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Live blood analysis (LBA) was the topic of Friday's presentation brought to us by Rotarian Laura Barton. Laura introduced functional medical provider, Jessica Sijaric, along with her mentor and teacher Jason Kannon, to explain live blood analysis and how it functions as a holistic screening method for the evaluation of an individual's health terrain.

Rotarian Laura Barton (left) with speaker Jessica Sijaric (right)

Live blood analysis is used in the field of complementary medicine, often in conjunction with nutrition, naturopathy, homeopathy, acupuncture or herbalism. A drop of the client's blood is examined under a microscope and the information gained is used to check for signs of many issues relating to health, bringing a new dimension in the understanding of cellular activity of the client.

Live blood analysis differs from the lab test that we are familiar with in a key area' it is viewed in real time under a microscope to see the activity of live blood cells rather than the evaluation of those same blood cells later once they are no longer alive.

Dark image of healthy red blood cells as seen through microscope.

LBA can identify toxins, oxidative stress, digestive issues, chemical imbalances, immune activity, parasite indicators, and inflammation. This information can then motivate non-invasive lifestyle changes through personalized terrain-based health support such as proper diet, proper sleep, and healthy lifestyle choices. This has been Laura Barton's experience and why she wanted Jessica to speak to the club.

According to Sijaric, live blood analysis is based in terrain theory, first postulated by Antoine Bechamp (1816-1908). Terrain theory is the understanding that the health of the terrain (physical environment) determines the behavior of the microorganisms developing into something harmful or not. It suggests that microbes and pathogens thrive only when the body is weak, toxic, or unbalanced, making overall health (nutrition, stress, lifestyle) more crucial than just fighting germs, and that an unhealthy terrain can leave an individual open to disease.

To learn more or connect with Jessica text her at 408.644.1952.

Water, Water Everywhere

On the landing page for Terra Firma Rainwater Collective is the following: “Transforming rainwater into opportunity. We work at the intersection of natural forces and human ingenuity to enhance communities, reduce flooding, and address water scarcity in Central Africa, while promoting economic empowerment and climate resilience.” Based on the presentation by Mark Weinhold at the club meeting on Friday, they do exactly that!

Uncontolled runoff creates massive gullies that divide &destroy communities.

Weinhold, a local US Forest Service employee, is on the board of Terra Firma Rainwater Collective, and was introduced to the problematic issues of excessive rainwater in Africa as part of the USFS international efforts in providing technical support to address climate issues around the globe. Terra Firma Rainwater Collective was founded by engineers and hydrologists working with communities to address this solvable problem of too little water when it’s needed, and too much when it’s not.

The Terra Firma project addresses the management of rainwater in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, where they receive 5-6 feet of rainfall per year! Too much water that floods the city, no water treatment facility for city of 17 million people, no public rainwater management or collection facilities, erosion that rips the land apart, increasing urbanization, increased pollution and disease: combined together these issues are dire for Central African residents and their futures.

Illustration of home rainwater collection system

Terra Firma Rainwater Collective works house-by-house providing a complete rainwater management system that begins with gutters and rainbarrels. Using the roof clip they developed, rain water can be successfully diverted and collected into storage containers to be used for a variety of household uses. This system keeps water from running down streets, eroding the landscape as a result of giant gullies.

Terra Firma roof clip and rooftop gutter

the clips are simple and cheap to produce and sell. The rain barrels are made of ferrocement that is cheap to build and easy to repair. These become sustainable supplies and build economic opportunities while mitigating the water problems. The TFRC positively impacts the community is numerous ways. Weinhold enumerated the following benefits:

At home water supply.
Positive adaptation to climate change.
Employment opportunities.
Small business opportunities.
Promote urban gardening.
Create possibilities for gender equity.
Increased safety.
Infiltration of rainwater
Protection of downstream neighbors.

Climate change requires we all rethink our relationship with water: it can be liability or an asset. We have to get creative about understanding the issues and then determine how best to address them. There are so many problems that are facing our neighbors around the globe. Learning about this very compelling problem and the creative, sustainable, and economically viable solutions to help others thrive is inspiring.

