Volume II, Issue 49, December 8, 2016

 

 

December 7th marked the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. In remembrance, Jon Kelly shared the eloquent quote by Alexander Hamilton, "There is a certain enthusiasm in liberty, that makes human nature rise above itself, in acts of bravery and heroism."  

In this Issue:
 
- Hockey Pucks Push Passion and Excellence in our Youth

- History has a Voice among the Army Navy Rotarians
 
Comments? Rotary News? Send to:  AspenRotaryNewsletter@gmail.com
Christina M King, Editor-of-the-month 

 

 

Shaun Hathaway shares achievements for the Aspen Leafs this year and announces our morning speaker:  Kalle Väliaho. He is the manager of youth hockey operations for the Finnish Ice Hockey Association and is currently taking a 6 month sabbatical to complete his thesis and finalize his masters in Sports Studies at Verumaki (Haag University). During this time, Kalle chose to partner with the Aspen Leafs to support their desire in establishing a similar mindset of the Finnish - supporting four values of respect, fun, communality, and pursuance of excellence - as they drive to create young, passionate, athletes in the Aspen Community. 

 

Finland, with a population of 5.5 million people, has worked diligently to invest in youth development to produce world class hockey players. Kalle explains that Finland's success comes from creating an environment where all kids have an opportunity to be an athlete first. The mindset begins with (1) build curiosity to strengthen overall achievement in the sport but also in life; (2) teach the basics: run, balance, swim - to establish a developmentally appropriate foundation. 'There after, any skill can be taught,' he says. 

 

First steps, ages 5-9: Build passion and create excitement for sports! Second Step, ages 10-14: Time to play and learn the game of hockey. Third Step, ages 15-19: Be competitive! 

 

The Finnish Ice Hockey Association's 10 year plan includes a partnership with the Aspen Junior hockey league with the goal of supporting a message in the US culture of strengthening our children to become strong individuals, leaders, and HOCKEY PLAYERS!!!

 

 

Guests: Chris Peterson, of the Carbondale Rotary Club; and Carla Rouis, guest of Steven Seyffert, who is a recipient of the Rotary Scholarship. She shared her plans to live in Japan while pursing her medical degree with potential emphasis in neuroscience. 

 

 

Hockey games for Aspen Leafs this weekend!!! 7:00 Friday and Saturday night- Aspen Leafs vs Colorado Thunderbirds in Rocky Mountain Junior Hockey League action at Lewis Arena. Visit www.aspenleafs.com or www.RMJHL.com for more info.

 

Rotary Youth Exchange, Maurice Emmer, reports on the interviews from the RYE weekend in Grand Junction. Sharing his thanks for John Keleher, John Engels, Vel Engels, Jamie Emmer, on their participation during this weekend. 

 

Ringing of the Bell Season in support of the Salvation Army has begun its yearly tradition.  Please sign up and take an hour out of your day to do what we do best and serve our community! 

 

Aspen Rotary Annual Holiday Dinner will be hosted by the ever amazing Rob Ittner at the Cooking School Aspen on December 14th! Please invite your significant others and enjoy some holiday cheer! RSVP Also, Bring extra cash to the Christmas party for stocking stuffers ...Ducky Derby apparel available! 

 

 

Special Olympics housing is needed! * athletes and their coaches. Four nights January 24-27th during X-Games. Please contact Dave at dmunk@rof.net to support their efforts. 

 

December 15: No Meeting!  Rotary Holiday party is December 14. 
December 22: Aspen Film
December 29: Adriana Romeo our Youth Exchange Student

January 5: Chris Stoner, Wild Bear Bee Farm

January 12: Bridget Derkash, River Bridge Regional Center

 

 

Deborah Breen wins the raffle but not the jackpot! 

 

 

Clarence Blackwell is just HAPPY! Steve Wickes shares his joy for the newsletter and encourages us all to take a shot at being an editor for a month in 2017! Deborah Breen is back and smiling and the club applauds as John Sarpa warmly welcomes her back!  Kathy Klug  announces that Rotary Youth Exchange is a life changer and shares many thanks to Maurice Emmer and the RYE group for their dedication and support. Llwyd Ecclestone recognizes Kathy Klug for her expertise and dedication to our high school students!  Jim DeFrancia shares all about his experience attending the christening of the USS Colorado! Maurice Emmer shares his happiness for his son, Jackson, being home and welcomes us to attend Jackson's performances at the Jerome. Bob Blanchard announces the ARMY NAVY GAME this weekend and entertains us with some fun facts of having the privilege to serve under Admiral Byrd. Robin Smith is joyous about the snow and the Christmas spirit! Craig Melville donates two dollars for the expected two feet of snow in the next week.