Stories
THE NEW ROTARY YEAR IS HERE! Remember to update your look: CREATE HOPE IN THE WORLD Click Here to download the new theme logo, view a webinar on how to update your ClubRunner website with the current theme logo, Rotary Masterbrand and wheel, and more! Remember to update your Facebook page too. Click Here to learn about the symbolism behind the new theme. |
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POLIO FUNDRAISER - LIVE FROM SCOTLAND!POLIO FUNDRAISER - LIVE FROM SCOTLAND! View the video recordings from the May 3, 2023 live event: DONATE NOW to the End Polio Plus campaign.
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Area 1 Peace RallyAREA 1 PEACE RALLY The District 5450 Area 1 Rotary Clubs of Denver Cherry Creek, Denver, Denver LoDo, Denver Mile High, and Five Points RiNo hosted a special event on March 30, 2023 at the Posner Center discussing peace. 'Buchi Anikpezie, our Rotary District Governor was on hand to open the program. Our keynote speaker was Charlie Hunt, LoDo Rotarian who served in the Peace Corps in Vanuatu. Charlie shared about his service there and about our Rotary partnership with Peace Corps. In addition, a panel discussion including Rotarians Jim Halderman (Golden), Vadym Ostrovskyy (Cherry Creek), Sid Brooks (Denver), Arianne Burger Shapiro (LoDo), Nick Melrose (Mile High), and Mike Wright (Five Points RiNo). The program also included Ukrainian folk music, singing, and mingling. The event was the result of collaboration between Debbie Beasley (Area 1 AG), Cindy Chase (President Cherry Creek), Lisza Gulyas (President Denver), Traci Schauermann (President LoDo), Annely Noble (President Mile High), and Dave Schutz and Margaret Tyler-Schutz (Co-Presidents Five Points RiNo.) Approximately 90 Rotarians and guests were in attendance with proceeds directed to Rotary International Disaster Relief. Photos from left to right: The Peace Panel discussion participants: Vadym Ostrovskyy (Denver Cherry Creek), Mike Wright (Five Points RiNo), Nick Melrose (Denver Mile High), Sid Brooks (Denver), Jim Halderman (Golden), and Arianne Burger Shapiro (Denver LoDo.) The Ukrainian Women’s Quintet group called Reflections. |
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INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY 2018International Literacy Day, September 8, 2018, is celebrated internationally, not just by Rotary. Literacy skills broadly includes knowledge and competencies required for employment and careers, particularly technical and vocational skills. Focusing on youth and adults within the lifelong learning framework, fast-advancing digital technology are transforming ways in which people work, live and learn, and are generating new skill demands. Click here to view the International Literacy Day flyer, with ideas and suggestions.
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THE PLASTIC PLAGUE IS UPON US!The Family of Rotary wants to ask every Rotary club to arm yourselves with the latest information on the danger of plastic to our environment. Let’s practice “Will it be beneficial to all concerned?” when it comes to communicating why we need to become ambassadors for our children’s future. Let us hear from you. Let’s start a dialogue!! The plastic plague is upon us and we need to have some facts: Water in plastic bottles – it takes 450 years for a plastic water bottle to decompose, and we throw away 1.4 billion daily. |
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2017-2018 FOUNDATION GIVING NUMBERSThe Rotary Foundation books have tentatively closed for the 2017-2018 year. There will be some adjustments, but it is totally safe to report at this point that District 5450's members donated $882,000+ in total giving during Rotary Year 2017-18. More refined figures will be released soon, but, this is a BANNER year for District 5450. Once the results have been stamped as FINAL, more information will be provided. Annual Funds raised in 2017-18 ($575,000+) will provide increased dollars for our district grants during the 2020-2021 Rotary Year (funds are invested by The Rotary Foundation for 3 years, earnings are used to manage TRF, and then our dollars come back after 3 years). Our PolioPlus efforts raised $259,000+ in 2017-18. With the 2:1 matching dollars provided by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, our polio fundraising efforts have turned into approximately $777,000 toward the eradication of polio. An early special acknowledgement goes to Denver Club 31 for establishing the special tribute to Grant Wilkins! Thank you to everyone who supported the Annual Fund and PolioPlus campaigns this year! Let’s keep up this great effort and get a strong start to our 2018-19 fundraising efforts for these important aspects of Rotary! |
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$30,000 SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR GRADUATE STUDIESOur Rotary District 5450 will be awarding 2 very significant scholarships for the 2019-2020 year. There are two $30,000 Rotary District 5450 Global Grant Scholarship Awards for Graduate Study outside the USA. Eligible applicants will plan to study and have future career plans related to at least one of the following Rotary Areas of Focus: Promoting Peace Fighting Disease Providing Clean Water and Sanitation Maternal and Child Health Basic Educations and Literacy Growing Local Economies Please promote these scholarships and discuss them at your Club meetings. We are looking for applicants with high levels of academic achievement and exemplary backgrounds. Application forms and further information can be found at the District website. https://portal.clubrunner.ca/50085/sitepage/scholarship-program The Pre-Application Deadline is October 1, 2018. For more information, please contact Steve Baroch at steve@crhn-rotary.com |
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2018 WILL NOT BE THE YEAR WE GET TO ZERO POLIO CASESThe latest information from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) sadly shows that the number of wild poliovirus cases this year is greater than at the same time last year (13 in 2018; 7 in 2017.) Happily, the number of vaccine derived poliovirus cases are significantly reduced from this time last year {15 versus 33). You may have seen/heard reports of cases in Venezuela and Papua New Guinea—in both instances the children paralyzed were paralyzed by circulating vaccine derived poliovirus (forms of the virus that are in the oral vaccine). This indicates that the population in the area have not been adequately vaccinated, but outbreaks of vaccine derived virus can be quickly controlled. We MUST continue our efforts! The District Polio Committee is ready to help you and your club—click on the red “End Polio Now” button on the District website (the page that comes up when you click “Full District Site”.) |
