By Marty Coffin Evans
On April 1, Boulder Rotary Club celebrated its 100 years of service to the community. Founded by four local business men, the club has remained relevant for a century all the while uniting leaders, exchanging ideas and taking action. Now over 230 members strong and growing, Boulder Rotarians have addressed local and international issues. Locally, they launched the Crayons to Calculators program in 2006. This year along with other volunteers, they filled 11,000 backpacks for K-12 students in Boulder Valley and St. Vrain schools. Annually, they contribute close to $80,000 in their support of youth programs (eg. scholarship support, journaling, literacy).
Realizing the need for clean water as well as education for women and children, members undertook international projects in Nicaragua and Kenya. The Visionaria project in Peru continues its focus on training young women leaders. In celebrating its Centennial year, the club raised $100,000 to fund three projects to commemorate 100 years in Boulder. Hydration Stations are being installed to provide water for drinking and filling bottles in three locations – East Boulder Recreation Center, along the Boulder Creek Path at 17th Street and at the Civic Area near the playground at Boulder Public Library.
The second centennial project is a Mindfulness Path in the new Della Cava Medical Pavilion’s Courtyard Garden across from Boulder Community Health. This path through the garden will be dedicated on June 19, 2019.
Another project involves enhancing the existing Peace Park which was established by Boulder Sister Cities. Located in the Civic Area on Boulder Creek, this park will receive additions such as new trees, peace poles, upgrades to stone seating, and a new Walk of Infinite Peace.
Later this month, members can be found planting trees in South Boulder’s Harlow Platts Park near Viele Lake. They enjoy hands-on service.
Boulder Rotary Club meets Friday noon at the Jewish Community Center, 6007 Oreg Ave, Boulder, 80303. More information is available at www.boulderrotary.org.