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Volume III, Issue 34, August 31, 2017

In this Issue:
 
- The Year Hunter Maytin Won: a heartwarming story
Leadership and Values: guest speaker Jeff Cheney
- Announcements
- Membership News
- Committee News
 
Comments? Rotary News? Send to:  AspenRotaryNewsletter@gmail.com
Shaun Hathaway, Editor-of-the-month 
Head Duck Mike Kosdrosky delivers a $10,000 check to the winner of the 2017 Ducky Derby, Hunter Maytin.
 
The 2017 Ducky Derby will forever be remembered by its incredible story, the year Hunter Maytin won.  Flanked by his father Jay and sister Hilde, his mother Lauren was the first to eloquently tell the beautiful tale.  After gaining some steam selling ducks in his neighborhood, he expanded his exposure by moving his enterprise downtown.  Hunter's motivation to work to support Aspen Rotary was grounded in his passion to ski.  A member of AVSC, he is an extremely skilled and fearless athlete who clearly understands how selling ducks helps support his expenses for coaching and competition. During his time downtown, two older accomplished skiers connected with his story and ended up giving him a personal donation to directly help his skiing pursuits.  In the true spirit of the Ducky Derby, Hunter donated this gift back to Aspen Rotary by purchasing ducks for himself.  In an amazing twist of fate and glorious coincidence, one of his ducks crossed the finish line first.  On Thursday he humbly accepted the $10,000 prize to further his passion. For years to come, it won't be difficult to remember the name Hunter Maytin.
 
 
 
Thursday, August 31, 2017
 
Speaker:  Jeff Cheney 
 
After speaking to Rotarians this past winter, Jeff Cheney was elected as District Attorney for the 9th Judicial District (Garfield, Pitkin, and Rio Blanco Counties).  He returned to discuss his new role as an esteemed servant of our community. 
 
Jeff grew up in Arkansas and in 1988, he joined the military at age 17.  After achieving the rank of E-4 as an Army Infantry Officer and paratrooper, he was awarded a Bronze Star in 2003.  Married with two children, he continues to serve as volunteer coach, youth leader in Boy Scouts, public servant, and part-time citizen-soldier.  Jeff has earned the reputation of being a “man of service” to his country and community and contributes in many ways to making our community a great place to live.
 
On Thursday he thoroughly explained how his values  shape the District Attorney's office under his leadership.  He spoke of the humbling opportunity it is to represent the people, and the openness he displays by making monthly visits to Pitkin County headquarters.  In his short tenure, he has already made 39 trips to our community.  He spoke of the need to listen and empathize, especially when it comes to addiction and the need for treatment to reduce crime.  He spoke of collaboration with all those who have a stake in the criminal justice process, and explained how all tools should be available to help the people coming through the this process.  His restore to justice program, which provides a chance for a victim and offender to mutually acknowledge damage done by crime, is a shining example. 
 
Jeff also discussed the trends of rising crime (18-30%) in our district, and the expanding problems associated with heroin use.  Recently he started the heroin project, soliciting funding from alcohol and marijuana distributors to help develop a detox and treatment facility in our district.  He wakes up every day proud and motivated to serve the communities that he represents with the attitude that leaders cannot quit.  Jeff is clearly committed to lead with care and compassion.  He concluded his speech asking for our help and support  to further the vision and direction of his office.  
 
Guests: 
Visiting Rotarians:
Chris Peterson (Carbondale)
David Grimes
Ritchey Terri (Clarksville, TX)
Susan O’Neal (Washington DC and Scottsdale, AZ)
 
Guests:
Hunter Maytin (Ducky Derby winner) plus family:  Jay (father), Lauren (mother), and Hilde (younger sister)
Nicolene Hanson – incoming youth exchange student from Copenhagen
Annabelle Ward – former youth exchange student who was in Argentina)
Sarah Nininger – Action in Africa
Geoff Erwin, guest of Greg Erwin
Incoming District Governor Chris Peterson announced that the term for the assistant district governor of the 5470 leadership team is expiring and a replacement is needed.  This is a three year term.  Candidates must be a past Rotarian President, must visit other district clubs and attend the district conference.  
 
President Scott Russel reported:
  • September is Jeep Tour Month, the big event is Saturday, September 23
  • The Ducky Derby recap meeting is Tuesday, September 5  at 4:00 pm (in the Mountain Chalet upstairs meeting room).  The purpose of the meeting is to collect feedback, suggestions for improvement, constructive comments or new ideas.
  • Snowmass Wine Festival:  In return for Snowmass Rotary's help at our Ducky Derby, we promised to reciprocate by providing at least five volunteers to help at their Snowmass Wine Festival, which will be held Saturday, September 16 from 1:30 to 5 pm.  In return for a 2-hour shift, you can enjoy the festival.  Please let Scott know if you are available.
 
Action in Africa Director Sarah Nininger reported that she is relocating to Washing DC to run Action in Africa.  She was also recently inducted into Uganda Rotary.  
 
Upcoming Speakers
 
To Be Announced...
Member News
Happy Bucks!
  • Todd Brewer is happy after returning from his dad's 87’s birthday celebration.
  • John Moore is happy that on Monday the movers come to river valley ranch.
  • Deborah Breen invited members to attend the AVH Community Picnic
  • Kathy Klug is happy that 4 months of Happy Bucks are going to the AHS Beta Service club, and that a check is on its way to help keep the club going.
  • David Grimes is happy and grateful for how welcoming our club has been to him
  • Robin Smith is thrilled kids are back at school with great teachers, and thanked Rob Ittner for being such a great culinary teacher
  • Bob Blaich is happy that his son in Corpus Christy survived Hurricane Harvey.
Upcoming Happy Bucks will benefit:
  • September:  The Hut System
  • October:  Christmas Wish
  • November and December:  Holiday Baskets
The raffle pot is up to $454!
 
Committee News
Membership Committee Chair Emily Burr announced a short meeting following the guest speaker.  A five minute survey will be sent to members; please commit to completing.  She also encouraged more members to join the Membership Committee.
Newsletter Sponsors
Russell Hampton
National Awards Services Inc.
Sage
ClubRunner
The Weekly Newsletter of the Rotary Club of Aspen.
Comments? Rotary News? send to AspenRotaryNewsletter@gmail.com