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SHELTER BOX JULY 2018For all of our great ShelterBox supporters, we want to start publishing updates every quarter so you know where you donations are changing lives. Thank you. Responding to Flooding in Eastern Africa In Ethiopia, severe flooding and conflict have forced people to leave their homes. A ShelterBox team is deployed and working to initially support 2,000 families in the overcrowded collective centers with critical supplies to help families start rebuilding their lives. |
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2018-19 DISTRICT GRANT FUNDINGDISTRICT GRANT FUNDING FOR 2018-2019
Dr. 'Buchi Akpeh Chair, District Grants Subcommittee Tel: +1 (612) 548-1759; +1 (651) 278-5539 Email: anikpezie@gmail.com Skype: anikpezie Twitter: @anikpezie LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/akpeh |
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TURN $10,000 INTO $75,000How would you like to turn $10,000 into $75,000? Create a District 5450 legacy! Benefit PolioPlus, Annual Fund and Paul Harris Society membership. The District is seeking a contribution from an anonymous donor as an incentive for Rotarians to join the Paul Harris Society. This donor will be leveraging their $10,000 into $65,000 for PolioPlus while matching the $1,000 contribution of each of 10 new Paul Harris Society members who designate their first $1,000 contribution to Annual Fund-SHARE. |
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REACHING NEW HORIZONSFrench writer Andre Gide pointed out “One doesn't discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the shore for a very long time.” For every membership chair the beginning of the Rotary year is when we look out to the horizon and away from the shore. The shore is where our membership achievements rest. The horizon is where we see our new member and member retention goals. |
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D5450 ROTARIANS - MAKING A DIFFERENCE!Ian H.S. Riseley, RI President, stated, “When my turn came to choose a theme, I did not hesitate. I knew immediately that our theme in 2017-18 would be Rotary: Making A Difference……
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POLIO IS ROTARY'S #1 PRIORITY & IT SHOULD BE OURS TOO!District polio committee goals for 2018-19 are: 1) to raise at least $150,000, 2) attendance at the RI President’s Dinner in late January 2019 to be at least 350 people, 3) 50% of clubs will donate an amount equal to $50/member and 4) at least one-fourth of clubs will sponsor an event for World Polio Day (October 24, 2018).
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2018 DISTRICT CELEBRATION AWARDS
Rotary International Awards TRF Citation for Meritorious Service Gail Lehrmann (Parker) TRF Distinguished Service Award (Nominated) Carolyn Schrader (Denver Mile High) Club Sponsored Awards Ed Bemis Award - Sponsored by Rotary Club of Littleton Winner: Rotary Club of Smoky Hill Gary Fletcher Web Site Award - Sponsored by Rotary Club of eClub One Winner: Rotary Club of Denver George K. Davis Water Project Award - Sponsored by Lakewood Foothills Rotary Club Winner: Rotary Club of Boulder Valley Helping Hands Award – Sponsored by Rotary Club of Brush Winner: Rotary Club of Denver Southeast Kevin B. Farrell Leadership Award - Sponsored by Rotary Club of Denver Southeast Winner: Curt Harris of the Rotary Club of Evergreen Les Bevans Pacesetter Award - Sponsored by Rotary Club of University Hills Winner: Dr. Stephen Petty of the Rotary Club of Denver Southeast Literacy Award - Sponsored by Rotary Club of Englewood Winner: Rotary Club of Denver Southeast Outstanding Active Senior Award - Sponsored by Rotary Club of Boulder Winner: Les Johnson of the Rotary Club of Denver Southeast Ray Jenkins Award - Sponsored by Rotary Club of Denver Winner: Rotary Club of Arvada Sunrise Mental Health Initiatives Award - Sponsored by Rotary Club of Boulder Valley Winner: Rotary Club of Denver Southeast Scott Metcalf Award - Sponsored by Rotary Club of Lakewood Foothills Winner: Rotary Club of Commerce City World Community Service Award - Sponsored by Rotary Club of Denver Mile High Winner: Rotary Club of Denver Southeast Youth Services Award - Sponsored by Rotary Club of Smoky Hill Winner: Rotary Club of Denver Southeast |
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ROTARY MINUTESA ready-made way to educate your Rotary friends is to seek time from your club president to talk about The Rotary Foundation. Ask for 1-2 minutes at each meeting to provide valuable information. Give the presentation yourself or ask a member of your foundation committee or any member to give the Rotary Minute. Weekly ideas for presentations will be provided each month OR you can develop your own presentations. In December, our Rotary Minutes focus on the Guiding Principles of Rotary: |
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POLIOPLUSThe Polio Plus Committee invites you and your club members and their guests to join in the festivity of the R.I President's Dinner on January 6. Meet our RI President, Ian Riseley; hear the latest news on Polio Plus campaign from Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation representative Rachel Lonsdale, celebrate our district's generosity at the half year point; and ... enjoy drinks, dinner and conversation with fellow Rotarians. Who could ask for anything more?! Please remember there are several challenges in our fundraising for Polio Plus. First, as announced at the 2017 Rotary International Convention, is that we have accepted the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation challenge to raise our matched contributions from $35 million to $50 million. To that end, our 5450 Polio Plus Committee continues to honor those clubs that meet our aspirational goal of at least $50 per member to this campaign. As of November 24, there are six clubs that have met the challenge. Several others are close. Announcements at the President's Dinner will be based on the posted figures available as of January 2, 2018. Our thoughts are with all District 5450 Rotarians during the next month of joy-filled celebrations. We hope to see you on January 6! Mary Jean Ewing, Chair District 5450 PolioPlus Subcommittee Home: 303-449-4795 E-Mail: maryjeanewing@earthlink.net |
