We must reach zero cases of wild poliovirus caused paralysis AND have an additional three years of a polio-free world before this disease can be certified as being eradicated. The greatest threat to this goal is underfunding the program. The second greatest threat would be not maintaining the gains we have made. To this end, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has challenged Rotary to raise $50 million per year over the next three years. The 2-to-1 match will continue to apply. This amount will help to meet the amount the Global Polio Eradication Initiative needs for the End Game Strategy.
Posted by DG Abbas Rajabi (Denver Southeast) DGAbbas2017.18@rotary5450.org
MESSAGE FROM THE DISTRICT GOVERNOR
Rotary Pride!
As we begin to prepare for the Fall, it is vitally important we remember to maintain the stamina that made this past summer in Rotary so great. As Rotarians, the Fall brings new opportunity to us to really begin to cement the goals we have set at the beginning of this new Rotary year. In doing so it is helpful to remind ourselves, each other, and our communities about why we do what we do in Rotary, and to do so with pride.
When I meet Rotarians, I often ask them what makes them proud to be a Rotarian. For some it is the change Rotary has affected in the world with the near eradication of Polio. For others it is the projects the put their energy into locally, from Water and Sanitation projects to working with kids as a part of literacy projects. Our Rotarians are proud to serve their communities alongside one another. After getting to hear about the fabulous projects each club and each member gets behind, I like to then ask them, how do you show your Rotary pride to your community? Do you sport your pin or wear Rotary garb? Do you post about your projects or experiences on social media? Do you share your projects with your kids, significant others, or co-workers?
Just as important as the important work Rotary does, is sharing that work with the world with pride. Because the more we share the more we encourage others to come into the Rotary fold. I am Rotary Proud because all of you, our members, make me proud. You make me proud because of the ways you help your local communities. You make me proud because of the way you help eradicate Polio. You make me proud the way you feed the families in your community. You make me proud the way you advocate for mental health services. Your service makes me want to belong to Rotary and it will make others want to belong to Rotary too. People would love to hear more about the initiative you take as a Rotarian, so share your Rotary pride with the world!
This year, in order to show our Rotary Pride, our district plans on having the greatest House of Friendship at the next District Conference. The conference will be held May 19th and 20th of next year, in Denver at the Hyatt DTC. This House of Friendship will be promoted in the media and will be open to public. This will be our chance to show the world how we make a difference in the world. It will be your chance to display what you and your clubs do to our broader community, letting them see Rotary in action. To participate in the House of Friendship, please contact Patty Folly at patti.foley@comcast.net or Bev Mendel at Office@Rotary5450.com.
Let us all show our Rotary Pride every day and at the upcoming District Conference.
Rotary is mobilized to do amazing things in this world, as it already does! With Rotary we have a force of 1.2 million people to support us, to be proud of and with us, and to help us help those in our communities that need and want our support. Let’s show that magnificent power to the world around us and invite your daughter, son, or co-worker today and let them know what it means to be proud to be a Rotarian.
Posted by Mary Jean Ewing (Boulder Flatirons) maryjeanewing@earthlink.net
You’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.
The 11th annual State of the State Luncheon co-sponsored by the Rotary Club of Southeast Denver and District 5450 will be held December 7th at the Denver Marriott Tech Center (noon to 1:30 pm). In addition to keynote speaker Susan Klebold, Governor John Hickenlooper will address the State’s efforts in the areas of mental health and wellness. CLICK HERE for the EVENT FLYER. The luncheon will be preceded by a Mental Health Symposium presented by the Rotary Mental Health Initiative (9 am-11:20 am; Free/Registration Required) and a Mental Health & Wellness Expo (11:00-11:55 am; no charge to attend). FOR MORE INFORMATION & TO REGISTER CLICK HERE.
The Rotary International 2018 Convention will be held in Toronto Canada from Saturday June 23 to Wednesday June 27, 2018. Rotary members from more than 130 countries meet at the convention every year. This is your unique opportunity to connect with old friends, make new ones, and share stories about your club’s current and future projects. For more information and to register visit www.riconvention.org NOW!
Posted by Jim Rohrer (Mountain Foothills) jim.rohrer2@gmail.com
Our District is looking for volunteers to help clubs grow!
If you have facilitation skills and want to volunteer to help our District clubs with our visioning process, please volunteer by e-mailing our visioning chair Jim Rohrer jim.rohrer2@gmail.com. Please give Jim your phone number and he will call you. Training will be provided.