I found the Terra Firma Rainwater Collective website clearly outlines the issues facing Kinshasa, the approach they are using, and the impact of their work. Is there a way that you, we, Rotary, can play a part in ensuring the continued success of this work on the other side of the world? I encourage you to check it out.

Jerry Hammar RIP

It was with great sadness and gratitude that Floyd Diemoz shared the news of the death of Jerry Hammar. Jerry died peacefully at his home in Glenwood Springs on January 19th at the age of 87. He was a founding member of the Glenwood Springs Rotary Club in 1964 and remained active in the club for over 60 years.

Jerry was not only a cornerstone of our Rotary club from its very beginning, but also a person whose integrity, generosity, and commitment to service left a lasting mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him. His dedication to Rotary’s values and to the community we serve helped shape both the spirit and the foundation of our club.

Beyond his many contributions, Jerry will be remembered for his kindness, steady presence, and genuine care for others. His absence will be felt deeply by our Rotary family.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jerry’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. May they find comfort in knowing how greatly he was respected and how enduring his impact will be.

There will not be a service. Please send condolences directly to Dena Hammar at: 1245 County Road 129, Glenwood Springs, CO 81601.

Thank you, Michelle Lefebvre, for this loving tribute.

Special Olympics

Our speaker last week were Victoria MacFarlane, who is the director of Special Olympics in Western Colorado, and Chris Guay, who is a long time participant in Special Olympics.

Victoria MacFarlane and Chris Guay of SO Colorado in Western Colorado

Special Olympics provides an opportunity for people with mental challenges to participate in competitive sports, which we all enjoy. Athletes range from 2 years old to people in their 80’s and 90’s. Chris has been competing for 27 years and has 40 medals to his name! There are more than 400 events in Colorado alone each year. Learn more at www.specialolympicscolorado.org

President Jim has been in touch with Victoria to discuss how our Club can support her and the mission of Special Olympics.

Bob Young Celebration of Life

Our friend and fellow GWS Rotary Club member Bob Young's Celebration of Life is going to be on January 5th at 1:00pm at The Orchard Church in Carbondale. It is located at 110 Snowmass Drive, which is in Carbondale.

Sunday Profile: Bob Young rooted himself and his bank in ...

Our Club has been asked whether we can help the family with logistics of the ceremony - parking, setting up chairs, etc. There are many of us who would like to celebrate Bob’s dedication to service above self…by doing a little service in his honor.

If you would like to help, plan on meeting Jim and your fellow Rotary members at the Orchard Church at noon on January 5th. Yes, noon. That will give us an hour to do our work before the ceremony.

GSHS Basketball Athletes Visit

Five student athletes from GSHS's girls basketball team visited the club on Friday requesting financial support. Led by coach and assistant athletics director, Jordan Decrow, the young women spoke about their emotional growth and sense of belonging that comes from being part of a supportive and nurturing sports team.

The five young women - Kaylee, Mia, Jenna, Ivy, and Becca - were enthusiastic as they described the positive team culture that has helped them gain confidence and self-discipline, develop great friendships, and learn important lessons for life beyond the classroom. They also spoke of the financial needs of the team to support travel as they compete across the region, as well as the cost of uniforms and gear needed for the team.

Coach Decrow, a native of the Roaring Fork valley, described the challenges that confront all student athletes these days - decreased funding from the school district and increased costs for students' families to make up the difference. The reality of school funding across Colorado, based on a per pupil funding formula, is that school districts must focus their limited funds on instruction and teacher salaries; extracurricular programs like athletics must rely on fundraising to support competition and travel.

Decrow extended invitations to all upcoming basketball games. GSHS is hosting a tournament December 11-13. Please plan to attend these games, as well as many others throughout the season. Check out the schedule for details. And thanks for supporting our home teams!

Member who want to donate to the GSHS girls basketball team should send their contributions to Charlene Revoir, Treasurer. Please make checks payable the GS Rotary Foundation to ensure tax deductibility, and note “Girls Basketball” as your donation target.