Previous_Speakers

 
Liz Lilien - May 1, 2025: Night of Broken Glass - On April 1, 1940, a Jewish family came down the gangplank in New York from the ship that enabled them to escape the terror of events in Germany. They, along with thousands of Jewish people had been subjected to discrimination, abuse and other atrocities. Then, were forced to leave their homeland as refugees. Liz Lilien was four. Her parents got jobs, then started a business, and after many years were able to move to the North Fork.  Now ninety, Liz came to share her story with us.
 
Steve Stees - April 24, 2025: The Storm Cellar Winery - Steve Stees from the Storm Cellar Winery spoke to Rotary members this week, telling the tale of he and his wife Jayme’s transition from urbanity to being wine producers here in the North Fork Valley.  They just dove in and are continuing with the challenges of the weather, the soils, the publicity and whatever it takes to create a winery that crafts the wines they like to drink.  They encourage people to visit the area and be part of what is happening here.
 
Kathy Steckel - April 17, 2025: North Fork EMS - Kathy Steckel, chief of the North Fork EMS spoke to Rotary this week, tracing its development from volunteer beginnings in 1969, to membership organization in 2014 and then a taxing district in 2018 to the present. They cover an area of 1600 sq miles, generally from Payne Siding to McClure and Kebler passes.  Three ambulances are available, attended by an EMS and with Paramedics as needed. Their base station will soon be moving to Clock Road in Paonia
 
Blake Kinser - April 10, 2025: Paonia Voluntary Fire Department - Chief of the Paonia Voluntary Fire Department, Blake Kinser, presented an overview of that organization to Rotary members this week.  He talked about their area of service - from Hotchkiss to McClures, Stevens Gulch to Crawford; their functional services - structure & landscape fires, auto accidents, water rescue; community involvement - participation in events, Cherry Days, school visits; fund raising - supporting their financial needs as well as community benefits.
 
Brandon Mason - April 3, 2025: The County Fence - Brandon Mason introduced the Rotary members to “The County Fence”, a metaphor for an interactive website where we can discuss matters that have differing and conflicting viewpoints.  A publication for the people, by the people.  Issues such as county land use and short-term rentals are examples.  Hopefully this will help bring people together to share their ideas and to acknowledge their differences.  To learn more, go to www.delta.countyfence.org.
 
Ali Lightfoot - March 27, 2025: Blue Sage Update - Rotarians received an exciting update on a full year of activities from Blue Sage executive director Ali Lightfoot this week.   A variety of exciting musicians are signed up for happy hours and other venues along with gallery showings by local artists.  Ali emphasized the Blue Sage focus on activities for youngsters including a legacy fund for kids' music lessons.  She also reported that the long-awaited Sage Alley construction is nearing completion, with events expected to take place by mid-summer. 
 
Rebecca Hitt - March 20, 2025: Chinese Medicine - Rotary members learned a bit about Chinese Medicine from Rebecca Hitt at this week’s regular meeting.  Rebecca is a local acupuncturist and Chinese herbalist.  She earned her master's in Chinese medicine several years ago and practiced off and on here in Paonia since that time.  She treats physical conditions such as muscular and joint stiffness and pain.  Malfunctioning nerves and their connections are another area of service.  Then allergies and skin conditions fit into the herbalist side.  She has a list of formulas and makes up some of her own remedies.
 
Kaye Howe - March 06, 2025: The Rocky Mountain Farmers Union - Kaye Howe from the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union conducted an interactive session with Rotary members about raising families on a farm with the complexities of today’s lifestyle.  Rotarians made suggestions learned from past experiences in other communities about dealing with these issues. Ideas were offered about balancing farm work with the needs of children to interact with education and social activities.  Then as life progresses, ownership transitions from generation to generation consistent with the economic conditions of our times.
 
