LAST WEEK - James Simmermon, Reminisces of 70 Years in Rotary
Bill introduced his father stating he was proud to share this moment with him and thankful for the gift of Rotary. Jim began with an inspirational poem by Douglas Malloch, "Be the Best at Whatever You Are",
https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/be-the-best-of-whatever-you-are-by-douglas-malloch. Bill shared his father's biography in an email prior to the meeting. A few other interesting highlights include Jim joined Rotary at the age of 24 with perfect attendance and has spent 70 (and a half) years actively participating; he has traveled with Rotary to 22 countries having many wonderful and different experiences; he described one of his favorite trips golfing with Steve Miller to Oakmont Country Club which holds the Club record for Rotarians from Colorado.
Jim shared his observations about our Club and commended Tamie, "show me a great President and I'll show you a great Rotary Club". And he praised Jerry Wilford as a true icon of Rotary and thanked him for what he's done for Rotary and our Club.
Jim closed stating his 70 years in Rotary have been a life changing journey and he's still learning. Jim, you are an inspiration to all of us, thank you.
We welcomed too many guests to name; 65 attended our final meeting of the year. Including several from the Simmermon family.
Jerry Selinfreund and the Nominating Committee announced the 3rd week of nominating candidates from the floor for a 2 year Board member beginning July 2021 and the President Elect Nominee in Waiting, 2023-2024. No new nominations were offered. Congratulations to Tom McHugh, Board member, and Patricia Sznip, President Elect Nominee in Waiting.
Sarah Rutledge, IFCS, sent a thank you after all children were adopted; gifts were distributed to 190 families and 431 children. See the video to see the meaning of giving,
https://fb.watch/2rw1fOLaLF/
The meeting ended with a few surprises: a video from Bill Leeper of Voices West singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"; in the true spirit of giving, a $5000 gift from Bob Larson; and, closing with voices from the Vienna Boys Choir.
Announcements
"Family of Rotary Concerns"
This week we shared:
Tamie spoke with Scott, he is out of the ICU and will ultimately be sent to a rehab center. Please keep he and Carolyn in your thoughts and prayers. Cards may be sent to 9434 Wiltshire Drive, Highlands Ranch, CO 80130
Congratulations to Jan and Jerry Selinfreund for receiving the Bear & Blankets Courage Bear Award. Jan and Jerry were instrumental in getting the Courage Bears to children of deployed Army soldiers and spouses of Purple Heart recipients at Fort Carson. The first delivery to an Army base of the bears.
Tamie thanked all the IFCS volunteers and a big shout out to Claudia for her role in coordinating the events. Claudia read a thank you note from Todd McPherson.
Community Service
IFCS holiday food drive, Dec 19, was a success.
Merry Christmas IFCS - Sue Bramley
Our wonderful Rotarians were part of the IFCS Christmas basket delivery team on Saturday morning. The Caves, the Keatons, Connie Dix, the Olson family & the Bramleys-6 strong, were at ACC very early Saturday morning as temps hovered in the 20s to pack food boxes for the afternoon team distribution. There were well over 50 people working together to make this a happy Christmas for IFCS clients. An assembly line at least a football field long hummed along smoothly, giving our grandkids a taste of what repetition work is really like! We filled 750 boxes that morning, from canned goods to produce to boxed items, those food gifts were full to the brim. The beautiful part for us? Avery, 12, was interviewed for the IFCS Nibbles & Sips promo video. And she was heard saying, 'It's really fun doing this for others!' Go Avery, you & Julia are on your way to becoming seasoned volunteers!
And the afternoon crew:
Contact Elizabeth, 970-799-4321, if interested in volunteering at ReStore (Habitat for Humanity). Project Angel Heart continues to collect decorated bags for food distribution. Contact Elizabeth for more bags.
Remember to send your volunteer hours to Elizabeth including your name, what activity you participated in, the date of the activity, and the number of hours, 970-799-4321.
Upcoming Events:
Jan 21 - Project Cure, 6:30pm, 10377 E. Geddes Ave, Centennial
Please join theHighlands Ranch Rotary Sunrise Clubfor our regular meetings. We are currently meeting virtually and hope to return to Children’s Hospital in Highlands Ranch soon. We are still a very active club, have regular speakers, participate in “safe” service volunteer opportunities, and strive to make a difference in the community. And we have fun at the same time!
Zoom call meetings are the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays from 7:15 – 8:30 am. Please contact either Gary Smith (303-522-3355) or Elena Cumberbatch-Lynch (303-875-3418) for the Zoom meeting link. This is a great opportunity for a make-up meeting or for potential members that cannot easily attend noon meetings. We look forward to seeing you and welcome any guests that would like to join us!