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CENTENNIAL "PRIME TIMERS" SERVE SENIOR COMMUNITYPrime Timers got their start because of two unrelated situations. First, the Centennial Rotary Club was named as an “Innovative Club” during the 2016-17 Rotary year. And second, two different “single” friends of one of our members mentioned that they wished that they had someone with whom to attend social activities. Our club’s innovative status led us to look for “big ideas” in community service. The club member thought a Senior Center would be a big help for her friends. And thus, a project was born. A committee was formed and members began the search for a location. After visiting many unproductive sites, they found the Streets of Southglenn Country Club clubhouse. Several committee meetings later they decided to outline a plan and write a District Grant request. With the grant in hand, the kickoff was planned for the end of September at Koelbel Library with the hope of having 25 to 30 people attend. Kick off plans included
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New Ways to Raise Funds for PolioPlusRotarians are encouraged to support polio eradication efforts. Additional ways clubs can raise funds for PolioPlus include:
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ROTARY SCHOLAR IN GUADALAJARAJuly 2017: Academic and Volunteer Work by Nia Robinson I arrived in Guadalajara on June 29th. Although it was not the first time I had ever been to Guadalajara, it was the first time I arrived as a Rotary Scholar and members of the Zapopan Rotary Club were going to pick me up from the airport. I was excited, nervous, and keen to make a good impression, reapplying deodorant one last time before passing through customs. It was hot and humid and I had already begun to sweat. I was greeted at international arrivals by then club president Sra. Elena Mendiola and her husband, Sr. Manuel Romero. I speak enough Spanish to carry on a conversation and we had a pleasant car ride to my apartment in Zapopan. Before leaving, they invited me to join the Zapopan Rotary Club on Tuesday, July 4th, to celebrate el Cambio de Botones, an event that celebrates their annual change in leadership. It was a lovely event, held at the Club Puerta de Hierro. I met many Rotarians and their family members and watched as Sra. Mendiola spoke of the various projects and programs in which the Club had participated during the past year. After introducing the new president, vice president, secretary and treasurer, we sat down for a fantastic meal during which I learned several new Spanish phrases including: ‘más Mexicano que los huaraches.’ We started the semester learning the pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract and the available treatment options. Concurrently, we are learning about pain and pain management and cultural competency and professionalism. It is a rigorous yet stimulating program, and I hit the ground running in preparation for our first exam. |
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TAKE ACTION!The Club Membership Chair (CMC) is where the rubber meets the road as far as Rotary membership is concerned. Everything in Rotary starts with a Rotarian and his/her Rotary club. If our membership challenges are going to be reversed at the Club and District levels, it can only happen when Rotary clubs are engaged and vibrant! To be successful in your role as the CMC, you must have a club S.A.M.G. – a Specific, Attainable, and Measurable Goal - and make a commitment to achieve your goal by working your club membership plan (a series of tasks to accomplish your goal(s). Without a S.A.M.G and a plan, the growth and retention of membership is unattainable. But even with a S.A.M.G and a plan, growth and retention of members will not occur without a serious commitment by the CMC, Club President and to be honest, your club membership. CMCs and Club Presidents should be a team with such an intense focus to work your S.A.M.G and plan diligently and faithfully. At the September 23rd Club Training Workshop we will have breakouts for all those Rotarians determined to keep Membership as their primary focus to strengthen and grow their respective clubs. By the way, have you signed up yet for the Workshop so you can attend our breakouts? Click here now – don’t waste another minute thinking about it. Set aside the morning of Saturday, September 23rd to attend our Membership breakout at the Club Training Workshop and we’ll work on this with you on that day and throughout the Rotary year to achieve your goal. BE INSPIRED AND ACT to grow your membership and enhance the experience for all members. It’s contagious! Exemplary Membership Growth South Jeffco |
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MEMBERSHIP & GIVING AUG 2017The attached report shows Annual Fund and Polio Plus goals entered by each club into Rotary Club Central, and the numbers and per capita achieved by each club (arranged by Area.) The District 5450 goal is to have an increase in Membership, and for Every Rotarian to give something Every Year (EREY). |
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RIDE TO END POLIOYou’ve seen it in The Rotarian. The Ride to End Polio. But what you don’t know is how easily you can join the ride. You don’t need to go to Tucson. Just get on a stationary bike here and you can join RI General Secretary John Hewko, his wife, staffers, and hundreds of fellow Rotarians around the world. The Ride to End Polio in Tucson will be November 18, 2017. The stationary bikes around the world event is flexible: Ride anytime November 11 to 18, 2017. To be part of this amazing effort visit www.ridetoendpolio.org to download the application. Let’s show District 5500 in Southern Arizona that we Rotarians in D5450 know how to Ride to End Polio! Please call or register by Labor Day if you want to ride here or put a team together to go to Tucson. Home stays are available for visiting Rotarian Riders. If you have questions or need help putting your Ride together, please call Lynn Perez-Hewitt at (520) 400-4966 or Pam Lacy (520) 907-5671. |
