Last week's meeting was a special one with a Business Networking Event where several people presented about their businesses.
Our greeter last week was Ray Anderson and the Inspiration & Pledge were led by Jean Baker Temple, who shared 3 quotes about leadership, and being clever and wise.
President Arthur did "This week in History" with a note focusing us on the 120 year anniversary this past week of Rotary's "Service Above Self" motto.
We had one visiting Rotarian from Sunrise Club, Joel Johnson. Other guests were Bill Simmermon's guest, Misty, guest and potential member Kiki Kearns-Beattie, and Judy Carlson's talented daughter, Britta, who is a graphic and website designer. Britta may also be a prospective member... we suspect. :-)
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Our program last week was important. While we value the fellowship and friendship, we must consider as we look to the future, the value of attracting new and younger members who are interested in developing deeper business contacts.
With this in mind, and in accordance with our by-laws, the first of two "Business Meetings" took place, wherein, several members shared information about their backgrounds and their businesses. **Please note, if you would like details for any of the presenters' businesses, you are encouraged to find the names and information about their work in ClubRunner by using the directory. They have websites with additional information and you may want to contact them for details or discounts they may offer for Rotarians.
Judy Carlson -
Judy Carlson Financial Group is a full-service, full-licensed Comprehensive Financial Planner. Judy began on the corporate "Big 6" side and has deep experience.
Mike O'Brien -
Liability Protection Services is a law firm specializing in business law, estate planning, mergers & acquisitions, commercial real estate construction, and employment law.
Shannon O'Brien -
The Travel Purveyor is an independent travel advisory service specializing in luxury travel. Shannon can help you plan your next adventure.
Shara Hubert-
Transworld Business Advisors is a specialized firm that can help if you have an interest in buying or selling a business.
Please do look into supporting these people as well as all of our Wheel Spinner Sponsors.
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Family of Rotary:
We did not receive updates this week. Our thoughts still are with Mary Kay, Bob Larson, and any of our members or their families who are going through difficulties. Please note that you may contact Carolyn Bradish to share what you choose. We are here as the "Family of The Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch" if you need us.
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Reminders & Updates:
Elizabeth hosted a blanket event today (3/25). Joann's Fabric is closing all locations so for all who use those materials in their projects, now is the time to go to Joann's.
See's Spring Candy for your holiday celebrations this Spring is available until 4/4. Ray Anderson coordinated this and you should have an email from Claudia with details for these treats that will benefit our club!
THE RI CONVENTION is in Calgary in JUNE of 2025. Many of us will be there! Let's make it a group adventure and show up in force, RCHR!
Marion Tummer reminds us (as did Philip Calderbank), the Costa Rica Literacy trip is scheduled for May 20, 2025-May 29, 2025. You may contact Marion if you would like information or speak to members of the International Committee.
A few final words from The President's Desk this week:
The email has been sent for you to vote. (Please check SPAM if you do not see it. It was sent on 2/19 by Kari on behalf of The Club.)
The following people have now either raised their hands or been nominated.
Alan Balfour - Nominated by The Board.
Nancy Barton - Nominated by Debby Doig, we believe.
Zig Berzins - Nominated by the Board.
Shannon O'Brien- Self-nominated on the floor.
Scott Smith - Nominated on the floor by Jane Kucharski.
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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.
They learned (for all of us) that you may request an electronic copy of The Rotarian to save RI the cost of printing and shipping.
The group voted on its leadership as follows:
Chair-Elect, Ray Leaycraft 2025-26
Gary Smith will finish Ray's term on the Board for the balance of the time.
Joel Johnson, Treasurer
Colette Hepp, Secretary/ Cindy Leaycraft as a backup when needed.
The following groups are seeking potential support. All requests are due by March 1, 2025.
Zuma Ranch updates are forthcoming as they reorganize.
Friends of Roxborough has a funding request ready.
Brent's Place has potential still to explore.
Flyin' B Meeting Update
Mike Oldham was memorialized at a well-attended service and The Denver Indian Center is grateful for the Donation in his name.
Election of Club Officers has been confirmed:
Chairman - Win
Secretary - Judy
Treasurer - Bill
Sgt. at Arms - Carol
Programming Chair - Dan
They are still hoping to find - Events & Activities Chair, Member Chair, HR Rotary Board Representative, and Chair-elect for 2026.
Membership Surveys were distributed and can be returned to Cubbie #4308.
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
The next meeting is on Thursday 2/27 from 4-5 and Zig Berzins will speak to us about the Solar Panel for Ukraine Project, followed by dinner (Dutch) at Carter's Private Dining Room.
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
The next meeting is in February. 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 toRockyMountainRYLA.com.
PR Committee
********************** 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.
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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.
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