Following the Rotary Internation Convention in Singapore this past June, my husband and I spent a week in Cambodia. Cambodia is a place that I have always wanted to visit. The natural beauty of the rural countryside, the kindness and grace of the Cambodian people and walking through the incredible ancient temples all filled me with a sense of wonder and stillness.
While in Siem Reap, the site of Angkor Wat, the ancient Hindu - Buddhist temple designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we had the opportunity to spend a few hours with our guide in areas many tourists seldom visit. In rural villages, people live in homes perched on stilts and often rely on contaminated water for cooking, drinking and bathing. Many of these simple homes do not have a well, and most have no toilets. The polluted water here can cause severe disease and infections.
These are the life moments when as Rotarians, we ask, how can I make things better? When the Rotary wheel begins to turn, and when we gather the courage to do something big, to think beyond ourselves, this is when the magic of Rotary begins to take form.
I am hopeful that in the near future I can be part of a larger WASH project in partnership with fellow Rotarians in Cambodia. Until then, I will keep the Cambodian people in my heart, remembering the sight of the green rice and lotus fields, open markets, sacred ruins and hold fast to a better future for Cambodia.
Although this is a personal experience, I wanted to share it as it reflects much of the true nature of what Rotary means to me. I know that many impactful Rotary projects are the result of individual Rotarians, their experiences and desire to make positive change for people close to home or in places far away.
Photo taken at a newly installed community well serving 8-12 people. Sam-Schroeder Cambodia Well Project
$15 for Rotarians | $5 for Non-Rotarians & Rotaractors
See the film that sparks action...and what WE can do to Come Together to Nurture Common Good.
There here has been a steady membership decline in church, service, and community organizations and clubs since the 1960's. Science has shown we are better together than apart, both for the good of our community, democracy, and our own mental and physical health.
Join your fellow Rotarians to hear from keynote speakers, participate in a variety of breakout sessions, and visit exhibits in the House of Friendship. Registration includes a continental breakfast and buffet lunch. Only $50 per Rotarian or $10 per Rotaractor. REGISTER NOW!
THE DISTRICT IS HERE FOR YOU
REGISTER NOW FOR THE 2025 RI CONVENTION
Calgary, Alberta, Canada | June 21-25, 2025
Registration is now open for next year’s Rotary International Convention is in Calgary, Canada! What a great way to get to interact with Rotarians around the world, learn from distinguished speakers, know The Rotary Foundation and all its programs and grants, and explore enlightening breakout sessions against the backdrop of Calgary's picturesque beauty nestled amid the Canadian Rockies. Experience the Magic All Around! Click Here for more information.
SHELTERBOX SAFE TRAINING OPPORTUNITY
September 6-8 | Echo, Oregon
An immersive training program designed to help you learn more about ShelterBox through real-life scenarios that Response Team members encounter in the field, and now open to ALL Rotarians! Over this three-day experience, you'll develop a better understanding of ShelterBox’s mission. CLICK HERE for more information.
MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVES ROTARY ACTION GROUP
Rotarians for Mental Health (R4MH) is assisting with the creation of a District 5450 chapter of Rotary Action Group – Mental Health Initiatives (RAGMHI). Once the chapter is established, R4MH will be phased out. The chapter is required to have a board of directors with at least 5 members. If you are interested in learning more about the chapter or being involved as a member and/or director, please email Bill Farrow (whfarrow@outlook.com). Please note that directors will be working directors, taking ownership of the chapter’s goals and objectives. Click Here to Read More
HIGHLANDS RANCH Pediatric Mental Health Committeeis pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Meha Semwal Smith, Colorado Rotary Endowed Fellow for Pediatric Mental Health at Children’s Hospital Colorado. Because of the Rotary Endowment, Dr. Smith is the first of many, many Rotary Fellows. Click Here to read the full story.
CYCLING TO SERVE: Does your club need a turnkey fundraising idea? Do you have a project you want to do, but need to raise money to do it? CYCLING TO SERVE may be just what you need! Contact Kathy Cook, Front Range Event Director, and Littleton club member, to find out how YOUR club can raise $5000 - $50,000 or more. You don't have to cycle to participate. YOU choose YOUR challenge. Kathyrrco@gmail.com, 720.514.3444. www.COCyclingtoServe.com.
MOUNTAIN FOOTHILLS recently provided 300 mosquito nets to two Africa countries. One batch of 100 is being distributed by Rotarians in Nigeria and the other 200 nets have been shared between two Rotary clubs in Uganda.
There are lots of Club activities this month! Make sure to check out the CLUB EVENTS page and see all of the events happening around the District.
Post your story on your club's website or Facebook page, and then send the link to office@rotary5450.org.Doing so will give your club more exposure - readers will see the story on your club's site, which will let them know more about your club and members.
THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
The Rotary Foundation helps Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
Foundation Update by Mike Klingbiel, Foundation Chair: I am pleased to share some exciting updates and opportunities within our District.
District Grants Progress: We currently have 17 clubs qualified for District Grants, but we still have 38 clubs that need to submit their 990 forms and/or their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Our goal is to achieve 100% club qualification for District Grants this year. With $115,000 available for our grants, we are eager to see these funds put to good use across our communities.
Global Grants: A special shoutout to Bob Kemp for his diligent work on global grants. We already have four global grants in process! This year, we have $284,000 to support our international projects, and we need your help to utilize this money effectively and support those in need around the globe.
New Rotary Scholar: We are thrilled to announce our new Rotary Scholar, Ms. Charlotte Bisaccia. Charlotte will pursue her MS in Performance Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, under the sponsorship of Rotary District 1310. We look forward to sharing updates from her once she gets settled.
Polio Update: Polio remains a critical focus. There have been 16 environmental samples of polio from Gaza, and no vaccinations have been administered since October. This situation is concerning, especially as the conflict continues, raising the risk of polio exposure and contraction. Additionally, there have been 18 new polio cases this year—9 in Afghanistan and 9 in Pakistan.
This fall, the PolioPlus Committee is organizing an afternoon event, “Pints / Pub / Pup,” offering Rotarians and their dogs a chance to gather and support polio eradication efforts. Stay tuned for more details.
The Polio Committee is also looking for new members. If you are passionate about this cause, please reach out to Dr. Marny Eulberg at marnyeul@me.com.
Committee Continuity and Opportunities: I'm pleased to report that many of our dedicated members are continuing their service on various committees, ensuring we maintain our momentum. We also have exciting opportunities for those interested in serving at the District level. If you’re interested, please contact me at foundation@rotary5450.org.
Together, we can make a significant impact both locally and globally. Thank you for your ongoing dedication and support.
I am hopeful that in the near future I can be part of a larger WASH project in partnership with fellow Rotarians in Cambodia. Until then, I will keep the Cambodian people in my heart, remembering the sight of the green rice and lotus fields, open markets, sacred ruins and hold fast to a better future for Cambodia.
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