30 at the entrance. For more information, please see Elizabeth's e-mail on May 10th at 4:26. Or reach out to Elizabeth or Jay. Cherry Creek Clean-up: Jeff and Gus organized a community service project to pick up garbage at Cherry Creek State Park Saturday the 18th at 9am. If you can help, please enter the park from the West Side (next to Cherry Creek High School) then proceed to the Marina. Please dress appropriately, I encourage you to bring work gloves if you have them. For more information reach out to Jeff or Gus Hobson Scholar Derek Poss, the pride of Akron Colorado, visited the club to update his scholastic progress. He has graduated from the Colorado School of Mines, he also picked up a master's degree from the School of Mines. He is now starting his engineering career. He also found time to get married in the past year. Sargent at Arms Phil - After building a model of Mt. Fuji his wife Kim asked if it was to scale, he said no it is just to look at.
Speaker Jen Landers updated the club on all the great things and growth of the Colorado Youn Leaders. She also thanked the club for it's support over the years. Click here for more information on the Colorado Young Leaders.     |
Day of ServiceOn January 26 members of the club participated in a day of service either serving lunch at Samaritan House locations or creating meals at Food Bank of The Rockies.   |
2023 Picnic at Clement ParkMembers of University Hills Rotary Club enjoyed a wonderful evening at Clement Park in Littleton on July 14, 2023. The event was a celebration for this year's successful fundraiser that supports the clubs' charitable efforts each year. The picnic included a catered BBQ dinner and live music by the blue grass band The Camp Robbers. If you have not had a chance to contribute to the service fund, please consider making a donation, make checks payable to University Hills Rotary Club and either give to Treasurer Dan Astle or mail to University Hills Rotary, PO Box 5281 Englewood, CO 80155. You can also pay via credit card by click here. Thank you to Dennis Gilmore for these great photos             |
Who we helped in 2022-2023Who University Hills Rotary Helped in 2022-2023 In 2023 the club donated over $120,000 to organizations throughout the community and the world. Club members also participated in many feet on the ground projects. Community Services Edward Charles Foundation - Tree and landscaping assistance in the Marshall fire area Newborn Health - In-person series for partners to collaborate on important issues for NICU families. Southeast Counseling Center - Financial subsidies for therapy Little Flower Center - Provided food and clothing. Organization supports individuals who strive to become self-sufficient. Annunciation School - Student bus passes Annunciation School - Assistance for new migrant students Colorado Young Leaders - Leadership workshops for 3,000 high school students Rocky Mt. Honor Flight - Donation in Memory of Past President Michael Hitchock  International Programs Village Health Partnership - Solar Pumps for a well that will deliver water to the Siz Ethiopia Hospital Rotary Club of Santa Tecla - Job training program in Santa Tecla El Salvador Shelter Box Polio Plus Univ. Hills Rotary Board Projects Warren Village Donation Sacred Heart House Donation RYLA Scholarship West Middle School Student of the Month Zoo Day - Trip to Denver Zoo with students with special needs Hobson Scholarship Endowment Holiday Childrens Party Samaritan House Food Service Food Bank of The Rockies |
June 23, 2023 Thirty Rotarians and our guests were ushered into the front room at Maggiano’s by Tom Van Denover and Jeff Miller, serving as our Greeter and his able assistant, respectively. President Patrick opened the meeting by inviting Wendell Osorno to the podium for our inspiration and flag salute. Wendell actually started by warning us that he intended to ponder extensively. The extensive pondering was not at all surprising, but the warning came as a shock to the entire assemblage, as Wendell may have, in the past, been known, at some time, to ponder extensively without warning. At that moment, your scribe turned to his table-mate Dan Astle and suggested that we might want to sit down. However, the suggestion was preempted as soon as it was made, as Wendell invited us all to have a seat. Wendell led us through walking paths, journeys, growing, Soul food, inspiration (how meta!), connections, love, understanding, empathy, even a shout-out to your scribe’s band, and more food for the Soul. It was, indeed, much to ponder. With our Souls sufficiently fed, Wendell then led us in our pledge.  President Patrick next invited Steve Holben to the podium to introduce guests and visiting Rotarians. We were joined today by Luke Brucker, the Mick Hitchcock Hobson Scholarship recipient, his father Eric, and Anne Hitchcock, who graced us by representing the Hitchcock family for the occasion. Steve also introduced our Assistant District Governor, Robert Minz, who has been a frequent attendee this past year. Jim MacDermott, as the chair of the Hobson Scholarship Committee, invited Luke to the podium to share his plans with us. Luke just completed his senior year in high school, where he was valedictorian (and a musician and songwriter!) and he is going to attend Colorado College where he plans to study biochemistry in preparation for a career in medicine.  Mel Grusing started announcements by sharing an update on Young RYLA, where we have two students attending this week. However, he was upstaged by Angie Armbruster with a Senior RYLA update, where we have FOUR students attending, to include Angie’s daughter! ADG Robert thanked President Patrick for making his job so easy this Rotary year, and he provided some updates on the District. First, Tammy Fenell from the Highlands Ranch Club will be stepping in as DGE to replace our own Martha Diss-Sundby, who we all look forward to seeing soon. He also shared that the District will have $110K in matching grant money available this coming year, and that those funds are going quickly.  PE (for another week!) and recently returned rider of the Rockies Bob Morrison stood in for Elizabeth Bolton today, as he handed out flyers for our upcoming fundraiser and BBQ event on July 14. Elizabeth will be reaching out to all of us so we can all look forward to that call.  