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WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ECONOMIC & COMPUTER TRAININGHistory of Previous Grants Rotary Grants developed by the Rotary Clubs of Denver Mile High and Highlands in Zimbabwe have been delivering economic and computer trainings to high-density communities in Harare Zimbabwe since 2009. Almost 100 Rotarians have contributed their time and expertise to develop and deliver the training and oversight for these grants. Over 6,000 women and youth have learned to save money and use their own savings to start and manage small businesses. With their newly acquired computer skills, they track their finances and stay in touch with their families around the world. Over 250,000 people have benefitted by these projects. 2016-17 Training Grant The local government has been highly supportive of the trainings, since there is nothing similar being offered to the women in the Harare area. They asked that the training be expanded to other communities where women had no way to acquire skills to support themselves. Working with the office of the mayor of Harare, local Rotarians identified three new communities for the training: Glen Norah, Highfield, and Dzivarasekwa (DZ). We hired a training organization that was started by some of our participants in our first Rotary Grant in 2009. Training started in September 2016. |
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BOOKS TO WHEELCHAIRS - HOW HIGHLANDS RANCH ROTARY IS MAKING A DIFFERENCEIt started out simply: Seven Highlands Ranch Rotarians went to Costa Rica in February 2016. They went there as part of a Give-a-Book project working with Peace Corps Volunteers in rural southern Costa Rica. While there, the Highlands Ranch Rotarians met members of the Belen Rotary Club. It was muy simpatico! The Belen Club has a continuing special project providing wheelchairs to those in desperate need. These wheelchairs allow children to go to school and others to get out of their homes and move freely in their communities. Belen Rotarians were delighted to meet a potential sister Club in the US and the Highlands Rotarians immediately signed on to join the wheelchair project. One Highlands Ranch Rotarian donated $5,000 to help ship a container of 37 wheelchairs from the U.S. to Costa Rica. In November, 2016, Highlands Ranch Rotarians Marion Trummer and Natasha Nola went to Costa Rica to help deliver these wheelchairs. The Belen Rotarians organized the logistics, and most of the 20 members of the Belen club actively participated:
Carl Dickerson, a Florida Rotarian who spends part of each year in Costa Rica, saw that the Rotarians needed help to get the job done quickly. He recruited the San Isidro Lions Club, Peace Corps volunteers and the staff of a rural health clinic. When the wheelchair shipment arrived in San Isidro from the US, these volunteers helped the Belen Rotarians assemble them. The payoff came soon after when many recipients came to pick up their new wheelchairs. During the following week volunteers went out to remote villages and to the Bribri reservation for the indigenous people of Costa Rica to deliver the rest of the wheelchairs. Peace Corp volunteers acted as interpreters. The joy in the eyes those who got wheelchairs, especially the children, made the day unforgettable. The team also brought books brought books to some of the rural schools, a rare treat for the teachers and their students. The best part of this story is the kids. |
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SANITATION IN RURAL INDIA - GLOBAL GRANT SUMMARYAfter a number of successful years of collaboration, we have been able to complete a first award-winning Watershed Project at Potkal Baste and vocational training for tribals at the Sakwar Mission. In addition to these, we are on the threshold of finalizing nutrition and education projects for children at Potkal Baste. It is truly amazing what difference these combined efforts have made for the villagers of the rural tribals who inhabit the dry plateau (Thane Tax District), State of Maharashtra, about 90 miles north of Bombay. The objective of this project is quite simple - initiated by the Rotary Club of Bombay Mid-Town (Host Partner) Mumbai, India, and Rotary Club of Parker, CO, USA (International Partner). Rotary participation included Districts 4131 and 5450, and also the Rotary Club of Boulder Valley. This plan is to purchase and distribute 1,000 home toilets, one to each of 1,000 tribal families (poorest of the poor), in three consecutive Global Grants of approximately 334 units each. The first grant, Global Grant #1635575, cost USD $82,000 and yielded 337 toilet units for individual homes. The men had assumed a somewhat migrant lifestyle, taking on seasonal labor and often becoming indentured, while the women retained all responsibility for the home and family. Approximately 60% of the families can lay no claim to property. Only one crop of rice could be grown a year (in autumn, after the monsoon season), barely enough for a family of five. First efforts involved providing potable water year-round by pumping from an underground aquifer. They now have water for household use, kitchen gardens, and preventing the wells from going dry. It was time to recognize the importance of sanitation issues to the ever- improving lifestyle of the villages. |
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DAN HIMELSPACH AWARDED ROTARY'S CITATION FOR MERITORIOUS SERVICERotary International’s Citation for Meritorious Service recognizes individual Rotarians who have demonstrated outstanding active service to The Rotary Foundation. Dan Himelspach, Rotary District 5450 Governor 2013-14, received this special service award at the Zone 27 District Leadership Institute in Denver on July 22. An individual may only receive this award once in their lifetime and it recognizes individual Rotarians who have demonstrated outstanding active service to The Rotary Foundation for more than one year. Examples of eligible service include, but are not limited to: • Service on Foundation committees at the club, district, or international level • Participation in Foundation grants or programs • Support of Ambassadorial Scholars, Rotary Peace Fellows, Group Study Exchange teams, or vocational training teams. Dan has served as Club President of the Denver Mile High Rotary Club, as a member of numerous District 5450 committees, and as the End Polio Now Zone 27 Coordinator. Because of his outstanding leadership, he has been named Zone 27’s Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator. In this new position, he will assist all districts in our zone to continue their strong efforts to raise Annual Funds. Congratulations and thank you for all you do for Rotary, Dan! |
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MEMBERSHIP & GIVING 2016-17 EOY REPORTThe attached report shows Membership, and Annual Fund and Polio Plus numbers and per capita achieved by each club (arranged by Area.) The District 5450 goal is to have an increase in Membership, and for Every Rotarian to give something Every Year (EREY). |
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COMMERCE CITY MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE GOES INTERNATIONAL!(and other news...)
