As Ralph and I returned from the Rotary International Convention in Taipei, Taiwan, I found myself reflecting not only on the convention itself, but on the friendships and hospitality we experienced throughout our journey.
As this Rotary year comes to a close, I find myself filled with gratitude for the privilege of visiting clubs across our district. Each visit was inspiring in its own way. Again and again, I saw Rotarians showing up with energy, creativity, compassion, and a deep commitment to service.
What stood out most was this simple truth: every club in our district is making a difference. Some are meeting urgent needs close to home. Others are building partnerships and projects that reach far beyond our communities. Many are doing both. Together, our clubs reflect the best of Rotary: local action, global connection, and service above self.
Moments from the Passing of the Torch Ceremony celebrating the installation of Donna L. Hood as District Governor for Rotary District 5470 on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Rotarians from across the district gathered in fellowship to honor the transition of leadership from outgoing District Governor Maile Foster and welcome a new year of service, connection, and impact. The evening brought together district leaders, many past district governors, and Rotary members from throughout District 5470 to celebrate this meaningful milestone and the beginning of a new Rotary year.
By Nicole Suss Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Director
On a blissfully warm June afternoon in Divide, Colorado, 60 high school students carted their assorted sleeping bags, suitcases, and — in one case — a guitar into the Golden Bell Conference Center lodge. Some kids stayed close to their guardians, astutely observing the colorful signs directing them to the sign-in table, while others were already roaming, making new connections with the people they would laugh, cry, and work with over the next four days. Behind them in the parking lot, the welcome signs rustled gently in the breeze, all bearing the same message: "WELCOME TO THE ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS!" Followed by the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) 2026 Theme: Light the Way.
As we begin a new Rotary year focused on Creating Lasting Impact, District 5470 is re-launching one of Rotary’s most effective leadership development programs: Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI).
The Rotary Club of Vail Edwards is currently seeking project partners and donors to support Global Grant GG2688080, a transformative water and sanitation initiative that will bring safe drinking water to hundreds of families in Tipacoque, Colombia. As the international partner for the project, the club is inviting Rotary clubs and districts to join this effort to improve health, reduce waterborne disease, and create sustainable change for generations to come. With District Designated Funds (DDF) still available, clubs have a unique opportunity to multiply their impact through this important global project.
Chinle Planting Hope offers Rotarians International Service opportunity in the United States.
Located in northeast Arizona, New Mexico and Utah, Navajo Nation is the largest and most remote Indian reservation within the United States. The nation has its own largely autonomous government while still being part of the United States. Traveling there to perform service is a memorable trip to a unique and beautiful culture.
Photo by Terri House Rotary Youth Exchange Leaders pose with Kristi Redlinger holding her gift from the group. Pictured, left to right, Alicia O’Brien, Nancy Dosdall, Sally Corcoran, John Stroud, Kristi Redlinger, Mari Garland and Lisa Scott.
Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) students from across Rotary District 5470 gathered in Pagosa Springs in early May at the home of Lisa Scott for a memorable year-end celebration filled with adventure, connection, and cultural exchange.
A highlight of the weekend came Friday evening when students shared a potluck dinner with members of the Rotary Club of Pagosa Springs and Youth Exchange leaders. The evening was filled with stories, laughter, and the fellowship that defines Rotary. During the gathering, Rotarians, exchange students, and Youth Exchange volunteers also celebrated and thanked Kristi Redlinger as she stepped down after 18 years of service with the Mountain & Plains Rotary Youth Exchange program.
My name is Nick Adams, and I am honored to serve as your District Membership Chair for the 2026-27 Rotary year.
I joined Rotary because of the opportunity to make a difference in my community while building friendships with people who share a commitment to service. Over the years, Rotary has become much more than a weekly meeting. It has provided opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and meaningful connections across our district and around the world.
Your public image team: Nick Adams, Donna Hood, Maryam Eaton, Terri House, Rosanne Gain, Kalee Duckworth
By Terri House District 5470 Public Image Chair
This year, we're not just creating impact. We're making sure people see it, feel it, and want to be part of it.
Every Rotary club has powerful stories to tell. Whether it's a service project, member spotlight, youth program, fundraiser, or community partnership, these moments matter. They show who we are, what we do, and why Rotary continues to make a difference.
Our goal is simple: tell Rotary's story in a way that inspires action.
As President of the Rotary Club of Cedaredge, I’m pleased to share with District 5470 an update on our club’s membership growth, service accomplishments, recruitment efforts, and engagement successes during the 2025–2026 Rotary year.
We launched our year in July 2025 with one-on-one interviews of every member, asking what would make our club stronger and how each individual wanted to contribute. From those conversations, our officers and board developed a strategic plan with ambitious goals: expand membership, complete meaningful service projects, and strengthen our fundraising impact.