President Patrick asked Bud Laber to give a quick report on Mary Benson’s funeral, which Jim MacDermott also attended. While Mary was preceded in death by Tom Benson, Bud shared that he is certain they have been reunited in Heaven as they lived their lives in the best way possible.  President Patrick next invited Egbert Maben to the podium to bring Tom Van Denover into the club as a blue-badge member. The Club was happy to give Tom a rousing standing ovation.  President Patrick next invited Sergeant-at-Arms Dick Castleman to the podium, but he apparently was not available, having clearly been the victim of a recent alien abduction, and in true body-snatcher style, had been replaced with someone in possession of quips that were actually entertaining, and (dare I say?) funny.  Your scribe started the announcements by contributing in honor of this once-in-a-blue-moon event. Steve Holben shared how he watched the weather come and go yesterday, but that it’s what happened between those two events that was notable.  President Patrick contributed to honor our scholarship student, and for Wendell’s ponderings. Tom Van Denover had a three-fer for us today—his time as greeter, his blue badge, and his league tennis match where he beat his long-time doubles partner in a nail-biter. Paul Bauer contributed to bring back the REAL Dick Castleman. Dan Astle shared that Whizzy had taken a direct hit from yesterday’s tornado, and that a large tree attempted to take shelter in his home, in addition to his BBQ deciding to leave altogether. Presumable, Whizzy is somewhere in Kansas—let’s hope he finds his ruby slippers. ADG Robert Minz contributed to support UHills, but he also mentioned that yesterday he saw the weather on its way in, and he took an exit stage left from the links. Anne Hitchcock thanked Jim MacDermott in honor of Mike, and said how proud Mike would have been to see the results of his scholarship. Mike, as many will recall, was very active on the Hobson Committee, and in everything else Rotary does throughout our district.  Dennis Gilmore shared that he and Angie truly enjoyed Santa Fe, and that somehow his tennis team just lost a nail-biter. Jim MacDermott, with all he does, also thanked Anne Hitchcock for coming today. SaA Dick Castleman (or whoever that might have been at the podium) honored Mike and Anne Hitchcock, and mentioned all the incredible work Mike had done for the Club and for Rotary. Wendell Osorno, seeing the connection with his earlier ponderings, thanked everyone for providing food for the soul.  President Patrick next invited Bud Laber to the podium to introduce his neighbor, his son-in-law, and our speaker. Most of us were expecting three people to come forward, but John Gambrill assumed all three roles. John is a managing director of the Denver office of Gensler and Associates, a leading architecture firm. John first shared trends in the use of office space, with a discussion of hybrid solutions, focus, the workplace as a destination, amenities, and the tech-heavy requirement for collaborative spaces.  He then turned to the conversion of offices to residential, and cited the 28% vacancy rate in Denver for commercial space. The considerations for this include site, form, floor, envelope, and servicing, in addition to parking and amenities. President Patrick closed by recognizing John with a donation to Polio Plus that will inoculate 100 kids world-wide against polio, he thanked our guests, and then offered his thought-for-the-day from Denise Scott Brown which was about, surprisingly, architecture. As an embarrassing aside, your scribe noted that President Patrick tied the TFTD into the subject of today’s talk, similar to what he had done last week with baseball. Your scribe, wondering if this might be some sort of a trend, decided to read (for the first time) the bulletins of this past year, and in fact discovered that EVERY thought-for-the-day this year had been tied into the speaker’s topic. Not sure how he had missed this (save for it being too subtle of a point for your scribe’s brain to comprehend) your scribe pondered this development, and came to the realization that not only is President Patrick cognizant of the speaker and topic before he comes to each meeting, but that he conducts explicit research around that topic. As a Past President of UHills, your scribe marvels at this, and uses it as one of many examples of how President Patrick has been a phenomenal leader of our Club for the past year. (To put things in perspective, during the year in which your scribe was President, he considered it a victory if he remembered where the meeting was being held, and an even greater victory if he showed up to that location.) It has been your scribe’s honor to serve UHills under the leadership of President Patrick. |
Zoo DayOn Friday May 9th University Hills Rotary hosted special needs students from Sabin Elementary in Denver and Meadow Point Elementary in Cherry Creek at The Denver Zoo. Special thank you to David Henninger for organizing the event, the many members who walked with the children at the zoo and special thank you to former member Bill Curnow for providing travel for the Sabin children.     |
October 21, 2022 Your scribe was pulling double duty today at our regular room at Maggiano’s to greet 30 Rotarians and their guests to another exciting meeting of the University Hills Rotary Club. (Our lone Zoomer was present as well, but was not given the requisite fist bump, as we didn’t want to crack David Woods’ laptop screen.) President Patrick opened the meeting by inviting Wendell Osorno to the podium to start us off with an inspiration—the crowd was thrilled to see that Wendell only had five sheets of notes, hinting at the promise of his shortest inspiration ever, but somehow that was not to be. Wendell had a difficult time deciding among an inspiration, an insultation, a consultation, a conversation, a conversion, an inversion, or an inviction, before he finally settled on an invocation. He then attempted to lead us in our Pledge, but was somehow upstaged by two young ladies who had joined us as guests.  Gene Dawson was then invited to the podium to introduce our guests, which included two of Martha Diss-Sundby’s granddaughters, and Laury Bowman’s nephew Zach.  