Posted by DG Abbas Rajabi (Denver Southeast) DGAbbas2017.18@rotary5450.org
MESSAGE FROM THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR
What an amazing year of Rotary, and what an amazing personal year this past Rotary year has been. Our District has proven that in Rotary we truly live the motto of Service Above Self. Through your efforts this year we have had over one hundred new members join, and we’ve raised approximately $850,000 dollars towards the final stages of polio eradication and other charity projects.
If you can take a moment to imagine that Rotary is an upside down pyramid, the District Governor, then, is at the bottom. It is your work that makes me shine and fills me with pride. It is you, the members of District 5450, that deserve the credit for this monumental year. Thank you.
I want to end this month’s newsletter, my last as District Governor, with a story of what Rotary has meant to me and my family, especially in this year, but also in the last 29 years. I believe my Rotary story is everyone’s Rotary story. Rotary has given me a community, inspired me, given me so much as I am honored to give to the world alongside all of you.
When I was 14 years old, in my hometown of Hamadan, Iran, I had to help my brother take my nephew to the hospital because of an epidemic of cholera. We arrived at the hospital full of concern for our own family, only to find that all the rooms, hallways and every inch of the hospital was overwhelmed with sick children, much worse off than my nephew. During that time, I watched many children die of diseases that can be prevented. Fortunately, today the water and sanitation situation in my hometown has improved; however, that is not the case in many parts of the world. Rotary has been amazing in providing for and helping communities around the world with water and sanitation – this touches my heart like no other Rotary project, even though my passion is peace and conflict resolution.
Given the current state of the world, most central in my mind and heart, and what was most important in our recent District Celebration was peace and conflict resolution. Because of this focus, our theme for the celebration was how to bring consensus to a divided community. As Rumi the thirteen-century Persian poet says, “Out beyond ideas of wrong-doing and right-doing, there is a field. I will meet you there.”
Rotary is that field, where we all rise above current affairs and follow Rotary’s moniker of Service Above Self in serving humanity. As Rotarians, we are a link in a long chain, over 113 years in the making, to make the world a better place for all people.
Peace is bigger than just the conflicts in the news. Your passion, as Rotarians, comes through when you pay attention to peace, you promote education, prevent disease, look after maternal health and when you are a leader in gender equality. There are so many avenues in which Rotarians improve the status of the world.
Thank you for sharing the honor of serving our world and our community with me. Most of all I want to honor the people who help make this process work, so many of you are fervent, hard workers who do more for Rotary than I can ever properly thank you for. Thank you for what you have done for me.
At this year’s District Celebration we celebrated the honor it is to be in Rotary, the pride of being a part of a global collective of service minded individuals – the joy of giving. The conference was new this year. We had a shorter gathering, a celebration not a conference. We also had a business expo, so we were able to connect on new levels and share our professional passions. We celebrated with fellowship and by producing knowledge and learning from each other. We celebrated our new, rising generations and we celebrated our achievements! Click this link to read the Villager's report on the Celebration: https://villagerpublishing.com/rotary-district-5450-celebrates-and-inspires/
I am so honored to be a part of Rotary, and especially District 5450. Though we have made many strides, we still have a long way to go in achieving diversity in our clubs and our District. Under the direction of our incoming District Governor Sandy Mortensen, I will do my best to help her in making a better world and reach a higher plateau in Rotary.
I also want to thank my wife Sami, though she spent much of this this year with serious health challenges, and two weddings of our children to attend to, and the joyful birth of a new granddaughter, she still worked hard to make Rotary possible for me. We are one amazing family and one amazing Rotary.
Also a nod to our youngest favorite daughter Samira for editing this newsletter each month. She was always the best and no one will ever be better than her ever, never, ever.
Join other Rotarians in Zone 27 for a sunset Dinner Cruise on Lake Ontario. Experience the sights and sounds of Toronto's bustling waterfront. Choose from the outdoor observation deck or the air-conditioned cabin.
Rotary eClub One cordially invites you to our 2018 Annual Banquet on Monday, June 25th in Toronto. Come and socialize with eClub One members and other Rotarians from around the world, and enjoy an elegant dinner at the Chelsea Hotel Toronto.
This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make great contacts and meet new friends in a relaxed social setting. For reservations and registration, visit https://goo.gl/tkdvZU
The printed Business Directory was handed out to District Celebration attendees. You can access the PDF version by clicking on the photo or the link HERE.
Posted by David Talbot (Mountain Foothills) c4a@crutches4africa.org
To all the friends of C4A in district 5450, WE NEED YOUR HELP!
In order to continue to help disabled people in developing nations we need a location to consolidate collected MOBILITY DEVICES. What is needed is 1,000 SQ feet where we can prep these mobility devices for shipping and store them till ready to ship. We ship once or twice from 5450. This is our basic need. Bonus situations would be good access for a container to be backed in and then loaded for shipment which would be a weekend event. C4A has its own insurance.
