Changing the world is just what Pagosa Springs’ Rotarians have been doing since the first Rotary club was chartered in our community on Thursday, June 28, 1979.
According to Rotary International, “Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world.” Rotarians are committed to the motto, “Service Above Self.”
On Tuesday of this week, both the Pagosa Springs Town Council and Archuleta County Board of County Commissioners proclaimed Monday, Sept. 15, to be Rotary Day in Archuleta County. The following proclamation was read at each entity’s meeting:
“WHEREAS: Rotary International, is the largest and most influential humanitarian service club in the world, with more than 1.2 (million) members in over 34,000 clubs located in more than 200 countries and geographical areas with two clubs located in Pagosa Springs in Archuleta County, and
“WHEREAS: Members of Rotary are dedicated to Service above Self in serving the community and youth of Archuleta County; in projects such as providing food and service for needy children, funds for special projects in our schools, free dictionaries for all 3rd grade students, financial assistance through scholarship programs for high school students, inbound and outbound exchange student programs, organizing and sponsoring the annual 4th of July parade, financial and volunteer support of many community charities, and participation in world-wide outreach programs, and
“WHEREAS: the two Pagosa Springs Rotary Clubs, comprised of over 100 active business and professional leaders, contribute leadership, management, and encouragement in an ever-increasing number of projects promoting Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County to potential visitors and in making the community a better place to live, and
“WHEREAS: the Rotary Clubs of Pagosa Springs are providing an open house for all residents of Archuleta County at which the Avenues of Service through which Rotary helps build better communities will be showcased
“THEREFORE:: do hereby proclaim September 15, 2014, to be Rotary Day in Archuleta County and encourage citizens to attend the Rotary Open House and support the worthy goals of Rotary to build a better community.”
There is no doubt that our Rotary Clubs have helped build a better community in Pagosa Springs through the many examples of their “Service Above Self” mentioned above and for the thousands of dollars they have contributed to local nonprofits.
Since 1983, Rotary has awarded a total of $343,500 in scholarships to 144 high school graduates in Archuleta County.
Rotarians channel their commitment through five different avenues of service: Club Service focuses on making clubs strong; Vocational Service calls on every Rotarian to work with integrity and contribute their expertise to the problems and needs of society; Community Service encourages every Rotarian to find ways to improve the quality of life for people in their communities; International Service exemplifies Rotary’s global reach in promoting peace and understanding; and Youth Service recognizes the importance of empowering youth through leadership development programs.
Do you have what it takes to be a Rotarian? Attend the Rotary Open House on Monday night, Sept. 15, at First Southwest Bank at 6 p.m., and find out.
Terri Lynn Oldham House