President Patrick started announcements by reminding us that we will be dark next week, as it will be Rotation Day. Wendell asked that we arrive at our respective businesses by 11:45, and that Dan Astle will be sending out an e-mail this week to all participants, reminding us of our locations. The locations will be: ALG Real Estate (Dan Astle) 7354 S. Alton Way, St. 101 Centennial, CO 80112 720-775-9545 Southeast Counseling Center (Wendell Osorno) 16965 Pine Lane Parker, CO 80134 303-810-8365 S&P Global (Elizabeth Bolton) 15 Inverness Way East Englewood, CO 80112 303-249-7556 Keller Williams Real Estate (Ethan Besser) 6300 S. Syracuse Way, St. 150 Englewood, CO 80111 303-856-8980 President Patrick also stood in for Xenia by announcing that our upcoming fellowship event at Meow Wolf on Wednesday, November 9 at 5:20pm already has 8 signed up, so that there are 7 slots remaining. Further e-mails will be coming out to provide the opportunity to grab the remaining slots. President Patrick also shared some wonderful news that we have membership applications from two of our recent guests: Angie Armbruster and Dennis Gilmore. We will publish their names in two consecutive bulletins (per our Bylaws) before the Club votes on their membership applications. President Patrick also announced that the Board has approved our annual donation to Polio Plus in honor of our speakers, and that we will be giving $2K to Shelter Box specifically for the shelters they have been sending to the Ukraine. To much fanfare and excitement, President Patrick announced that Sergeant-at-Arms Dick Castleman is currently hiding out in Europe due to the fact that he is unable to tolerate the skunion brought upon himself in his ill-advised flame war with your scribe. Many remarks were made involving kitchens and heat, but it should have been obvious that as the SaA gets to fire the opening salvo, the Scribe seems to have a monopoly on the last word. Your scribe wishes him safe travels.  As a substitute, though, Rich Sattizahn stepped up to a role he has substituted for often, and began by NOT blaming Martha for his jokes. Instead, Rich blamed today’s fare on Bob Zany, who apparently has a biography the far exceeds the length of his comedy routine. After a mixture of drugs, religion, crime, and pessimism (I know—from Rich?) the floor was opened up to announcements. Martha kicked off by not only recognizing her granddaughters present, but also mentioned an upcoming wedding reception for another granddaughter that had been postponed due to unforeseen circumstances for the past few years. Whizzy contributed in honor of Martha’s guests. Laury Bowman mentioned that her mother passed away in August at age 80, so that she would be contributing $80 in honor of her mother and the Celebration of Life planned for this weekend. Gus Achey contributed to thank our fellow Rotarians who have been providing him transportation to and from our meetings—kudos to all! Jeff Miller reluctantly (with some prodding from President Patrick) contributed what remained from his beer money after his recent trip to Germany, where he took his wife to a castle for her birthday, and apparently consumed some of the local beverages. Finally, Steve Holben, performing his duty as the collector, contributed for being grateful. The Club shared his sentiment. That brought President Patrick back up to introduce our speaker, Hayley Krawitz of Colorado Youth Leadership, which is an organization that helps high school students develop into leaders through community service, where they turn their youthful passions into projects. She discussed the “Think Like a Genius Challenge” which is a 7-week competition created by Todd Siler, who, as Professor Paul Bauer pointed out, has spoken to our club. Haley challenged us to find ways in which we can partner with CYL in our shared mission. President Patrick thanked Haley with a donation to RI’s Polio Plus fund in her name, which will help inoculate 100 children worldwide, and then closed with a thought for the day from John Quincy Adams about leadership. |
September 23 Club Meeting
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August 5, 2022 Greeter (and President Elect!) Bob Morrison welcomed 22 enthusiastic Rotarians to the back room at Maggiono’s today, and Jay Carpender, demonstrating a level of technical prowess only before achieved by David Wood and Dan Astle, welcomed our single zoomer. President Patrick opened our meeting (which required multiple rings of the bell) and invited Steve Whizenhunt up to the podium to provide an inspiration. Whizzy shared the story Louis Edward Curdes, who was not only a Great American Hero, but may be the only pilot ever to marry someone he once shot down in a plane. His story certainly justified the nickname of his P-51 Mustang, “Bad Angel.” Whizzy then led us in our pledge. President Patrick asked for announcements: Mel Grusing shared that he, Georgia, Paul Bauer, President Patrick, and Jim MacDermott spent Saturday serving meals to 190 women at the Women’s Center—President Patrick then followed up by reminding us what a wonderful experience these service opportunities can be. Paul will be setting up more of these in the future. President Patrick also made an announcement on behalf of our Fellowship Director, Xenia (who is owed a HUGE apology by your scribe) concerning the two upcoming evenings of Chocolate and Wine Pairings in downtown Littleton. We have 9 signed up for September 8, and 2 already for the 15th, so sign up soon (these will be capped at about a dozen). And now for the apology; we’re not sure how our spellcheck changed “Xenia” to “Zana” in our last newsletter, but we’re certain that’s how that misspelling gaffe occurred. A suitable punishment is being considered by the Board, to possibly include relief from duties. Your scribe can only hope. President Patrick then personally filled in for our Sergeant-at-Arms, making two consecutive weeks of lawyer jokes. Lest you think that we were hitting rock bottom, recall that our two lawyers were filling in for Sergeant-at-Arms Dick, so that this actually represents a step up. (Your scribe also noted that “lawyer joke” could possibly be construed as being redundant.) In addition to sharing a rather amusing anecdote involving the difference between lawyers from Wyoming and California, President Patrick also shared an explanation from Dick as to why he had been setting the bar as he had been to start this Rotary year. Apparently, Sergeant-at-Arms Dick was under the impression that the bar was being set to do the limbo, and the substitute SaAs were competing in the high jump. Dick will be scouring Norway for new material, although there was significant discussion around the possibility of taking up a collection so that Dick could extend his stay—at least until the end of the Rotary Year.
