Program:  Coalition for the Upper South Platte

Theresa Springer, Environmental Education Coordinator

Theresa started working for the Coalition at its formation in 1998 in response to the Buffalo Creek Fire of 1996.  The organization has grown from 2 to 30 employees.  CUSP’s mission is to protect the 2600 square mile watershed, which provides water for ¾ of the Colorado population, through project planning, implementation and monitoring.  The organization plants trees, restores habitats and improves recreational opportunities.

She shared history of how the forest used to have 40 ponderosa’s per acre.  The State and the US Government created fire-suppression edicts, which have blocked the natural mitigation of the forest. We do not allow the forest-preserving fires.  She also described that the floods after a fire are as destructive and devastating as the fire.  She encouraged our communities to seriously consider thinning our trees and creating more park-spaces around our homes and in the community spaces.  We need to take a serious look at allowing further development in these forested areas. There was also discussion of how to manage slash piles….Fairplay, Divide, Elk Creek and Intercanyon all provide places to bring slash. 

Guests:           Nancy Lynch, Theresa Springer and her husband.

Rotary Anniversaries:

Matt and Audrey: 16 years; Mark Rehm 12 years

Special Work of Focus:

President Suzanne shared a story of being with her family at the Tough Mudder in Beaver Creek this weekend.  They watched a double-amputee Marine being supported by his four comrades do the entire event.  It was a very emotional and inspiring story of courage and teamwork!

Announcements:

The Conifer Mountain BBQ Challenge is picking up steam!!!  There was a full-page ad/story in the Serenity publication this month and another coming in July.  The vendors at Bailey Day all received the flyer and all expressed interest in participating. 

Dennis expressed thanks to Ed and Bruce and financial supporters of the rafting trip for the inner-city kids.  He shared his concern about one young man who was brought to this country as a two-year-old undocumented immigrant;  he has attended school and is preparing for a career, but could soon be facing deportation, along with his parents…but then leaving younger siblings in the States, as they are citizens.  Dennis encouraged the Club membership to consider the human side of this issue.  The Congress is preparing new immigration laws and they need to hear from us about our concerns and wishes with regard to this important human issue.

Bruce is planning a scaled-down “tough mudder” event for kids at the BBQ!!

Chief Bill put out a request to our community to support the mill-levy for the November ballot in support of the Elk Creek Fire Dept.  Much discussion ensued, all in support for this lowest funded fire department that has lost 25% of its fire fighters at a time when the fire danger is extremely high.  We will provide supportive information at the BBQ.

The year-end picnic will be at the Browne’s home on June 30.  Please sign up and bring a dish.  Bring family and prospective members!

Calisse and other BBQ planners will be attending the BBQ in Fairplay this Friday and Saturday to see how the whole event works.  She got 5 volunteers to call 5 potential vendors for the BBQ.

Matt will be taking the State Liquor License required signage to Meyer ranch this week.

He also received an unsolicited thank you to Rotary for support of the fire victims.

Highway Clean up is this Saturday.  Come to the Bank of Omaha at 8:30 a.m.

The Freedom Run for the Mt. Evans Hospice and Home Care is July 4.  Ed needs volunteers to coordinate in the parking area….good practice for the BBQ!!

Conifer Community Church has offered to donate the proceeds from their Yard Sale to start the BackPack Project at West Jeff and Elk Creek Elementary Schools this year.  The sign up for the 285 Coupon Book is going to be going out thru the 2 Chambers this week.  We will need volunteers to follow-up with businesses in the next month.

Board Meeting tomorrow evening 6pm

Program:  Steve Harelson, CDOT Engineer

Stephen.harelson@state.co.us; 720-497-6913

Steve’s presentation gave a brief history of CDOT funding, prioritization for road projects and updates on hwy 285.  In 2004, an environmental assessment was done on 285 to prepare for the changes that needed to be made to the highway.  From that assessment, the interchange updates for Richmond Hill, Shaffer’s Crossing and Deer Creek were initiated.  The next intersection to be updated will be at Pine Junction.  Passing lanes will be added in South Park.

The State CDOT funding for projects had previously been via six regions of the State.  The current funding priorities, with changes required by the slowed economy, are set per request of County Commissioners of the State.  The gas tax, which has funded projects, has not been raised since 1993.

The 2035 Plan is looking at bridges that need to be replaced; at this time 128 bridges in the State are rated below the 50 score and are eligible for Federal assistance for replacement.

Guests: 

Nancy Lynch, Bill Downes, John Fitzsimons, Chris (Finn’s new neighbor, just retired from the Air Force)

District Award: the Presidential Citation

Bill Downes, Assistant District Governor, presented Conifer Rotary the Presidential Citation to Club President, Suzanne Barkley!!!!!

Announcements

The Conifer Mountain BBQ Challenge, August 16 & 17, 2013 is coming together well.  All of the cook teams (32) have been selected; the judges have made a commitment and we have 14 brewers of wine and beer.  There is room yet for more vendors; all members are asked to approach potential businesses to participate.  The event will start at 3 pm on Friday, August 16, and run to dark; there will be a BBQ dinner and 3 bands.  Saturday, June 17, there will be a pancake breakfast, put on by the Veterans.  The event will open at 10 a.m. Judging of the BBQ teams will happen mid-day and the awards will be made at 5 pm.  Volunteer leaders for the last 5 committees:  Vendors: Leslie; Advertising: Suzanne; Technical Services: Barry S; Traffic control: Ed S/ Hugh M; Rental setup: Dennis S.  The whole Club membership will be needed for this event.  Thanks all!!!

Thank you note from the Interact Club for the support from Conifer Rotary for the Murder Mystery Dinner.

The Bailey Country Store will open this Saturday, Bailey Day!!  Congrats to Jim Myer and team.

The 285 Corridor Coupon book advertising materials are ready to go out to all the businesses along 285. This project will become the primary funding for the 285 BackPack Project.  All businesses owners!!! Think about submitting your ad for this worthwhile project!

Mt. Evans Hospice/Home Care Freedom Run: July 4

Planning-for-Mountain-Veterans meeting at the Bear’s Inn, Tuesday June 18, 5-pm.  Anyone interested in helping identify how to help our Vets, please plan to attend.  The Women in Business group is also looking at ways to help our Vets.  The American Legion is sponsoring a motorcycle rally this summer.

Highway clean-up: June 22.  Sign up with Mark to help.

Today (June 11) is the final day for nominations for Ethics in Business Award and the Unsung Hero Award.  Contact Mark Rehm today if you have a nomination.

Watch the website (rotaryconifer.org) for photos of our recent events.  We don't have much fun!?!?!?

Sign up for the Club Picnic and passing of the gavel:  Sunday June 30, 4pm, at Steve and Calisse Browne’s home.  Bring the family and perspective members and a dish to share!

50/50: Angela for gas!!

See Charlotte Wytias or Ruth Morehouse for weekly activities and to volunteer. 

The Rotary Club Board and membership have voted to continue the project at Deer Creek Elementary School and to expand the program over the next couple of years to Fitzsimons Middle School, Platte Canyon School District, and the three other elementary schools in our area, as soon as we have secured funding. 

Fund-raising and growing community-wide support will be key to these expansions.  The Club is creating the 285 Corridor Coupon Book, which will bring business to our local merchants, keeping it LOCAL.  The advertising information will soon be on a separate website for the 285 BackPack Project.  The Conifer and Platte Canyon Chambers are looking forward to participating!  As soon as the new website is up and running, an announcement will come out to all of the Rotary members as well as go out to our local businesses and community organizations.

For more information, contact Charlotte Wytias, wytiasc45@mac.com; 315 730-8121