-Today only: final thoughts before election day, 2016. After a nearly endless journey; desperate, dangerous, dark and deplorable, Frodo Baggins asks his faithful protector and friend, " Why, Sam, why is it our responsibility to do this when it seems so hopeless...?"
Sam answered, "because, Mr. Frodo...there's still some GOOD in this world...and it's worth FIGHTIN' for!"
Our Rotary Club lost one of its longest-standing members this week. Kurt Bresnitz passed away at 98. Known for his positive attitude and his ready chuckle, Kurt's whole face lighted up when he smiled - which he did a lot.
When our club was founded in 1971, Kurt was active in the Aspen Lions club. He switched to Rotary a few years later and since then his total attendance probably exceeded any other Rotarian. He maintained exceptional attendance, even in recent years when John Miller would drive him and Meadows staff would deliver him in a golf cart. "Rotary is a very important part of my life," Kurt said frequently.
Watch for Kurt's full obituary in the papers. He led a very colorful and interesting life - with dramatic twists caused by world events. Born in Vienna, Kurt fled from Austria in 1938. After making his way to America, Kurt served in the U.S.Army for four and a half years and earned commendations for his intelligence work. Eventually enrolling in a watch-making school in Denver, Kurt and his wife Lotte came to Aspen on a quick sightseeing trip in 1950. Walter Paepcke thought that every respectable town should have a good watchmaker, and he helped the Bresnitz's move to Aspen and open a jewelry store.
Thursday, November 3, 2016
Speaker:Patti Cummings, Executive Director, Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). Talk about making a difference. Who will stand up for children who are neglected and abused? The statistics for foster children are not great... 20% will become homeless by the age of 18, only 58% will graduate high school, many females will become pregnant before age 21. CASA is the eyes and ears of the court and an advocate for the children. They investigate, monitor, and advocate for the kids. The most important part is finding a "Forever Home" for these kids.
Guests: Patrick Mullins (Craig Melville), Alisa Cohen (Christina King), Bill Hodges (Joe Zanin), Jay Israel (Christina King), Cynthia King (Todd Shaver)
President Craig Melville announced the next 2 meetings will be at the Mountain Chalet. This Friday's Board meeting will discuss future breakfast locations, among other things; all are welcome. Deborah Breen is home from the hospital and recovering well.
November 10 and 17 meetings wil be at the Mt. Chalet
November 10: Kathy Hegberg, Founder of FocusedKids
November 17: Gabrielle Greeves, Executive Director, WindWalkers Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy Center
November 24: No Meeting! It's Thanksgiving.
Dates have ben set for the 2017 Rotary Speech Contest: Tuesday, May 9th; finals are Thursday May 11th at the breakfast meeting of the Aspen Rotary Club! Students will be invited from all High Schools in the Roaring Fork Valley.
Happy Bucks are now going toward the Chris Klug Foundation. Jon Kelly was happy to have progressive lenses, Justin Barrow was happy to have survived the North 40 halloween, Scott Russell was happy for the Cubs (and to forget the election), Craig Melville was happy that Pepper (husband of Susan Gomes) had received his new kidney, and to the C. K. Fdn., Kurt Adam was happy to be back in Aspen, Roger Nicholson was (un)happy for Mike Kosdrosky (Indians fan). John Sarpa was happy for the C. K. Fdn. and for his marriage of 35 years, Susan Gomes was happy for the C. K. Fdn., Mike Tunte was happy for the Cubs, Steve Wickes was happy for the newsletter editors, Susan O'Neal will be back in May, Pat Marquis was happy for Chris Klug, and Kathy Klug was too! There are 120,000 (!!) people waiting for organ transplants around the country.
The November meeting of our Board of Directors will be held Friday, November 11, 7:30 AM at the Mt. Chalet. Red Badge members should plan on attending. Also anyone with thoughts about the current/future direction of our Rotary Club are welcome.
Maurice Emmer continues to encourage Aspen Rotarians to attend and/or participate in the Rotary Youth Exchange interviews in Grand Junction December 2,3,4. According to Maurice, "This is a great way to learn more about the youth exchange program and to meet the wonderful volunteers and families from around the district who participate." Sign up online using this form.
The Weekly Newsletter of the Rotary Club of Aspen.
