EDITOR’S NOTES (In absentia)
ROTARY CLUB OF HIGHLANDS RANCH
THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2024
The meeting was called to order at noon by President, Arthur Cone.
Thank you to our greeter, Steve Miller.
Sue Bramley delivered an inspiration about celebrating our country and the “Rotary Rhythmics”
led us all in a rousing rendition of “Grand Old Flag” by George M. Cohan, followed by the
pledge. Thank you, Sue.
We welcomed guests, (David Yancey) from the Springfield, MO Southeast Rotary Club, our old
friend, (Lee Mc Cue), (Justin McLeod) a dear friend of Bill Simmermon, and our dear (Jerry and
Jan Selifreund) who joined us as well. Justin offered his “car detailing” services to our club
members at a special discounted rate. Terre presented Justin with a special gift and honored
him for his hard work.
Neil Di Lorenzo will keep the “rock” for another week, well deserved, Neil.
Our speaker today was Mark Fetterhoff with AARP. He works in conjunction with the Colorado
Attorney General’s Office on the “Elder Watch” program, in existence for over 20 years (serving
senior citizens in our state). Mark covered scams such as identity theft, imposter/business, tech
support, email, phone, and text phishing, home repairs, online dating/romance, non-stranger
exploitation, government imposters, sweepstakes/prize lotteries, as well as housing issues. For
more information go to: Identitytheft.gov. Thankfully, we Rotarians are savvy seniors.
Scott Davenport presented the “Rotary Scholar of the Year Award” to Aditi Avinash of Rock
Canyon High School. Aditi will be attending Duke University School of Medicine in the fall,
where she will continue her studies and her medically recognized research on finding a “one pill”
remedy for Celiac (a chronic autoimmune condition and digestive disease) affecting between 2
and 3 million people in the US. We gifted her with a Rotary cap, as she will explore the Rotaract
Club at Duke University. Ironically, she was also the winner of our 50/50 drawing.
Bill Leeper updated us on our Peach Sales. We are currently at (over 400) cases sold. Jan
requests that our members get out and canvas, email, and spread the word in our
neighborhoods. We have 3 weeks left. All orders must be received no later than Thursday,
August 8th .
Shrin and Debbie Leonard announced a total of $60,000 received thus far in our “Bright
Futures” campaign. Shrin suggested that we contact local businesses (who support and cater to
our community). A prize of a bottle of wine was won as Debbie Leonard pulled the winning
name from those who have committed to our campaign thus far. Congratulations to Scott
Davenport!
Steve Miller received his “Paul Harris - Double Red” pin for his “+7 “ donation to the Paul Harris
Society. Thank you, Steve, for your continued support.
“Big John” Kennett announced his promise to present his work to the club on the RI Foundation
and Polio Plus (Part of RI) this fall, following our “Bright Futures” campaign.
Thanks to our amazing Auctioneer, Bob Larson, a fine bottle of red wine from a vineyard in
Cape Town, South Africa was auctioned, earning our club $70.00. The proceeds now go to our
operating budget. Please bring your interesting items to Bob for auction in the future.
Great News! Thanks to the sharp wit and intellect of the Hartneys, Logans, Bramleys, and
Clarks, our team won the “Tuesday Night Trivia” contest this week. They were awarded 4
rounds of golf, complete with 2 carts. The winners are generously donating their prize, as an
auction item to raise money for our club at next week’s meeting. Bring your checkbooks!!!
Beginning next week, a sign-up sheet will be placed at the back table for those interested in
volunteering their time at our District Conference in the “House of Friendship” on Saturday,
September 28 th. If interested, please see Arthur or Terre. Shifts will be 30 minutes each
throughout the day. We expect a full house. Let’s all support our wonderful District Governor and
friend, Tamie Fennell.
Remember: Claudia asked the club for donations of desperately needed Feminine Hygiene
products and deodorant for IFCS. We ask that all donations be received by Thursday, August 1 st
for delivery the following week.
Jan and Jerry Selinfreund donated $100.00 for “Happy Bucks” honoring Bob Martin’s amazing
job as our President, last year. Claudia celebrated her first ZOOM call with NAMI (mirroring our
club’s commitment to pediatric mental health), and Shrin shared his “Happy Bucks” for our
scholar, Aditi, (whom he has known since she was a kindergartner).
Finally, President Arthur shared his “Happy Bucks” in honor of our beautiful Mary Kay Hasz as
she celebrated her 85 th birthday with all of us, and Choir Director (Phil Clarke) led the group in a
heartfelt rendition of “Happy Birthday.” As one who has aged gracefully, she still looks 15 years
younger. We love you, Mary Kay!
Connie gifted the club a “2 for one” on Bundt cakes (thanks to her beautiful daughter). Thank
you, Connie!
Our Family of Rotary sends our thoughts and prayers to Ann Lester and Jane Kucharski. We lift
them in our hearts and prayers, to renewed good health.
Respectfully submitted,
Terre Cone
Editor “Pro se”
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