Back home in Colorado, several noteworthy developments for the CCRC Mental Health Initiative (CCRC-MHI) include:
Efforts in mental health and wellness by Rotarians CAN and WILL preserve life, prevent further harm, promote recovery resiliency and provide comfort and support to those desperately in need. When you greet person, “How are you doing?” STOP right there and LISTEN; don’t go on your merry way. LISTEN to that person…for you may be the only person that has asked. LISTEN to what they have to say. THIS is the first step in HELPING a PERSON with a mental illness. You are not alone, I will LISTEN; Let’s talk! |
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DG MUSING: PROUD TO BE A ROTARIANRotary is held together through its membership. Rotarians make Rotary what it is: a vibrant community of service and fellowship. That is why it is so vital to keep Rotary membership alive and thriving. Members give each day with their service, and we build our clubs every week in our fellowship. It is important to leave a legacy of what Rotarians do each day in our giving of all our precious resources, time, fellowship, and money. When we give to Rotary and to the Rotary Foundation we ensure that what we have built goes on. Aside from our giving, the best way to ensure that Rotary continues on for future generations is through our membership. I have already written in my first newsletter as your District Governor about the importance of membership, particularly new, young, enthusiastic members. If Rotary is to continue to make our world a kinder, cleaner, safer, more equitable place, then we must continue to bring new folks into the Rotary family. That’s why I will repeat my call to action that I began my DG year with; I encourage and urge you to bring one new member to your club each year AND if you can bring two! As we continue on our Rotary journeys we must encourage new people to learn from us, take our best practices, and input their own ideas into our clubs so that Rotary keeps going, keeps getting better, and keeps helping people all over the world. If we each bring a friend, colleague, son or daughter to our club and they join, we can easily reach our goal of 1,000 new members. Our power lies in our people! A second call to action is to encourage every member and every club to find ways that are specific to your local community to find new members and new younger members. Create and cultivate community events that show case Rotary’s values, and showcase the clubs that host them. Let’s show our communities how much we do, and how much fun we have while doing good! Rotary is truly something to aspire to, so let’s show ourselves off to the communities that benefit directly from our service and fellowship each and every day. I am personally honored and proud to be a Rotarian. It is my pride in what we accomplish each day that drives me to want to bring more people into the Rotary family. I know, too, that my fellow Rotarians are proud to be a part of this great global organization, so how do you show your pride? Wear your pins proudly? Don your Rotary garb and hit the streets touting what we do! Share the joy that is Rotary near and far! This year we raised an incredible $1.2 billion dollars at the International convention in Atlanta; what an incredible achievement, and that is only the beginning of what this Rotary year holds! Let’s keep our momentum, keep true to the values that drive Rotary: service, truth, integrity, and fellowship, and let’s keep giving, helping and serving our communities. In the words of late President-elect of Rotary International Sam Owori who passed unexpectedly on July 13 due to complication from surgery, “Rotary has become a way of life for me - with the intrinsic value and core belief in mutual responsibility and concern for one another as a cornerstone, I feel immense satisfaction knowing that through Rotary I have helped someone live better.” You have every reason to be very proud to be a Rotarian. In Service, Your DG, Abbas |
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New Rotary Branding Works!
By Patrick Plantenberg
District 5390 Public Image Chair
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PARKER ROTARY CLUBS PROVIDE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
The Rotary Club of Parker, Rotary Club of Cherry Creek Valley Parker and the Rotary Community Corps of Parker recently served the community by donating backpacks filled with school supplies to the Parker Task Force. This volunteer activity occurred at the Parker Task Force on Longs Way in Parker on Tuesday evening May 31st. Everyone volunteered together to fill 72 backpacks with all the school supplies needed by students. Completion of the Rotary club’s service project is a benefit to the community by providing for families in need with assistance in paying utility bills, water bills, school supplies and more.