President Patrick asked Bud Laber to introduce our speaker, who was Bud’s friend Ken Stable. Many of us remember Ken as a candidate for State Representative, but none of us could have imagined his life story, which he shared with us. Ken came from extreme poverty, homelessness, and some of the worst circumstances Cuban immigrants could provide here in the Denver area, and rose through sheer will, a strong mentor, and a passion for reading and education to where he is today—a law student who is preparing for a life of politics and service. It is a story celebrated the world over, but one that is told far too seldom for those who are born into those circumstances. Ken considers himself one of the lucky ones, and he has shown that through his intense dedication to service and giving back. It was a true inspiration, and we thank Ken for sharing his story, and Bud for bringing us this incredible program. President Patrick thanked Ken, and shared a thought for the day from Steven Covey.  |
In Memory of Loy DickensonAt the June 3rd Meeting Steve Whisenhunt read this Memorial Day tribute to Past President and District Governor Loy Dickenson. U-Hills Rotary Member Loy Dickinson. By Steve Whisenhunt Loy was our President in 1986-1987, and District Governor from our Club in 1993-1994. Loy was born in Oakland, moving in the Great Depression to Berkeley. Loy attended elementary, junior high, Berkeley High School, and Cal, coincidentally the same exact schools I attended some 20+ year later. Because of that, I think Loy and I bonded. In 1943, Loy was a 2nd Lieutenant with the Army Air Corps, serving as a bombardier on a B-17 Flying Fortress.  In August 1944, seven B-17 Bombers left an Italian airfield to bomb a military site in Germany. Their route took them over Czechoslovakia where they were ambushed by a swarm of German fighters. None returned. They were all shot down over Czechoslovakia.  |
Boulder County Fire Support
Community Services Chairman Paul Bauer is going to set up a meeting with the committee next week. Paul has a personal connection with the area and believes our club should be able to work directly with an area Rotary Club. Once the Committee has a plan in place he will let the club know how University Hills Rotary will help our neighbors in Boulder County. If you would like to make a direct donation to help with this effort you can: 1. Pay direct to Bud with check, cash or credit card at an upcoming meeting. 2. Send a check to Bud - Make check payable to Rotary Club of University Hills 13804 E Bellewood Dr, Aurora CO 80015 3. Make a payment to Pay Pal - click this link
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50th Anniversary Celebration
On Sunday October 3rd 2021 The Rotary Club of University Hills celebrated its 50th Anniversary of its founding in October of 1971. Past President Larry Bell and Current President David Wood were Masters of Ceremony.  Jay Carpender gave the invocation he sited Our current Rotary International President, Shekhar Mehta, who recently wrote “ Service is the rent I pay for the space I occupy on Earth.” “Service is the rent we pay for space we occupy on Earth.” “Service Above Self” is Rotary’s motto. See below for the full invocation. Larry Bell and David Wood thanked special guest that included District Governor Elect Bushi Anikpenzie, Past President David Dennis and many of our current and former Hobson Scholars. Ricardo Cardenas and Carol Gardner spoke of the impact two of the clubs projects had on the communities we supported. Rich Sattizahn called out many members to speak to why and when they became Rotarians. Phil Beaver gave humorous presentation that said why each of the Rotarians in attendance actually joined Rotary. Special thank you to Rich Sattizahn who chaired the committee that put together a very special night. Other committee members included Martha Diss Sunby, Barbara Hale, Dortha Cicchinelli, Larry Bell, Guss Achey, Patrick Plank, Bud Laber, Jim MacDermott, David Henninger and Dan Astle.
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Club Meeting July 9 2021
University Hills Rotary July 9thFirst Meeting of the New Year
Announcements
Sargent at Arms Phil started the year with a joke about killing his dog. "I named my dog "Five Miles", so I can tell people I walk five miles every day. Last week I ran over "Five Miles". This might be a long year.
