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"One of the best 
Rotary Clubs in the World"
 

Rotary Club of University Hills Denver

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EXCHANGE STUDENTS-INBOUND

University Hills is proud to have hosted many Youth Exchange Students from many different countries:

Peter Blom, Nina Blom,- Sweden

Isabel Silas - Bolivia

Jane Gundry - Rhodesia

Helen Angulo - Columbia

Petri Tiukkanen - Finland

Lindy Arden - Zimbabwe

Lars Reiner - West Germany

Jose Manuel Paredes - Mexico

Isabelle Drapeaud - France

Laura Pugliese - Italy

Ricardo Andrade - Brazil

Claas Koster - Germany       

Sacha Moesker - The Netherlands

Chihiro Taniguchi - Japan

Andrea Mendoca  - Brazil

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EXCHANGE STUDENTS-OUTBOUND

Over the years, the club has also sent Outbound Youth Exchange Students to many different countries:

Katherine (Kitty) Bradshaw - Belgium        

Julie McCrady - Canada

Michael Tapp  - France

Jennifer Stroud - Mexico

John Goe - Denmark

Clint Randolph - The Nether­lands      

Shawna Willis - Brazil

Victoria Briethaupt - France

Ptarmi Emery - Japan

Christi Hutchins - Austria

In addition, there have been Rotary Scholars from Great Britain, South Africa, Japan, Mexico, Korea, New Zealand, and Denmark.

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DUES

Quarterly dues for members of University Hills Rotary Club are $245.00 effective January 2002; this amount covers 13 lunches per quarter, dues for the International Organization, and some administrative expenses.  Initiation fees are $200.00 for new members and $100.00 for transferring Rotarians.  In 1999, an administrative aide was retained by the club to assist the Treasurer in the collection of dues and the proper accounting of expenses.  That individual was Dee Ann Failing.

In 1971 the quarterly dues were $75.00, Initiation was $50.00.

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BULLETIN, SPIRIT OF UHILLS

          Bulletin Editors have produced outstanding reporting for each week from activities and events ranging from the local club up to Rotary International.  Wally Irish (1976-77) and Lou Freese (1982-83) were awarded the Bemis Award, which is in recognition for the outstanding bulletin in District 545. Joe Shafer (1972-73), Matt Weigand (1988-89) and Jay Carpender (1993-94) received Honorable Mention at the District Conference.

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UNIVERSITY HILLS TRADITIONS

Contributions to the Scholarship Fund

          An important philosophy incorporated in club tradition is that of Recognition fines. Under Cliff Dochterman, the idea of petty punitive fines was rejected in favor of asking members for donations to the club "Service Fund" as a means of recognizing a member's good fortune or community or professional achievements. The pur­pose, in addition to raising revenues, is to provide some fun and good fellowship among members.

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Attendance

          Over the years UHill’s attendance has averaged 86% or better. Beginning in 1975, a tradition of striving for 100% attendance in February has resulted in 98% or better in nine of the last 17 years. Attendance is an important aspect of club priorities. 

          If a name badge is missing from it’s designated slot in the badge box during meetings, it is determined that the member is wearing it and therefore he/she is attending the meeting

          (Rotary International requires members to attend 60% of scheduled meetings, and that 4 meetings not be missed in a row.  At least 30% of attendance should be at the home club.  Makeups can be made within 14 days before or after a missed scheduled meeting.)

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Paul Harris Foundation

          As of August 1992, University Hills had 113 Paul Harris Fellows. The club's record is at an impressive, 16,200+% plateau of Rotary Foundation giving.

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E. Brent Hobson Foundation

          There are five members who have endowed Rotary Foundation through the Planned Giving Program.

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Charity Golf Tournament

          Golf challenges were always present in the membership ranks from the beginning of the organization.  In 1994, then President Joan Gabrielson initiated a more formal golf tournament to raise funds for the club’s charities.  Since 1992, the tournament has been successful.  In 1998, a silent auction was added to the day’s activities and the most returns gained in a single day happened in 2002 with Roberta Greengard chairing the day’s event.  Helping her with the silent auction was Helga Hall.

