Dear Estes Park Woman’s Club Members,

What a joy it is to preside over the oldest philanthropic organization in Estes Park, Colorado! I thank you for the honor. Most importantly, I genuinely hope that we all take to heart the words in our Collect: Keep us, Oh God, from pettiness… Let us be done with fault finding…May we never be hasty in judgment…And, Oh Lord God, let us not forget to be kind.

Words such as these are often recited but just as often not taken to heart. We’ve all experienced lapses when we could have and should have held off judgment until such time as we had the courage to meet each other “face to face.” I personally believe that we can and will be a powerful entity if, as an organization, we build on each other’s strengths and talents. There is a ridiculous amount of generosity and creativity amongst us. We merely need to tap into it.

Of course, this year we want to continue our work with our public schools, providing scholarships for worthy young women and acknowledging the need for all of us to support quality education in the Estes Valley. We’ll continue to help those students who need a bit of help being school ready. We’ll continue our efforts to provide a Bright Christmas for those needing a leg up and we will always look to help Crossroads meet its increasing need. Depending on our success with our Trunk Treasure Sale, perhaps we can investigate some new services that may help those facing memory loss or comfort those dealing with the after effects of cancer treatment. The opportunities for us to “step up” are limitless.

There are two elements of this club that I am personally passionate about:

Having FUN and bringing into the organization some young women who can carry the legacy of this 115-year-old philanthropic, service-oriented institution.

This may mean juggling some additional meeting times to accommodate young working women or designating a special meeting where each of us brings a young woman as a guest. I admit change is difficult for me. I believe it’s hard for most of us, but I also know we have leaders in this group who recognize our potential extinction if we are not forward thinking. I hope The Woman’s Club of Estes Park can support these initiatives.

A most deserved “thank you” to those of you who have graciously accepted Executive Board positions, committee positions or committee chair positions for 2025-2026. Woman’s Club is so deserving of your time and involvement. I will strive as President to be deserving of your service, insight and full participation.

With a grateful heart, I remain in YOUR service,

Sherry Unruh

EPWC President, 2025-2026