Why Visioning?
Experts on organizational effectiveness will tell you that a positive vision is the most powerful success factor. If an organization doesn’t have a clear vision, even a great strategy will not save them; but a clear vision will attract an effective strategy.
Vision serves as a compass and provides a template for important decisions. The consensus of a clear vision brings power and success to any organization. The visioning team of District 5450 will contribute to greater success of our clubs.
What is the club visioning process?
Club visioning is a three to four hour session held on an evening or Saturday morning to help a club set goals that will define who they will be in three years. All members in attendance are provided an opportunity to share their ideas. The result of Visioning is a consensus of the top 3 year goals in the areas Rotary Clubs function. Clubs will also develop action plans to move towards the goals and vision.
Posted by Steve Baroch (Castle Rock High Noon) steve@crhn-rotary.com
There are two $30,000 Rotary District 5450 Scholarship Awards for Graduate Study outside the USA for the 2018-2019 year. Eligible applicants will intend to study and have future career plans related to at least one of the following focus areas:
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. The Application Deadline is November 4, 2017. For more information contact Steve Baroch at steve@crhn-rotary.com
Posted by Debi Bush (Denver Cherry Creek) membership@rotary5450.org
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!
Posted by Jim McGibney (Denver) jimmcgibney@me.com
Many Indian families face critical food shortages and the Denver Indian Center (DICI) has begun a more aggressive approach to supplying its food bank so that food is available to families in need.
Our committee has determined that the involvement of one Rotary club per month, on a regular rotating basis, will be an invaluable support to the DICI effort. We are asking Rotary clubs to take a month per year to have a club food drive, based on a list of needs from the DICI, and to deliver that food to the DICI on the date that the members of the club bring in food donations. If your club can help please contact Mike Oldham at meoldham@msn.com or 303-453-9067.
- Winter Clothing Giveaway (distribution) begins October 16-2017 and will complete on November 18, 2017. The DICI distributes new or near new coats, hats, scarfs, gloves, boots etc. for American Indian children and adults that is critical to their well-being throughout the winter. If a club collects the winter clothing it can be delivered to the Center any time from 8 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday.
- 9 Health Fair and DICI Thanksgiving Baskets Giveaway take place simultaneously on November 18, 2017. Rotarians can help in many areas, and if we have volunteers across the District we can put them in contact with the 9 Health Fair planning group. For many families this is the only time that they get access to critical health screenings and health information.
- In past years, Rotarians have contributed time and financial support for the DICI Thanksgiving Basket Giveaway for American Indian Families. A basket includes lots of fixing’s and a coupon for a turkey that can picked up at the local market. Last year 180 plus families were provided baskets. This District focuses on raising money for the $10 turkey vouchers. Again— if a club decides to help, $10 can make an amazing difference for an Indian Family.
- DICI Christmas Toy and Basket Giveaway take place simultaneously on December 16, 2017. In the past Rotarians donated toys/clothing, financial support and time (Rotary provided, and plans to again, provide both Santa and Mrs. Claus to the toy distribution event. Incidentally we checked, and the inclusion of Santa and Mrs. Claus is quite accepted within the community. Last year over 220 American Indian families received toys and a Christmas food basket.
- Similar to the Thanksgiving basket, it includes lots of fixing’s and a coupon for a turkey (or ham) that can picked up at the local market. This District focuses on raising money for the $10 turkey/ham vouchers. Again— if a club decides to help, $10 can make Christmas "real" for a family.
Posted by Bob Steiert (Denver Tech Center) rsteiert@comcast.net
The DTC Rotary Club will hold the Second Annual Water Toy Race on September 23 on Chatfield Reservoir. Last year, sixty four fun loving, hearty souls were met with a hot breakfast, refreshing water and a sunny day. The racers were primarily Interact and RYLA students from six different schools, but also included college students, families and adults of all ages. Costumed participants raced through a goofy, creative and very wet obstacle course using inflatable kayaks, paddle boards and inner tubes, sometimes lashed together. No experience was necessary.
All District 5450 Rotary and Interact clubs are invited to attend. Prizes will be awarded for best costumes, fastest team, and most fun to watch. Registration for a four person team is $200, and includes breakfast and the use of all water toys. The race is a tremendous team building event and a good way to kick off the school year. Proceeds will support RYLA scholarships, literacy projects, our Peaceful Schools Program, and college scholarships for students who practice “Service Above Self.”