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Zoo Day 

The first Zoo Day was really the Museum of Natural History Day in the mid-‘80’s.  Bob Newton, a early organizer and chairman-for-many-years, said that the kids didn’t seem interested in looking at stationary items and stuffed animals, so we planned to try the Zoo the following year.  It was a hit, and since that time UHills Rotary, sometime in May, hosts the Creek Side Elementary and Meadow Point school children at the Denver City Zoo.  At lunchtime hot dogs and sodas were served in the early years in a tent near the main gate, but in later years the Hippopotamus Hall has been used.
 

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CHRONOLOGICAL CLUB HIGHLIGHTS

1973

          In its second year of operation, the club conducted the District Assembly prior to the District conference--An unprecedented honor for a brand new club. Darrel Barnes was club President, and on the District Planning Committee.

1975 

            Jack Ashton became our first Paul Harris Fellow and precipitated a tremendous growth of participation and support of Rotary Foundation.

1976-1977

          The club built a playground at Sullivan School for the multiple-­handicapped children. The playground became a model for similar projects in many parts of the country. This Community Service project received honorable mention at the District Conference.

1978

          President Pete Jensen presented R. I. President Clem Renouf with the first check from a United States Rotary Club in support of a new program, "Health, Hunger and Humanities."

1980

          International Service Committee accomplished a successful vaccina­tion program with the Rotary Club of Poona, India.

1981-1982

          Raising Funds for Community, Vocational, and International projects took on larger dimensions with an Art Auction in 1981. In 1982, the club sponsored a public program featuring CBS New Anchor Walter Cronkite at Boettcher Concert Hall. Subsequent events and activities made it possible to expand the club's range of service projects.

1983 

          Our Club chartered the Rotary Club of Smoky Hill in January.

1984

          Vocational Service became a major emphasis as an avenue of service under the leadership and innovative guidance of President Don Goe, Director Barry Dawson and Handbook Editor Walt Randolph. The club received a citation for its outstanding record of Rotary Foundation support at the District Conference in April, 1984.

1985

          In October of this year, the club was responsible for chartering the Rotary Club of Denver Southeast.

          In February, the club sponsored its first Silent Auction/Wine Tasting, which, under the leadership of Jim Possehl, raised $5,600. The total raised in four years of this activity is in excess of $32,000. These funds are devoted to the support of worthy local Community Service agen­cies and projects.

The club has been active in the Youth Exchange Program, as well as hosting Rotary Scholars from abroad.

1986 

          University Hills entered into a matching grant program with Rotary International in support of a medical-dental clinic in Montego Bay, Jamaica. This program, which will function for three years, is the result of research and perseverance on the part of Dr. Les Bevans.

            Les and Lucille Bevans took part in one of the earliest 3H programs at Kai Tak, Hong Kong in November, 1980. They followed this with a program which Les developed in Indonesia in January-February, 1983.

          Continuing its focus on Vocational Service, the Club initiated the District 545 Vocational Service Pacesetter Award. The first award was bestowed on Denver Rotarian Richard Gooding (Pepsi Cola) for his significant contributions to the community and the ideals of Voca­tional Service. The award was made at the Charter Night dinner. In subsequent years, this award has been presented at the District Con­ference.

1987

          Saw the acceleration of Rotary International's focus on PolioPlus. The PolioPlus program had an international goal of $120,000,000, which is being used for the immunization of all the children of the world so as to control and completely and virtually eliminate polio. The club's assigned objective of $47,000 was quickly oversubscribed and by early 1988, was up to almost $80,000. In 1988, Rotary International had pledges totaling $223,000,000.

1988 

          For the first time, University Hills inducted women into the member­ship. The club hosted the District 545 Conference, and was the recipient of the Ray Jenkins Award. The club conducted an outstand­ing fundraiser, netting $10,000 for worthy community service projects. The club published a new and expanded picture roster of members, which had not been done for several years.

