Quota Club of Northern Colorado

Kristi M. presenter

Quota’s June dinner meeting with delicious appetizers and desserts was truly special! We were so fortunate that our very own member Kristin M. was our guest presenter! Kristi taught us all about the amazing life of Emily Griffith and the dynamic accompaniments Ms. Griffith achieved throughout her lifetime. Emily proved her commitment to what it takes when you set your mind to your passion – you can accomplish so much! Kristi thank you for teaching us about Emily Griffith and sharing your personal experience as an educator at the Emily Griffith Technology College. Thank you Kristi!

The legacy of Emily Griffith
Emily was born in 1868 and was the eldest daughter of an attorney. Emily had an older brother and 2 sisters. When in school her uncle was a teacher who lived on a boat which became a floating boat. On his boat was a hand made sign that read “For All Who Wish To Learn”. This saying became a motto that stayed with Emily throughout her life. Emily Griffith was a pioneer and visionary of adult education and a teacher who inspired her students, especially women.

At the age of 16 she approached a 3-member school board to become the areas teacher. Although they considered her to “naïve” she was hired and her training to become a teacher was two weeks and her salary was $25.00 a week.

At the age of 27, Emily moved to Denver and was hired by Denver Public Schools as a substitute teacher and was later granted a teaching certificate. On her own time, she began offering classes for parents and working with children during lunch hours and in the evening taught math and reading. The night classes were a special challenge since the school had no electricity. Her students brought their own lanterns enabling them to continue learning.  During this time Emily built alliances with many agencies and organizations in the area that dealt with social problems. In 1915 there were two adult literacy classes available that served over 1400 students.

In 1916, the school board began repairing the old Longfellow School building and Emily was appointed principal. The school was the first free and open school for adults in the nation. Emily hoped to start the school year off with 200 students in the first week. But she and her staff were surprised with more than 1400 students enrolled. During this time Emily was sympathetic to the needs of her students and would prepare and serve soup to the students which she made at home and carried the soup to the school via Cable Car each day. Emily and her staff taught English, bicycle repair, masonry, dress making, millinery, shorthand, electrical skills, plumbing,  shoe cobbling and competency test preparation as well as so much more. Students wanted to qualify for apprenticeships and immigrants wanted to prepare for the citizenship exam. In June 2011, Emily Griffith Opportunity School officially changed its name to Emily Griffith Technical College. 

The college has been more than just a school—it’s been a “launchpad for dreamers, doers, and difference-makers in the heart of Denver.”  

Emily Griffith joined the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame in 1985, with her picture displayed at Colorado’s State Capitol.   

For additional information about Emily Griffith- https://history.denverlibrary.org/colorado-biographies/emily-griffith-1868-1947

Emily Griffith

The Role of City Planning

Linda H., a long-time Quota member, is a former City Community Development staff member and graced our members and guests with a fun and insightful evening during our May dinner meeting.

Fort Collins, Colorado, has undergone remarkable growth and transformation over the years. The City’s development follows a structured approach that balances urban and natural areas, making it one of Colorado’s most thoughtfully designed areas. One of Linda’s responsibilities was to check street names; a minor job, with major implications for police and fire locates.  Well… except there are 3 Linda Lanes (pre-dating her job.)

After her time at City Hall, Linda transitioned into real estate and development, helping to build residential subdivisions, and sell lots and homes.  Linda’s understanding of Fort Collins’ layout made her an asset to homebuyers and investors alike.  She stated that “with every new subdivision and neighborhood, there is a challenge to finding original and meaningful street names.” The developers select street names often with a theme for example – local historical figures, birds, trees, Presidents, etc.  On her own as a developer, Linda named the streets after “Formica samples “… which was both practical and creative.

Growth Patterns and Development History

Unlike nearby Greeley, which expanded east to west, Fort Collins primarily grew from north to south. The City follows a well-defined grid system, where every 10 blocks equate to a mile, creating a structured and predictable urban expansion. For quite some time Fort Collins maintained a steady growth rate, averaging one mile of development every ten years and a neighborhood park in every square mile.

One of the City’s defining features is College Avenue, often referred to as the “spine” of Fort Collins. This major roadway serves as a central artery, supporting both commercial and residential areas and providing a focal point for expansion.

Street Hierarchy and Infrastructure

The layout of Fort Collins is based on a hierarchy of streets, ensuring organized traffic flow and efficient land use. Arterial roads handle higher volumes of traffic, while interior residential streets provide quieter spaces for communities. It even affects how the streets are constructed to handle the amount of traffic.

