The Rotary Club of Englewood is pleased to award the 2011-2012 District 5450 Literacy Award to the Rotary Club of Commerce City.  We were especially impressed with its newest program that helped highly at-risk middle school students understand the Four-Way Test and apply it to their lives and environments.  Rotarians met with 16 students twice a week after school for 6 weeks.  The program culminated with students writing and presenting their own definitions of the words of the Four-Way Test, and what they meant to them.  The students were highly engaged, and their parents were so excited for them that they connected with the Rotarians on Facebook.

Rotarian of the day, Inder Nayar, CPA with Nayar and Company provided a most interesting speaker and important topic.  Nayar introduced his friend, Professor Ved P Nanda, Chair of International Affairs and Foreign Policy at Denver University spoke on several hotspots in today’s world.  Nanda’s presentation included North Korea and its failed rocket launching and its future repercussions; Iran and the sanctions by the UN, US, and Europe and implications for US Foreign Policy; and lastly Syria and the unraveling deal Kofi Annan struck and what choices US will have in the future.

The Commerce City Rotary Club assembled more than 600 – five piece dental kits for all first grade children in Adams School District 14. Each year, through the Avenue of Community Service, Rotary members provide funding and volunteer time in order for help educate children in seven schools on dental hygiene by providing this important dental kit.

This year a milestone occurred in the Commerce City Rotary Club resulting in increased diversified membership. With the help of the Club’s membership team the club grew by 23% from 35 to 43 members. There is a positive attitude among all members whether they are a retired member of 39 years or a young professional member of 39 days. They are bringing in many prospects which have turned into numerous enthusiastic members. Membership has become infectious.  Each new member changes the Club’s dynamics in regards to fresh ideas, talent and skills.

Membership Shrinks to 32:  In August, our Rotary had much sadness, the club loses three members.  Albert Frei lost his battle with Ataxia, a long-term illness. Al was owner and CEO of Albert Frei and Sons and an active Rotarian for thirty-one years.  John Lange, former SD14 Superintendent of Schools and 16 year active member transferred to a club in his home area. The last member to resign was program chair, Zac Morgan from Commerce City Key Bank who was transferred to the Greeley Key Bank.  

Membership Grows:  The membership team had their work cut out for them since the enrollment was down to 32 members; subsequently an incentive program was installed and the team’s emphasis was to identify prospects and invite them to a FREE LUNCH.  This was followed up with six membership orientation receptions. 

Early in October the first new member induction was held for Nebiyu (Neb) Asfaw, Verizon Communications Project Manager (sponsor Sharon Maybee). Neb is active in his Church, Toastmasters and Junior Achievement. Since his induction, Neb has volunteered with several projects including the club’s middle school hand-shaking project, 3^rd grade school dictionary handout and supporting five families in the Heart & Sole Shoe Project.

In November two additional members were inducted. Enrique Orozco, owner and agent of the Farmers Insurance Agency (sponsor George Maybee).  Enrique is from Monterey Mexico, current member of Access Housing Board, and past executive director of humanitarian nonprofits. Enrique experienced his first Rotary volunteer project with the Heart & Sole Shoe Project: in two hours he assisted 58 Spanish-speaking children that were fitted for shoes, socks, caps and gloves.  Enrique’s comment: “Nothing like going from the fry pan to the fire - What an exciting and meaningful project”. Orozco is attending the RI Convention in Bangkok this May.   

Maggie Jones, owner of Quebec Liquors, (sponsor Joe Frei) is one of our Rotary’s many young members and community volunteer who came in knowing what is needed for Commerce City. Immediately Maggie displayed the Rotary’s Heart and Sole flyer in her store and suggested that her customers contribute to the shoe project and she would match it.  Within a week, she had raised and pledged over $250 plus talked with one of her customers into attending Rotary’s FREE LUNCH to check out our club. 