1989

          University Hills successfully organized and sponsored a Rotaract club with 50 charter members for the first time in the area, under the leadership and dedication of University Hills President, Walt Randolph. The club received the District 545 award for Outstanding Club Vocational Service sponsored by United Banks of Colorado, Inc. As an effort toward economic development, the Vocational Service Committee provided 18 University Hills Rotarian volunteers to serve on advisory committees of the Community College of Denver. Com­munity Service funds were distributed to Sacred Heart House on behalf of University Hills Rotary. (President Walt Randolph)

1990

          Under President Barry Dawson's vision and leadership University Hills initiated the "Bridge of International Understanding" by "partnering" with Colorado's new Teikyo Loretto Heights Univer­sity. Chairman Bob Bastiaans expanded the" grass roots" initiative to 6 Denver Rotary Clubs, 150 Rotarians, and 390 students from Japan. University Hills reached 100 members with the induction of Dr. Sumiko Hennessy, a Japanese woman. David Henninger, Director of Vocational Service, won District 545's first Compassion Award! The Club's outstanding fundraiser, netting in excess of $4,000, benefited Sacred Heart House plus the Club inducted its Director, Sister Sue Kennedy. Director Gary Sears lead the most successful District 545 Group Study Exchange Program for the DANISH. Pete Guthery completed 3 years revision of the Club's Articles of Incorporation, By­laws, and related Minutes allowing for a Special Charitable tax exempt fund. Two most successful joint Club meetings were held together with the Denver Southeast Rotary Club featuring U.S. Sena­tor Bill Armstrong in the Fall, and Governor Roy Romer, Dick Koeppe, Walter Price, and Charlie Branch in the Spring. University Hills Club presented its annual District 545 Vocational Service Pacesetter Award to Denver Southeast's Club President, Phil Karsh, at the Annual District 545 Conference. With 1989-90 focus on international global affairs, President Barry Dawson reminds all members that" it is in our differences that we are alike!" (President Barry Dawson)

1990-1991

          The University Hills Rotary Club completed the year with very strong programs in all areas. The club scored high in attendance, achieving 90% or better during six months of the year. The "Preserve Planet Earth" Rotary theme was emphasized with presentations by members and in the bulletin frequently during the year. The Club's fund-raiser netted $5,200 for Sacred Heart House. Both membership retention and growth were strong resulting in 108 members at yearend. The Club led a most successful District 5450 Group Study Ex­change for the people from South Korea. Members of the Club helped obtain and distribute blood glucose testing kits for indigent diabetic patients of Porter Hospital. Several members of the Club participated in organizing or leading presentations at the District's assembly in Beaver Creek. (President Bud Laber)

1991-1992

          Membership during this year expanded from 100 members at the beginning of the year to 109 members at the end of the year. There was the promotion of the Rotary International Theme, "Preserve Planet Earth." Frequent presentations and information regarding recycling and other ecological and environmental awareness matters were published in our weekly bulletin. The club raised over $9,000, including $5,200 from a special fund-raiser at the Country Dinner Playhouse. Our inbound exchange student from the Netherlands was Sacha Moesker and our outbound exchange student to Austria was Christi Hutchins from Overland High School. The district pacesetter award from our club went to Loy Dickinson, past president of our club and of the Denver Mile High Club, and district governor nominee for 1993-1994.

          This was the 20th Anniversary year for University Hills Rotary Club. Our Charter President, Cliff Dochterman, recently appointed as Presi­dent of Rotary International spoke to the club on July 17, 1992. Sadness fell upon U-Hills during the year for we lost two of our great leaders to death, Les Bevans, former district governor, and E. Brent Hobson, a former president. As a tribute to these outstanding Rotarians, $6,000 was raised and given to the Rotary International Foundation in Evanston, Illinois. The "pacesetter" award was also renamed the "Les Bevans Pacesetter Award" in memory of our former district governor. During the year, a "talent listing" was prepared by the Community Service committee, which included the interests, abilities and special training of Rotary members. This resource is to be used to match U­Hills Rotarians with service needs in the community and Rotary world. Also of importance was a new international affiliation, which was established with the Tabachines Rotary Club of Cuernavaca, Mexico. U-Hills raised $1,250 for a Village Bank Program in Mexico to assist mothers starting their own businesses.  The $1250 was matched by the Tabachines club. We also hosted in 1992 six Group Study Exchange Members from Portugal. All of these experiences helped us better understand the 1991-1992 International Theme, "Look Beyond Yourself." (President Gene Dawson, Jr.)

