The Wheel Spinner

November 4, 2025

Beautiful and informative signs have been created for public display to let our community know about actions that we are taking to help communities that are often rendered powerless.

Zig Berzins (above) is leading volunteers from RCHR and area high school students in converting solar panels to phone chargers for use in war torn areas such as  Ukraine where many power plants have been bombed.  Zig is gratified by the response for his call to aid in helping with “adaptive charging for a changing world” and he sees this as a good example of acting locally for global good. 

 

Dr. Justin R. Stoddard (above) was our speaker at the October 23rd noon meeting. He serves as an Assistant Professor and Chief of Innovation and Prototyping at the U.S. Air Force Academy Center for Character and Leadership Development (CCLD), where he is responsible for leading innovation and prototyping efforts focused on character and leadership development for the USAFA Team. He shared his expertise in resiliency and overcoming challenges.    CCLD’s mission is to advance the understanding, scholarship, practice, and integration of character and leadership development, preparing cadets and citizens for handling the inevitable roadblocks that life presents.

  He generously remained after our meeting to answer questions.

Next year's 5450 District Governor Bill Simmermon (right)describing an amazing pickleball dive at the Big West Zone Institute in New Mexico. He passed his governing courses with flying colors!

Our wonderful Nancy Barton (above) has returned from London after her vacation was short circuited by a fall where she suffered three broken ribs and a punctured lung. She spent five days in an English hospital. Her daughter flew over to help her return and she is now back home and intending to attend this week's meeting “if the creek don't rise.” Rotarian women are made of strong stuff!

Another note on our Rotary family…Kim DeCoste's husband Paul has been battling health issues but was able to join us for this past meeting. Hooray Paul! We are rooting for you on your wellness journey.

Upcoming Events

RCHR Board Meeting
Mar. 11, 2026
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Highlands Ranch Rotary Club board meetings will be held both in-person and via Zoom.
Highlands Ranch
Eastridge Rec Center

International Services Committee Mtg.
Mar. 12, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
We meet at 11:00am the 2nd Thursday of each month at Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel.

Trivia, Tacos, and Tequila
Mar. 17, 2026 6:00 p.m.

Come test out your trivia knowledge and enjoy Tuesday night $2 Tacos. 

Bring your friends and family and enjoy a night out at the Lone Tree Golf Club and Hotel!!

 
Although this event is not sponsored by the Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch, you will typically find a group of fellow Rotarians participating in the festivities, so come join the fun!
Lone Tree
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel

Community Service Committee Mtg.
Mar. 19, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel

Solar Chargers for Humanity Committee
Mar. 19, 2026
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (UTC-06:00)
Standing Committee encouraging Rotary Clubs located at or near areas where local residents are without electrical power (disaster areas, regugee camps) to obtain, persoonalize, and distribute solar powered chargers for mobile phones or tablets.  The committee has shipped over 100 such chargers to Ukraine schools and hospitals, each personalized with messages of support and encouragement.  The committee is focused on encouraging Rotary Clubs around the world to replicate its success.
Zig Berzins is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.- Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89175081623?pwd=HADaq6kyW96RxaUYnjW9Fggma5jMOf.1
ZOOM

Military Support Committee Mtg.
Mar. 25, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
https://zoom.us/j/98227979724
 
Pass Code: 714969
 
For Details see Committee Chair David Blackwood
Zoom only

RCHR Board Meeting
Apr. 08, 2026
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Highlands Ranch Rotary Club board meetings will be held both in-person and via Zoom.
Highlands Ranch
Eastridge Rec Center

International Services Committee Mtg.
Apr. 09, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
We meet at 11:00am the 2nd Thursday of each month at Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel.

Community Service Committee Mtg.
Apr. 16, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel

Solar Chargers for Humanity Committee
Apr. 16, 2026
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (UTC-06:00)
Standing Committee encouraging Rotary Clubs located at or near areas where local residents are without electrical power (disaster areas, regugee camps) to obtain, persoonalize, and distribute solar powered chargers for mobile phones or tablets.  The committee has shipped over 100 such chargers to Ukraine schools and hospitals, each personalized with messages of support and encouragement.  The committee is focused on encouraging Rotary Clubs around the world to replicate its success.
Zig Berzins is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.- Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89175081623?pwd=HADaq6kyW96RxaUYnjW9Fggma5jMOf.1
ZOOM

View entire list

Upcoming Events

RCHR Board Meeting
Mar. 11, 2026
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Highlands Ranch Rotary Club board meetings will be held both in-person and via Zoom.
Highlands Ranch
Eastridge Rec Center

International Services Committee Mtg.
Mar. 12, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
We meet at 11:00am the 2nd Thursday of each month at Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel.