However, a notable distinction arises in areas that were built within the County’s jurisdiction. Compared to city streets, county streets typically lack curbs, streetlights, gutters, and sidewalk features that are standard within city-managed areas — but County lots often have much desired larger lots.

Fort Collins’ development history highlights careful planning, steady growth, and a thoughtful design.

Linda’s knowledge of the area is fascinating and truly captivating! We could have been there for hours and hours listening to her share her knowledge and fun trivia.  As a lifelong member of Quota NOCO, we are so lucky to have her as one of our valued members.

WHEN: Friday May 16 & Saturday May 17^th, 2025
TIME: 9AM – 3PM both days
ADDRESS: 3050 Zephyr Rd., Ft. Collins 80525

PARADISE for Bakers & Crafters! Kitchen Appliances, Exercise Equipment, Snowshoes, Sofa, Rocking Recliners, GORGEOUS Patio Furniture & Firepit, Bakeware, IMMACULATE Cast Iron Pans, BEAUTIFUL China Hutch, Decorative Artwork & Wall Pieces, Fabrics, Patterns, Lamps, Desk, Kayak’s with Paddles, Weber Gas Grill, Craftsman Tools & Tool Chests, & Metal Cabinets, Workbenches, Bedframes, GORGEOUS Bookcases, Canning Supplies, TV’s, Collectable’s, Rolling Storage Bins, Water Toys, Garden & Pet Supplies, Vintage Box Camera, Fishing Poles,  and much more!

Please NOTE: Buyer is responsible for moving & transporting items purchased. Quota profits benefits service projects in our greater community. View our website to see Quota Clubs history of giving to the community.

Quota Club of Northern Colorado was pleased to have the honorable, retired Larimer District Court Judge, Julie Kunce Field, as our speaker for March’s dinner meeting at CB Potts. Judge Field, an alumna of University of Chicago Law school, was appointed to the district court in 2011. During her term, Judge Field presided over domestic relations, civil, juvenile, and criminal cases. She was instrumental in establishing Wellness Court, an award-winning interdisciplinary specialized court program that seeks to reduce recidivism of persons with mental illness by supporting their long- term recovery.

Judge Fields is currently serving as Vice President of the Health District of Northern Larimer County. The Health District of Northern Larimer County is a special tax district created by voters in 1960 to serve community health needs. Today, the Health District provides dental care, behavioral health, and assistance with health insurance enrollment and literacy. The Health District is supported by property taxes, lease payments from University of Colorado Health, interest income, and fees from clients.  Currently, the Health District is going through a streamlining to a new “Strategic Plan” and Judge Field is quite excited about the journey.

Additionally, Judge Field has and does serve as a mediator in various disputes and is part of a multidisciplinary network of family law professionals.

Our last dinner meeting was a REAL treat as our very own member Theresa R. (TK) was our presenter for our evening program on the “powerful impact of volunteer work”. TK began by sharing her “why” for becoming a member of Quota, such as her desire to help others, have fun and make a difference!

TK then shared statistics (per americorps.gov). about the impact volunteering makes in our world and community. “Between September 2022 and September 2023, approximately 28.3% of Americans (over 75.7 million people) formally volunteered with organizations. And collectively contributed about 4.999 BILLION hours of service.

One tremendous example was all about Gudy Gaskill, also known as the “Mother of the Colorado Trail.   Gudy Gaskill was woman who had a very powerful impact here in Colorado.  Born in Illinois and fell in love with Colorado after she traveled here while her father was a summer ranger in   Rocky Mountain National Park. Gudy received her undergraduate degree from Western State in Gunnison and her master’s degree in industrial recreation from University of New Mexico.

Did you know, the Colorado Trail was created because of Gudy? The Colorado Trail is a 567-mile path stretching from Denver to Durango, ranging in elevation from 5520 feet in elevation in Denver to 13,271 on Coney Summit and crosses eight mountain ranges. Gudy spearheaded the planning and development of the trail. She helped draw the route, incorporating existing trails and roads and persuaded the US Forest Service as well as other Federal agencies to support the project. Gudy then recruited over 10, 000 volunteers! Who, over roughly 15 years, constructed the trail.”

TK accentuated how one woman’s dedication and volunteerism had a monumental impact on our state and left all of us with a powerful sense of what our time volunteering for Quota does in our community.

TK, thank you so much for all you do!

Quota gals had an amazing evening of volunteering and “serving” our great community once again at this years Empty Bowls event.

Empty Bowls is a non-profit organization supported by artists and crafts people in cities and towns around the world to raise money for food related charities to care for and feed the hungry in their communities. 

