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Weekly Bulletin for the week of March 6, 2025 
 

Big John offered our Inspiration with the Question: "What is Rotary?"
Welcome to our newest members by Bill Simmermon
Bill offered his insights from his trip to Ghana with Project CURE.
 
Look at this marvelous group of Rotarians and Community Leaders at Project CURE last week sending love and medical equipment all over the world. Thanks to all of you who spend time putting Service Above Self every single day.

Noon Meeting Notes & Announcements:

Thank you to Jan Keyton for being out Greeter and for reminding us of the chance to help judge the Speech and Debate club on 3/18-21. Jan can help you sign up and if you do, please indicated "Recruited by Seth Austin".

 

Our Inspiration was given by Big John, who quoted from his own book about Rotary from his time with his previous club in California. He asked his members, "What is Rotary?" Some of the answers we loved where:
 
  • "My choice for changing the world."
  • "Serving people across the street and around the world."
  • "The best decision I ever made."
  • "Rotary allows ordinary people to do extraordinary things."​​​​​​​
Our Guests were: 
  • Bill Simmermon's friend, Heather, who works with homeless people to find work.
Welcome to District Governor, Tamie Fennel, and welcome home to Claudia & Guy after a long trip.
 
Kyle presented The Rock to Li Lui. Li is a quiet and humble Rotarian who helps and never seeks attention or praise. Thank you, Li, for your gracious service and example.
 
Our presentation Thursday was from Bill Simmermon about his time with Project CURE recently in Ghana. Bill traveled as an Assessor to evaluate needs and implementation of more supplies to that country.

Ghana is the 2nd largest country in Africa with 35 million people and their per capita income is only $5,500.  By comparison, in the US our per capita spending annually on health care is $13,500, in the EU it is $6,000 and in Ghana, it is $200. Imagine how they manage the needs! Bill was humbled and deeply impacted by his time there and encourages us all to consider making a trip like this when /if we are able.
 
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President Arthur announced the results of the Board election. Our new Board members are Alan Balfour, Zig Berzins, and Nancy Barton. Thanks to all who were nominated and ran.

We got to see videos of Filippo last week at the 5280 Invitational. The videos drew applause and cheers from the Club! Way to go, Filippo!
 
Connie reminded us we need Rotary Readers and we are adding Arrowood Elementary to the list of schools this spring with Sedalia Elementary. The principal was familiar with Rotary from her youth and hopes we can continue next fall. Sign up with Connie. (The school is in HR near the Post Office.)

Costa Rica volunteers need one or two more travelers for their spring trip. Please contact Connie or Marion and remember the International Committee meets this week. All are welcome.

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For
Family of Rotary, sadly we heard that Maria was in a car accident. She is recovering at home, but it will be a while before we see her again. She is in touch with Terre Cone and others. Please reach out to her or to them on her behalf if you would like to offer help or support. Maria, please get well soon!
 
I believe this is what we covered in the meeting. Additional notes follow below from committees and community service. Have a great week and see you Thursday!
 
There were no particular reminders this week, but we think the President would just say he hopes you are having a great week, enjoying the sunshine and making it fun!
 
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A highlight photo of our own Phil Clarke and his buddy, Joe Fluken, a.k.a. "The Elderly Brothers" performing at Koelbel Library. They are actively looking for opportunities to perform and all who attended gave them "two thumbs WAY up"! Bravo, guys!
 

 COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS

FROM THE PAST WEEK & THE MEETINGS

Sunrise Meetings Group Update

Thank you to Collette and Cindy for helping us make sure we update the group on the great work of our Sunrise Club this month.
 

Flyin' B Meeting Update

  • President Arthur, PE Terre Cone, and Zig Berzins joined some other visitors to tell us about the Ukraine Solar Panel Project. They reminded us that the next event will be on 5/17 and we are considering doing an event to assemble panels in the future also. The event will be at The Highlands Ranch Senior Center from 10-12 on that date.
  • On 4/11 we will have an FYI about a WWII Women Munitions reenactment event.
  • Win has a draft of the SERVICE ABOVE SELF Scholarship being set up in memory of Mike Oldham. Please contact Win if you want to review it, as we could not attach it here. They will vote on it on 3/13.
  • Stuff & Stitch is usually monthly at CC#1422. It is the last Thursday of the Month anytime from 9:30-3:00.The next one is on 3/8 from 3-4 on the 2nd Floor.

