Children’s Diabetes Foundation Guild has its own story

Engaging Kyle Dyer, who had been a broadcast journalist for over two decades, made news worldwide when she innocently reached to pet a dog as a 9NEWS anchor and was bitten on air!

That’s just one of her many stories. Kyle loves stories and thrives on listening deeply to others and telling their stories. After retiring from 9NEWS, she started her own brand – Kyle Dyer Storytelling, calls herself the generative journalist and shared her journey with The Guild of Children’s Diabetes Foundation (CDF) recently at Denver Country Club for its Annual Meeting and Installation of Officers. “By being heard,” she said: “you feel understood and appreciated. It’s the story behind the words. By engaging our imagination, we can have empathy for others. I grew up in journalism and I grew up because of journalism.” This coming from the news anchor who vividly recalls and/or covered Columbine, 9-11 and the Aurora Theater Shooting. She sets out to hear the good and finding the stories that matter such as the work of Children’s Diabetes Foundation. Earlier in the program, she had listened to Dr. Marian Rewers who talked about bridging the gap for clinical care at the Barbara Davis Center and the valuable research making diabetes more manageable, patients being able to get better and keeping kids diagnosed out of the hospital. She listened to amounts of two sizable checks being presented and the story of Cheryl Lebsock whose son Josh was recently diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. She heard Cheryl, the outgoing Guild president, list all the amazing accomplishments of the organization this past year. She listened as Lisa Corley was installed as the new president and how she felt about filling big shoes during her term and why she was so passionate about giving to CDF. Kyle witnessed the installation of 2020 Guild officers by Sally Frerichs: President- Lisa Corley, 

President-elect- Lori Finch, Treasurer –Katie Grassby, Treasurer-Elect Linda Chase, Corresponding Secretary – Susan Squyer, Recording Secretary – Brenda Neiman and Immediate, Past President – Cheryl Lebsock. Kyle watched and listened as Judy McNeil presented a thoughtfully created book to Cheryl filled with her outstanding Guild leadership achievements and memories. CDF has a treasure trove of stories – enabling research, fundraising, thinking about a family in need, sharing, relating and having a reason for existence. On the horizon – February 12 is the annual Membership Meeting and May 6 is the annual Spring Brass Ring Luncheon & Fashion Show.

Celebrating its 65^th year, Cherry Creek Republican Women (CCRW) had a packed program for its holiday luncheon at Glenmoor Country Club. Officers were installed by former CCRW President and former State Senator Nancy Spence. Witty, insightful, legendary Republican political strategist Dick Wadhams was featured speaker. He hails from Las Animas, Colorado and has the experience and success to live up to his accolades. At just age 19, he was a county Republican chair and served twice as state party chair. He worked for U.S. Senator Bill Armstrong, managed state-wide campaigns for U.S. Senator Hank Brown and U.S. Senator Wayne Allard. He was campaign manager for Governor Bill Owens and later his press secretary. In addition, he was the campaign chief for U.S. Senator John Thune of South Dakota when Thune dethroned incumbent Tom Daschle who was senate majority leader… to name a few. I remember his presentation at the Arapahoe County Lincoln Dinner shortly after that South Dakota victory with the clever commercials for Thune,

His topic for CCRW was “Moving Ahead to 2020.” “There’s a lot to talk about,” he began.”Reversing the election of 2016 will not work. Trump’s numbers are improving in the battleground states.” He referenced the side show of the Democrat nomination process and related the history of how Iowa became so special. Referring to Colorado’s former governor and the U.S. Senate seat, he said: “Cory Gardner is still young, optimistic, energetic and as excited as he was six years ago and the president stays in close touch with him. By comparison, Hickenlooper will come off as old and tired.” 

CCRW’s December Community Service Project was the “Mitten Tree” and donations for Doctors Care for Kids. Congratulations were extended to recent election winners: Francoise Bergan, recapturing her Ward 6 Aurora City Council seat, former Congressman Mike Coffman elected Mayor of Aurora and re-election of Rita Russell, Mayor Pro Tem to her seat as At-Large Council member in Englewood. Arapahoe County GOP Chair Dorothy Gotlieb announced the county’s Lincoln Day Dinner will be held February 15 with the theme “Love that Lincoln.”

On a recent blustery evening emcee Doug Tisdale, a self proclaimed “elected official” (RTD Board) and EVP of South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce regaled the support of Lone Tree Arts Center Guild members. The Guild’s sole (and soul) purpose is to support the Lone Tree Arts Center. Lone Tree (established 15 years ago) and the arts center have exceeded expectations according to City of Lone Tree Mayor Jackie Millet. Also on hand was former and first Mayor of Lone Tree Jack O’Boyle and his wife Margie who sits on the board of Lone Tree Arts Center.

It was a grand old time with holiday casual attire and a taco bar when Arapahoe County Republicans celebrated the season at the Radisson Hotel in Aurora. In addition, favorite appetizers and desserts fetched a fee as a fundraiser. County Chair Dorothy Gotlieb was at the mic when new Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman arrived.

The Rotunda Room at the Ritchie School of Engineering and Computer Science on the DU campus was the venue for Opportunity Coalition’s quarterly panel of experts. The topic of education was addressed featuring answers to questions such as: How does Colorado’s education system rank nationally? What can be done to increase effectiveness with education programs on both a local and national level? Opportunity Coalition promotes the ideals of free markets, capitalism, Constitutional values and liberty. Business owners, entrepreneurs, executives, thought leaders, legislators, concerned citizens and anyone who wants to make a positive impact on Colorado is encouraged to attend. The next meeting will be Thursday, January 16, 2020 focusing on transportation. Location to be determined.