Breakfast Rotary Club Newsletter

INSPIRATION: Dan St. John reminded us that the Declaration of Independence, signed on Sept 17th, 1787 was a flawed document, created by flawed men. However, they needed controls and guidance as the United States grew and they recognized the flawed document and made amendments 27 times. 

IDEA THOUGHTS:  Dwight Eisenhower spoke about the Rule of the Law and that a strong nation is established when the rule of the law ‘ensures justice between man and man (though now interpreted as man and woman, woman and woman, etc.) however humble the one and however powerful the other.’

FUTURE PROGRAMS: Please see the side panel for upcoming speakers and be sure to invite your friends. 

GUESTS:

  • Karen Trusler — Assistant District Governor

  • Hugh McCurren — guest of Bob Melrose

  • Hannah Bailey — CSU Rotaract

  • Saira Hafeez — CSU Rotaract President

  • Karel Waltermire — Bobs wife

  • Ethan Waltermire — Bobs son

  • Greg Glebe— repeat guest of John Shaw

  • Rhonda Krause —John Shaws wife 

  • Albon Shaw — District Governor elect 

ROTARY CARES:  If you are aware of a fellow Rotarian who is going through a challenging time (i.e., personal or family health, family death, etc.) please let Sara Murphy know so we can let them know we are thinking of them and provide whatever support we can.  Sara.jane.murphy1@gmail.com

PROGRAM:

  • Albon is the District Governor Elect for our Club’s District 5440. He lives in Casper, WY
  • He started the program asking members ‘Why did you join Rotary?’ He joined for service but he is so heavily involved and still in Rotary because Rotary is family. On June 2nd, 2025 his wife suffered a brain bleed and was flown to Denver for treatment. His Rotary family supported him, his wife, his teenage kiddos. They supported him spiritually, financially, and were there when he and his wife needed them.
  • Albon shared the organizational structure of Rotary and the ways to connect with the district – www.rotary5440org , www.Rockymountainrotary.org and Facebook.
  • He shared some upcoming dates and activities, including the 2026 Rotary Innovation Summit – Join the Fun in the Fort and the Fall Assembly
  • Rotary’s message of vibrant clubs increase impact was obvious with his visit with our Board of Directors the night before. He challenged all of us to create an elevator speech as to why each of us chose Rotary
  • Phil shared some club history with the group – Charlie Peterson (past member and President of the Breakfast Rotary Club, Past District Governor) stated a successful club is focused on Fellowship, Service, and Programs. Our club works to succeed in all three areas.

ANNOUNCEMENTS: 

  • Joe and Albon recognized members that have led events that are hard to track individually – peach sales, medallion sales, raffle ticket sales. They asked for a round of applause for all that our club does!
  • Certificates of recognition
    • Dave Haase – Peach Festival Chair
    • Susan Peterson & Tony Catania – Peach Booth Co-Chairs
    • Mike Griffith – Peach Sale Farmer coordinator and Field of Honor support
    • Dave M – Field of Honor Chair
    • Phil – coordinating all of the backend sales information for all of our fundraisers
    • Leighanne – Peach Sales Chair & Peach Festival volunteer coordinator
    • Kira – Peach Festival volunteer coordinator

SPECIAL RECOGNITION:

  • Bob M recognized the RI Foundation goal of 65-70 members participating in Fellowship. Our club had 49 members who participated in peach booth or peach sale delivery – great work!
  • Bob W awarded a special RI award, a Paul Harris award to his wife, Karel. Karel has been involved with many Rotary international projects along side Bob (and sometimes their son as well).
    • In 2006, in Ethiopia, Karel met a woman who would hide in her home during community gatherings because she was so poor. Karel started a program loan to help low income women Her program has significantly impacted over 330 women. She is dedicated to Service above Self.
    • Karel shared a statement that touched her to make such a difference. “When you have everything and you are given something, it doesn’t mean anything. When you have nothing and are given something, it means everything.”

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

  • Father Francis helped with FCBR’s engagement of supporting a hospital in Nigeria. He was in the United States and Mike G was able to spend some time with him. Father Francis has his now church now in Nigeria.
  • Andy C shared that the IDEA committee is working on a Braver Angel training. Braver Angel training’s goal is to bridge gaps between people and to encourage civil conversations. Andy shared in light of the political tensions now and his personal experiences and feelings over the last couple of weeks – we need civil conversations and open minds to see situations differently. His sadness of the events recently and the action of a neighbor, coupled with his faith have allowed him to change his reactions to the current events. More details on the Braver Angel event coming soon.