In December, Sean Ford, water broker and Mayor of Commerce City (sponsor Amy Neurauter) became our 4^th new member.  Sean a graduate of SD #14 and grew up in a Rotary family. Sean is a Paul Harris Fellow, a brother to many past Rotary foreign exchange students which his parents hosted and he also knows what Rotary can do for the citizens of his city.  He too, invited a member of the community to a FREE LUNCH and guess what? 

In January, RashPal Singh, owner entrepreneur of six convenient stores (sponsor Sean Ford) was inducted as our 5^th newest member. RashPal is past vice-president of the Colorado Singh Sabba Temple where he provides much leadership and strong volunteerism in the local community which extends throughout the world.  Kathy D’Amico, President of Commerce City Key Bank (sponsor George Maybee) became the 38^th member of the club. Similar to each new member, RashPal and Kathy bring new dynamics in regards to broader perspectives and leadership that will provide more opportunities for community and international projects.

The month of February was outstanding – five new members were approved and inducted to the Commerce City Rotary’s “Family”. 

William (Will) Milligan, owner of Mile High Security Locksmith (sponsor Maggie Jones) joined in early February and has not stopped working on his Red Badge requirements. Will, his wife Audrey and 3 of their 6 children participated in the Club’s International Work Party. Will drilled holes in water filters while Audrey and their children packed books for Mongolia, British Columbia and Christmas Island.

Elizabeth (Liz) Anderson, nonprofit director retired (sponsor Arlo Anderson) became the 8^th newest member in Commerce City Rotary. Liz is active in her church, family and her passion is music.  Liz is the past District 5450 Office Manager and is excited to help distribute library books in BC Canada this June.

Yolanda Gotier, M.S.W. Executive Director of Alternatives to Family Violence (sponsors Maria Carabajal, Joyce Waldroop and Sharon Maybee) is a leader in her career field. Yolanda is active in the Commerce City BPA and as a new Rotary member will be attending the District Leadership Institute with 9 other peers of the Club.

Ronald Newell, President of Superior Trailers and Larry Ford, Retired Executive Director of SACWSD renewed their membership in Rotary (sponsor George Maybee). Both Larry and Ron are past presidents and have given greatly to the community through Rotary.  The Club looks forward to having their leadership once again in many community projects.

January is Rotary Awareness Month and thanks to the Rotary Club of Commerce City, hundreds of Commerce City kids will have new shoes to play in and an essential learning resource at their fingertips!

Last month, Commerce City's own Rotary Club purchased and distributed free new dictionaries to over 700 third grade students who attend eight elementary schools in historic Commerce City. Rotary volunteers visited every 3rd grade classroom and hand-delivered the dictionaries to the students who were thrilled to receive them.

Also in the holiday spirit, the Commerce City Rotary Club sponsored the 17th Annual "Hearts and Soles" Program that purchases new shoes for local children in need. During the month of December, the Commerce City Rotary Club purchased shoes, socks, and boots for over 500 impoverished children in the Adams County School District 14 attendance area. Families were referred to the program by schools and social service agencies. Rotary members made appointments to meet families at the local Wal-Mart where the families selected footwear for their children at no cost to them, up to $25 per child. In the words of one mother, "Thanks to the Rotary Club, my children had a smile this year!"

These projects are among many service projects that Rotary does to benefit the Commerce City community including a Dental Hygiene Kit Project and a School Supply Drive. Funds for these projects are generated through annual fundraising events including a trap shoot and golf tournament. For more information about how to get involved or support the Commerce City Rotary Club, please contact Sharon Maybee at 303-655-9831 or semaybee@aol.com.

About Commerce City Rotary Club - Commerce City Rotary Club is a local chapter of Rotary International. Rotary International is the world's first service club organization with more than 1.2 million members in 33,790 clubs worldwide. Commerce City Rotary Club began in 1961 and is celebrating 51 years of service. Rotary Club members volunteer locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto "Service Above Self".