Amy Hebert - February 27, 2025: The Exchange Student Experience. - This week Rotarians had an informal conversation about the exchange student experience with Amy Hebert. social studies teacher at Paonia K8.  Amy had been an exchange student to Denmark as part of her high school experience, then later in life to Shang-Hai with an adult group. These journeys eventually led to employment with our State Department in China and other countries.   Now sharing her experiences as a teacher, she recently hosted Eszter Pala, our Rotary exchange student, who presented a talk on her native Hungary.
 
Meg O’Shaunessey - February 20, 2025: Non-Violent Communication - Meg O’Shaunessey spoke to the Rotary members about Non-Violent Communication this week.  What one or more listeners heard Meg say is that it is best to respond from your own perspective with the feelings that you derived from the message spoken.  Use “I” statements, not “You” statements.  Ask yourself, “how did this make me feel”.  Keep Listening.  Ask others, “Would you be willing to do such”.  Keep listening.
 
Eszter Pala - February 13, 2025: Life in Hungary - This week, our Rotary exchange student Eszter Pala talked about Hungary, her native land.  It is a small country in central Europe surrounded by Slovakia, Romania, Slovenia, Croatia & Austria that enclose its boundary.  She told about its architecture, the towns, bucolic country-sides, castles, the cultural aspects and its gastronomy. The food was conveyed with colorful vignettes of place settings as she pointed out the ingredients and described the tastes and delights.  YumYum! 
 
Barb Chambliss - February 6, 2025: Making Peace
Peacemaker Barb Chambliss talked to the Rotary Club this week about some basic concepts regarding peace. Peace can be initiated at a basic level between two people of any age  starting with an initial reaction and acceptance.  Or rejection if presented negatively.  Peacemakers respond to the negative with a positive tactic.  The concept is workable at the most basic levels of humanity to the loftiest levels of business, government and society.
 
Liz Heidrick and Kelly Jones - January 23, 2025: North Fork Valley Chamber of Commerce
Liz Heidrick and Kelly Jones talked to Rotary members this week about the North Fork Valley Chamber of Commerce.  This is a new group evolving out of the current Hotchkiss Chamber and other similar groups that existed during the past decade and before the Covid experience.  Their focus is to provide their members with assistance via mentoring workshops, marketing classes, networking sessions and management advice. Their vision is sustainable local business community inclusive of younger participants as well as established entities.
 
Emma Kottenstette - January 9, 2025: Farm Runners Station
Since 2015 Farm Runners Station has been committed to maintaining a connection between local consumers and west slope farmers.  Part owner, Emma Kottenstette, spoke to the Rotary this week with an overview of this thriving Hotchkiss business.  They are committed to maintaining a connection between farmers and consumers.  Freshness and flavor from farm to table in foods of the highest standards is an underlying objective.  They strive to enable consumers to have easy access to the produce grown here in western Colorado, while creating markets for local farmers to sell their products
 