1992-93

          One of the first highlights of the year was a visit by Rotary International President Cliff Dochterman. It was a pleasure to hear and see our Charter President after his rise to the International Presi­dency. The club received a matching grant of $5,200 to purchase a car for volunteer dentists to use at the Les Bevans Dental Clinic in Jamaica. Barney Smith donated many hours in moving along this project. In honor of Les, our annual award given at the District Conference was renamed the Les Bevans Pacesetter Award. Our Rotarian of the Month award was renamed the E. Brent Hobson award. Brent and Les were sorely missed this year.

          When President Cliff put out an appeal for help for the people of Bosnia, stating that "This may be the most important letter I write as R.I. President", the U. Hills Board of Directors voted to send $1,000 and the members passed the "hat" and gave an additional $1,000. This donation was the largest given by any club in the district.  In honor of his 35 years of perfect attendance and in recognition of his work in establishing U. Hills as a strong contributor to the R.I. Foundation, more than fifty people attended a dinner for Ted Damme. In his name, another $2,000 went to the R.I. Foundation. Ted received a letter and autographed photograph from Cliff Dochterman. Our perfect attendance awards are now named the Ted Damme Perfect Attendance Awards.

          Smiling Sergeant-at-Arms Joan Gabrielson made fines so pleasant that she set a new record for contributions to the service fund.  Our Community Service project for the year was a new one named Street Beat. Street Beat has the objective of working with inner city young people to stop them from joining youth gangs. Marv Yaeger serves on their board.  On April 9, U. Hills set an R.I. record for the number of visitors at a weekly meeting. President Mel Capehart declared the opening game of the Colorado Rockies as the official meeting that week. We had 120 members and spouses and 80,000 visitors at the meeting. Program Director Jim Lear, who organized this gala event, has been named "Mr. Baseball" ever since.

1993-94

          One of the highlights of my year was attending the International Rotary Convention in Melbourne, Australia.  There, UHills own Charter President, Cliff Dochterman, presided over the largest gathering of people in Melbourne since the 1956 Olympic Games.  Barney Smith and Bob Tapp persevered and after a two year struggle finally presented a new car for the use of the volunteer dentists at the Les Bevans Dental Clinic in Jamaica.

          Ted Damme, who showed all U Hills Rotarians the true spirit of what it means to be a Rotarian, taught each of us how to die with dignity and humility. After over 35 years of perfect attendance and a commitment to Rotary that involved his tremendous family, Ted passed away leaving our Club with inspirational memories of this wonderful Rotarian. 

          We also lost Ed Miller, another quiet force in our Club who did anything ever asked of him to be an outstanding member of U Hills Rotary. Marvin Yaeger battled cancer that resulted in the amputation of his left arm; his spirit and humor were still felt by our Club on his visits between treatments. A wonderful Board of Directors led the U Hills Club into new commu­nity service areas; increased knowledge of vocational service; memo­rable fellowship activities; and continued leadership in International service. The programs were exceptional and the friendly spirit of U Hills meetings continued from the greeters to the individual Club members at their lunch tables.

          Art Mason and Dave Dennis stepped forward to replace our Club Secretary and President-elect respectively as we lost Carol Green and Jim Cumminsky, two terrific and hard to replace individuals. The year ended with a great District Conference organized under the leadership of District Governor, Loy Dickinson yet another skillful, dedicated Rotarian with roots in our Club. The leadership reigns were passed to Dave Dennis as our new Club President and to Don Goe our new District Governor.

