This week, we celebrate Veterans Day on November 11th. Veterans Day reminds us of our freedoms -- freedoms based upon sacrifices made by our Armed Forces throughout the years.
Let's remember to reflect on those who have served and to “Thank a Soldier" for his or her valiant service and duty to the United States of America.
In honor of Veterans Day, we have a very exciting program for our Zoom meeting. Colonel Chris Nelson, retired from a prestigious and illustrious career in the US Air Force, will be joining our Zoom meeting to share his unique perspective while serving as the navigator on Air Force One during the Carter and Reagan Presidencies.
I’m sure each of us at one time or another, would have loved to have been the fly on board Air Force One. Chris’s presentation should not be missed. His stories are amazing and very personal. Spouses and friends are invited to join us for this presentation.
See you on Wednesday! --Susan
News of Judy Beggs' passing
The following is a message from a leader in the Paonia Rotary Club, brought to us by a friend of Gary Sears:
It saddens me to pass on this news this morning. Our newest member Judy Beggs passed away this Friday at the home of her daughter Niki Richardson in Hotchkiss.
Judy had a really big life. After years as an attorney in Englewood, Colorado, at 50 years of age, she decided to enter the Peace Corps, where she fell in love with the people of Senegal. She spent the next thirty-plus years serving those people and through her non-profit, Friends of Gueoul, managed to put 150 young girls through school - several now in college.
After suffering a stroke this past December, Judy was convinced to move to Hotchkiss and live with her daughter Niki and husband. Striving to keep her service active, Judy joined our Rotary Club this past Spring.
Unfortunately, because of Covid, many of you didn't get to spend any face-to-face time with her. She was a go-getter even after suffering the first stroke. We'll remember Judy as we pass through Hotchkiss and see the Rotary signs she spear-headed.
And thanks to your generous donations, a matching District Grant, and her own fundraising, Judy was able to send monies for rice to Gueoul recently.
She will be remembered as an altruistic loving soul who changed the lives of many throughout her life. We were blessed to have her as a member of our club, even for such a short time.
-- Pam
We do not have information today on her services. I am coordinating with the executive director of Friends of Gueoul for updates.
Her daughter is Niki Richardson
33845 Highway 92
Hotchkiss, CO 81419
303-725-7214
-- Patty