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Cherry Creek Valley Rotarian
Cheryl O’Brien with
RCC member Katie Woznick
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Rotary Club of Parker Rotarian
Randy Hill with
RCC member Doug Snell
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TRACKING RI LEADS HELPS CLUBS STRENGTHEN MEMBERSHIP
2016 COUNCIL GRANTS CLUBS GREATER FLEXIBILITY
ROTARY WASH PROJECT MONITORING AND EVALUATION STUDY
WASH SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE ENDS JUNE 15
WASH SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE ENDS JUNE 15TH
HOW DO I GET THE DISTRICT TO SHARE MY CLUB’S ACTIVITIES OR STORIES?
INTERACT CONFERENCE 2016
SPONSOR A GIRL IN NEPAL & CHANGE A LIFE!
Following our talk at the District Conference, we are available for a much condensed talk and presentation (15 minutes) for any club potentially interested in sponsoring a little orphan Nepalese Girl of Hope who was at risk but rescued from trafficking. (Education per year per child = $350 and/or total living and educational expenses =$1,200 annually.) Contact Avis Gray at aviszgray@yahoo.com.
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HE BLOOMED WHEN HE BECAME A ROTARIAN
Thanks to Brian J. Wheat, aka The Flower Guy, past president and Rotarian of the Year for Coal Creek Rotary.
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COSTA RICA TEAM IS BACK - AND WHAT A STORY TO TELL!
AN OPEN LETTER FROM ECLUB ONE PRESIDENT
PARKER ROTARY CLUB’S TOP 10 WAYS
Below is a handy rule of thumb that Kam shared with me to share with you.
YOUR SHOT TO KEEP COLORADO KIDS HEALTHY
CALL TO ACTION: A COMMUNITY CONTINUES TO EMBRACE THE NEED
CONNECTIONS AMONG CLUBS ABOUT THEIR ACTIVITIES
ZIMBABWE GLOBAL GRANT REPORT
But the participants asked for more — additional training at a higher level, more computer training and dedicated computers for the women. Their recommendations were the basis for the Global Grant for Advanced Training in Business and Computer Skills that began in 2014, which continued the partnership of the Rotary Clubs of Highlands in Zimbabwe and Denver Mile High. This new Grant ended with a rousing celebration in Harare in October 2015, where many of the participants received their graduation certificates.
Many Clubs in District 5450 have supported our work in the Harare area for years. Without that support we could not have reached our goal of having a sustainable impact in these communities.
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SUMMIT COUNTY COMMUNITY DINNER 100,000TH MEAL
HOW $300 BECAME $17,000 TO HELP NEPAL
How did an initial $300 contribution from the Grand Lake Rotary to earthquake devastated Nepal grow into almost $17,000 of immediate aid to help The Small World Relief Program obtain over 60 tons of rice, 40 tons of lentils, and 60,000 liters of safe drinking water? Dedication, creative leverage, matching grants, and Rotary generosity all pulled together to have this small club, high in the Rockies, help Solukhumbu, its sister village even higher in the Himalayas.
The story of two mountain region's friendship really begins almost thirty years ago. Karma Sherpa, the founder of The Small World, lived with his 12 siblings in a small Nepalese village some 7700 miles away from Grand Lake. Too impoverished to go to school, he fended off tigers from his grandmother's livestock. His older brother, a renowned sherpa, helped a Colorado woman reach her goals on Everest, and in kind-hearted turn, she made a donation for Karma to attend school. The first of his village to receive a bachelor's degree, Karma Sherpa returned to "pay it forward" by giving other children in Nepal the same educational opportunities.
FUTURE ROTARIAN SAW URGENCY TO GROW MEMBERSHIP
BASIC EDUCATION & LITERACY
DISTRICT INDIAN COMMITTEE UPDATE
MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE
POLIO WILL BE THE 2ND DISEASE ERADICATED BY MAN!
VISIONING - WHERE IS YOUR CLUB HEADED?
DISTRICT GRANTS FUNDS STILL AVAILABLE!
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Each Club can request up to $2,500 in District Match to their cash to create a $5,000 project.
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If a club recruits at least two other clubs to participate, the match can be as much as $5,000.
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For a Club with Satellite members, you can request up to $2,500 for a second District Grant with participation by Satellite members with additional matching from other clubs.
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District will assist the club with:
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For Clubs that have already submitted a grant application:you can get DDF match for up to $1,000 in funding for another Club’s grant.
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For questions or more details please contact:
ROTARY GLOBAL ESSAY COMPETITION
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Rotary Global Essay Competition (ROGEC) is a platform to express your thoughts and ideas on a Global Canvas on range of subjects. The 2015 Theme is World Understanding and Peace. This competition is open to all the citizens of the world. The winners will be invited to India for 5 days and will get involved in various informative and cultural activities.
Entrants will participate in one of three age groups: - Group I - Below 18 years
- Group II - 18 to 30 years - Group III - Above 30 years The 1,200 word essays can be submitted online at http://www.rogec.org/registration.html. The last date for essay submission is 10-Nov-2015. Detailed information is available on www.rogec.org. Please share this information with your Interact and Rotaract clubs!