Sponsorship opportunities are available at levels from $250 to $2,500. So far, the major sponsors are the Boulder Dinner Theatre, the N&A Professional Group, P.C., Colorado Water Sports, Renaissance Adventure Guides, and the Victoria Sailing School. For more information go to http://www.dtcrotary.org/.
Posted by Mike Litzau (Arvada Sunrise) mlitzau@soopercu.org
When the tires stopped squealing and the exhaust cleared, the Northglenn/Thornton Rotary Club was named the Fastest in the District! Representatives from six different District 5450 Rotary Clubs raced in Arvada Sunrise Rotary’s First Annual Race 4 Rotary at Unser Karting on Sunday, August 6. Four different Rotary Clubs were represented in the fastest five racers – Northglenn/Thornton, Mile Hi, Boulder and Arvada Sunrise.
Proceeds from the event will support the numerous programs of the ASR Foundation, including Senior Heroes, Student of the Month, Pickleball for Heroes, Ralston House, Arvada Day of Service and SCOPE projects.
July 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.
Posted by Lynn Perez-Hewitt (Littleton) perezhewitt@hceonline.com
What’s older than the 89-year old Western Welcome Week in Littleton? The 95-year-old Rotary Club of Littleton. (Pictured in photo are Mark and Jane Swanson, Chandra Sharma, Dale and Bev Cochran, Rick Clark, John Hendrick, Belinda Bianchi and Bill White)
So, when the Rotary Club decided this year to be a sponsor of WWW they went all out. Was it worth it? Well, heck yes! The Club brought in $7,000, but more importantly the members in bright chartreuse T-shirts were visible. Visible hosting the opening BBQ. Visible at the Sunday morning pancake breakfast. Visible at the upscale Taste of Littleton, and lastly highly visible in the WWW Parade Saturday morning. 50/50 raffle tickets were sold throughout the week and contributed to additional visibility and many conversations about Rotary and the Club.
So, are club members tired, sunburned and a little footsore? Yes. And they’re ready to do it again next year!
Riding in truck for Parade: Jim Bessetti, Scott Cantine, Steve Tautz and wife, and Gary Hansen (prospective Rotarian)
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.
Rotaraction was formed to fill a need - a way to get/keep young people involved in Rotary, especially since Rotary currently has a limited value proposition for this demographic. The online meetings will consist of “Blog” posts and discussions, each member will have responsibility for writing blogs and responding. In addition, each member will be required to do a minimum number of hours of community service during the quarter. We will encourage them to create a relationship with a local Rotary Club.
Our research has shown that this demographic has very little desire to spend time in meetings, they want to communicate quickly, easily and at their own convenience. They much prefer to engage in service projects. Many are in college and even if there is a Rotaract club, attending meetings can be too time consuming.
In addition to the time issue, belonging to most traditional Rotary Clubs is cost prohibitive. Our college members face many costs and often have little opportunity to earn money. Our working young adults also tend to have limited disposable income. Therefore, the club dues are just enough to cover District and RI dues.
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 (arranged by Area.) 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!
If you have facilitation skills and want to volunteer to help our District clubs with our visioning process, please volunteer by e-mailing our visioning chair Jim Rohrer 
There are two $30,000 Rotary District 5450 Scholarship Awards for Graduate Study outside the USA for the 2018-2019 year. Eligible applicants will intend to study and have future career plans related to at least one of the following focus areas:
Many Indian families face critical food shortages and the 
The DTC Rotary Club will hold the Second Annual Water Toy Race on September 23 on Chatfield Reservoir. Last year, sixty four fun loving, hearty souls were met with a hot breakfast, refreshing water and a sunny day. The racers were primarily Interact and RYLA students from six different schools, but also included college students, families and adults of all ages. Costumed participants raced through a goofy, creative and very wet obstacle course using inflatable kayaks, paddle boards and inner tubes, sometimes lashed together. No experience was necessary.
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.’
What’s older than the 89-year old Western Welcome Week in Littleton? The 95-year-old Rotary Club of Littleton. (Pictured in photo are Mark and Jane Swanson, Chandra Sharma, Dale and Bev Cochran, Rick Clark, John Hendrick, Belinda Bianchi and Bill White)
Riding in truck for Parade: Jim Bessetti, Scott Cantine,.jpg)
