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A New Rotary Year Begins

The end of June signifies the end of one Rotary year and the beginning of another!! Last week the Pagosa Springs Rotary Club members gathered to thank Allen Roth for his year of service as President of the Club and to welcome Warren Brown to that position for the upcoming year.

David Smith was selected as the Rotarian of the Year! David’s endless work on international projects and his passion for reducing deep poverty in the world are well known.

The Officers of the Board of Directors of Pagosa Springs Rotary fill vital roles in managing how effective and important the Club is to the community! Melanie Garrett is willing to serve another term on the Board, Sam Pittmon and Jim Garrett will continue to serve as Secretaries, Larry McClintock will continue as Treasurer. Cindi Galabota will serve as President Elect.

Warren has already challenged us to make it a priority in our schedule to attend meetings! The most vital part of our success in serving the community and the world is in our friendships and camaraderie.

Rotary Theme 2022-2023

Rotary International President-elect Jennifer Jones wants members to imagine the possibilities in the change they can make to transform the world.

Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, revealed the 2022-23 presidential theme, Imagine Rotary, as she urged people to dream big and harness their connections and the power of Rotary to turn those dreams into reality.

“Imagine, a world that deserves our best,” Jones told incoming district governors on 20 January, “where we get up each day knowing that we can make a difference.”

Jones, who will make history on 1 July by becoming Rotary’s first female president, gave a live online address to precede Rotary’s annual training event for district governors from around the world, the International Assembly. The assembly was rescheduled because of the COVID-19 pandemic and will now be held virtually 7-14 February.

Jones told the incoming governors about a chance she took when a member asked for assistance in getting a young peace activist out of Afghanistan during the U.S. troop withdrawal last year. At first unsure how she could help, she relied on “that certain Rotary magic” and contacted a former Rotary Peace Fellow she had met a few years earlier. Less than 24 hours later, the activist was on an evacuation list, and soon she was on her way to Europe.

Engaging members through meaningful responsibility

To better engage members, Rotary needs to “adapt and retool,” Jones said, using her hometown as an example. Windsor was once the automotive hub of Canada. But after plant closings left thousands without work, the city needed to retool, in the same way an auto plant would, preparing for new parts or a new model. Now, Jones said, Windsor is a leader in agribusiness and medical and aerospace technology.

For Rotary, “finding the right ‘part’ to engage each member should be our core function,” Jones said. “It comes down to the comfort and care of our members.”

Engaging members is crucial to retaining members, she said, adding that we need to ask members what they want to get from Rotary and give them meaningful responsibilities.

“It is our offer of hands-on service, personal growth, leadership development, and lifelong friendships that creates purpose and passion,” Jones said.

Imagine, a world that deserves our best where we get up each day knowing that we can make a difference.

Ukraine Donation Update

In March, the Pagosa Springs Rotary Club set a goal to raise $10,000 in two weeks to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and due to your generous response, over $25,000 was raised. Now 100 days later we would like to give you examples of how these funds are being used.

Tjupa, a Ukraine resident and charter president of Rotary Club Kyiv International woke February 24, 2022 to the sound of heavy bombing. Within three days numerous lives were lost and the infrastructure providing access to food and other essential goods was destroyed. Survival was at stake.

In the midst of chaos, Tjupa turned to Rotary for help. The response was immediate. Using funds from Rotary International, and Rotary networks already in place, local groups began making food and medical supplies available. A lifeline was established and remains in effect today.

In the months following the onset of war, thousands like Tjupa have received aid through Rotary’s resources, which all start locally, just like they did in Pagosa Springs. Safe exit routes and bomb shelters have been identified; orphanages have been subsidized; abandoned pets rehomed; and those with special needs have been safely evacuated. International funds have provided specific essentials like hemostatic tourniquets, sleeping bags, diapers, coats, first-aid kits, battery packs, as well as meals for workers to keep these supplies moving around the clock. One club found an abandoned shopping center for distribution. Another Rotary member provided a barn to store supplies.

Support in Ukraine

The Rotary Foundation creates channel for direct humanitarian support in Ukraine

In response to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, The Rotary Foundation has created an official channel for donors around the world to contribute funds to support the relief efforts underway by Rotary districts and has designated its Disaster Response Fund as the main avenue for contributions.

To this end, The Rotary Foundation has approved:

Now through 30 June 2022, designated Rotary districts that border Ukraine and the Rotary district in Ukraine may apply for grants of up to $50,000 each from the Disaster Response Fund. These expedited disaster response grants can be used to provide relief to refugees or other victims of the crisis including items such as water, food, shelter, medicine and clothing.
During this same period, other impacted Rotary districts that wish to offer support to refugees or other victims of the crisis in their district can apply for $25,000 grants from the Disaster Response Fund.
Now through 30 April 2022, Rotary districts can transfer unallocated District Designated Funds (DDF) to support the Disaster Response Fund, directly supporting these Ukraine-specific humanitarian grants.
Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund in support of Ukraine can be made here. All funds need to be received into the Disaster Response Fund by 30 April 2022 in order to qualify for use in support of the Ukrainian relief efforts.
Although the Disaster Response Fund will be the main avenue for Rotary Foundation support, Rotary and Rotaract clubs are also encouraged to create their own responses to the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

In addition to support provided through the Disaster Response Fund, the Foundation is coordinating with partners and regional leaders, exploring effective solutions to the increased humanitarian needs.

