Welcome to Our Club, Proud Member of District 5450
Service Above Self
Tuesdays at 7:00 a.m.
Senior Center
83 Nancy's Place, CR 1014
Frisco, CO 80443 United States of America
Our meetings are in person and also have a Zoom option:
Join through this website:
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/559621585
Meeting ID: 559 621 585
Password is 8675309
Call in 301-715-8592
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how often we frame things as either/or. You’re in one camp or the other. You do this or that. You want things to stay the same, or you want things to be different. But I believe in “yes, and”.
“Yes, and” is how we grow — as people, as Rotarians, as a community. It’s more inclusive instead of exclusive. It widens the circle, expands the experience, and leaves room for more ideas, more ways to serve, and more people who want to help make things better.
That’s what I want in my own life — and it’s what I want for Rotary and for the world around us. When I spoke early in the year about wanting to practice continuity, innovation, and partnerships, I think I may have suggested there was a dichotomy between the first two. But what I think now is that practicing continuity AND innovation is the same as saying “yes, AND.”
We can honor our legacy and welcome new energy. We can hold on to what works and try new things that stretch us. We can have a long-standing breakfast clubandcompanion clubs filled with doers who roll up their sleeves and get things done in their own way.
Both can thrive, side by side.
Over the next few weeks, we’ll be talking more about what a “yes, and” Rotary looks like — including the idea of starting a new kind of club that complements, not competes with, our legacy club. It’s an opportunity to bring in fresh perspectives, different schedules, and new service passions — without losing the heartbeat that’s made Summit Rotary so strong for fifty years.
I hope that when we hear something new, instead of saying, “No, that’s not how we do it,” we’ll pause and say, “Yes… and tell me more.”
Because that’s the real Rotary Spirit — staying open, curious, and connected. When we choose “yes, and,” we don’t lose anything. We gain everything.
The introductions were one of the most inspiring parts of the entire meeting! Many of our High School Interact members joined us and shared all the amazing things they’re doing — from community projects to hands-on Rotary service. Listening to them, it’s clear that leadership, compassion, and purpose are alive and well in this next generation. As I said during the meeting: “These young people are our future.” And what a bright future it is!
🎉 Welcome, Jack & Neal!
Inductions are always a treat, and welcoming Jack Bezler and Neal Drobenare was no exception. Their energy, ideas, and commitment will make our club even stronger and more vibrant. Big thanks to Andy and Elaine for introducing them to us — Rotary keeps growing because of connections like these!
😂 Dave Groth Being... Dave Groth
Every club has that one member who keeps things interesting — and for us, that’s Dave! This time, his card decided to take up permanent residence on his forehead. Luckily, it was one that needed to be torn up anyway. Perfect timing, Dave. Never change.
I grew up in Naperville, a suburb of Chicago. I attended the University of Iowa for my undergraduate degree in biology. Thad and I met in my final year at Iowa, got engaged, and moved to St. Louis, where I attended graduate school at Washington University. I originally planned to be a biomolecular research scientist but discovered working in the lab didn't suit me and found my way to sales where I sold reagents and instruments to scientists performing research.
We decided to move to San Diego after we completed our schooling in St. Louis. We lived in San Diego for 13 years. Thad took over a conference calling business from his brother, and I eventually joined him in the business when I was between biotech sales jobs. This afforded us the ability to travel as we could run the business online. We left on our sailboat and explored Mexico for two years, we skied each month for a winter, and were able to travel to Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Later, we sold our boat and purchased a camper van and traveled mostly around the west with periodic trips to Florida to assist family members.
During this travel time, we had home bases in Bend, OR, and Seattle, WA. After an unfortunate boat purchase in Seattle, we decided we were ready to stop the vagabond lifestyle and settle into a community. We had lived part-time In Frisco in 2017-18 and decided it was a place we could see ourselves living year-round. We purchased our home in May 2024, and I have been thrilled with our decision, especially during this time of year when the aspens are changing!
Thad Nelson
I grew up on a small farm in Iowa. Since I was 5 years old, I have been participating in the family farm work. The farm was cared for by just my parents, my younger brother, and myself raising cattle until 1984, then hogs until 2000. All the time we were growing corn and soybeans on 1,300 acres of land. I learned to drive a tractor at age 7 delivering grain to the local elevator, and was driving the family car at 9.
After attending college and earning a BSN, I worked in the emergency room and trauma center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. It was one of the busiest ERs in the country at a top-10 ranked hospital in the nation. I advanced to become a charge nurse of the trauma unit with in a year.
We then took advantage of travel nursing incentives to move to San Diego, CA, and I worked at the many hospitals in the area. During my career there, my family had started a telephone company back in Iowa. They invited me to take over a small business providing conference call networks. I started No Cost Conference, Inc., growing the business by providing primarily church and nonprofit organizations a place to hold their conference calls specializing in 1,000-person calls and larger. We ran that business until 2021 and were fortunate to have earned and saved enough to retire at that time.
The BOE is having their regular meeting, and once a month we provide a spotlight/recognition for different groups. For next wednesday's meeting, we have selected the Rotary, Summit Foundation, and EFS to be recognized for their contributions to help students. I believe there is a student group through the Rotary as well? We would love to extend the invite to them too.
We would like to invite anyone from Rotary who would like to come for the recognition and the student strand as well! The Board LOVES to see students coming in for spotlights!
The information is as follows:
What: Board of Education Meeting - Superintendent Spotlight & Recognition
By attending Rotary meetings or events you give consent for yourself and your minor child(ren) to be photographed, videotaped or filmed at the meeting or event and for The Rotary Club of Summit County and its affiliates and agents to use your likenesses, voices, actions and statements for promotional purposes in any media now known or later developed without compensation.
With warm Rotary hugs,