Edward Mnele - December 12, 2024: Excess Africa Travel Service
This week Rotarians enjoyed a presentation by Edward Mnele of Excess Africa, a travel service from Tanzania. He showed photos and videos of the yearly migration for millions of  Wildebeest as they cross the Mara River to their mating grounds in the Serengeti National Park.  Mating occurs between Dec. & Mar, the move begins in April thru June and the migration crosses the river July thru November.  Vivid still photos of gorillas, leopards, lions, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, cheetahs and many others were shown in their resting places as well as in competition for their lives.
Jeff Schwartz - December 5, 2024: Delicious Orchards & Big B’s Juice
Jeff Schwartz of Delicious Orchards & Big B’s Juice engaged the members this week with an informal chat about his 18+\- years in the valley.  Sometime after his arrival he purchased the juice company and fostered it’s growth from 600 gal/year to having products on store shelves from New Jersey to California. More recently he created a much needed campground enabling visitors to come to Paonia and enjoy a clean and comfortable place to camp for awhile, located on the highway a short distance from town. He has provided a venue where tourists can gather, appreciate the ambiance, enjoy concerts and be inspired.
Jess Dervin Ackerman - November 21, 2024: North Fork Coalition
Rotary members held an informal meeting this week with North Fork Coalition Executive Director Jess Dervin Ackerman.  The coalition is bent on making the North Fork a great place to live and a great place to visit.  It is a member based non-profit with over 100 participants.  They support artists, crafters and other creative local businesses helping them thrive & survive.  These efforts are funded through memberships and two main events, The Mountain Harvest Festival and the Christmas Arts Fair.    Jess comes to us from a stint with the Sierra Club and utilizes her personality as well as digital tools to bring people together.
Lillikoi Fischer, Isabel Thompson, Willow Webb and Merrily Talbot - November 14, 2024: Broadway Field Trip Report
Rotary members were entertained this week by Lillikoi Fischer, Isabel Thompson and Willow Webb, telling tales about a recent trip with Merrily Talbot to Broadway (NYC).  They went to a few productions, visited some galleries, and took in various sights around the great city of New York.  Then came back to their mountain home with dreams and ambitions of someday returning and performing on the other side of the lights.
Lauren Thliveris - November 7, 2024:  A Brief History of the Berg Family
A brief history about the Berg Family, early settlers to Paonia and the North Fork, was presented by Lauren Thliveris this week.  She is a descendent and manages Berg Harvest, the oasis at the entrance to town across from the library. Much of what you see surrounding the business is land originally owned by the Berg’s and now in a conservation easement.  Lauren also introduced a proposal for creating “The Carl Berg Educational Foundation”.  Its vision would be to work with the Town, help to attract visitors and create and educational facility.
 
 
Medeina Ryan and Kathy Steckel - October 17, 2024:  Community Paramedicine Program
Medeina Ryan and Kathy Steckel of North Fork EMS presented an overview of the Community Paramedicine (CP) program they have introduced into our community. These are free in-home services to follow up after release from a hospital stay or ER treatment.  Lab draws, wound care, EKG, BG, vitals and wellness checks can also be done in one’s own home. They can help with learning about a chronic disease and medications.  Arranging transportation to medical appointments is another service as well as connecting people to local resources that help them stay comfortable in their own homes.
Chris Caskey - October 10, 2024:  Methane Recapture
Chris Caskey talked to the club members this week about his involvement with recapture of methane leaking from abandoned or otherwise closed mine sites.  His objective is to keep methane from polluting the local atmosphere and finding ways to utilize it for a beneficial purpose.   Methane can be converted to CO2 and water.  Generating electricity is a future possibility. Currently he is working at a closed mine site north of Paonia.   Partial funding for this work comes from a DOE “Solve-it” grant.
Colton Cook - September 26, 2024:  Mountain Rescue
Colton Cook presented an overview of search and rescue operations in the North Fork area and surrounds.  In cooperation with other search and rescue groups they generally cover the wild lands from Paonia to Aspen.  A team of 40 active members are involved.   Generally, the group provides an all-hazard backcountry aid to those in distress.   Most calls relate to injuries that prevent an adventurer from progressing from a point of accident to their point of origin.  Some just get lost or caught in storms.  Health problems also surface from simple exhaustion to cardiac arrest. 
Eszter Pala - September 19, 2024:  Hungarian Exchange Student's Impressions of Paonia
Our current exchange student Eszter Pala conversed with club members this week sharing her thoughts about some of the different life experiences between those in Western Colorado and her native Hungary.   Being able to pick her classes at the high school was one of the positives.  She also thought the homecoming experience was a bunch of fun.  The food here brought forth some positive comments, but she missed a few tasty delights from the homeland.
Teri Stephenson and Rene Warner - September 12, 2024:  Delta County Election Process
Members listened to an informative program about the integrity of the election process from Delta County Clerk Teri Stephenson and Rene Warner.  Rene manages the elections from that office.  Coloradans are able to vote by one of two methods, by write-in or in person.  Rene emphasized the security at the drop boxes and the vote centers.  There are security cameras at each location.  She also explained the signature validation process and the security around the equipment that counts the ballots. 
 