Ceramic potters and students in Northern Colorado donated hundreds of bowls for this year’s which was held on February 20^th.  And Quota Club of Norther Colorado volunteers was right there supporting this incredible organization by welcoming patrons, serving soup and distributing gorgeous bowls.

Lisa Blackburn and John Hartom touched the world’s hearts when their ceramics classes made ceramic bowls, added soup, then sent the bowls home as a reminder of all the people that are hungry in the world. The proceeds from this amazing program raised funds to support the Larimer County Food Bank. In addition to the food bank, Empty Bowls supports charitable food-related organizations around the world and has raised millions of dollars to help end hunger. 

Lisa Blackburn and John Hartom touched the world’s hearts when their ceramics classes made ceramic bowls, added soup, then sent the bowls home as a reminder of all the people that are hungry in the world.

“Empty Bowls is recognized for changing the world by sharing, caring and touching the hearts of people in your community.”

For additional information about Empty Bowls, visit their website at: https://emptybowls.com/

Also, click on the following link for more information about Quota NOCO at: https://quotainternationalfortcollins.com/

Quota Club of Northern Colorado kicked off our January dinner meeting in a BIG way! We were so fortunate to have Sahra Cahoon, Executive Director from Love for Lily was our guest speaker. Love for Lily is a non-profit organization that provides truly life changing, “high-quality support for families and the medical teams” who serve babies in Neonatal Intensive Care units (NICU). The entire evening was filled with so much love, passion and caring due to Sahra’s presentation. Love for Lily strongly believes that no one should have to walk into the NICU alone. They pride themselves on providing social-emotional, logistical, and financial support for parents of NICU babies.

NICU FAMILIES: Love for Lily’s comprehensive support for NICU families includes group sessions (virtual and in-unit) and one-on-one coaching with trained professionals. The services are available both during the baby’s hospital stay and after discharge, all at no cost to participants.

BEREAVEMENT FAMILIES: Love for Lily provides bereavement and grief support, love, and guidance to families whose lives are forever changed by the loss of a baby.

NICU TEAMS: Love for Lily also provides training for NICU medical teams on family programs, coping skills, self-care practices, and team building.

There are many ways to help this organization, either in person or from home. For more information about Love for Lily and many ways to volunteer with the organization visit their website at https://www.loveforlily.org/

For additional information about Quota NOCO and to be a part of Quota NOCO, to help us strive to develop and support programs that will improve the quality of life for others through a variety of service projects in our community. For additional information about Quota NOCO https://quotaclubofnortherncolorado.com/

Quota’s holiday party was filled with wishing one another a joyful and peaceful holiday season filled with love, laughter and warmth and light. The evening was filled with a time to wish each other a new year of happiness, good health and a year filled with fulfilling Quota’s mission and compassion towards all.

The following recipients received funds from QCNC

 October 2023 to October 2024

Women and Children:

PSS Scholarship fund                                                                                                     

Disabled Resources Services

SNAAP

Loveland Youth Gardeners

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Miracle Ear Foundation

Elementary Host Day at Thompson School District

Host Day in Poudre School District

Fort Collins Children’s Theatre

Colorado Hands and Voices

Scholarships:

6 scholarships were awarded – Deaf or Hard of Hearing.

Local Disaster Relief:

Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund

Quota Club’s primary fundraiser is Estate Sales. Proceeds support services throughout Northern Colorado and strive to make a positive difference in the lives of those in need.

Theresa R., Quota’s Program Co-Chair introduced our guest speaker this month, Tiffany Ballew, (pictured above) who is the ADRC Program Supervisor (Aging, Disability, Resource Center) with the Department of Human Services Office on Aging in Larimer County, Colorado.

The Office on Aging is a government and/or community-based organization dedicated to addressing and serving the needs of older adults. The Office on Aging was founded under the Older Americans Act in 1965. They provide resources, services, and advocacy to promote the well-being, independence, and quality of life for seniors. Services often include health and wellness programs, caregiver support, information on housing and long-term care, financial assistance, legal aid, and social engagement opportunities. The office may also help connect individuals with local community services and support networks.

Ms. Ballew explained that the Larimer County Office on Aging (LCOA) serves adults 60 and beyond, adults living with a disability, and caregivers. LCOA plays a unique role not only to provide direct services and fund community partners, but to innovate and advocate to meet the growing needs of the community in northern Colorado. Additionally, of the many, many resources available through the ADRC, they also provide vouchers to support daily and household activities that assist older adults to live safely in their homes.

To view additional information and resources https://www.larimer.gov/humanservices/aging/ooa