1994-1995

          This Rotary year was extremely active, involving the majority of our membership in one activity or another. Our own Don Goe served as District Governor and approximately 18 of our members served in some capacity at the district level. Over 25 members served on the district conference committee, under the able leadership of past presi­dent Bud Labor. These commitments were all over and above the normal club committee activities, which kept everyone busy. The district conference returned to the Bro^admoor, after a several year hiatus.

          Our fund raising committee, led by President Elect Joan Gabrielson, conducted a golf tournament and raised over $8,000. This was combined with the contributions from the club out of its regular budget and funds raised by Sergeant at Arms, Rich Sattizahn, who challenged the club to contribute if he lost weight—he was thinner at the end of the year. It was a banner year for contributions-including the Sacred Heart House, Senior Support Services, the Read to Me program, a family housing project in Nepal and a new car for the Les Bevans memorial clinic in Jamaica. In addition to the volunteer time for the district conference and district activities, many hours were contributed to the reading to children program and zoo day for handicapped children.

          Our new member class sponsored and conducted volunteer effort for the Giving Tree during the holidays at a local mall. Sumi Hennessey was selected to lead the district outbound GSE team to Japan, which was tremendously successful. Sumi and the Interna­tional Service Committee hosted the inbound GSE team from Japan, which involved coordinating with several clubs and hosting the inbound team. We also hosted an inbound student from New Zealand.

            Jim MacDermott and his program committee made special efforts to provide topically oriented programs, such as both Christian and Jewish holidays, Cinco de Mayo, and St. Patrick's Day. We had breakfast at the Wellshire for one of our regular meetings and a noon meeting at the new1y remodeled YMCA-where Carl Gardner serves as a board member.

          Our membership stayed about the same, with 90 plus members, having inducted eight new members. We continued the tradition of being one of the district clubs with the highest percentage of attendance and also we had one of the highest per capita contributions per member to the Paul Harris Foundation. (Presi­dent David Dennis)

1995-1996

          Under the leadership of President Joan Gabrielson, 1995-96 was characterized by energy and expansion. Club membership increased to 97 members despite two deaths: Bob Shattuck and Charter Member Fred Lewis. Sergeant at Arms Donn Bruns raised money and spirits with an innovative program of ''bragging rights" and assorted contests. Programs under Chuck Danford were varied and of high quality. Particularly moving were member-provided programs, including one for Veterans Day and another for Fathers Day.  Vocational Service continued the West Middle School Connection and Pacesetter Award and initiated a Business Ethics Award. Community Service provided Sacred Heart House, Warren Village, and Senior Support Services with funds and "hands-on" projects that included the painting and landscaping. International Service was highlighted by exchange student Chihiro Tanighuchi from Japan and sending a GSE team to Austria under the leadership of Stefan Horvath.

1996-1997

          The most important development during my term was the creation of the University Hills endowment. When this reaches maturity, it will enable the club to undertake a far larger service project than has been previously possible. Our 25th anniversary was celebrated with a spectacular Charter Night at the Brown Palace, attended by charter president, Cliff Dochterman. (President Bill Rector)

1997-1998

          “Show Rotary Cares” was the theme for the Rotary year and our club showed it cared, especially at the committee level. As we have done consistently in the past, the club received the President's Citation from Rotary for achievements in all areas of Rotary.

We continued to support our favorite charities of Sacred Heart House, Warren Village, and Senior support Services, Inc. and added a few new ones. We donated $3,000 to the Rocky Mountain Adoption Exchange and participated in their 20th anniversary of Wednesday's child by helping out with their phone bank. We also staged a "paint-a-thon" at the Asian Pacific Development Center; and we contributed $500 to both the Denver Indian Center and the Emily Griffith Center.

          On the International side, we co-hosted with the Aurora Gateway Club, Andrea Mendoca, an exchange student from Brazil. We also hosted GSE members from India and Brazil. We initiated steps to participate in a micro-­credit program that was subsequently completed in 1999. The fellowship committee was active with games to the Avalanche and Nuggets. They arranged two train trips, one to Georgetown in the fall to see the changing colors of the trees and one in early spring to Winter Park for a day of skiing. On a sadder note, two long-term members passed away during the year, Tom Butler and Marvin Yaeger. The fourth annual golf tournament raised over $10,000.

