THE PIKES PEAK CLUB: Bulletin for November 13, 2025 Pikes Peak Club Meeting: Kelly Bull, Hey Neighbor and Community Building
Club Meeting & Discussions
Club Opening and Announcements
- The meeting began with a prayer (from Benny), the Pledge of Allegiance (from Dalton), and a welcome to the members from Club President Kevin.
- An update was provided on Gary Nelson, who is recovering from surgery in Phoenix and is expected to return around January or February.
- A quote from Wesley L. Fox, U.S. Marine Corps Medal of Honor recipient: “One must have good character, solid principles, and high ethical standard to inspire others to follow.” Thanks, Dana.
- A trivia discussion took place regarding the founding of the Marine Corps (in a tavern in Philadelphia) and when the Pledge of Allegiance was first said in schools (October 12, 1892).
Member and Club Updates
- A new member, Randy Crusade, was officially inducted into the Pikes Peak Club.
- A thank you card from Special Olympics, signed by the Olympians, was passed around. The club had previously made a donation.
- Eric Scott was noted as absent due to strep throat.
Pikes Peak Club Christmas Party
- The Christmas party is scheduled for December 17th, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Patty Jewett Golf Club.
- The menu is being finalized, and four members requested a gluten-free option.
- The cost is $70 per person. Members can start paying Mark via check or cash.
Future Events and Meetings
- Southern Delivery System Tour: Jeff Gaddis has secured a tour. The exact date in February will be announced next week to manage attendance.
- Next Board Meeting: The next board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 4:30 PM.
- Speaking Engagement: Marlene will be speaking at two workshops. Details will be sent out via email.
Discussion on Payment Methods
- The board has discussed implementing electronic payment options like Venmo or Zelle to make payments easier for members.
- There was a discussion about the compatibility of Zelle, noting it requires both the sender’s and receiver’s banks to support the service.
- It was mentioned that Ent Credit Union does not support Zelle. The topic was tabled for future discussion.
Reflections on a Recent School Visit
- Members shared positive experiences from a recent visit to a K–8 community school.
- They had lunch with students and were impressed by the well-maintained facility and the engaging students.
- One member recounted an impressive question from a student: “What are you gonna do with that information?”
Guest Speaker: Kelly Bull on & Hey Neighbor
“Hey Neighbor” Organization
- The organization’s vision is a community where everyone knows their neighbors.
- It defines a vibrant community by six components: unique destinations, neighborhood pride, connected relationships, activated community, sustainability/resilience, and safety/acceptance.
Guest Speaker: Kelly Bull on “Hey Neighbor”
- Kelly Bull, the Executive Director of “Hey Neighbor” (formerly CONO), was introduced as the guest speaker. Her work focuses on helping people build relationships and create change in their neighborhoods.
- She shared a personal story about feeling unsafe in her Stratton Meadows neighborhood after a SWAT team incident, which motivated her to connect with her neighbors by redesigning her front yard to be more approachable.
Examples of Programs and Initiatives
- Neighborhood Gatherings: The organization supports events like “Neighborhood Cafe” (free coffee for groups), Block Parties, and “Neighborhood Play Days” to combat loneliness and improve safety.
- State of the Neighbor Community Luncheon: An annual event on National Good Neighbor Day (September 28th) to celebrate good neighbors.
- Neighborhood Network Program: Employs Community Coordinators to bridge the gap between city government and residents and supports a network of “Neighborhood Leaders.”
- Neighborhood University: A free, 12-week civic education program starting in March that teaches residents how the city works. The next Neighborhood University starts in the first week of March.
- Growler Gala: Bristol Brewing tomorrow for the “Growler Gala,” where a portion of sales will be donated to “Hey Neighbor.”
Organizational Details
- “Hey Neighbor” is a 501(c)(3) non-profit with a ~$270,000 budget, 70% of which comes from the city.
- The organization is part of the Give! campaign and has a $1,500 donation match available.
Conclusion
A quote from Helen Keller summarizes the value of working with others: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” Kelly provided multiple examples of the many benefits that accrue when neighbors work together. The take-home lesson for all of us is that we can accomplish much more when we work with our neighbors – and we have more fun doing it, too.
Have a good week.