Speaker Author Monique Hammond - Talked about the lessons she learned after experiencing sudden hearing loss. Website - hearing-loss-talk.com e.mail - monique.hearing@gmail.com
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Day of Service at Cherry Creek |
Covid GrantsLast May University Hill' Rotary Club had to cancel it's annual Zoo Day trip due to covid. The club had received a district grant to help fund the trip. The district requested that the club keep the funds and put it towards helping organizations curtail the effects and cost of covid. Our community service committee chose to help three organizations. The Connections Program for High-Risk Infants and Families - The funds from this grant provided 5 tablet devices with screen protectors to NICU nurses for the purpose of connecting families who cannot come to bedside with their babies. Annunciation School Lunch Table Plexiglass Separators - these funds provide barriers to help protect the students from covid while they eat in the lunch room. Last University Hill's provided funds to Colorado Young Leaders to help obtain Zoom licenses so they continue there programs remotely.  |
El Salvador Barra Salada School LibraryOn Thursday February 18th the Barra Salada School in El Salvador had a ribbon cutting to celebrate the new Library that the Rotary Club of University Hills provided financial support towards.  |
Vocation MonthAs the President of The Rotary Club of University Hills vast powers and privileges have bestowed upon me. One such power is to make declarations. So, I do declare February is Vocation Month. All kidding aside I thought this would be a good month to celebrate our vocations and avocations. When we all met at the Madden we wore badges that showed our professional designation. We have missed that since going virtual. So in February please list your profession next to your name on Zoom. If you don't know how to do this please ask at the start of next meeting and a fellow Zoomer will help you. Please register your business on the Districts business directory: http://rotary5450.business/ it only cost a dollar (it says $25 but there with coupon code Promo2020 on the payment page you will get $24 off.). At the February 5th meeting I said I would do this, but I am afraid it is something each member must do themselves. Please keep this directory in mind when looking for services and businesses. Finally please e-mail me your business card or contact information. Each meeting I will give a shout out to hand-full members and their professions. |
Project Cure Container |
21-22 Board Nominees
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Uhills Rotary Helps Annuciation School |
El Salvador School Library Completed
In 2020 Rotary Club of University Hills sponsored the development of a school library at the Bara Salada School in Santa Tecla, El Salvador. The project was co-sponsored with the Santa Tecla Rotary Club. The new library includes new books, new shelves for the books, air conditioning, electrical fixtures, new fan and celling. The space is now a fun place to encourage learning. The Principal's office was also updated with fresh paint, new ceiling and book shelf. |
Letter From Cliff Dochterman
On Wednesday Nov.11 Cliff Dochterman responded to Rich Sattizahn's letter to Cliff to save-the-date for our 50th Anniversary party. Good morning, Rich, What a pleasant greeting it was to receive your e-mail this morning. It seems almost impossible that nearly 50 years have passed since we chartered University Hills Rotary. I recall quite well moving to Denver in 1970. Our office (Education Commission of the States) was located in the Lincoln Building around the corner from the Brown Palace Hotel. I came from Berkeley where I had been President of Berkeley Rotary and District Governor of Rotary District 5160. Peter Bowes was President of Denver Rotary and I occasionally attended the big Denver Rotary Club. (I'm sure that I would sit in someone' s seat where he had sat for the past 25 years.) Peter asked me to speak to a meeting of a group of fellows who were trying to organize another Rotary Club in the Southeast section of Denver. The Denver Club leaders had always insisted that there should be only one Rotary Club in Denver. So, it was not an easy thing to consider that a second club could be organized, or even considered. After I spoke to the provisional group, they asked if I would be a member and president of the new club and help them get started, since I lived in that part of Denver. I said, " I have no intention to join a rinky-dink Rotary Club. However, If you want to be the best Rotary Club in the world, I'll be your President and tell you how to do it. First, you must get approval of the Denver Club, and they had turned down the idea of a second club many times. To get Denver's approval, I suggested we make three commitments: 1. That you not use the name of Denver in the Club's name. (That's why we used the name of University Hills Post Office station to identify that section of the city,) 2. That no members of the Denver Club would be asked to join the new Club nor take any members away from the Denver Club. 3. That the members would all live in the Southeast section of Denver. Then I called some friends at the Rotary Office in Evanston and urged them to approve the new Club right away, since there had been a desire by Rotary International for many years to have a second club in the Denver community. We had a huge Charter Night celebration and gave the Denver Club all the praise for starting the new Club. Then we started to get everyone involved in some club activities. Nearly all the members attended the District Conference, and worked on Youth Exchange, international projects and community activities. Everybody had a useful job in the club. Several years later I was having lunch with Karl LeMasters, the staff member in charge of club activities on the Rotary International staff and I asked, "If you could pick one or two of the best Rotary Clubs in the world, who would top your list?" Karl's answer was, "I think I'd pick University Hills out in the Denver area." Karl had forgotten that I had been a former member Of University Hills. But, that was the kind of reputation the Club had. I can assure you that I would enjoy attending a 50th anniversary, but that is out of the question for a 95 year old guy, who doesn't get out much anymore. warmest regards, Cliff Cliff Dochterman |