We are in contact with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees – USA to prepare for and respond to the needs of those being displaced in Ukraine and to neighboring countries.
ShelterBox, our project partner for disaster response, is in communication with Rotary members in Eastern Europe to explore how it may offer support with temporary transitional housing and other essential supplies.
The Rotary Action Group for Refugees, Forced Displacement, and Migration is also mobilizing its resources to assist in this crisis.

More than 2 million people have fled Ukraine and are in dire need of emergency aid. The United Nations estimates that number could grow to as many as 5 million people displaced. Rotary clubs in Europe and around the world have stepped up their relief work, some working on the ground to help displaced families.

We will continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine and neighboring countries. Visit My Rotary and follow Rotary on social media to stay updated on how clubs can get involved and what actions Rotary members have taken and the impact it has had for people in the region.

For all other questions and to obtain more information, please contact the Rotary Support Center at rotarysupportcenter@rotary.org.

Teacher Mini Grants Awarded

Congratulations Kara Assid, Linda Lutomski, Becca Gartman, Angela Reali-Crossman, Amanda Schweitzer, Katrina Thomas, Malinda Burnett, Dale Scrivener, Carry Steadman, Lynell Wiggers!

The Pagosa Springs Rotary Club Teacher Mini Grant program is a long-standing annual program for our club and this year was no different.

Twelve applications were received from seven different schools and ten teachers were selected. We are so fortunate to have such innovative creative teachers with the desire to inspire and expand the learning opportunities for our children.

Some of the educational and fun projects we were able to fund include robots for programming and coding; cardio drum storage; assistive technology for special needs students to enable better communication; a Cricut maker and supplies for students to design, produce and sell items for the school spirit; reusable gelli plates for printmaking projects now and in the future; materials to construct terrariums for small critters as part of learning science; and materials to construct costumes for a school production. To make our available funds go to as many teachers as possible, we chose to partially fund some requests and suggest other community resources to others.

Opportunities in Nigeria

Most of the Global Grants managed by Rotary Clubs in our district were initiated by one, highly energized person who was personally interested in a specific project in a specific country. Although this approach is often successful, it is fraught with a major obstacle: How to find a Host Club Partner that will be a reliable partner?

Of the approximately 46,000 Rotary Clubs in the world, only a small number have the will or the ability to host a Global Grant. Finding a Rotary Club in a particular community to manage a particular project is usually a major challenge.

Partnering with Rotary Clubs that have already identified projects they would like to do is more likely to lead to success with less effort. I recently received an email from Linus Okezie Eze, who chairs District 9142 Grants Subcommittee for The Rotary Foundation. This district is located in SE Nigeria.

Linus has identified 6 Global Grant projects that clubs in his district would like to do. These projects are directed towards improving toilet facilities in schools, upgrading instruction in girls schools, and training to insure a safe blood supply. All fit within one or more of The Foundation’s Areas of Focus.

The Host Clubs are not only willing and able to partner on these projects, they are hyper excited. They just need an International Partner, which could be your club.

March is Water and Sanitation Month

Clean water is a basic need for human beings. When people, especially children, have access to clean water, they live healthier and more productive lives. However, at least 3,000 children die each day from diseases caused by unsafe water, which is what motivates our members to build wells, install rainwater harvesting systems, and teach community members how to maintain new infrastructure.

While very few people die of thirst, millions die from preventable waterborne diseases, providing the impetus for our members to also improve sanitation facilities in undeveloped countries. Members start by providing toilets and latrines that flush into a sewer or safe enclosure and then add education programs to promote hand-washing and other good hygiene habits

Celebrating 2021 and Welcoming 2022

2021 was a busy year and we look forward to serving the community during 2022!! We welcome new members joining our already powerful force; Adam Buttons, Jon Mills, Katie Cloudman, Bill Salmansohn and Stacy Clark.

Even during a pandemic, The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs continues to help the youth of this community. One of our largest endeavors are scholarships for graduating High School Seniors. Since 1982, the Club has awarded $498,125, to 186 graduates for college and vocational school scholarships. It is with great joy that we are following 14 Pagosa Springs college students, monitoring their class loads and grade levels to assure that we are being good stewards of the funds you have donated and that they are successful in their college careers. This year, we will applaud as two of our 2018 scholarship recipients, Colton Castro and Keanan Anderson, graduate from their selected program of study.

