For those that did not attend the Rotary’s 2^nd annual wine-tasting at Balistreri Vineyards, you missed a superb evening of tasting traditionally hand-crafted wines, a four-course buffet and enjoyable social. The combined social was sponsored by the Rotaries of Commerce City and Brighton Early.  A thank you goes to CCRC’s Julie for organizing the event and Balistreri’s Julie for providing a tour of the winery and the wonderful wines and buffet.

According to Treasurer, Arlo Anderson the net proceeds for this year's Commerce City Rotary Foundation Golf Tournament was $15,890 – President George Maybee gives a big thank you on behalf of the Commerce City Rotary Club and Foundatiion to Golf Chair Joe Frei, his committee and many volunteers who made it successful. Each year, since the golf tournament’s inception, 100% of the net proceeds go toward providing scholarships to deserving Adams City and Lester Arnold High School students.   Over the past two decades, more than forty worthy students have received either a four or two year scholarship so that they have the opportunity to continue their post high school education.  Many of these past students have graduated from college and are now respected business and educational leaders giving back to the community.

THANK YOU ALL.

The Rotary Club of Commerce City held their annual fundraiser of Palisade Colorado peach & pear sales; over 600 boxes of peaches and pears were pre-ordered sales - the top sales award went to Julie McCollam who sold & delivered over 110 boxes. President George presented the “Peach Queen Julie” with her very own tiara and home-made peach pie.

Rotarian Rhonda and husband, Kevin Hathaway, plus 28 other Rotarians enjoy an evening at the Rockies too bad the score wasn’t in our favor.

Dave Rolla, Treasurer and Member of District 14 Board of Education became the first new member for Commerce City Rotary in 2012-13 which marks 41 Rotarians..  For several decades, Dave was a teacher in Adams City High School and now is retired to devote his time to serving the citizens of Commerce City.  Dave’s induction was quite special as three of his past students and Rotarians assisted with the induction. Amy Neurauter, CCRC Past President presented Dave with his Rotary pin, as Mayor Sean Ford, water consultant;  Joe Frei, of Al Frei & Sons; and President George Maybee presented the 4-part induction. 

Norm Union was the Rotarian of the Day(ROD) and introduced his guest speakers with the Independent Institute. Next week’s ROD will by Derell Younger and his program will be Bryan Wright, the new Adams City High School Principal. August is the month of Rotary International's Membership Development and Extension.

Rotarian of the day, Inder Nayar, CPA with Nayar and Company provided a most interesting speaker and important topic.  Nayar introduced his friend, Professor Ved P Nanda, Chair of International Affairs and Foreign Policy at Denver University spoke on several hotspots in today’s world.  Nanda’s presentation included North Korea and its failed rocket launching and its future repercussions; Iran and the sanctions by the UN, US, and Europe and implications for US Foreign Policy; and lastly Syria and the unraveling deal Kofi Annan struck and what choices US will have in the future.

This year a milestone occurred in the Commerce City Rotary Club resulting in increased diversified membership. With the help of the Club’s membership team the club grew by 23% from 35 to 43 members. There is a positive attitude among all members whether they are a retired member of 39 years or a young professional member of 39 days. They are bringing in many prospects which have turned into numerous enthusiastic members. Membership has become infectious.  Each new member changes the Club’s dynamics in regards to fresh ideas, talent and skills.

Membership Shrinks to 32:  In August, our Rotary had much sadness, the club loses three members.  Albert Frei lost his battle with Ataxia, a long-term illness. Al was owner and CEO of Albert Frei and Sons and an active Rotarian for thirty-one years.  John Lange, former SD14 Superintendent of Schools and 16 year active member transferred to a club in his home area. The last member to resign was program chair, Zac Morgan from Commerce City Key Bank who was transferred to the Greeley Key Bank.  

Membership Grows:  The membership team had their work cut out for them since the enrollment was down to 32 members; subsequently an incentive program was installed and the team’s emphasis was to identify prospects and invite them to a FREE LUNCH.  This was followed up with six membership orientation receptions. 

Early in October the first new member induction was held for Nebiyu (Neb) Asfaw, Verizon Communications Project Manager (sponsor Sharon Maybee). Neb is active in his Church, Toastmasters and Junior Achievement. Since his induction, Neb has volunteered with several projects including the club’s middle school hand-shaking project, 3^rd grade school dictionary handout and supporting five families in the Heart & Sole Shoe Project.

In November two additional members were inducted. Enrique Orozco, owner and agent of the Farmers Insurance Agency (sponsor George Maybee).  Enrique is from Monterey Mexico, current member of Access Housing Board, and past executive director of humanitarian nonprofits. Enrique experienced his first Rotary volunteer project with the Heart & Sole Shoe Project: in two hours he assisted 58 Spanish-speaking children that were fitted for shoes, socks, caps and gloves.  Enrique’s comment: “Nothing like going from the fry pan to the fire - What an exciting and meaningful project”. Orozco is attending the RI Convention in Bangkok this May.   

Maggie Jones, owner of Quebec Liquors, (sponsor Joe Frei) is one of our Rotary’s many young members and community volunteer who came in knowing what is needed for Commerce City. Immediately Maggie displayed the Rotary’s Heart and Sole flyer in her store and suggested that her customers contribute to the shoe project and she would match it.  Within a week, she had raised and pledged over $250 plus talked with one of her customers into attending Rotary’s FREE LUNCH to check out our club. 

In December, Sean Ford, water broker and Mayor of Commerce City (sponsor Amy Neurauter) became our 4^th new member.  Sean a graduate of SD #14 and grew up in a Rotary family. Sean is a Paul Harris Fellow, a brother to many past Rotary foreign exchange students which his parents hosted and he also knows what Rotary can do for the citizens of his city.  He too, invited a member of the community to a FREE LUNCH and guess what? 

In January, RashPal Singh, owner entrepreneur of six convenient stores (sponsor Sean Ford) was inducted as our 5^th newest member. RashPal is past vice-president of the Colorado Singh Sabba Temple where he provides much leadership and strong volunteerism in the local community which extends throughout the world.  Kathy D’Amico, President of Commerce City Key Bank (sponsor George Maybee) became the 38^th member of the club. Similar to each new member, RashPal and Kathy bring new dynamics in regards to broader perspectives and leadership that will provide more opportunities for community and international projects.

The month of February was outstanding – five new members were approved and inducted to the Commerce City Rotary’s “Family”. 

William (Will) Milligan, owner of Mile High Security Locksmith (sponsor Maggie Jones) joined in early February and has not stopped working on his Red Badge requirements. Will, his wife Audrey and 3 of their 6 children participated in the Club’s International Work Party. Will drilled holes in water filters while Audrey and their children packed books for Mongolia, British Columbia and Christmas Island.

Elizabeth (Liz) Anderson, nonprofit director retired (sponsor Arlo Anderson) became the 8^th newest member in Commerce City Rotary. Liz is active in her church, family and her passion is music.  Liz is the past District 5450 Office Manager and is excited to help distribute library books in BC Canada this June.

Yolanda Gotier, M.S.W. Executive Director of Alternatives to Family Violence (sponsors Maria Carabajal, Joyce Waldroop and Sharon Maybee) is a leader in her career field. Yolanda is active in the Commerce City BPA and as a new Rotary member will be attending the District Leadership Institute with 9 other peers of the Club.

Ronald Newell, President of Superior Trailers and Larry Ford, Retired Executive Director of SACWSD renewed their membership in Rotary (sponsor George Maybee). Both Larry and Ron are past presidents and have given greatly to the community through Rotary.  The Club looks forward to having their leadership once again in many community projects.