Ho, ho, ho! We had a blast seeing Head Start kids delighted at Santa's visit. Our annual party for these kids was swell. Above, Dawn and Diane help Santa deliver bags of presents that include winter clothing -- and toys, of course! We bought gifts for 64 children this year.
Vee and John Sabel provided toy bears for each child to have as they left the stage. Thanks to them, Frank, the Buck Center, Walmart and all our club volunteers.
We had the best Rotarian turnout in recent years, with a Rotarian hosting every table. Former Englewood Rotarian Don Loyd and Lori also helped. And Ron Olivett made another great appearance as Santa.
Your attention, please!
Frank has invited Englewood High Coach Tom Rode to chat with us tomorrow -- EARLY, because Tom has to get back to run a class at 12:25. He's asking us for financial help for the girls basketball and volleyball teams. Former member Rick Hayes referred him to us.
They lack funds for uniforms and for transportation for parents to attend games.
Our Rotary board of directors will vote on this request at a board meeting immediately following the regular meeting.
If you're interested in the state of athletics at Englewood High, and the financial needs of teams, please arrive to meet Tom at TWELVE.
We would like to deepen our relationship with Englewood High, and this might be an opening. Perhaps we could attend some of the games.
Remember, TWELVE to talk with the coach.
Quick board meeting, I hope
We will convene a quick board meeting to discuss just two topics: 1. Financial support to the girls volleyball and basketball teams, 2. Hosting a Rotary exchange student in partnership with the Centennial Rotary Club.
The parents of our student in Peru, Mike and Katherine Dow want to host a student beginning in August. They will be joining our club. They attended our holiday party, so many of us had a chance to chat. They also attended the wine tasting fund-raiser and donated additional funds to our wonderful military and veterans fund.
The Centennial club has taken the lead on setting this up, so I hope we can join in. Several years ago we had a bad experience co-hosting a student who attended Douglas County schools. This student would be at Cherry Creek. The Dows live in a townhome across from the Araphaoe Light Rail Station, so close to most of us.
A second family from the Centennial club would host the student the second half of the year. There is cost involved. Our share would be about $1,500, mostly as an "allowance," and, I believe, insurance.
I personally believe this could be a great opportunity for our club. Frank and I both have had wonderful experiences hosting.
-- Patty
Another something new. . .
Well Fed, the program that sent food home on weekends to needy Englewood Schools students, is back.
They need those plastic bags you stashed in the closet after grocery shopping. Please bring your stash (of grocery bags) to the meeting tomorrow.
Thank you, Glory and Dave
We enjoyed a fabulous evening of camaraderie, libation and delicious food at the beautiful home of Glory and Dave Weisberg. Thank you so much for hosting us!
Speaker on a timely topic
Tomorrow we have Cyndee Lutz whose topic is "Heroin and the Holidays." The opioid epidemic is here. I have had clients whose loved ones overdosed and died. It's tragic.
So let's learn what we might be able to do in our community. -- Patty
