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The Rotary Foundation

Posted by Shellie Peterson

Art Benzel did a great deal of research to familiarize himself with the depth of the Rotary Foundation. One of the things he said that really hit home with me is that we get so focused on our local community and our efforts here that it is easy to forget that Rotary is an international organization doing great things in the world.

Art gave us some history of the beginnings of the foundation when Rotary President, Arch Klumph, proposed an endowment for doing good in 1928 with a $26.50 donation. Today we have many opportunities to participate in this work through the Annual Shares Fund and the Polio Plus efforts and our own Donor Advised Fund. All three avenues are recognized with Paul Harris Fellowship award points.

David Smith then took the microphone to show us around the My Rotary website and how to make a donation directly to the Annual Share or Polio Plus programs. The Annual Share Fund is important because after being invested for three years, one-half of those funds come back into our District and becomes available for District Grants. Contributions to global efforts are best accomplished through the Pagosa Rotary Donor Advised Fund for efforts like this most recent one David is spearheading in Niger for science education in high schools there. As David has told us before, the World Health Organization defines extreme poverty as the 1.2 billion people that live on less than one dollar per day. Niger is a very poor country and by enhancing science education we can provide a means for young people to have a much better future.

Lastly, for those who have a particular thing they are passionate about, you can contribute to an Area of Focus through the Rotary Foundation. There is no return to our District 5470 for dollars directed that way though.

Third Grade Dictionaries

Posted by Shellie Peterson

It's that time of year again! Rotarians get to deliver the dictionaries to the 3rd grade students at the Elementary School! As usual their excitement is palatable and the noise level in those classrooms is deafening. There are conversations wondering how relevant these books are in these days of google and cell phones. I wanted to share something one of our members shared with me.

"My son received his kids dictionary this week and totally love it. He's been repeatedly reading through it and telling me things he's reading about, and coming up with ideas and looking them up in it. Showing me about all the Presidents and more. Just a really cool and great idea to gift the kids an actual book in this day and age of many tablets and screens...thanks..."

Theo Bolokke and Cata Acuilera

Posted by Jim Garrett

Theodor led off with a discussion of Denmark, a land one-sixth the size of Colorado, having a maximum land altitude of 563 ft., 443 islands, 6000 power-generating windmills, Viking heritage, free health-care and education, and even salaries for students to attend college. (Imagine: young people don’t need to start life staring at a mountain of debt!)

His father is a farmer, with a big house (the whole Rotary club could stay there, Betty exclaimed), and 1000 acres producing wheat, barley, rye and supporting 2000 pigs – pork is a Danish staple, Theo explained. Of course, he acknowledged a national fondness for pastry too (“Danish, you know.”)

Denmark is known for Lego, Maresk shipping containers, Carlsberg Beer, and Hans Christian Andersen, Theo reported, while displaying photos of all, Andersen being represented by the Littlest Mermaid statute in Copenhagen Harbor. The city of Copenhagen is ancient, with many buildings of great antiquity. Denmark has a King, the current leader of a Royal Family that has held the Danish throne since 1665.

Danes have a distinctive sense of humor, Theo said, providing an exapmple: “Are you finished? No, I’m Danish!” They make fun of one another, he added.

He has two brothers and one sister, and a large extended family overall. He gets “lots of presents at Christmas,” Theo said, perhaps demonstrating the Danish penchant for poking fun, even at one’s self.

Theo said he enjoys skiing, skeet shooting, hunting for birds, deer and elk, and helping with the work on the farm.

Catalina then took the microphone to talk about Chile.

Rotary Foundation Month

Posted by Shellie Peterson

November is foundation month – The ROTARY FOUNDATION

The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. As the charitable arm of Rotary International, we tap into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into our priorities, such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact.

Strong financial oversight, a stellar charity rating, and a unique funding model mean that we make the very most of your contribution. Give and become a part of Rotary’s life-changing work!

The collective leadership and expertise of our 1.2 million members helps us tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges, locally and globally. We are united by common values and vision for the future as we sharpen our focus with targeted specific causes that will reach communities most in need.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

For more than 100 years, our guiding principles have been the foundation upon which our values and tradition stand. The Four-Way Test, Object of Rotary, and the Avenues of Service express our commitment to service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership.