1998-1999

          President Elect Mike Curran was promoted by his company and moved to Seattle. Dave McKinley filled in as President with a lot of support and guidance from the club. Jim Lacy was RI President. His theme was Follow Your Rotary Dream. Dan Clark was our District Governor and Maryann May was our Assistant District Governor.

            Patrick Plank and Kim Hawkins coordinated (International Services & Fellowship) our very successful hosting of 43 foreign exchange students during the District 5450 orientation at West Middle School. This facility was available thanks to Monte Moses and the Cherry Creek School District.

          The Community Service Committee directed by Roberta Greengard supported the Sacred Heart House, Senior Support Services, Warren Village, Emily Griffith Equestrian Center, and several other non-profits. Our Les Bevans Pacesetter Award winner was Phil Noll from the Summit County Club. The award was presented at the District Conference in Estes Park.

          Our Charity Benefit Golf Tournament, coordinated by President Elect Rich Sattizahn at Saddle Rock Golf Course with a lot of volunteer support, was a huge success. We raised $17,000 with participation by 95% of club members. Bud Laber and Tom Murphy stepped forward and volunteered to take over Programs and Fellowship responsibilities. Lowell Palmquist and his Committee did a great job of keeping our membership steady. We were pleased to welcome long term members Gary Foster and Barry Dawson back into the Club.

          Under Carl Gardner's direction, we contributed over $11,000 to the Rotary International Foundation. (President Dave McKinley)

1999-2000

          Significant events noted during the 1999-2000 Rotary year in the University Hills Rotary Club. Group e-mail used to contact the club members for the first time. About 70% of all club members have e-mail. We hosted a youth exchange student from France. Sandy Francisco stayed with the Sattizahn's, Plank's, and the McCarty's and attended Cherry Creek High School. In December, Charter Member, Barney Smith passed away. He had just hosted a Rotation Day showing some of antique car collection in October. Barney had perfect attendance since our club was chartered, and had recently been honored as a Major Benefactor to the Rotary Foundation. His friendship and generosity will be missed. In February, club members, Steve Holben and Maggie Chamberlin were married. This was the first time that two Rotarians within the club married each other. We are glad that it happened after women were allowed to become members of Rotary.

          In March, John Lawton traveled to the Philippines to personally check on the micro-credit program that our club helped sponsor. We hope to hear his first hand report in the near future. Pat Plank's International committee also applied for a matching grant for a Project C.U.R.E. effort in Estonia.  In April, our sister club relationship with the Sagae Rotary Club in Yamagata, Japan was formalized. Red Holland and Dixie van de Flier Davis traveled to Yamagata, Japan at their own expense to represent University Hills Rotary. Club member, Sumiko Hennessy, who is teaching in Japan met them and helped coordinate their travel through Japan. Nearly $11,000 was donated to the Rotary Foundation by club members this year. Carl Gardner made sure that everyone received the credit that they were due. (Rich Sattizahn, President)

2000-2001

          "Help Someone Today" was the theme the club operated by this year. Towards that goal the Community Service Committee continued its program of support of several local charities primarily serving the homeless, single parent families and at risk youth, both by financial contributions and by quarterly Food and Clothing Drives. The club also sponsored six future leaders to attend the RYLA camp. Funds were raised by the Club to support the Community Service effort, and the Club's Hobson Foundation, principally through the annual Charity Golf Tournament and Silent Auction; proceeds from the auction organized by Helga Hall were almost $11,000. Vocational Service conducted the "First Annual Transitions Retreat" at Camp Saint Malo (Estes Park) to share experiences in going through transitions in life. U-Hills' Bevans award was presented to Carolyn Alexander of the Evergreen Club in recognition of her work with Alzheimer’s victims. International Service initiated another Micro Credit Bank in the Philippines which aggregated $32,000 with several layers of matching funds and participation by other clubs including our sister club in Yamagata, Japan.