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TELL ME MORE ABOUT SATELLITES
ROTARY IS RE-BRANDING...
MEMBERSHIP: WHAT MESSAGE ARE YOU SENDING?
EVERY MONTH IS MEMBERSHIP MONTH!
- Welcoming — We do a great job of welcoming guests and visitors when they visit us early on a Tuesday morning. The Membership Chair (yes, it’s me) or our President welcomes the guests and visiting Rotarians at the beginning of the business part of the meeting.
- Warmth — Nothing demonstrates the warmth for my club than going around the room for Happy Dollars. We have the opportunity to share happy and sad events in our personal and professional lives and this creates a special connectedness. We’re fortunate because we’re a small enough club (29 members and growing) that we’re able to have everyone speak. I understand that larger clubs don’t have this luxury and sometimes have a handful of members donate Happy Dollars. Figure out how your club – regardless of size – can bring this type of warmth to your weekly meeting.
AMBASSADORIAL SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
- Promoting Peace
- Fighting Disease
- Providing Clean Water and Sanitation
- Maternal and Child Health
- Basic Educations and Literacy
- Growing Local Economies
2015 JUNE END OF YEAR ANNUAL GIVING REPORT
A FITTING CELEBRATION OF “LIGHTING UP ROTARY”
MESSAGE FROM DG MARY KAY HASZ
- Polio Eradication: This past year our District Rotarians contributed over 100,000 dollars towards the effort to eliminate polio from the world. Let us continue this battle through funding, advocacy and service efforts. I encourage all District Rotarians to continue to fund this gift to the world.
- Membership Retention and Growth: While membership in North America is decreasing, our District is holding its own. My goal is to encourage each and every club to engage their members--find the passion each individual possesses and help him or her achieve the wish to serve the community. Nearly all of the new members I have met over the years have wanted to join Rotary to be able to "give back". By guiding new members and helping them achieve this goal, we will improve retention and as a result increase membership numbers.
- Public Relations: Rotary has a new brand and the goal is to use only one brand throughout the Rotary world so that there is no doubt when the public sees that symbol that it represents Rotary. Our District has a Public Relations Committee that is ready to guide our Clubs in the new brand use. Feel free to contact the members of that committee. My goal is to have a minimum of 60% of our District's Clubs incorporating the new brand in all of their publicity.
HELP WANTED FOR DISTRICT COMMITTEES!
District Committee positions are open in
Audio/Visual, Membership and Technology.
Help the District help the clubs and VOLUNTEER!
Together we can really make a difference!
If interested email office@rotary5450.org
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2015 OPEN WORLD PROGRAM
THE VALUE OF ROTARY MEMBERSHIP
MEMBERSHIP MANTRA: KEEPING MEMBERS ENGAGED
THANK YOU VETERANS!
EVERY ROTARIAN EVERY YEAR
EREY is not just a phrase - it is a commitment.
Annually Rotarians choose to support The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
When you give to the Foundation, you do so with the knowledge that no other organization leverages your contribution like Rotary. Money is doubled by pairings with other Clubs and Districts, and leveraged again by Rotary International.
In three years, a portion of your money comes back to your club once again to be doubled or tripled and used locally or internationally through district and global grants.
The recent Ebola outbreak in western Africa was slowed in its tracks in Liberia where Rotary, the CDC and UNESCO have a network of polio eradication health care workers, informed and equipped to fight disease.
A JOURNEY CALLED DISTRICT GOVERNOR
Peter and Mary Jean Ewing
MEMBERSHIP MANTRA: BACK TO BASICS
MAY 2015 ANNUAL GIVING REPORT
SAFE WATER FOR NEPAL
Denver, CO 80210
c/o John Wetherington, Treasurer
Nov. 2014 Giving by Club
Oct. 2014 Giving by Club
The National U.S. – India Chamber of Commerce
October 24 is World Polio Day!
Membership Mantra
The countdown is on for launching the first ever Satellite Summit in our District and probably in all of Rotary. Due to increased interest and intrigue in this membership growth initiative using the satellite model, the District Membership Team (DMT) and the Satellite Summit task force are delivering a forum (or summit).
Message from District Governor Peter Ewing
During the month of October, Rotary International honors its commitment to vocational service. Indeed the Object of Rotary is the foundation on which the Rotary house stands. It is a key element of the Rotary International Constitution as stated in Article four:
The foundation of Rotary is the business and professional men and women who serve through their vocation. Our service to youth through Interact, YRYLA and RYLA, Youth Exchange and Rotaract, provides us have opportunity to serve as guides and teachers but also as Mentors to our youth looking to grow and learn about themselves. Presentations of our 4-Way Test in schools acquaints youth with our ethical principles that we apply “to a we think, say and do”. Rotarian involvement with YRYLA and RYLA allows senior and junior counselors as well as campers to learn about themselves and become leaders of the future. Interact and Rotaract clubs mentored by Rotary clubs as sponsors and Rotarian advisors learn the power of service to others. Youth Exchange offers the opportunity for youth to become citizens of the world. Finally the formation of satellite clubs and satellite meeting groups attractive to younger Rotarians offers us all the opportunity to share our wisdom and our connections to mentor others.
