Greetings Rotarians,
Polio
“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.” Incoming AG Gordon Slack shared the link below to a YouTube video about the origins of Rotary's involvement with polio eradication. Not only is this video an engaging summary of how Rotary began our effort to eradicate Polio, it can also fill in as a club program! The video lasts just under 30 minutes, so it is perfect for most meetings.
2023 High Country PETS:
On March 3rd through 6th Rotary Club Presidents Elect, Presidents Elect Nominees and Assistant Governors from Districts 5390 (Montana), 5420 (Utah), 5450 (Denver and surrounding areas), 5470 (Western and Southern Colorado), 5630 (Western Nebraska) and 5440 attend the annual High Country President Elect Training in Denver.
Facilitated sessions covered leadership skills and the weekend included a Leadership Update / Dialogue featuring Geoff Cochran, TRF Annual Giving Officer, Jennifer Deroin, Zone 27 Membership Coordinator, Nick Taylor, RI Club and District Support and Scott McLaughlin, Zone 31, Assistant Public Image Coordinator. A presentation on “Our Rotary Foundation” by PRIVP and TRF Trustee, Greg Podd, and a panel discussion on the “Delights and Disasters: Learning from My Years as Club President” with TRF Trustee 2022 – 2026 Greg Podd, RI Director 2021 – 2023 Zones 26 & 27 Vicki Puliz and RI Director 2023 – 2025 Zones 26 & 27 Dan Himelspach.
Our District Governor Elect, Steve Sehnert, was the presiding host of the Saturday Lunch session. The inspiration was given by Casper Club PE Dan Odell, Individual Rotary Stories were shared by Greeley Club PE Fatima Groom, Cheyenne Club PE Lori Garrison, and Cheyenne Rotaract Club PE Kirsten Malm.
Register for the District Conference before Early Bird Registration Ends!
March 15 is the deadline for discounted registration for Rotarians attending the June 8-10 District Conference in Estes Park Colorado. Registration discounts are available on a first-come basis at the Ridgeline Hotel where the conference is being held. There are a variety of breakout sessions to participate in ranging from club projects including; “Water, Sanitation and Dignity” to “Gutter Bins”, youth orientated topics including; “Youth Exchange” and “Interact” and regional sessions including; “History of Rocky Mountain National Park” to “Emergency Management, how can Rotarians help” and many more to choose from. There will be opportunities to participate in a community service project and lots of free time activities, from touring Rocky Mountain National Park, playing golf, riding the Alpine Slide or shopping in downtown Estes Park. Register HERE before March 15 and call the Ridgeline Hotel at 970-480-4012 to reserve your room!
Imagine Your Impact:
District Foundation Dinner
A celebration of our worldwide impact through The Rotary Foundation and recognition of district Rotarians who have made a significant commitment in the last four years. We will be honoring clubs and members who have made a difference with their donations to The Rotary Foundation.
- Date: April 22, 2023, 6:00 to 8:30 PM
- Keynote Speaker: Mark Maloney, Foundation Trustee and Past RI President
- Location: The District Foundation Dinner will be at The Embassy Suites and Conference Center, 4705 Clydesdale Parkway, in Loveland, CO (just east of I-25)
- Cost is $75 per person. Register at: rotary5440.org/page/trfdinner
If you have questions, contact District TRF Committee Chair Chris Woodruff at ChrisW.Rotary5440@gmail.com
Ukraine Support Update:
Our district partnered with three other districts from the Big West Zone (5470, 5390, and 5180) to help the Rotary Club of Kyiv International. With the help of Bob Waltermire, from the Rotary Club of Fort Collins Breakfast, these four districts successfully processed two Disaster Relief Grants totaling $200,000 to help support Kyiv club members and their families.
As always, I don’t need to “IMAGINE” that this Rotary Year for District 5440 will be amazing! Our Leadership Team is talented and very strong. And every club in the district is compassionate, active, reaching out and making a difference in their community, in the district and in the world.
Dream Big and Imagine Rotary!

District 5440 Governor 2022--2023
Rotary Club of Fort Collins Breakfast
email DG2223LeeVN@outlook.com
cell phone: 970-215-4949