Rotary Club of Cedaredge members Julie Cruz-Knight, Don Anderson, Don Burch, Dave Pipkin, Mike Jakulewicz, and Steve Blackburn "Spruce Up Colorado" on the Grand Mesa above Cedaredge on May 12, 2026.
Photo courtesy of Grand Junction Redlands Rotary Club At the "51 and Done" event, Rotarians and friends gathered to celebrate the legacy of the Grand Junction Redlands Rotary Club. Among those pictured are longtime members and community supporters whose leadership, service, and generosity helped shape the club's 51-year history of fellowship and community impact. Pictured left to right: Frank Lindemann, Jeff Wendland, Bruce Noble (back), Biff Messinger, and Martha Graf.
On May 14, 2026, the final gavel fell for the Grand Junction Redlands Rotary Club, closing a chapter that spanned 51 years of service, fellowship, and community impact.
Founded in 1975, Redlands Rotary became the third-oldest Rotary club in Mesa County. At its peak, the club numbered nearly 50 members and built a reputation as what its Facebook page proudly described as "an irregular collection 'of Rotarians who enjoy the club, community service projects and each other's company."
Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) students from across Rotary District 5470 gathered in Pagosa Springs for a year-end celebration before they depart for their home countries after experiencing a school year in Colorado. The weekend included visiting many fun destinations in Pagosa Springs including a group photo, with country flags, at the iconic Continental Divide sign atop Wolf Creek Pass. The gentleman holding the Rotary flag is a Rotarian from Alabama that happened to be at the location with his wife and recognized the Rotary t-shirts.
Pictured left to right: Todd Brown, Evan Iverson, Lauren Bloemsma, Morgan Smith, Peggy Parrish and Sam, and Sarah Lavender Smith.
The members of “Team Rototrash” from theRotary Club of Telluriderolled up their sleeves and helped make the community shine during the annual Trash Bash, collecting an impressive 58 pounds of litter along the way.
The team gave a big thank-you toTown of TellurideandEcoAction Partnersfor organizing this impactful community event. The Telluride Rotary Club proudly serves as a co-sponsor and partner in keeping Telluride beautiful.
Rotary club and district liability insurance program
Rotary clubs and districts and Rotaract clubs are provided with general liability ("GL") and directors & officers/employment practices liability ("D&O/EPL") insurance through the U.S. Rotary Club and District Liability Insurance Program ("Program").
Every Rotarian has a reason they said "yes" to Rotary. For some, it's the opportunity to serve. For others, it's the friendships, leadership opportunities, scholarships, youth programs, or the chance to make a difference close to home. Whatever your reason, your story matters. By sharing our experiences, we help others discover the impact and joy that Rotary brings to our lives and communities. Today, we're pleased to share the Rotary story of Kristine Beach from Cedaredge.
Why do I belong to the Rotary Club in Cedaredge? "One of the things I value most about Rotary is our motto: "Service Above Self." I truly admire how much Rotary contributes to our community — from highway cleanups, to serving free Christmas dinners, to hosting golf tournaments that help raise scholarship funds for local high school seniors continuing their education. It is a wonderful experience to serve as an active member in the community where I grew up. As the current Scholarship Chair for Rotary, I especially enjoy seeing the talented and exceptional students our schools are developing. Their dedication and achievements give me great hope for the future. My wish for Rotary is that it continues to grow strong in membership and keeps making a positive difference for our community and our young people for many years to come."
Kristine Beach has been a member of the Rotary Club of Cedaredge since 2024. She is a Loan Officer with Bank of Colorado. For Kristine, Cedaredge is truly a beautiful place to live. She loves the small-town atmosphere and the fact that outdoor recreation is just minutes away. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, hiking, camping, and riding ATVs.
If you are curious to learn more about the Rotary Club of Cedaredge, you are invited to visit the club's weekly luncheon, held on the first through fourth Tuesdays at noon. For more information about where the club meets and how to join the Rotary Club, call Mark Condon at (720) 257-4358.
Kristine's story is one of many that demonstrate the power of Rotary to connect people and strengthen communities. We'd love to feature more members from around the district. If you'd like to share your Rotary journey and your "why," we encourage you to submit your story and photo for a future Faces of Rotary spotlight.
Submit Your Story
Please submit your story via Google Forms here or email story information and photos to the Public Image Team: pi.rotary.5470@gmail.com.
Join Rotarians from across District 5470 on the first Saturday of each month for a Zoom conversation focused on international projects, partnerships, and global impact. Share updates, explore new ideas, and connect with others who are passionate about Rotary's work around the world.
NOTE: The July meeting will be held on July 11, due to the first Saturday being a holiday.
Bring your coffee.
Bring your ideas.
Join the conversation.
Support District 5470's Education Foundation
