The Wheel Spinner
Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch
 

December 23, 2025

… and make it fun!!!

White  

Elephant

Treasures

The Noon Club had a raucous meeting with serial laughter abounding as members rid themselves of their basement booty and looked warily at seeing goods resurfacing from the White Elephant Fiesta in 2024! Pictured with the cute couple below are the ever popular Holiday Spirits which always prove to have great trade value!

Terre talking treasures   

Zig in the gnome zone

Jane and Kyle wondering if 80 proof is proof enough

Fly'n B at Wind Crest

 

From Win Pendleton


2025 ended on several high notes. 

*At our last meeting for the year we received two new membership applications. Once these are entered into the RI system, we will have 31 members. 

*Our Apple award was passed from Arlene to Dan McPherson for his club service as Program Chairman, post-meeting dinner organizer, and supporter for Solar Panels for Ukraine. (See attached photos). 

*Carol Wright ended the year with several readings from The Rotarian with the theme: Happiness. It was noted that a paraphrased quote from Mahatma Gandhi suggested that we was either a Rotarian or was influenced by Rotary: "Your quest for Happiness is guided by What you think, What you say, and What you do". 

*Three of our members attended the highly praised Highlands Ranch Rotary Christmas Party. 

*Judy reported that 296 Comfort Pillows were distributed this month. Please report your service hours to her by Dec 31st. 

*Gayle has resubmitted our application for a Peace Pole at Wind Crest. Some of the past objections might be overcome if we incorporate only English phrasing. 

*Judy reported on her Citizenship Test student and family's visit to Wind Crest. Seeing the trains and helping decorate our Christmas tree were highlights to this Muslim family experience. 

*We had time for two fun activities. Some members brought their favorite Holiday decoration and explained its significance. We also held one of our periodic member interviews. This time it was Lynn Cederquist. (Photo of her with a decorated Solar Panel.) 

     On Saturday, Dec 13th, 14 club members and Wind Crest residents assembled 20 Solar Panels for Ukraine. Another event is planned for March 7th.  

     On Sunday, Nov 30th we dedicated the Wind Crest bench plaque in honor of Mike Oldham. His two children, Forrest and Jennifer were present. 

  

 

 

Solar panel conversion to phone chargers 

Helping the citizens of Ukraine communicate despite their power plants being bombed.

Dan McPherson receives the Apple Award from Arlene

Rotarian Extraordinaire Mike Oldham now has a bench at Wind Crest in his memory

More from the Nooners…

Soon to be District Governor Bill Simmermon gave a humorous inspiration imagining someone questioning Rotary

***

Family of Rotary

Arthur Cone has surgery scheduled today. Wish him well!

Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls, 

It is the time of year to remind ourselves that our “presence” is more important than our “presents.” The greatest gift that we can give is being here/there. Together.

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

Photo credits to Win Pendleton, Jan Keyton and Bill Simmermon

Thanks to Kari Brown for tech support and to Beth Clarke for spousal support.

Thanks to you for reading! You are appreciated and admired and we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a magnificent, healthy and Happy New Year!

Speakers
Jan 22, 2026
Realness Project, helping prisoners return to society
Jan 29, 2026
WASH Program
Jan 29, 2026
Polar bears in Manitoba
Feb 05, 2026
Mission of Healing Eyes
Feb 12, 2026
Playing NFL football and being a physical therapist
Feb 19, 2026
Feb 26, 2026
Dress for Success
Mar 05, 2026
ShelterBox
Mar 12, 2026
multiple speakers
View entire list

Upcoming Events

Military Support Committee Mtg.
Zoom only
Jan. 28, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
 
Project C.U.R.E.
Feb. 09, 2026
1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
 
RCHR Board Meeting
Eastridge Rec Center
Feb. 11, 2026
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
 
International Services Committee Mtg.
Feb. 12, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
 
Trivia, Tacos, and Tequila
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel
Feb. 17, 2026 6:00 p.m.
 
Highlands Ranch Rotary Foundation Mtg.
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel
Feb. 19, 2026 10:00 a.m.
 
Community Service Committee Mtg.
Lone Tree Golf Club & Hotel
Feb. 19, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
 
Solar Chargers for Humanity Committee
ZOOM
Feb. 19, 2026
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (UTC-07:00)
 
Military Support Committee Mtg.
Zoom only
Feb. 25, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
 
RCHR Board Meeting
Eastridge Rec Center
Mar. 11, 2026
7:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.
 
View entire list