-Inside scoop on City of Aspen's Land Use Code Revisions
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Roger Nicholson, Editor-of-the-month; this issue ghost written by Maurice Emmer
Thursday, January 26, 2017
Sergeant-at-Arms Jon Kelly opened with recitation of the Four Way Test and a memorable quote that I forgot.
Speaker:Steve Skadron, Mayor of Aspen, Colorado
Mayor Skadron explained the history of land use zoning in Aspen dating back to the 1960s. He summarized the trends that had occurred in zoning approaches and the reasons for them. He explained why city council has undergone a year-long rewrite of the city's land use code and some of the major objectives of the effort. There were many questions from the audience. The club thanked the mayor for his interest in addressing the club and for his informative and frank presentation.
Also presentations by club committees (see committee reports below)
Visiting Rotarian: Frank McGuire of Nassau, Bahamas; Guests: Petru Koven (sp?) (Todd Shaver), Lori Small (Bill Small), Keith Elder and Jennifer Luedtke (Emily Burr), Kenny Smith (Robin Smith), and Mike Hoffman (Former President of the Club)
It was announced that the Aspen Chapel graciously has agreed to host 18 inbound Rotary Youth Exchange students from around our district. They will be attending the Winter X Games. The Chapel has provided its social space for the students and chaperones to spend Saturday night. A thank you card to be given to the Chapel was circulated.
February 2: Nicholas Vesey, Aspen Chapel
February 9: Diane Darling, Program Chair / Roaring Fork Brain Train
February 16: Dave Ressler, Aspen Valley Hospital
On behalf of the Membership Committee, Justin Barrow presented the Blue Badge to MichaelConnoly. Michael expressed gratitude for the opportunities and friendships that Rotary has provided to him.
Happy Bucks: Because so many happy bucks were collected in previous weeks for the Aspen Animal Shelter, the happy bucks ritual was not observed at this meeting.
Will be February 10, 7:30 AM at the Mountain Chalet. Breakfast will be served. All Rotarians are welcome. Red badge members are encouraged to attend, as this is a building block toward the elusive Blue Badge.
The Rotary Foundation Committee presentation was given by Kurt Adam. Among other points, Kurt explained that our club has donated over $774,000 to the Rotary Foundation since the club's inception. Kurt recognized Clarence Blackwell for donating at the level of Paul Harris Fellow +8, John Kelleher for Paul Harris Fellow +6, and Craig Melville for Paul Harris Fellow +3. Congratulations and thanks to them all, and thanks to all who donate to the foundation.
The Youth Exchange Committee reported that it operates under rules established by Rotary International, the Rotary district, a combine of several Rotary districts called WESSEX, and the United States Department of State. Despite extensive rules and requirements, the work of the committee is among the most rewarding. The Rotary Youth Exchange Program enables high school students from our valley to spend an academic year in another country, spreading goodwill for the United States and promoting international understanding. Similarly, the program permits students from other countries to spend a year in our country, and our district in particular, promoting international understanding. It was announced that the current Youth Exchange Officer, Maurice Emmer, will be stepping down when the inbound student hosted by our club this year, Adriana Romeo Martinez, returns to Spain this summer. The a new Youth Exchange Officer must be identified within the club if the program is to continue. Also, the committee should undergo a partial refreshing of membership. Interested Rotarians should contact Maurice Emmer at mauriceemmer@gmail.com.
The Weekly Newsletter of the Rotary Club of Aspen.