Will Wrich, Nora Kaufman & Judah Fisher - September 5, 2024:  Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Program
Will Wrich, Nora Kaufman & Judah Fisher spoke to the club members about their recent experience attending a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program. This program is for high school students and focuses on leadership, citizenship and personal growth.   Sponsored by Rotary Districts (5440) & (5450), it is intended to be a life changing experience.  Each student spoke of their personal gains which were demonstrated by the positive demeanor of their presentations.
 
Tanya Henderson - August 22, 2024:  Club Financial and Data Organization
Club Treasurer Tanya Henderson spoke to the members this week about access and accountability, an overview of the Google Drive and finances.  She pointed the three levels of our organization– Rotary International, our District and our club, the Rotary Club of the North Fork Valley.  The latter breaks down further into the Club for activities and the Rotary Foundation for financial matters.  Introduction of the Google Drive enables sharing and editing of information to all members. 
 
 
 
 
Emily Hartnett - August 15, 2024:  Valley Organic Growers Association
Emily Hartnett, Program Director for Valley Organic Growers Association (VOGA), spoke to Rotary members this week about their organization and its mission to promote sustainable agriculture by supporting and educating producers and consumers.  Educational aspects are enhanced by way of its sister organization, Valley Organic Growers Educational Alliance (VOGAEA).  They envision a vibrant community of prosperous, local farms that sustain and benefit the land by providing healthy agricultural products.
 
 
Lindsey Todd - August 8, 2024:  FFA at the North Fork High School
Lindsey Todd spoke to the club this week about her role as agriculture teacher at the North Fork High School.   Her focus is on those students that are interested in agricultural careers and/or may be destined to carry on with the family farms where they grew up.   She teaches the green thumb subjects like plant propagation; hands on stuff like welding; and leadership skills such as public speaking and parliamentary procedure.  Her work coincides with programs provided by the Future Farmers of America.  The hope is that students learn to run their ag business instead of just living the lifestyle.  
 
 
  
Brenda Holland - August 1, 2024:  Families Plus Rotary Grant Presentation
Families Plus Executive Director Brenda Holland PhD, along with associates Gianna Galvin and Dorothy Lorig, recently talked to Rotary members about their work helping to empower disadvantaged children grow into healthy productive citizens.  Their focus is the entire family, with community involvement along with therapy services.  Families Plus is located in Delta with offices in other towns.  Rotary members presented them with a donation of $19,593.00 to fund a therapist to work with children with complex problem in the Paonia Schools. 
 
Seth Weber - July 25, 2024:  The Man Behind the Murals
Rotarians met the Man Behind the Murals this week and learned about his inspiration to create them.  Seth Weber talked about his home life where he and his wife are foster parents for some abandoned children. He has seen where nutrition and love can do wonders for those youngsters that have been left behind.  Yet there was still a need to lift his spirits which he found in painting murals.  His past and future works can be seen in Paonia and Delta County.  Currently his focus is on libraries where he can be an art mentor for kids. 
   
Ashley Krest - July 18, 2024:  KVNF Community Radio Update
Ashley Krest, general manager of KVNF Radio, spoke to the Rotary members last week about our local non-profit radio station.  It began in 1979 as a Paonia based station that broadcasted to the North Fork Area. During the last 45 (+/, KVNF has expanded its influence to cover an area of 10,000 square miles.  Portions of Mesa, Delta, Montrose, San Miguel and Ouray counties benefit from its programs.   The station is a member of National Public Radio and provides local and regional news as well.  Dynamic music is their forte with rock, blues, country, bluegrass, jazz, classical and folk filling the agenda.
 
Jon Schulz - June 20, 2024:  The Rotary Four Way Test
Club member Jon Schulz presented an in-depth analysis of "The Four Way Test" at this week's meeting.  The test is a mantra adopted by Rotary International that helps members keep themselves on track.  It sets guidelines for interaction, decision making, planning and execution.  Before jumping ahead with action, Rotarians consider:
1.  Is it the truth? 
2.  Is it fair to all concerned? 
3.  Will it build good will and better friendships? 
4.  Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Jon's analysis delved into the underlying philosophy supporting the words above that help the members stay grounded.  He generously provided a copy of his presentation for anyone interested.