When a Simple THANK YOU Seems Inadequate
What does one do when it seems a simple THANK YOU will be totally inadequate for the occasion. This is the position in which I find myself as I look back on the events of the week of September 8 through 14, 2014. We were the hosts for the Zone 21b-27 Institute convened by our very own RI Director Greg Podd and Pam. This was an event to remember and the compliments I have received from a huge number of attendees from all over our two Zones makes me proud to be the District Governor of District 5450.
Northglenn/Thornton Rotary Club . . .Thoughts on Membership
Rotary Club of Parker and Rocky Vista University Partnership
The Rotary Club of Parker announced at their annual picnic, that they are sponsoring a Rotary Community Corps (RCC) club at Rocky Vista University. The two groups will work together on service projects, international projects and grants. This is an opportunity to partner with RVU and join efforts on international projects that RVU students do each year.
Zone All Club Luncheon
Evening at the Rockies Sept. 18
$18 per person, Outfield section 116
Tickets must be purchased by September 12th to insure you get the special District price.
Platteville Rotary Charter Night
The Power of One
There are No Small Grants
Castle Rock High Noon Rotary Club and Project ReCycle
From My Point of View
R – As Peter’s partner, many have already asked me how I am finding my new role. While I am still getting used to this role, I have taken the Polio campaign as my special focus for the coming year. My mother had polio. This cause is important to me - even more so, to the entire world. We are so very close!!
Events of Importance
- Emerging District Leaders Training September 11-14
- Zone Institute September 12-14 for any Rotarian wanting to know more about Rotary
- Foundation Breakfast Friday September 12
- All Club Luncheon Friday September 12 – all clubs are asked to go dark and instead attend the All club Luncheon
- Gala Banquet Saturday Evening September 13
- Certified and timed Community 5K run/walk beginning on the Westin Plaza at 9:00AM
- Family 1 Mile run/walk beginning on the Plaza at 1:30 PM for anyone involved in the Zone Saturday morning
- Every Rotary Club in District 5450 is encouraged to create a Race team and register their Team on the registration website
- Team members can then become individual fundraisers for their team and get friends and neighbors to sponsor them
- The Rotary Club team that raises the most in per capita sponsorships will win a prize!
Membership Mantra: Membership = Retention + Attraction
Message from DG Peter Ewing
Online Survey Results Are In!
Volunteers Needed - Sept. 9-11
The District Needs Your Help!
Polio
Membership Growth Story
Membership Mantra
Chief Joseph
HOW MEMBERSHIP IN YOUR CLUB CAN EXPLODE
$30,000 Scholarships Available in 2014-2015
Applications Being Accepted Now!
District Assembly - May 17
District Assembly - May 17th
Rotary eClub One Absorbs Rotary Club of Sydney's Members
Membership Mantra
Denver Southeast Rotary Salutes Veterans
15 Minutes Per Week: The Secret to Membership Management
Council on Legislation
Council on Legislation Vote and Proposed Legislation
The Rotary-Peace Corps Connection
The Rotary Peace Corps Alliance has presented itself as an excellent opportunity to partner with both Colorado and local Paraguayan clubs to accomplish my upcoming endeavors in international service.
UPDATE From Ambassadorial Scholar in Costa Rica
Preserve Planet Earth Welcomes New Co-Chair
I Was A Fly On The Wall…
Don't Forget to Register for the District Conference!
NOW is the TIME To Register for the District Conference!
Making Blankets Unites Community
World Peace Fellowships
World Peace Fellowships
No Cost International Service Projects
Working in Developing Countries?
9 Health Fair at the District Conference
Obituary for Longtime Rotarian Mike Hayes
Read About District 5450 Clubs in the News
District Conference Speakers Lineup
Conference Speakers Have SO Much to Share!
Upcoming Events!
DGN Mary Kay Hasz
Striving for Polio-Free World
Searching for Member Contact Info?
Secret Sauce for Triple Digit Membership Growth
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President's Message
DG Dan, he's our man!
District Governor Dan Himelspach is capably serving as this year's head honcho for our Rotary District #5450, comprising 67 Rotary clubs and 3,000 Rotarians from Summit County through Denver & Boulder, all the way out to Brush in northeastern Colorado. During a teleconference this past week with club presidents, Dan reported that the $50,000 recently contributed for flood relief by our clubs (including $10,000 from Summit Count Rotary) is being deployed for uses directed by Rotary Clubs located in the communities with greatest need, matching their local efforts. He invited all Rotarians to dine with this year's RI President Ron Burton in Denver on January 4 - an annual event here, unavailable in most other Districts. DG Dan also reminded us of the 2 for 1 match by the Gates Foundation on new donations by Rotarians for the remaining PolioPlus campaign. He described the excitement of inducting 24 Rotarians into the new satellite of the Denver SouthEast Club, underscoring his November newsletter statement "It is this combination of the traditional with the new that will make Rotary Clubs with a satellite club incredibly powerful and productive!" He also encouraged all Rotarians to consider committing to the Paul Harris Society now, with new PHS members' donations being matched by a donation of up to $500,000 from a Colorado Rotarian - please see our own Bob Ashley, 5450 PHS Chair, for more information.
Get yourself registered for Dan's District Conference May 2 & 3 in Denver by Dec 15 and save 10%. Thanks to the energy and commitment of DG Dan, Rotary continues to thrive in Colorado!
IS YOUR ROTARY FAMILY READY?