Service Day at Metro CaringFriday November the 13th Rich Sattizahn, Martha Diss Sundby, Georgia and Mel Grusing, Patrick Plank, Mike Hitchcock, David Wood, Egbert Maben, Bill Curnow and Danchen and Dan Astle volunteered at Metro Caring Provisioning Center. The eleven Rotarians repackaged 1,880 lbs of dry foods. Enough for 1,200 families to get some of the food we processed. Team Curnow and Mabens lead the way by repackaging 800 pounds of beans. This is a projected that the Denver Cherry Creek Rotary Club is heading up through the Covid crisis. They need 80 volunteers a week. If you would like to work a shift or know of somebody may be a high school student that is required to do service hours you can click on this link to sign-up https://signup.com/go/URZxUJE.      |
Notes from 12-04 Meeting
Notes from December 4th meeting- After 18 minutes of Zoom banter among 20+ members, President Dan called for the meeting to commence by asking David Wood to mute all in attendance. There was a slight delay, and David’s voice, slightly altered, came on-line apologizing for his delayed response as he had just been through a life altering situation with one of his clients. David said that during a call there was a circumstance where there was an unusual silence, and this pause created concern, and it was evident that the caller was having a life-threatening issue. After some telephone calls and activity by others, it was determined that David’s client was lucky to be talking to David, and that with the help of others he was alright. Joe McCaffrey provided a thought provoking inspirational calling for a return to calm from the wild period of race issues, national elections, and general unrest. Twenty-six members and guest participated in the Pledge of Allegiance. President Dan proceeded to announcements:
Revisiting the Vocational Talk portion of the Rotary Program, President Dan call on Xenia Matteson to the central panel to make her presentation. Xenia’s story begins in Arizona where her father was in the Aviation Industry. She and her sister grew up in Scottsdale, and eventually she graduated from nearby Arizona State University with a degree in communications from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Knowing that key positions in communications existed in New York or Los Angeles she opted for Denver to become the self-directed person she decided herself to be learning along the way in grade school and high school by doing odd jobs, like baby-sitting, car washing and all-around errand person. Seeing the gratification of others in the real estate world, she dedicated herself to becoming a Realtor, where after 18 years she feels accomplishment and satisfaction, both personally and for her clients. She enjoys riding her bike and skiing. After Covid, she hopes to visit Spain, and participate in the Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI). Bill Curnow, Sergeant-at-Arms, So, broken pencils are pointless, and those who do not save (properly) often are less than accurate. Bill did admit that during his truancy, he learned to scuba dive—making his first solo dive on his 70th birthday in Kauai. (Puhi!) Martha noted that there were many members of our club not on our Zoom calls, and that we all should make note of those missing and individually reach out to them. Bill switched gears from Sergeant-at-Arms to providing the introduction for today’s program speaker. Ron Green, is an educator, and a great friend of Bill’s who also is married to Bill’s and Kathy’s daughter. So, yes, that make Ron Bill’s son-in-law. on provided a power point presentation that gave background into his topic, a program which provides a great leverage to educators to help in youth education. Ron noted that the “launchpad” of the Epic Ethics Program was from discussion following the shootings in SandyHook Elementary School in Newtown,m Connecticut. The ultimate question posed was “what could Rotarians do?”  Click here for more : An Ethics Based Literacy Program Thought for the day: Nelson Mandela: “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” |
Botanical Garden 10-15-20On Thursday October 15th a Group of twelve from University Hills Rotary toured the Denver Botanical Garden. An event planned by our Fellowship Chair Xenia Matteson.      |
RIP Holger Virtual Luncheon & Polio Fundraiser
VIRTUAL LUNCHEON WITH RI PRESIDENT HOLGER KNAACK Guest Speaker: Rachel Lonsdale, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Sunday, November 1st via Zoom REGISTER NOW! (Denver Rotary Club members register with your club) Each $25 donation will be matched 2:1 by the Gates Foundation - helping to vaccinate 125 children per registration! Both you and your club will earn donation credit. Additional polio donations beyond the $25 are encouraged! Donate online at www.endpolio.org |
Making a Difference: Colorado Wildfire ReliefThe Disaster Response Committee is currently working with local contacts in Grand Lake and other effected areas to determine how best to distribute donated funds.  |
Shelter Box 14er'sBrittney Woodrum, Shelter Box Ambassador, climbed all 58 Colorado 14'ers this summer with a Shelter Box strapped to her back. University Hills Rotary through direct contributions from our members sponsored Brittney's climb to the summit of Mt. Sneffels in Ouray County. To learn more about Brittney's project go to www.shelterboxusa.org/fourteeners.  |
