Centennial Rotary General Meeting

On Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Custodian--Ben
Greeter--Mary Alice
Invocation--Hank
Pledge--Diane

President Jennifer rang the bell at 7:33 a.m.

Announcements

Visiting Rotarians introduced by Kent. Tom Novotny, LV West and District Governor Elect-Nominee of District 5300 was present, along with his son John. Several members, including our President asked Tom to take Randy back with him.

Rotary Minute--Kent shared details about a little known RI project named “Open World.” The idea was hatched by the U.S. Congress and run by Rotary. It has helped bridge the gap between Russia and the U.S.

Diaper Drive culminates next Tuesday. Randy will go to Sam’s and purchase a large amount. The cost will be divided up amongst the following members: Dan R., Greg, Ben, Ken H., Jennifer, Paul, Bryan. All others expressed that they had already purchased them.
A representative from Parent Pathways will be present on 3/18 to pickup our donation. Please try to attend this (and every) meeting!!

Barb passed around a sign-up sheet to volunteer for the State of Our City event. Fliers were also available.

The GSE team from Germany will be our program 5/1. The Highlands Ranch Club will be with us that day as well. We will escort them to various locations that day as well.

Hank is proposing to host a party for the GSE team during their stay.

Project Cure sorting is 3/20.

Diane interrupted the meeting and announced that she likes the room we were meeting in the best. Where did that come from?

Presidential Trivia

Which President won the Nobel Peace Prize and saved “our” football? Our speaker, Brian Vogt correctly answered Teddy R. Surprisingly, Marc G. used a “bad” phrase when explaining the details.

Happy Bucks

• Mary Alice gave a buck for enjoying last weekend’s Summit with area teenagers.
• Tom B. gave money for Andres’ company getting a good mention in Barron’s.
• Barb for her youngest grandson turning one last week.
• Pete for Oprah’s Big Give generosity at Denver Children’s Home, over a $250.000. Kent mentioned that during the show, you could see briefly the wall “we” painted.
• Dan R. gave $2, one for their son (6’3”, 210 lbs.) turned 15 and has his learner’ permit and for seeing his friend, Brian.
• Jen gave $2, one for the Summit and one for Brian’s attendance.
• Randy gave $3, one for Tom visiting, one for his mother-in-law doing well and one for Mary’s 4th chemo treatment on Monday.
• Greg C. arrived at 8:03.

Program

Brian Vogt, executive director of the Denver Botanic Gardens. He used to serve on Gov. Owens’s cabinet and for 3 years was president of the South Denver Chamber and worked on the campaign to form the city of Centennial.

The garden’s were founded in 1951 on what used to be the city’s cemetery. Rumors have it that all grave markers were removed, but not all the bodies. It sits on 23 acres and is one of the most diverse in the U.S. There are 50 different gardens.

In the recent election, 18.6 million was dedicated to the Gardens. It will be used to improve the main facility, including opening up the orchid room to the public and upgrade the amphitheatre at the Chatfield location. There is a third location near Mt. Evans on Mt. Goliath. The alpine walk is beautiful and offers diverse mountain plants. Although it will close soon, another location is the Centennial Garden by the Pepsi Center. It is a traditional French garden and will close after the Democratic National Convention this fall.

On 9/13, there will be a world music festival at the Chatfield location that will also feature international food from local restaurants.

The 3 main points Brian wants to accomplish the following 3 items: Launch a new master development plan, launch a new capital plan and re-brand the Gardens.

Great program, wish you were here!!

Marbles

Hank drew a clear and the pot is almost $800.

King Soopers Coupons!

Don’t forget to see Kent Ostedgaard for your King Soopers coupons! The club makes 4% on every dollar we spend. Coupons are available in $25 units & are sold at face value.
PLEASE REMEMBER TO BUY SOME TODAY!

Nearby Club Locations for Makeup's:

Tuesday’s:
11:45 AM – Tech Center @ Glenmoor CC
Noon – Littleton @ Columbine CC

Wednesday’s:
12:00 pM – Englewood –
(Location Change ) *
Embassy Suites on Hampden, near Tamarac Square

Wednesday 's:
Littleton-Sunrise
7:15AM -- Arapahoe Community College, southernmost west entrance and west parking lot

Thursday’s:
7:15AM – Denver SE/ Cool River Restaurant
Noon – Highlands Ranch @ Lone Tree CC

24 Hours: www.rotary5450.org/eclub