          Additionally, the club supported the Eye to Eye project and Project Cure in Ecuador and Estonia. Through a program funded by the US State Department, and in coordination with the Parker and Arvada clubs as well as The Center for Citizen Initiatives, the club hosted 11 Russian Investment Bankers and their interpreters on a three week study program to learn the tricks of the trade from many area financial firms.

          Several events highlighted the Fellowship of U-Hills this year. In November together with his family we celebrated Past President Carl Wyers’ 90th birthday with a brunch at the Wellshire. In the fall, a Wine Tasting and Art Show was held at Donn Bruns' studio; and on April Fool's Day, the ladies of Rotary held the inaugural Tea, which was a planning event for the silent auction.

          University Hills was honored at the District 5450 Conference with three prestigious awards - Dixie Davis was recognized with the Longmont Club Compassion Award for her work with adoption of special needs children.  District Governor Alan Loeb presented Bud Laber with Four Way Test Award in recognition of his dedication and work in Rotary.  The club was the recipient of a Presidential Citation for achieving goals set out for the year by RI President Frank J. Devlyn.

          Once again, despite decreasing membership club members contributed almost $11,000 to the Rotary International Foundation.

          Recognizing the increasing work load placed on the President-Elect, and to ensure greater continuity of leadership, and to recognize the work of the RI Foundation Chair the club approved a change to the By-Laws adding two Directors to the Board, Vice President Nominee and Director-Foundation.

          The club established an annual "Cliff Dochterman Rotarian of the Year Award" to be presented annually to a club member selected a committee of Presidents.

          On February 16th for the invocation Helga Hall shared with us a poem she wrote when she became an American citizen:      (President, James MacDermott)

OUR FLAG

By Helga Hall

Our flag is a symbol of Strength

In the air, on land, or sea;

Of men and women who fought for us

Throughout our history.

          Our flag is a symbol of freedom;

Freedom from want or fear;

Freedom to worship a God of our choice,

Freedom to speak loud and clear.

Our flag is a symbol of unity,

Fifty states both great and small;

Joined in a glorious purpose,

The blessings of progress for all.

Our flag is a symbol of hope.

Hold it as high as you can;

For wrapped tightly within its' folds

Is the world's best hope for Man.

Our flag is a symbol of charity,

From our bountiful store we give;

Help to our suffering fellow man,

Wherever he may live.

Our flag is a symbol of faith,

From deep within us we borrow;

Faith in the future of the world,

For a happier and brighter tomorrow.

2002-2003

          “Another exciting year” was experienced by University Hills’ members, who demonstrated

“Service Above Self” in many ways. Through a garage sale, conceived and organized by Helen Hempel, nearly $9,000 was raised for Polio Eradication helping to immunize 18,000 children. Members delivered Meals on Wheels each week, contributed to food & clothing drives for Sacred Heart House and Senior Support Services, and staffed the Salvation Army Giving Tree.

          Financial contributions were made to Excelsior Youth Center, The Adoption Exchange, Emily Griffith Center, YMCA, Warren Village, Senior Support Services, Bayaud Industries, Victim Offender Reconciliation Program and Sacred Heart House. Jack Gustafson and his company employees donated $5,000 to Warren Village’s child care program.

          Through the Middle School Connection, six young people were recognized as outstanding students. The Club hosted handicapped students at Zoo Day. Five students received scholarships to the Rotary Youth Leadership Award Camp.

          International Service activities included hosting a number of Russian attorneys for a week and establishing a third micro credit bank in the Philippines. Members contributed approximately $8,000 to the International Rotary Foundation.

          The Annual Golf Tournament & Silent Auction generated $32,000 to support Club “Service Above Self” activities.  Members raised a record $55,000 through the Golf Tournament, Silent Auction, Garage Sale, Sergeant-at-Arm’s recognitions, and more with proceeds dedicated to support “Service Above Self”.          Outstanding programs included hydrogen and fuel cell technology, and sports presentations by Lou from Littleton, Larry Zimmer and Tracy Ringolsby. Other speakers included John Fielder (Colorado nature photographer), former Governor Dick Lamm, former Ambassador Sam Zachem, Lt. Governor Jane Norton, John Hickenlooper, and Don Mares. Mike Hitchcock and Red Holland presented programs on health care and the concrete industry respectively. Economics and Ethics Forums were presented by members. Honorary member Loy Dickenson shared his WWII experiences. Two Rotation Days were held. Who could forget the Bronco Cheerleaders?

          The Les Bevans Pace Setter Award was presented to Frank Sargent of the Englewood Club. Larry Bell was honored with the Club Vocational Service Award. Helen Hempel was named the Cliff Dochterman Rotarian of the Year.  Helen exemplifies “Service Above Self” through her participation in “cancer walks” and the organization of the Polio Eradication Garage Sale, in addition to her planning of the club’s fellowship activities.

          Sixteen new members joined during the year; all attended one of several new member orientation sessions. Many new members presented vocational talks. After meeting for 20 years at the Wellshire Inn, the club moved to Dave & Buster’s (a short lived stay). A U-Hills website was launched.

Fun and fellowship was experienced through a wine tasting party, the children’s holiday party, a holiday gala, a western hoe down, a bike ride, a Colorado Rockies game, a baby shower, as well as the golf tournament and silent auction.

          The year ended with an Evening of Celebration. Board members were recognized for their dedication and each was presented with a picture of a recipient of a wheel chair given through the Wheel Chair Foundation. Jay Carpender and new Board members were installed by District Gov. Mat Matson. The evening concluded with a musical tribute to Paul Harris by Vera Broughton and the Blue Heron Singers. (contributed by Carl Gardner)

2003-2004

          Helen Dunn, wife of member Fred Dunn provided the most inspiration for the year by insisting to return to good health from an illness to help get “those needy people” more wheelchairs. Her strength encouraged club members, and spearheaded by Helen Hempel, raised an additional $4000 for the Wheel Chair Foundation. Helen and Linda and Carl Gardner were recognized at the changing of the guard for their generosity in the Wheel Chair Program

          After a six month trial period, the Board of Directors elected to move the meeting location from Dave & Buster’s, a meeting location in the University Hills Subdivision at I-25 and Colorado Boulevard, to the Glenmoor Country Club, a location providing a better atmosphere and more appropriate facilities for the members.

          A successful fundraiser, the Ninth Annual Charity Golf Tournament, chaired by Stan Love, raised $18,000.  This effort enabled the Community Services Committee, chaired by John French, to give generously to needy programs including the Adoption Exchange, Warren Village, Bayaud Industries, VORP, Excelsior School, Emily Griffith and Sacred Heart House.  A Centennial Project “Shots for Tots” was initiated this year in conjunction with other Rotary Clubs and Swedish Hospital (Lowell Palmquist and Mike Hitchcock) to help immunize Colorado Children.  Several members hiked Quandry Peak in the Emily Griffith Peak Challenge (their picture is on the website (http://www.rotary5450.org/uhills/).

          The year saw two rotation days, a meeting on the Winter Park Ski Train, a great Holiday Party at the Broker Restaurant (fellowship help by Jack Houlihan), programs on ANWAR, Russia, Customer Service, PeaceJam, How to Edit the Editorial Page, Legalizing Drugs, Mars, Helping Teens Make Better Choices (including a “baby doll” that wets), and Denver University.                     

          Members of the Board of Directors were given a membership in the Continental Divide Trail Alliance (CDTA) for their service to the club.  The CDTA was the designated project of former member, District Governor Mat Matson.

          Art Mason served as Treasurer again this year, marking yet another time he has filled in, providing “Service” Above Self.  A contribution was made to the Selian Hospital in Arusha, Tanzania in acknowledgement of his dedicated work.  One of our speakers this year, Dr. Mark Jacobsen, a Minnesota transplant in Africa, told our club his experiences of building a hospital with practically nothing; he also made a presentation to the District Conference.

          Don Goe was recognized as the Cliff Dochterman Rotarian of the Year for his exemplary service as Club Editarian and “deep rudder” in board decisions. (contributed by Jay Carpender)