Another option is a location that would allow two 40’ containers to be parked, one for receiving mobility devices and the other as the consolidation point until there would be enough for shipping. My best contact is, c4a@crutches4africa.org ideas are welcome, solutions are urgent.
Posted by Gail Lehrmann (Parker) glehrmann@aol.com
Thank You to all Rotarians who have given to The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund and/or PolioPlus during this 2017-18 Rotary year. Your Annual Fund gifts provide funds for District Designated Funding (DDF) for local and international grants and your PolioPlus gifts are immediately used in the 2:1 match provided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for polio eradication. You have been part of an international team that is “Making a Difference” in the lives of many people!
District 5450 has had a good fundraising year; however, some clubs and individuals have yet to forward their contributions. Please complete your year-end gift as soon as possible. Doing so will result in faster processing and better customer service as well as helping you avoid any last-minute complications.
CHECKS: Both the postmark on the envelope and the date written on the check must be dated and sent no later than June 29 (include donor’s club and membership number) to: The Rotary Foundation, 14280 Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693, USA
CREDIT CARD ONLINE: Contributions can be made online at www.rotary.org/give. They must be authorized on or prior to midnight on June 30, 2018 Central Standard Time. Rotarians are encouraged to sign up for recurring donations that make Rotary giving automatic.
We are looking for volunteers to be Professional Rotar of the Month (PROM)
Rotaraction will be adding a new program to help guide members as they investigate career options and look for guidance while switching from being students to being employees in the work force. We are asking for your help in getting this program up and running! As a PROM you would record a video answering various questions that our members, and potential members, emailed in ahead of time. This would give you the opportunity to give advice to our members about ways they can get their careers started, how they can be successful in that chosen profession, and any other aspects of your career you think have been an important part of your success.
Currently, we have members interested in being lawyers, counselors, teachers, school administrators, and pilots. However, we are still very interested in hearing from other careers as well; the options are limitless! The PROM does not have to do a video about their career though. We would also love to hear from individuals who can offer advice to our members. For example, a presentation over how to be financially responsible, overcome difficult times, maintain a healthily lifestyle, or a topic you believe to be beneficial. If you have any questions or would like more information, please visit our website at www.Rotaraction.org and/or email us at RotaractionOfficers@gmail.com. We look forward to learning from what you say and hearing your story.
Posted by Debi Bush (Denver Cherry Creek) membership@rotary5450.org
As my term as your District Membership Chair is nearing an end, it seems bittersweet. On the sweet side of things, it has been an honor and privilege to serve District 5450 and all the clubs that make up our phenomenal and game-changing district. It has been a delight to work closely with our DGs over these past 6 ½ years (7 DGs) and the Executive Committee. It has been especially sweet in having worked with so many Rotarians on my DMT who understood the importance of MEMBERSHIP.
My husband, Phil, acknowledges all of the time and hard work that I invested over the years in my role as your District Membership Chair (DMC); however, he’s ready to “have me back” and I’m ready for a bit of a breather. He is appreciative that due to my DMC task of RI lead follow-up a door was opened and re-connected him with his now current employer. Rotary changes lives!
So grateful that Lynn Perez-Hewitt of the Littleton Rotary Club agreed to take on this daunting yet rewarding position. We have been transitioning her into the DMC role since last August which has enabled us to have a stress-free handoff of the baton.
Lastly, as some of you know, I am passionate about anything Italian. So, in closing, GRAZIE to all of you for your support and inspiration. Arrivederci – until we see each other again.
Lynn Perez-Hewitt, D5450 Membership Chair 2018-19 and Rotary Club of Littleton, membership@rotary5450.org
As Debi hands the baton to me I look forward to meeting many, if not all, of you in the coming year when I visit your clubs. While I’ve been a Rotarian for nearly a decade, I’ve only been in the District for 18 months, so I look forward to learning more from all of you. Please look for monthly updates about membership tools and trends. The coming year offers opportunities and new friendships. It just doesn’t get much better.
BE THE INSPIRATION to grow your membership and enhance the experience for all members.
Exemplary Membership Growth (in alphabetical order)
Posted by Darlene Mast (Denver) darlene@denverrotary.org
Past RI Director and Past District Governor Grant Wilkins passed away Saturday afternoon, May 19, after courageously battling throat and neck cancer this past year and a half. He died peacefully at home with his loving, devoted wife of over 50 years, Marlene, at his side. He was 91 years old and would have celebrated 50 years with our Club in February.
Just hours before his death, President Rich Harris gave a touching tribute to Grant at the Rotary District Conference, highlighting just a few of his many accomplishments, commemorating the life of this very special man. Grant LOVED sharing Rotary with others. His passion was unparalleled, inspiring others to serve; to become better people, better Rotarians.
