Mike Griffith inspired us with some quotes about making tough decisions.

Guests: Exchange students introduced by Connie Sheltren:
- Elia Olivieri - from Italy interested in architecture 
- Julianna Richardson – outbound to Argentina hosted by the Foothills and Downtown clubs
- Piriyageraanun Pichayaphat (goes by Pao) - from Thailand hosted by the Downtown club
- Presley Stevenson - past outbound to Italy heading off to study in Scotland next week
- Inara Winter - outbound to France hosted by our club
- Julia Winter - mother of Inara
 

IDEA (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Awareness) Quote: “A democracy thrives on diversity. Tyranny oppresses it.” - Sam Brownback

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

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 Sara.jane.murphy1@gmail.com so we can let them know we are thinking of them and provide whatever support we can.  

August Birthdays:
Joe Kiley 4; Jeaneen Kappell 7; Paul Knight 8; John Carroll 10; Bob Loosley 10; Dave Haase 17; Kira Kovar 19; Curt Bear 20; Maria Elena Thomas 31

August Rotary Anniversaries:
Dan St. John 16; John Hanrahan 10; Kristin Candella 7

Approval of Amended and Restated Bylaws:
Bob Waltermire, chair of the bylaws committee including Lauren Brainard, Tim Cochran, Ann Griffith and Tom Strause presented the new bylaws to the club. 
- The bylaws were approved after a discussion and an amendment to Article 3.3, concerning Elections and Terms of Office for Directors “All Officers and Directors shall be elected by the members, and not appointed, except for the Club Foundation Treasurer”

Bob Waltermire explains the new bylaws:

Other Club Business:
The members approved the following:
- The budget for next year’s Club Foundation Charitable Giving Allowance
- President Elect Nominee, Connie Sheltren who will also be the New Generation Chair
- Ratification of newly selected at large Foundation Board members Tim Cochran (Secretary) and John Shaw for the 2026-2029 term

New Member Talk:
- Ellyn Mortimer is the Director of Development of the United Way of Larimer County
- Ellyn started her career as a non-profit junkie in 2004 as president of the Kamalii PTA in Hawaii
- As a result of her organization and leadership skills, Ellyn established in Hawaii what she considers her greatest accomplishment, BackPack Buddies 
- BackPack Buddies is run today by the Maui Food Bank and will distribute over 90,000 meal this school year, ensuring that children have the nutrition they need when school is not in session
- Ellyn was born and raised in St. Paul and has purple Viking and Prince blood in her veins
- She has a B.S. From Washing State U. in Human Development & Child Psychology and a master’s in organizational management from CU Boulder
- Ellyn was involved with Book Trust in Hawaii
- She has four children from a blended family
- Ellyn joined Rotary to stay in the center of all things happening in her new community and to meet new people
- Her interests are golf, mahjong, travel and theater 
- It’s an honor to have our club feed this junkie’s nonprofit craving

Ellyn Mortimer shares her non-profit passion: