Posted by DG Bill Downes (Mountain Foothills) DGBill2016.17@rotary5450.org
Rotary is an international organization. We do a variety of humanitarian projects all over the world, domestically and in our own back yard. Giving from the members is the engine that makes these projects work. Rotary has a matching program where older money is matched with new to leverage the impact. To give you an idea of the magnitude, just our District alone (there are 536 other Districts) contributes between $6 and $10 million dollars in money and time to all sorts of projects here and around the world every year.
The Foundation branch of our organization tracks and manages this giving to make sure the money is being spent wisely. Rotary International and the District have programs and training that can assist clubs and individuals on the details of how to make contributions. Sometimes I hear ‘why should I give money overseas when there is such need in our own back yard’? There is certainly need in our area but there is need elsewhere too. And if you have been there, some of that need is very acute.
Each club decides where its money will go. To be sure, it is all good and why we are here. I think the best club is one that balances the need between international and local giving. Mountain Foothills, my home club for example, gives to special needs children, the local food bank, and Dave Talbot’s Crutches for Africa. However the money is given, the degree of the local/international balance is up to you. Just remember this giving is important!
The Rotary Foundation (TRF) has a little over 1 billion dollars in it. Charity Navigator recently rated some 8,000 charities. Rotary was one of only three that received a perfect score. Our charity is not necessarily the biggest (Shriners have just under $8 billion), but we are the best. It is a testament to just how well our Foundation gets the biggest bang for our buck.
This is the 100th year of our The Rotary Foundation. Our District and many of our clubs are planning a centennial (Foundation) event. Think about what you can do and be sure to give something. It is how we serve humanity and change the world.
Posted by Debi Bush (Denver Cherry Creek) membership@rotary5450.org
On October 22nd we held our final in-person membership symposium and it was a big success. With the DMT’s own Marc Garfinkel (Centennial RC) and Dee Leh (Littleton) as well as impactful thoughts from our DGE Abbas Rajabi, the 15 Rotarians in the room learned the Meat & Potatoes of Membership, virtually step by step of how a Rotary club needs to manage the prospect and membership process. The materials will be made available soon in the Membership Center on the District 5450 website (www.Rotary5450.org).
We strongly encourage your club’s participation in our efforts to help you crystalize your thoughts and put actions into play to strengthen and grow your membership. Between November 2016 and April 2017 we plan to hold 3 video conference meetings so Club Membership Chairs and anyone else (perhaps a President-Elect) can learn and share about membership in an efficient manner. And, in early June our Annual Membership Workshop will be held in conjunction with the Club Training Workshop.
If you’re looking for best practices and insights on membership, head on over to Rotary’s website at www.Rotary.org. If you haven’t already signed up for Rotary’s Membership Minute, here’s how to do it:
Posted by Carolyn Schrader (Denver Mile High) schrader407@gmail.com
Eighteen Rotary Clubs in District 5450 contributed to this Global Grant that will provide $84,500 to train over 500 women in economic and computer skills.
Denver Mile High has been a partner with the Highlands Rotary Club in Zimbabwe since 2005. During this time, we have jointly sponsored several grants that provided economic and computer trainings, primarily to women, in high-density communities in Harare Zimbabwe. We have engaged at least 25 Rotary Clubs in the USA and Zimbabwe to participate in the grant.
RI President Ravi Ravindran visited the project in early March 2016 and called this project a model for community development that should be replicated through the world.
In late 2015, Harare and Colorado Rotarians met with the participants, trainers and very supportive local government officials to explore how best to assist other women in greater Harare. We considered how best to serve the communities and take advantage of what we had learned from previous trainings.
Posted by Gail Lehrmann (Parker) glehrmann@aol.com
The Rotary Foundation has an impressive record of achieving its mission by improving millions of lives as it enables Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.
Our District 5450 Clubs are encouraged to join in this special year of celebration. Clubs are encouraged to organize centennial events to share our Foundation’s many successes with their communities. You can also continue the Foundation’s tradition of Doing Good in the World by supporting and participating in global and district grant projects by contributing to the Annual Fund, the Endowment Fund, the PolioPlus Fund, or the Rotary Peace Centers.
“The Rotary Foundation is the most visible expression of Rotarian generosity – a generosity that not only brings benefits but also brings help and cooperation to solve the problems that affect mankind.”
– Paulo V. Costa, 1995-96 Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair in a speech to the 1996 convention
Rotary District 5450 is accepting nominations for our 2019-2020 District Governor. Any Rotarian, who has served as club president and is a member in good standing of his/her club, may be nominated. This nomination must be accompanied by a formal resolution adopted at a regular Rotary Club meeting or by the club’s Board of Directors. Applications must be submitted by January 31, 2017.Click here to download the application form. Review of nominations and interviews must be completed by February 28, 2017. Any past club president interested in serving as District Governor should contact his/her club President for nomination by the club.
Nominations for District Governor are to be submitted directly to the Chair of the DG Nominating Committee, Past District Governor Mary Kay Hasz, by January 31, 2017. PDG Mary Kay Hasz, Chair DG Nominating Committee, marykay15-16@marykayhasz.com, 303-888-1867, 9372 Prairie View Dr., Highlands Ranch, CO 80126. Click here to download the application form.
District 5450 had the pleasure of welcoming Rotary International General Secretary John Hewko on October 6, 2016. John spoke at the Denver Southeast club in the morning, and at the Denver Rotary club at noon. He also spoke at the University of Denver where this photo was taken:
From left: John Hewko,General Secretary and CEO Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation; Heidi Resetarits, District 5450 Alumni Group Chairwoman and President; Greg Podd, Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator for Zone 27; Marlene Wilkins; Grant Wilkins, Past Rotary International Director and Polio Plus major fundraiser
Posted by John Hughes (Denver Southeast) j.hugh63@gmail.com
The 10th annual State of the State promises to be another great event and a fantastic way to approach the end of the year for Rotarians and others.
Please join us on December 15th at the Hyatt Regency in DTC. This year’s event is expanding due to the popularity of the topic – mental health in Colorado. We will have symposia for the first time with interesting topics for healthcare professionals and lay people. There will be an expo in advance of the luncheon as well.
As for the luncheon itself, we are honored to have confirmed Lt. Governor and Colorado Chief Operating Officer, Donna Lynn as well as our keynote speaker, Dr. Geetha Jayaram, senior faculty member at Johns Hopkins Department of and Nursing and Patient Safety. Dr Jayaram, a Rotarian herself, has received the Global Alumnus Service to Humanity from Rotary International for her work globally on mental health. Governor Hickenlooper has also been invited. As in recent past years, Cheryl Preheim of 9News will be our emcee.
The Mental Health and Well Being Expo will run from 11:00 to 11:55 and the lunch program will begin at noon and wrap up at 1:30.
Rotarians from all over the District and beyond have worked hard to bring this event to life once again. It is an excellent way to introduce friends and colleagues to Rotary and the important work we all do here in the community and beyond. We hope to see you there!
Posted by David Talbot (Mountain Foothills) c4a@crutches4africa.org
A big THANK YOU to those clubs that have begun collection for the MOBILITY DEVICES that will be shipped to Pakistan in 2017.
All Rotary clubs desiring to take part in this collection of CRUTCHES, CANES, WALKERS & WHEELCHAIRS, please contact Rtn. David Talbot at c4a@crutches4africa.org on how to start a collection with your club. THANKS D 5450 for your continued support!
Posted by Kathy Cook (Denver Tech Center) kathycook1029@yahoo.com
On October 1, sixty four fun loving and hearty souls gathered at Roxborough Cove on Chatfield Reservoir for Colorado’s First Annual Water Toy Race. They were met with a hot breakfast, refreshing water and a sunny day. The racers were primarily high school students, but also included college students, families and adults of all ages.
The event was hosted by the Denver Tech Center Rotary Club to raise money for college scholarships for students with a history and commitment to “Service Above Self.” Thanks to generous sponsors, such as Revolar Personal Security, the Cornerstone Group, the Schlessman YMCA, BIC Sports, GNC, the Boulder Dinner Theater and members of the Rotary Club, thousands of dollars were raised.
Costumed participants raced on water and land using inflatable kayaks, paddle boards and inner tubes, sometimes lashed together. The goofy, creative and very wet obstacle course was laid out by Lyle Phetteplace of Renaissance Adventure Guides (RAG). Use of the Cove was provided by Jim Cook and Colorado Water Sports, who, along with RAG, also provided the water toys. The manager of the Cherry Creek GAP store brought the regional manager and 9 other employees who enthusiastically helped set up and run the race and clean up.
Posted by Submitted by Carolyn Schrader for Ravi - schrader407@gmail.com
This photo is from a workshop I did with kids in the township of Phillipi. I was volunteering and spent the weekend with a local NGO where I trained members of the organization how to implement life skills programs and community health activism. Many of the kids are orphaned and depend on the support of the organization. I used my training experiences from Peace Corps to work on this project. It was independently run. I volunteered through my University here.
So far I can say that this experience has been incredibly fulfilling. Busy, but productive and eye opening for sure. I can start with my life at the University of Cape Town, which has been a dominant force, especially over the last 3 months. I have been assisting my PhD supervisor for sometime with a project called the Afrobarometer. Afrobarometer is an organization that conducts cross-national surveys across 35 African countries to gather nationally representative data on people’s perceptions and feelings about democracy, economics, social issues, and country specific issues, such as, war and peace, natural resources, refugees, and the rise of radical Islam. I have been conducting research on the role that fear and violence play (within the context of countries in conflict) in influencing peoples political behavior, that is to say, how people vote, who they align themselves with, and general interactions with civil society. This has very important implications in peace and conflict studies. There has been, to my knowledge, no study of how fear (that is fear of speaking about politics in public, criticizing the government, etc.) and instances of political violence, effect the way people interact with democracy.
Posted by Gail Lehrmann (Parker) glehrmann@aol.com
Annual Fund contributions help support Rotary’s going humanitarian activities such as local club service projects, global initiatives, and scholarships. As you plan your year-end giving, a gift of marketable securities to “The Rotary Foundation” offers you tax benefits. But more important, it helps the Foundation, our District, and your Club make an impact for people in need.
If this is a method that appeals to you, consider transmitting gifts of appreciated securities through your broker or by mail. In either case, we ask that you complete a notice of transmittal form. As always, please seek advice from your professional advisors as to your personal situation.
And, if you would like information concerning making a contribution to a Donor Advised Fund or to fund a Life Income Gift, please contact Gail Lehrmann, District 5450 Foundation Chair, at glehrmann@aol.com for more information.
Posted by NanJarvis (Mountain Foothills) johnnan@comcast.net
Interested in expanding your role with Rotary and serving on a District Committee?
Nan Jarvis, Chair of the Maternal and Child Health Project Resource Committee is looking to expand that committee. If you have an interest or background in Maternal and Child Health, and in particular Childhood Immunizations, please contact Nan at johnnan@comcast.net or 303-242-2615.
Speakers include: Donna Lynne, Colorado Lieutenant Governor and Dr. Geetha Jayaram, Senior Faculty Member of John Hopkins Dept. of Psychiatry, Public Health, Nursing and Patient Safety
Posted by Brandye Miller (Mountain Foothills) irisheyesaresmilin@me.com
The 2017 Rotary International Convention June 10-14 is going to be fun-filled! Come early and stay late to explore all there is to do in this benevolent city. Here’s a preview of what you can expect: https://youtu.be/pQNZQhNGNYo
The City of Atlanta has made it easy and cost efficient for you to see many of the premier attractions via their Atlanta CityPass. The pass includes:
Georgia Aquarium
World of Coca-Cola
CNN Studio Tours
Zoo Atlanta OR Center for Civil and Human Rights
Fernbank Museum of Natural History OR College Football Hall of Fame
Don’t forget to check out the “Discover Atlanta” page on the Rotary International website at the following link: http://www.riconvention.org/en/atlanta/discover-atlanta. Here you can find more things to do while visiting Atlanta along with information about exploring Atlanta’s neighborhoods and dining. Also, don’t forget to download the Host Organization Committee’s Atlanta Visitors Guide for much more information about the city.
There is so much to do in this wonderful city, you might even consider coming a little early or staying a little longer to make it a fun vacation. Whatever you decide, don’t miss next year’s District Conference in Colorado Springs! Save the date: April 28-30; we promise, you’ll be glad you did!
Rotary's member benefits program gives Rotary and Rotaract club members access to discounts on a variety of products and services selected with their interests in mind.
Discounts & Special Offers
Rotary Global Rewards offers discounts on vehicle rentals, hotels, dining, and entertainment. Products and services from companies around the world are being added every week. Check back often to see what’s new in Rotary Global Rewards – the vendor list is updated monthly. https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/member-center/rotary-global-rewards
How to Redeem Offers
Anyone can view the offers and discounts on Rotary Global Rewards. But onlyRotary and Rotaract club members who are signed in to their My Rotary accounts can redeem them. You can access and redeem rewards from your computer, smartphone, or tablet.
The attached reportshows Membership, 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!
This photo is from a workshop I did with kids in the township of Phillipi. I was volunteering and spent the weekend with a local NGO where I trained members of the organization how to implement life skills programs and community health activism. Many of the kids are orphaned and depend on the support of the organization. I used my training experiences from Peace Corps to work on this project. It was independently run. I volunteered through my University here. 
10th Annual State of the State Luncheon 
The 2017 District Conference is going to be unique…it will be more like a short vacation getaway than a “convention”. Here are just a few things you might decide to do during your stay: get in a round of golf at the 18 hole championship Pete Dye course 
