Are you an established professional who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back.

December is Disease Prevention & Treatment Month

Rotary Month - Disease Prevention & Treatment

December is Disease Prevention Month

Rotary's top priority is the eradication of polio. Part of the Polio campaign is the vacination of children for a wide range of diseases. This alone has saved thousands of lives.

Clean Water & Sanitation is the single most important way Rotary fights Disease. Our Largest Health activity after Polio.

In Tahiti, Rotary tests thousands for Diabetes each year in Tahiti, Moorea and Taravao- providing advice and education.

Each year Rotary runs a Cataract Project across Fiji. Dental projects are run in Taveuni and Otahuhu.

Rotarians set up health camps and training facilities in undeveloped countries and in communities struggling with HIV/AIDS and malaria. Work in India is in the photo to the left with an integrated health services provider.



Work in Africa on eye disease prevention is in the photo above.

Foundation for Archuleta County Education

Posted by Jim Garrett

Speakers: Cindy Galabota and Mozhdeh Bruss, FACE (Foundation for Archuleta County Education)

Cindy and Mozhdeh spoke as members FACE’s board. (One of the founders of the organization in 2012 was Rotarian Jesse Formwalt.) The organization’s website, www.facepagosa.com, describes it as “a non-profit organization that supports programs to enhance academic opportunities for students K–12 in Archuleta County, Colorado.”

Our speakers explained that FACE makes grants supplying “gap funding,” to help support and enhance curricular and extra-curricular activities provided in local schools and related entities. According to the website, “Groups or individuals who have innovative or established educational programs are encouraged to submit proposals to the FACE board of directors for consideration.”

According to data cited by Cindy, 60 awards in the total amount of approximately $36,000 have been made since FACE was established in 2012. Among the purposes have been to provide equipment for student and classroom use, including computer hardware, microscopes, magnetic hardboards, and items needed in the High School’s building trades class, and to give support to innovative teaching opportunities including to date a seventh grade math teaching program built around fantasy baseball, and a science project to develop student’s understanding of collecting and analyzing data, by studying Owl Pellets (droppings) to uncover characteristics of the birds’ diet and lives.

Cindy added that FACE expects to place increased emphasis on “instructional and learning innovations” moving forward.

Mozhdeh then addressed FACE’s new initiative, Enhancing Summer Education, which will operate in cooperation with the Summer Camp based in the Community Center, and run by the Town of Pagosa Springs.

The Summer Camp is a project of the Town to provide constructive and fun activities while schools are closed during the summer to local children from ages 6 – 12. Last year, Mozhdeh said, there were 80 campers.

This year for the first time, she said, during one week of the Camp, FACE will organize a so-called STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) focused program for campers, which is expected to cover 2.5 hours daily for five consecutive days.

Various “content providers” may be involved, Mozhdeh added, mentioning the Weminuche Audubon Society, Archuleta County Extension/4 H, and the Mountain Studies Institute, among others.

The speakers advised that FACE projects needs next year of $5000 for its school-based funding and another $5000 to support the summer enhancement effort. They advised that support for the organization in the past has come from fund-raising events, grants and donations. Donations can easily be made on the organization’s website.

In addition, they solicited volunteers for the board and its subcommittees. The organization has no paid staff, and all funds it receives go to its efforts to support education.

Polio Plus Efforts

Posted by Jim Garrett

Dave Smith on Polio Plus

Dave undertook to provide some information about the Rotary International Project to eradicate polio in cooperation with the Gates Foundation, and about our individual club’s participation.

He began by recounting that among the 56 Clubs in our Rotary District, Pagosa Rotary last year ranked number six in total value of contributions, at over $3000. But in the two prior years, he said, our contributions had been negligible. The difference he attributed to a determined effort spearheaded by Neal Johnson and Sam Pittmon, begun last year.

Dave explained that the significance of the global effort to eradicate polio lies in a unique characteristic of the virus that transmits the disease: unlike the organisms which transmit other deadly diseases, it lives only in a human host and is not carried by insects or animals. So eradication is a real possibility through universal immunization, but as long as immunization is incomplete anywhere, with modern trade and travel, it could re-emerge everywhere.

The logic behind the eradication effort has sometimes been misunderstood in the few nations where polio still exists, Dave reported. He played a video from Pakistan, reporting that young women working to vaccinate children have been shot dead by tribal extremists in remote areas. So the effort to eradicate polio demands more than health care workers to vaccinate children, he noted, but also education to overcome opposition from community leaders.

Thanks to the substantial funding by Rotary and the Gates Foundation, Dave added, the effort is paying off. Many of the clerics in remote areas who have been roadblocks impeding the immunization effort have been and are being persuaded to change their views. So the goal of universal eradication remains in view despite pockets of resistance.

Rotary Recognized by Justice Ministries

Posted by Shellie Peterson

Jo Bridges accepted recognition from Justice Ministries for Rotary's efforts to reduce hunger in Pagosa Springs. The Feed Our Children Program has long been recognized as addressing a very real need for our elementary school students and their siblings for providing 'kid friendly' food for the weekend. Jo and Lassie have spearheaded this effort from its inception. New members on this committee supporting the efforts are Melanie Garrett and Ronnie Doctor. Also always faithful for much 'heavy lifting' are David Cammack and Nick Tallent. Our Mountain Rotary Club is also an important contributor to these efforts as well as Pagosa Office and Storage, who donate the packing facilities and Sherpa Realty and the Salvation Army who contribute cash funding.

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.