AREAS OF FOCUS

We direct our efforts in six areas to enhance our local and global impact. Our most successful and sustainable projects and activities tend to fall within the following areas:

Promoting peace
Fighting disease
Providing clean water
Saving mothers and children
Supporting education
Growing local economies

HISTORY OF THE ROTARY FOUNDATION

At the 1917 convention, outgoing RI President Arch C. Klumph proposed to set up an endowment “for the purpose of doing good in the world.” In 1928, it was renamed The Rotary Foundation, and it became a distinct entity within Rotary International.

World Polio Day

Posted by Sam Pittmon

Rotary Appreciated your Support on World Polio Day

By Sam Pittmon

Two weeks ago, the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs asked for your help to raise funds on World Polio Day October 24. We are pleased to report that we raised over $500.00 to support our efforts to eradicate Polio from the face of the earth. All money raised will be forwarded to our International Rotary Foundation Polio Plus Committee where The Bill and Malinda Gates Foundation will match $2 dollars for every $1 donated. So, what that means is that your donations will grow to $1500.00. All those funds are then forwarded to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative whose goal is to stop the spread of the polio virus and rid the world of polio disease.

The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs appreciates the generosity of the Pagosa community in supporting this fund raiser and all other Rotary sponsored activities. We extend a special thank you to City Market Shopping Center manager and staff for allowing us to solicit donations at their front door.

To learn more about the global efforts to eradicate polio and to donate to the cause go to endpolionow.org.

How About That Barn Dance!!

Posted by Shellie Peterson

In addition to the 4^th Annual Jewels and Jeans Barn Dance sponsors listed below, the Rotary Club of Pagosa would like to thank the band, County Thunder. Clay Campbell, Dennis Kleckner, Greg Guitar and Josh Devoti had everyone on their feet and having a great time! We thank all of those that came out and danced and bid on auction items in support of scholarships for graduating high school seniors and all the work that Rotary does in our community. Our gratitude goes out to Jake Montroy, Michael Branch and Mark Crane who all gave their time and talent for our first ever ‘live’ auction. Finally, we would like to thank the Pagosa SUN and KWUF Radio for their endless support with media coverage of Rotary events throughout the year.

Title Sponsor

TBK Bank

Platinum Sponsor

Pagosa SUN

Gold Sponsors

Gary Morris - Mountain Spirit Ranch

Jann C. Pitcher Real Estate - Lantern Dancer

Kim Moore - Exit Realty

Silver Sponsors

First Southwest Bank - Rose-Walker LLP

Terry's Ace Hardware & Home Supply

Precision Autobody - Jeannie Bissell

Choke Cherry Tree - Queen Bee

The Buck Stops Here

Bronze Sponsors

Garry and Cathy Stevenson - Davis Engineering

La Plata Electric Association - Happy Trails

Scott Strategic Investments

Morehart Murphy Regional Auto Center

General Sponsors

Durango Dermatology & Surgery

Foot Prints - Wolf Creek Ski Area

Sandra Houston - Lassie Olin

Ski & Bow Rack - Elite Recycling

Pat Love & Associates - Funky Trunk

Hair by Kandi - Refurbish Pagosa

Pagosa Chiropractic - Alley House

Bonnie Blue BBQ - Tractor Supply

Chavolo's Restaurant - Smoken Moe's

Two Chicks and a Hippy - Carrie Weiss

Pagosa Brewing and Grill - La Taqueria

Home Again - Katherine Foster

Café Colorado - Kip's Grill

Dietz Market

David Smith Invites Us to Join the Niger Project

Posted by Shellie Peterson

Investing in science education in Niger is really an economic development effort. As in Senegal, there will be a partner club in country and David will be traveling there to instruct the instructors for four high schools. With funds from other clubs, the District and Rotary International any dollars we can contribute are leveraged into many more. This is an exciting opportunity to make a huge difference in a large number of young people's lives as they will be better prepared to get good paying jobs and take care of their families. So - the second 'ask' of the day, checks should be made payable to Pagosa Springs Rotary Donor Advised Fund, again, be sure your name is easily identifiable as contributions to the DAF also are awarded Paul Harris Recognition Points.

Neal Johnson Shares Upcoming World Polio Day Events

Posted by Shellie Peterson

World Polio Day is this Wednesday, October 24th, and the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs will be ringing those bells to solicit donations. For every dollar Rotary raises toward the total eradication of polio, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will match it with two dollars! So, Neal's challenge to each of us was to make it $34 so that with the match the contribution instantly turns into $100.