Shelter Box: The 14er ProjectThe Rotary Club of Rotary Hills sponsors Mt. Sneffels in the district's 5450's Shelter Box 14er Project. Paul Bauer spearheaded the effort to raise $1,400 from club members to sponsor one of Colorado's 14ers. Paul picked this mountain saying; "It has always been my favorite mountain range since I first contracted hay fever." Shelter Box: The Fourteeners Project Shelter Box: Fourteeners ProjectThis summer, Britt Woodrum, a Rotary Peace Fellow candidate, will climb all 58 of Colorado’s ‘Fourteeners’ to raise money for the disaster relief organization, ShelterBox--with the organization's iconic aid box on her back! ShelterBox is currently playing a key role in the international COVID-19 response, providing immediate shelter and basic supplies to those facing natural or man-made disasters that have left them homeless. Britt's goal is to raise $1,400 per mountain, adding up to over $82,000 for this organization's incredible mission. To learn more, feel free to visit the project's website: www.shelterboxusa.org/fourteeners or email Britt directly at: Brittney.woodrum@gmail.com You can fallow Britt's blog at: www.facebook.com/The14ersProject Happy Climbing and Good Luck, Britt! |
Rotary InternationalBinish Desai began working on an eco-friendly brick made out of recycling and waste, when he was 11. The former Rotary Youth Exchange student, inventor, and entrepreneur credits Rotary with giving him the support to pursue his dreams. Now he’s giving back through a new Rotary club.by Geoffrey Johnson photography by Chaitali Mitra Every hero has an origin story. “I was 10 years old when the entire journey started,” explains Binish Desai. It began with a cartoon called Captain Planet, an animated TV series from the 1990s about an environmentalist with superpowers. Desai can still recite the show’s refrain: Captain Planet, he’s our hero / Gonna take pollution down to zero! “That tagline stuck in my mind,” he says. “I wanted to do something to help Captain Planet.” Click here for full story |
District 5450District 5450 Virtual Conference is Coming UpSaturday, Aug. 29 via Zoom Each $20 donation will be matched 2:1 by the Gates Foundation - helping to vaccinate 100 children per registration! Both you and your club will earn donation credit. Click Here for Agenda 8:30-9:00 am - Selection of Rotary Videos (Great for Newer Rotarians) 12:30-1:00 pm - Selection of Rotary Videos (Great for Newer Rotarians) |
Current StatusNew Meeting Location (at noon on Fridays)Maggiano's Little Italy 7401 S Clinton St Englewood, CO 80112 Please RSVP to dastle@avitusgroup.com by Thursday morning We will continue to have the Zoom option https://zoom.us/j/787663544
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Project Cure to HondurasFOUR ROTARY CLUBS AND PROJECT CURE COLLABORATETO AID CENTRAL AMERICAN HOSPITALSHow two U.S. Clubs and two Honduran Clubs, together with Project C.U.R.E., collaborated to provide assistance to two struggling Honduran hospitalsBy Joyce Hersh In a complex international service project, two U.S. Rotary Clubs have completed a one-of-a-kind, joint effort involving two Honduran Rotary Clubs and Project C.U.R.E, an internationally known humanitarian organization headquartered in Centennial, Colo. The plan: to ship life-saving medical equipment and supplies to two government-operated hospitals in Honduras, one in La Paz and the other in the city of Comayagua. What is unique is how the story behind this effort evolved and was made possible by the generosity, cooperation and hard work of the four Rotary Clubs and Project C.U.R.E. - Click Here for video of the project.  |
University Hills Rotary Supply & Clothing Drive--January 17, 2020In response to club demand, William Collier announced another Supply and Clothing Drive. He will have his truck at the entrance to the Palazzo Verdi before the meeting on January 17 to collect supplies for Senior Support and Sacred Heart House. Needed items include:
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Copy of September 20 Club MeetingThe Rotary Club of University Hills (Denver) September 20, 2019 President Dick Castleman opened up the meeting at 12:28 PM Inspiration and Flag Salute By Rich Sattizahn “As long as you feel pain, you’re still alive. As long as you make mistakes, you’re still human. And as long as you keep trying, there’s still hope.” [Attributed to Susan Gale] Guest(s): Visiting Rotarian: Tracey Ippolite, NorthxNorthEast Rotary Austin RYLA: Bill Mufieh, Madison Mufieh. Denver University Rotaract (Paul Bauer and Mel Grusing): Denver University Sophomore Caitlyn Olson (Current Rotaract Club President), Caden Coniff Friends of Bill Curnow: Cathy Curnow, Paris Curnow Green, Vann Curnow Green September 20, 2019 President Dick Castleman opened up the meeting at 12:28 PM Inspiration and Flag Salute By Rich Sattizahn “As long as you feel pain, you’re still alive. As long as you make mistakes, you’re still human. And as long as you keep trying, there’s still hope.” [Attributed to Susan Gale] Guest(s): Visiting Rotarian: Tracey Ippolite, NorthxNorthEast Rotary Austin RYLA: Bill Mufieh, Madison Mufieh. Denver University Rotaract (Paul Bauer and Mel Grusing): Denver University Sophomore Caitlyn Olson (Current Rotaract Club President), Caden Coniff Friends of Bill Curnow: Cathy Curnow, Paris Curnow Green, Vann Curnow Green |
Pay Your Quarterly Dues or Make A Donation |
Summary of Club Activities 2018-19Rotary Club of University Hills-Community Service 2018/2019 Clothing Drives Club Rotarians donated cash, clothing, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene items twice a year, to Senior Support Services and Sacred Heart House. Directed by club Rotarian William Collier, and delivery of items added 8 hours of volunteer time. |