Trivia, Tacos, and Tequila
Mar. 17, 2026 6:00 p.m.

Come test out your trivia knowledge and enjoy Tuesday night $2 Tacos. 

Bring your friends and family and enjoy a night out at the Lone Tree Golf Club and Hotel!!

 
Although this event is not sponsored by the Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch, you will typically find a group of fellow Rotarians participating in the festivities, so come join the fun!
Lone Tree
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel

Community Service Committee Mtg.
Mar. 19, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel

Solar Chargers for Humanity Committee
Mar. 19, 2026
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (UTC-06:00)
Standing Committee encouraging Rotary Clubs located at or near areas where local residents are without electrical power (disaster areas, regugee camps) to obtain, persoonalize, and distribute solar powered chargers for mobile phones or tablets.  The committee has shipped over 100 such chargers to Ukraine schools and hospitals, each personalized with messages of support and encouragement.  The committee is focused on encouraging Rotary Clubs around the world to replicate its success.
Zig Berzins is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.- Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89175081623?pwd=HADaq6kyW96RxaUYnjW9Fggma5jMOf.1
ZOOM

Military Support Committee Mtg.
Mar. 25, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
https://zoom.us/j/98227979724
 
Pass Code: 714969
 
For Details see Committee Chair David Blackwood
Zoom only

RCHR Board Meeting
Apr. 08, 2026
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
Highlands Ranch Rotary Club board meetings will be held both in-person and via Zoom.
Highlands Ranch
Eastridge Rec Center

International Services Committee Mtg.
Apr. 09, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
We meet at 11:00am the 2nd Thursday of each month at Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel.

Community Service Committee Mtg.
Apr. 16, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel

Solar Chargers for Humanity Committee
Apr. 16, 2026
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (UTC-06:00)
Standing Committee encouraging Rotary Clubs located at or near areas where local residents are without electrical power (disaster areas, regugee camps) to obtain, persoonalize, and distribute solar powered chargers for mobile phones or tablets.  The committee has shipped over 100 such chargers to Ukraine schools and hospitals, each personalized with messages of support and encouragement.  The committee is focused on encouraging Rotary Clubs around the world to replicate its success.
Zig Berzins is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.- Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89175081623?pwd=HADaq6kyW96RxaUYnjW9Fggma5jMOf.1
ZOOM

View entire list
Speakers
Mar 05, 2026
ShelterBox
Mar 12, 2026
multiple speakers
Mar 19, 2026
Mar 26, 2026
Hope for Children Foundation; rotary of Colon, Mexico
Apr 02, 2026
Apr 09, 2026
GTNY
Apr 09, 2026
GTNY
Apr 09, 2026
Apr 16, 2026
Apr 23, 2026
Simple Ways For Consumers To Reduce Energy Cost and Emissions
View entire list
Speakers
Mar 05, 2026
ShelterBox
Mar 12, 2026
multiple speakers
Mar 19, 2026
Mar 26, 2026
Hope for Children Foundation; rotary of Colon, Mexico
Apr 02, 2026
Apr 09, 2026
GTNY
Apr 09, 2026
GTNY
Apr 09, 2026
Apr 16, 2026
Apr 23, 2026
Simple Ways For Consumers To Reduce Energy Cost and Emissions
View entire list
Sponsors

A little closer to home…a positive thinking tip from one of our young Arrowhead Elementary readers submitted by one of our fabulous reading helpers. Let's give some thought to our own special talent…

Fowl humor

A joke to share with your young relatives: Why did the cranberry blush? 

Because he caught the turkey dressing.

Thank you for reading and thanks to Kari Brown for tech help and Beth Clarke for being first reader!

  Please send submissions to philipbclarke@gmail.com and put Wheel Spinner in the subject line.

“And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.”

Paul McCartney

 Party Time!!!

Please join us for our annual Holiday Party on Saturday, December 6th, from 6-9 pm at the Highlands Ranch Senior Center. Wine and beer are gratis.The club will provide the entree' and we will ask members to bring their favorite side dish to share. See sign-up sheets on the back table resuming Thursday, November 6th.  Entertainment to be announced soon. We are seeking 6-7 energetic elves to volunteer to decorate, set-up and clean up. Contact Terre Cone or Nancy Barton with questions. Members from all 3 clubs are encouraged to join us!

This November: Bloom and be grateful!