Because we were dark last week, here are some notes to remind you of activities and upcoming events.
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Family of Rotary:
We call your attention to the email Claudia sent in January on the 9th. Thanks to Phil Clarke for the reminder of the recent passing of Tim Sparks, our long-time friend and member. Here is what he sent:
"Jim Kelly and Tom Keyton eulogized Tim Sparks, a Rotarian extraordinaire, at his memorial on January 14, 2025. Tim's widow, Janet was comforted by the turnout which included many members of ...our club.
Tim was a key member of the military committee, a former director of the club, and renowned as "the voice of the RCHR" having won the "mellow tones" lottery much like his cousin, Sam Elliot. Tim passed at the age of 84 and had been awarded Honorary Member Status, our highest honor. Tim will be remembered fondly for his quest to visit all of the National Parks as well as for his thousands and thousands of miles riding the rails.
Some of you may find the Curtis Mayfield's hit song applies to Tim's journey:
People Get Ready
People get ready, there's a train a-comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord."
For Janet, his family, and to all of those who knew Tim, we send our heartfelt best wishes and hope that you find peace in happy memories of your time with him.
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Reminders & Updates:
We were also reminded the "Early Bird" rate for THE RI CONVENTION 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! There was also an email from Bev Mendel in the District Office about tours for Rotarians who attend.
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.
Reen reminded us that she is going to Calgary if anyone would like a female roommate, please contact her.
A few final words from The President's Desk this week:
On 2/20 the noon meeting (as is required in our Bylaws) will be an "Open For Business" Forum. Entrepreneurs and others are invited to share with the club a brief summary of their services and practice areas.
Last, but not least, we have another mandatory announcement regarding open seats for the Board of Directors. This is week two of the process.
The following people have now either raised their hands or been nominated. As of noon last week, the following people had been announced/nominated. We will hear more soon. The final names for consideration are:
Alan Balfour - Nominated by The Board.
Nancy Barton - nominated by Debby Doig, we believe.
Zig Berzins - also nominated by a member of the Board.
Shannon O'Brien- self-nominated at the last meeting on the floor.
Scott Smith - Nominated on the floor at the last meeting by Jane Kucharski.
Very soon, we will be asked to vote (via email). Please watch your email for this very important chance to make a choice that will determine the future leadership of our club. Your voice matters and the votes will be counted!
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COMMITTEE ANNOUNCEMENTS
FROM THE PAST WEEK & THE MEETINGS
Sunrise Meetings Group Update
From their most recent meeting on January 22nd, we have the following notes from Colette Hepp. (Thanks, Colette!):
They are working on all the details of 5/2/25 event. Sponsors are still being sought.
All "Cause Champions" are reminded to submit funding requests by 3/1.
Sunrise Club is working to sych their bylaws with the noon club bylaws.
Flyin' B Meeting Update
Oh, the Flyin' B is already humming along for the New Year!
Reminder that we meet on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 4-5pm in the Longs Ridge Classroom. We often gather after the meeting for a "Dutch" dinner at The Windows Restaurant.
Nominations for Club Officers has begun and the following people have been suggested:
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. Nominations on the floor on the day of the vote (2/13/25) will be allowed or please see Bill, Dan, or Darlene.
We will continue to discuss the History of the 4 Way Test and real world examples of how to apply it in our everyday lives at Wind Crest.
It is time for Dues to Bill for $60. Please bring them to a meeting or his is box #2301 in the Town Center Cubbies.
Finally, the following events have been approved by Wind Crest:
Electronic Recycling 5/2/25
Shoe Collection 5/17/25
Blood Drives 5/31 and 11/1/25
Trees/Pollinator Planting in April/May
Type caption here
The crew who gathered at Ronald McDonald House.
Our fearless leader, President Arthur.
Horsing around, RCHR-style!
Smiles everybody, smiles!
Big John
Jan Keyton helping
Additional Committee News and Other Announcements
The Social Committee will have a new event calendar for 2025 soon. Stay tuned! Friendship dinners are on the horizon for February and details are coming soon.
RCHR Board - 2nd Wednesday each month 7:30-9 am
Highlands Ranch Rotary Foundation - 3rd Thursday 9-11:30am
Community Service - 3rd Thursday 11am.
Please go back to your inbox and look for the email from Claudia regarding training we are being asked to consider doing for IFCS as the new ICE enforcements could impact volunteers at future events. This is critically important for volunteers.
International Service Committee (ISC) - 2nd Thursday 11am
Phil asked us to note the following:
ISC would like to expand upon the success of the Solar Panels for Ukraine effort. Zig Berzins is looking for help to do this both as a Co-chair is needed and he is considering bringing this effort under ISC as a sub-committee. Details are pending but would require that he has more help to organize and carry-through with this commitment.
Finally, the ISC is looking at the following ideas RE: Solar Panels:
Working to persuade Peace Corp to adopt this into the work they are doing through and international partnership with Rotary.
Pitching something at the International Conference in Calgary.
Considering pursuing a District Grant. For this, a grant lead would be needed to write the grant request.
Adding Solar Panels to the Shelter Boxes.
Military Support - 4th Wednesday 8am via Zoom
Membership Committee
The next meeting is in February.
Youth / RYLA
PR Committee
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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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