Club Meeting August 10, 2018THE ROTARY CLUB OF UNIVERSITY HILLS (DENVER) August 10, 2018 President Andrew Dodgen opened up the meeting. Thank you to Phil Krug for greeting us today. INSPIRATION AND FLAG SALUTE Thank you to Steve Whisenhunt for inspiring us today and leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Our club has a very long heritage of nonsectarian invocations. My invocation is from a long-forgotten Rotary prayer page. "Creator and sustainer of all that is or ever will be, accept our thanks for this day and all its blessings. We ask that you guide and direct our Club, its leaders and our actions. Grant that each of us may feel our responsibility to Rotary, to our community, to our country and indeed to all countries and peoples. Bless our fellowship today and bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies, in your service. Amen." GUESTS Hunter Ferry, Rotary Scholar at CSU. Jacob Chakowski, Rotary Scholar at Mines and Hunter's friend, Peter Decherman. Assistant District Governor Ken Hope. SERGEANT AT ARMS Paul Bauer shared some mighty fine jokes to get us started: When I went in to see my doctor earlier this week for an annual check up, I thought I was feeling really good. After doing the usual poking and prodding, the doc left the room and came back with several vials of pills. “Here,” he said, “Take the green pill with two big glasses of water when you get up in the morning. An hour later, take the white pill with another glass of water. Take the blue pill with a big glass of water after lunch. Mid afternoon, take the orange pill with plenty of water, and repeat that at dinner. Then, just before going to bed, take the red pill with several big glasses of water.” I was stunned. “My god, doc,” I said, “what on earth is wrong with me?” “Relax.” he said “You’re just dehydrated.” Did you hear the watermelon joke? Probably just as well… It's pitiful. My friend Gene invited me over last Sunday to watch baseball, and before the game started, he served lunch. I noticed the plate my hamburger was on had what appeared to be a film-like covering. Despite my better intentions, I wasn’t very subtle. “Gene, are these plates clean?” I blurted out. Glancing at the dishwasher, he said “They’re as clean as Dawn can get them.” I felt somewhat reassured until I noticed my salad bowl had little black specks all around the edge. Again subtlety failed me. “Gene, are you sure these bowls are clean?” “Just as clean as Dawn can get them.” So we finished lunch and settled in to watch the game. Now I was beginning to feel a little queasy, and I normally have trouble sitting still for baseball anyway, so I excused myself and headed for the door. Gene’s big German shepherd was lying in front of the door, and as I approached, he stared up at me and started growling. “Gene,” I said, “Your dog won’t let me out.” Without looking up from the TV, Gene called out: “Hey, Dawn! Come here, girl.” Why is the letter T like an island? Because it’s always in the middle of water! Jim was telling me that last week one night his grandson stayed overnight with him. Since the boy was really keyed up, excited for the sleepover at Granpa’s, it took a while to get him settled, but Jim finally took him upstairs, tucked him in, turned out the light, and returned to reading his book in the family room. Shortly after the quiet was shattered with “Granpa! Can you get me a glass of water?” Jim replied, “No, just go to sleep.” A minute later, his grandson called again, “Granpa! I’m really thirsty. Can you get me a glass of water?” Starting to get a little exasperated, Jim responded, “No. I told you to go to sleep. And if I hear one more peep out of you, I may have to come up there and spank you.” The deafening silence lasted less than thirty seconds. “Granpa! When you come up to spank me, can you bring me a glass or water?” Jeff Stottler just got back from two weeks in Ireland. Phil Krug went on a family trip and reunion to Indiana and Ohio. Martha Diss Sundby, Jim MacDermott, Gus Achey and Bud Laber handed out back packs for the Southwest Improvement Council, one of the community groups our club supports. Chris Weir was out playing golf when he realized his twins were turning six: wow! Time flies. He was also at the Real Estate Impact Breakfast put on by the South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce. Gus Achey thanked everyone for helping with the Southwest Improvement Council back to school event. Ken Hope was looking forward to attending the City of Centennial Celebration Under the Stars, hosted by his Rotary Club. David McKinley said his kids were headed off to Honolulu. Mike Hitchcock mentioned that our own Rocky Rauchenstein is turning a young 94. Paul Bauer mentioned that Larry Zimmer will be her in two weeks and he will match the funds raised during Sergeant at Arms. |
Les Pedicord Lester D. Pedicord Les died February 24, 2018. Les was a graduate of East High School, Denver, and received his BS and MBA at the University of Denver. He went on to form his own CPA firm and an investment advisory company. He was extremely active in both community and professional organizations: Colorado Society of CPAs, and Roundup Riders of the Rockies (RRR). Les was a Charter Member of the University Hills (Denver) Rotary Club and served as its fourth president for the Rotary Year 1974-75. His contributions to Rotary causes and fellowship are countless; he was a very generous colleague. Les is survived by Jean, his wife of 27 years; his 3 children: Jill (John) Peterson, Britt (CeceStack) Pedicord , and Julie (Jim) Adams; his grandchildren Sarah, Maddie, Britt, Nellie, and Jem; his sister Jennie Moore; three step-children; and 11 step-grandchildren. Les is proceeded in death by his sisters Corrine Amato and JoAnn Pedicord . Memorial service will be held on Friday, March 9, 2018, 2:00 PM, Hope United Methodist Church, 5101 S. Dayton St., Greenwood Village. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to RRR Heritage and Trails Foundation, Inc., 823 S. Perry St. #120, Castle Rock, CO 80104 |
Meeting LocationMagianno's Little Italy7401 S Clinton Street Englewood, CO 80112 Dan Astle, Club President 2020-2021dastle@avitusgroup.com720-775-9545 |
Ruth Wilson's Book List
RUTH WILSON’S LIST OF FAVORITE BOOKS
This list will help all of us in understanding what kind of person Ruth was.
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Did You KnowUniversity Hills Rotary Club has achieved the rare designation of "100 percent Paul Harris Fellow Club" not once but twice in the past 9 years. And through the E Brent Hobson Scholarship Fund, we have awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to graduates of Colorado high schools pursuing STEM degrees at Colorado colleges or universities in roughly that same time period. |