Stop by the City Market Shopping Complex this Wednesday and put your check in the red bucket. Be sure your name can be identified on the check so that Larry McClintock will be able to get Paul Harris Fellowship points awarded.

Livia Cloman Lynch Announces the D.D. Monroe Award

Posted by Jim Garrett

The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs was proud to be the recipient of two very prestigious awards for the 2017-2018 Rotary Year. At the Rotary District 5470 conference in Cripple Creek they were awarded the Presidential Citation Award. This award is to recognize Clubs that are strong and making a positive difference in their communities by achieving goals related to Rotary’s three strategic priorities: to support and strengthen clubs, focus and increase humanitarian service, and enhance Rotary’s public image and awareness. The Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs met and exceeded all of the goals it set and was recognized with this award.

The second award that was received was the D. D. Monroe Award. This award is made annually by the District Governor to recognize the BEST Club in the District. While recognizing a Club as the best Club of the year, it also pays tribute to D. D. Monroe for his many contributions to Rotary. This is the highest award given by Rotary District 5470 to recognize truly vibrant Clubs. Much of the criteria for this award builds upon the foundation of the Presidential Citation and adds additional criteria for measurable improvement over the previous year. It is highly competitive with only 1 out of 56 Rotary clubs in District 5470 being recognized.

President Kim Moore, the Club Board of Directors and all of the members of the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs are to be congratulated for all of their efforts to serve in the community of Pagosa Springs and the world!

Richard Vihel, Citizens for a New Jail

Posted by Jim Garrett

Mr. Vihel represented a volunteer group supporting the ballot initiative proposed by Archuleta County to increase local sales tax by 0.1% for a term of 15 years, in order to raise $19.7 million for construction of a jail and a new Sheriff’s Office. (County officials are prohibited under Colorado law from advocating for the ballot initiative.)

Our speaker explained the history: Colorado law requires that each county maintain its own jail. Archuleta county had operated a 34-bed jail downtown in compliance with the law, until a severe storm in 2015 flooded the facility, immediately causing uninhabitable conditions for inmates, but also damaging the foundation. Due to the issues with the foundation, Mr. Vihel stated, costs to repair the building would be prohibitive, and the available space is not large enough to meet present and future needs in any event.

(Note: Mr. Vihel did not mention, but your reporter is aware from familiarity with the jail issue dating from his tenure at the Pagosa Springs Sun, that replacement of the jail because of its clear inadequacies had been under active discussion for many years prior to the 2015 flood. Also, readers may remember that the Sheriff’s Office had been housed in recent years adjacent to the jail; it remained in its space in the building even after the flood until approximately a year ago, when conditions in the building degenerated to the point of being unhealthful, causing employees to fall ill. The Sheriff’s office thereupon relocated to the Emergency Operations Center on Piedra Road near the County Airport. Likewise relocating from the old building at about the same time were the Archuleta County Courts, which now operate in the La Plata County Courthouse. Future accommodations for the Court system will not be resolved by the pending ballot question.)

4th Annual Jewels and Jeans Barn Dance

Posted by Shellie Peterson

This Saturday, October 20, from 7 to 11, you will want to be at the Archuleta County Extension Building for the 4^th Annual Jewels and Jeans Barn Dance! Get out your best country outfit because there will be some competition this year! There will be prizes for the Best Dressed Cowboy and the Best Dressed Cowgirl. WAIT! There are even more surprises! There will be a live auction early in the evening with several very fun and exciting items including spending a day fly fishing with Gary Morris, country music artist, at his Mountain Spirit Ranch on the Navajo River. This exciting opportunity can be arranged directly with Mr. Morris for sometime after July when the river conditions are perfect for fly fishing. Other live auction items include a beautiful necklace and earring set donated by Lantern Dancer and a new black cowboy hat autographed by Clint Black which has been donated by Garry and Cathy Stevenson. In the silent auction there are more items as well including lift tickets from Wolf Creek Ski Area and ski rental certificates from the Ski and Bow Rack, just in time for that fresh snow.

Youth Exchange Flag Ceremony at District Conference

Posted by Shellie Peterson

We had many fine experiences at the District 5470 District Conference, but the Rotary Youth Exchange Flag Ceremony always touches my heart! So many exceptional young people getting to know about our country and making friendships that will last a lifetime! Theo and Chata were fine ambassadors and carried their flags of Denmark and Chili well and with great pride.