Please keep Marlene, his brother Jim and the entire Wilkins family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Notes of condolences can be sent to 5530 E. Euclid Ave, Centennial 80121 (Marlene) and 3333 E. Florida Ave, #59, Denver, 80210 (Jim).
Posted by Ed Koerperich (Englewood) edkoerperich@gmail.com
FOR THE SERVICE THEY PROVIDE TO US...
Most of us agree that military personnel provide a tremendous service, sacrificing their time and blood so citizens can live in peace and freedom. The question is: How can we possibly repay them and their families for the sacrifices they all make?
While it may be impossible to fully compensate them, the Rotary Club of Englewood is taking a small step in that direction through their Military and Veterans Appreciation and Support Program.
During the 2017 holidays and first half of 2018, 33 military families needing a helping hand received assistance from by our program. Funding was obtained from Englewood club member donations and a District Grant. Commanders from military bases in Colorado Springs identified families experiencing particular needs.
Each recipient family’s specific needs and requests (clothing, food, toys) were determined. Items requested ranged from baby food, diapers, winter clothing, bicycles, holiday food and more.
Posted by Philip Calderbank (Highlands Ranch) pcalderbank@pjcrfid.com
Highlands Ranch Rotary Teaches Course to High School Students
At the end of April, a group of Highlands Ranch Rotarians went to Costa Rica to teach the Foundation in International Business Studies course to International Baccalaureate (IB) high school students. This course was conceived and developed by the Rotary Club of Highlands Ranch. “While on a previous visit, I noted that the IB students could really benefit from a course such as this” said Philip Calderbank, a Highlands Ranch Rotary Club member.
The course took more than 3 months to develop and is based on four modules which are delivered as theory and practical sessions. Students are split into teams of six colors. So, there is Red Team, Blue Team, Purple Team etc. The teams then compete for points which are accumulated over the two days of the course. The four modules each take a half day and cover:
Historical events and their effects on politics and international business today.
The Stock Market. How it works and how international business must work within it.
Business Basics.
Shark Tank contest: each team is asked to develop a product idea. The product must then be produced in a foreign country and sold into the USA. Teams then make a presentation which includes a 3-year sales and profit forecast, marketing plan, international rational, why the product will be produced in a particular country, and where the sales office will be located and why.
Posted by Marny Eulberg (Wheat Ridge) marnyeul@me.com
As Rotary Year 2017-2018 draws to a close, it is time to summarize our activities and achievements and to develop goals for 2018-2019. A huge thanks to Mary Jean Ewing and her leadership over the last three years and her willingness to complete projects that were started before I, Marny Eulberg, assumed leadership of the committee in January 2018. It has been said that one is not an “empty-nester” until all of the kids’ stuff is out of the basement and attic; well, Mary Jean must be nearly a “polio empty nester” after she gave 3 more boxes of polio stuff to me at the District Celebration!
This has been a very successful fundraising year for our District toward the effort to eradicate polio. To date, District 5450 clubs have donated $221,541 for Polio Plus! We are extremely grateful to Denver 31 and their amazing success in raising funds for Ending Polio in honor of Grant Wilkins.
Posted by David Henninger (University Hills) dhen7@comcast.net
Over 20+ years ago University Hills Rotary and the Cherry Creek School District recognized that their two schools for Special Needs children did not have many normalized activities. A fellow University Hills Rotarian working at the district level of the CCSD spearheaded an event to help provide a special day at the Zoo for these children. Along with this event, it required CCSD to obtain schools buses for transportation, while University Hills Rotary would provide a T-shirt, ticket to the zoo and a meal. This has been an extremely successful event for University Hills Rotary and the Cherry Creek schools because it allows these students to be out of the classroom and get the involved in a mainstream activity. After the event, the students are encouraged in art activities to express their day at the zoo. Fast forward 20+ years and this year we project to have our largest Zoo Day event attendance with over 100 children in addition to 50 support staff and parents. We are grateful to have a Sabin World school (a Denver Public School) participate in this event for the first time this year along with Black Forest Hills Elementary and Meadow Point Elementary.
Posted by Lee Mulberry (Highlands Ranch) rlmulberry@gmail.com
Rotaraction (www.rotaraction.org) is an online Rotary club for 18 to 30-year-old people, and is accepting new members. The structure of Rotaraction differs significantly from Rotaract. First, it is entirely online, second the primary communication tool is a smart phone app. Third, all Rotaraction members will be full Rotarians.
Rotaract Clubs will not be impacted as their value proposition is quite different and still valid. Rotaract is geographically bound just as Rotary Clubs are, Rotaraction, by being online, will not have geographic boundaries nor regular meeting times.
The 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. The District 5450 goal is to have an increase in Membership, and for Every Rotarian to give something Every Year (EREY).
WHAT'S HAPPENING AROUND THE DISTRICT, CLUBS & THE GLOBE!