The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs is excited to announce that Casey Lynn Crow has been selected to receive a scholarship in the amount of $30,000 to continue her education toward a PhD in Public Health and Policy from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Ms. Crow was endorsed to the Rotary District 5470 by the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs. District 5470. in partnership with the Rotary Club of Hampstead. The award has been approved for funding by The Rotary Foundation. We look forward to encouraging Casey and watching her continue to pursue her passions.

Casey holds a bachelor’s in Political Science and Global Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a masters in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies from the London School of Economics. As a second-year doctoral student, her research explores access to sexual and reproductive healthcare in humanitarian crises, particularly for refugees and people with disabilities. Apart from her research, Casey is a dancer, choreographer, and owner of Pagosa Springs Dance Academy, and is passionate about merging art and activism. Having worked with refugees in Kenya, Jordan, Lebanon, Mexico and Greece, she has witnessed the transformational power of the arts to improve mental health and promote hope, healing and connection for survivors of trauma. Casey founded Beyond Words International in 2018 with the hope of collaborating with artists, therapists, and those serving in their communities to increase opportunities for healing, empowerment, and positive expression.

When Casey was notified about being awarded this scholarship, she said, “I am unspeakably honored and grateful to be chosen as a Rotary Global Grant Scholar. This award will allow me to continue my studies and conduct my fieldwork in the largest refugee camp in the world, Bidi Bidi Camp in Uganda, next year. I am thrilled to represent Rotary as I continue my research and do my best to make a difference in the world. Special thanks to the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs for their incredible encouragement and support!”

Supporting our local teachers is no less important! The Club provides support for classroom needs through teacher mini grants. Last year, $2,400 was supplied in cash as well as other items that we collected to support ten specific teacher’s projects in grades kindergarten through 12^th grade.

Continuing another long-held tradition, 3^rd and 4^th grade students were provided with hard-back, beautifully illustrated dictionaries of their very own.

January is Vocational Service Month

Vocational Service focuses on:

Adherence to and promotion of the highest ethical standards in all occupations, including fair treatment of employers, employees, associates, competitors, and the public.
The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, not just those that are pursued by Rotarians.
The contribution of your vocational talents to solving the problems of society and meeting the needs of the community.

During January, Rotarians are encouraged to focus on this important avenue of Rotary service. Discussions on vocational service can lead to projects that not only develop the ethical consciousness and vocational skills of Rotarians but also the talents within their communities. Vocational Service Month is an opportunity to begin year-long vocational service activities, ranging from Rotary discussions to awards to community projects. Following are some suggested activities to undertake during Vocational Service Month:

District Governor's Visit

District Governor, Becky Smith, was our honored speaker last week.

The following is an excerpt from prvrotary.com: "Becky’s rise to the governorship began in 2006 when she joined the Pine River Valley Rotary Club. She rose to the presidency in 2010 and served in that position for two years. Becky helped increase club membership through recruitment and public events. Today, the club has 27 members and is very active in Bayfield and Ignacio.

During the coming year, Becky will manage a budget in excess of a quarter million dollars and guide 2,000 members. She will visit all 57 clubs within the 52,000 mile boundries of District 5470. Becky sees her goals for the coming year as helping clubs re-energize and encouraging members to continue their “service above self.”

Becky also has a goal of raising funds to help educate girls in third world countries. She hopes to raise $25,000 through donations from each club. District 5470 and Rotary International will match those donations, for a total of $70,000. Becky will be working directly with a Rotary club in Kenya to provide infrastructure and supplies to help young female students complete their education.

Becky’s service during the next year will be taxing but no doubt rewarding for someone who has dedicated her life to public service. PRV is proud to have such a leader! Good luck Becky and thanks for your unwavering dedication!!"

As usual, listening to Becky speak was insightful, encouraging and entertaining!! Using the example of the Rubik Cube, she encouraged us to 'shake things up' in little ways that the community will notice and appreciate. She also encouraged us to take care of ourselves as a Club by taking care and being mindful of each of our members.

World Polio Day

End Polio

Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 30 years

Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for more than 35 years, and we’ve made incredible progress in the fight to rid the world of it forever.

As a founding partner of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, we've helped to reduced polio cases by more than 99.9 percent.

It’s crucial to eradicate polio from the last two countries where it remains endemic and to keep other countries polio-free.

If all eradication efforts stopped today, within 10 years, polio could paralyze as many as 200,000 children each year.

Be a part of history

Donate your funds

We’re close to eradicating polio, but we’re not done yet. We still need funds to continue immunization and surveillance efforts. Your gift will get us closer to the finish line.

GIVE NOW

Niamey-Gaweye Club Global Grant

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/0dbe4b5qew4q4j6/AAAvhG_LXs9ddqSLDlGJnUF3a/Rotary%20Fr.mp4?dl=0

Rotary International's impact around the world is most famously recognized as the efforts to eradicate Polio, but there is so much more!! This global grant from the Rotary Foundation will enable countless children to better their learning by greatly improving their learning environment! Specially constructed school desk tables and attached benches will improve these childrens' lives as well as let them know the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs Colorado, District 5470 and the Rotary Foundation find their future important to invest in!