  • The following events have been approved by Wind Crest for the year to date:

    • Electronic Recycling 5/2/25

    • Shoe Collection 5/17/25

    • Blood Drives 5/31 and 11/1/25

    • Trees/Pollinator Planting in April/May​​​​​​​

Additional Committee News and Other Announcements

The Social Committee
Stay tuned! Friendship dinners are on the horizon for March and details are will follow for sign up to host small groups or to attend.
 
RCHR Board - 2nd Wednesday each month 7:30-9 am
 
Highlands Ranch Rotary Foundation - 3rd Thursday 9-11:30am
 
Community Service - 3rd Thursday 11am. 
 
International Service Committee (ISC) - 2nd Thursday 11am
 
Military Support - 4th Wednesday 8am via Zoom
 
Membership Committee
Everyone is welcome to join us.

Youth / RYLA

It is time to start looking for young people to attend our RYLA and Young RYLA camps. These are sleep away camps that are fully paid for for the kids and their families. RYLA focuses on leadership and fellowship for young people and is often the beginning of a life-long commitment to Rotary.

Look around at your kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews, neighbors, etc. 

For RYLA we we are seeking Sophomore, Junior, and Senior kids, and for Young RYLA, 7th graders. Camp is in the summer and it is a wonderful, life-changing experience for many kids. Please contact Jan Keyton if you are interested or go to
RockyMountainRYLA.com 
.

PR Committee 

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Final Notes:
 
Alan Balfour has organized a blood drive which will be on April 19th. Stay turned for more information.

DG Tamie asked us to consider taking up the placement of "Peace Poles" around Highlands Ranch. This is widely done in Australia and is an inexpensive "mark" ( ~$300) we can make in the name of Peace at our local schools and Civic Buildings.
***We are considering doing this this year at Highlands Ranch High School. Approval has not yet been granted by the Board, but if you are interested in supporting this effort, please contact Kim at kimdecoste09@gmail.com.



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   The Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch

A reminder that we will need a replacement Editor for The Wheel Spinner by April 1, 2025 at the latest. If you are interested, please contact Kim DeCoste or President Arthur. 

Final note, I am able to help the club order new tshirts or logo gear that we can choose, and each person can order what they like and have it sent to them.

I have done this before for personal and public events and groups using something called CustomInk.com . It is not hard and the more we order, the better the prices.  If you would like to be part of a group order, we will get final approval based on interest, and coordinate a clip board/email with details. Please stay tuned or reach out to Kim.


Yours in Rotary,

~Kim DeCoste, Editor
kimdecoste09@gmail.com 
+303.588.2733 (call/text)

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View entire list
Upcoming Events
RCHR Board Meeting
Eastridge Rec Center
Mar. 12, 2025
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
 
International Services Committee Mtg.
Mar. 13, 2025
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
 
Trivia, Tacos, and Tequila
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel
Mar. 18, 2025 6:00 p.m.
 
Highlands Ranch Rotary Foundation Mtg.
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel
Mar. 20, 2025 10:00 a.m.
 
Community Service Committee Mtg.
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel
Mar. 20, 2025
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
 
Military Support Committee Mtg.
Zoom only
Mar. 26, 2025
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
 
RCHR Board Meeting
Eastridge Rec Center
Apr. 09, 2025
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
 
International Services Committee Mtg.
Apr. 10, 2025
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
 
Project C.U.R.E.
Apr. 14, 2025
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
 
Trivia, Tacos, and Tequila
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel
Apr. 15, 2025 6:00 p.m.
 
View entire list
Sponsors
Join Us for a Meeting!
 
We offer different meeting times to accommodate individual schedules: 
 
Sunrise Meeting
We meet for breakfast the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month
7:15-8:30am
HRCA Eastridge Rec Center
9568 S University Blvd
Highlands Ranch, CO 80126
Noon Meeting
We meet for lunch the first four Thursdays of each month
12:00pm - 1:30pm
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel
9808 Sunningdale Blvd
Lone Tree, CO  80124

Flyin' B Meeting
We meet the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month
4:00pm-5:00pm
Wind Crest Senior Living
Long's Ridge Classroom
3235 Mill Vista Rd
Highlands Ranch, CO 80129

Our club is open to anyone who wants to be a positive force in our community and the world!
Additional Links
Rotary International
Rotary District 5450
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For more detailed information on what's happening in our club, check out our website at RotaryClubHR.org