GSE 9940 to 5450

Changeover

2009-07-05T18:55:00.000-07:00

The team presented a well received report on their learnings and experiences at the District Changeover.

The members who presented are seen here with Outgoing District Governor Tony Fryer and Past District Governor Pat Waite. Pat gave the vote of thanks.

Leaving Parker

2009-05-05T18:47:00.000-07:00

Our final function for the Exchange was a farewell luncheon with members of the Parker Club. There were very sad goodbyes. Clockwise from front are Lew, Irv, Nancy, Annie, Jess, Dick, Cindy, Ted, Bill, Steve, Judith, Brenda, Sue, Brian and Hollie.

Steve drove us to the Airpport, Thanks Steve. Judith and Annie have returned to New Zealand while Brenda, Hollie and Jess will stay and be back fairly soon.

Conference Presentation

2009-05-03T13:54:00.001-07:00

We spoke at Conference and then made a presentation to District Governor 5450, Steve Cantrell, from District Governor 9940 Tony Fryer. In the photo Judith is making the presentation to Steve while Jess (partly obscured), Brenda, Annie and Hollie look on. In front are Katie, Ginger and Rhea who were part of the team that came to District 9940. It was great to catch up with them. (Isn't it good to have a photo of something other than us singing a waiata)

There were some speakers at this Conference who were truly spellbinding and moving. The Youth exchange students did a talent show that was great fun.

Rotarians in the US seem to be much more involved with International projects than New Zealand Rotarians, and there were examples of inspired and well researched projects, particularly in Africa.

It's cold in Colorado There is ice inside!!!

2009-05-03T13:52:00.001-07:00

This exquisite ice sculpture was a feature of the Conference Venue.

Are you sure you don't want a photo

2009-05-03T13:30:00.000-07:00

OK Brenda, I will let you take a photo! The Conference dinner and dance was a great night. The food was lovely, the band great, and we danced a lot. My muscles know! As always, the local Rotarians were great and it was good to catch up with so many at the Conference and renew friendships.

We leave behind so many new friends and hope we will see you in New Zealand.

Yeehah cowgirls!

2009-04-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

In the afternoon we had the opportunity to go horseback riding.For Hollie it was first time on a horse and she did really well, even though there were complaints about sore knees, and not just from Hollie.

Parker Rotary Club

2009-04-30T14:37:00.000-07:00

It was another early start but we were all there, including Brenda who had a tooth extracted the day before. I have been very impressed with the "Happy Bucks" system where Rotarians make a donation because they are happy about an issue. A number donated to say they were happy to have our team there which was a lovely gesture, while others wanted to share good news with the club. After the meeting we joined those members who could stay for a Roundtable.

Our next post will be from the District Conference in Colorado Springs.

Great T shirt, Steve

2009-04-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

After the hat yesterday! It has been lovely to see the variety of ways we have been made to feel welcome. New Zealand seems to be a popular destination for Colorado people. We have seen several New Zealand T shirts. Steve tells us that he has a whole new career as a pin up boy!!

Douglas County Victims' Assistance Programme

2009-04-29T16:08:00.000-07:00

We were at the Douglas County Justice Centre this morning. There were a number of presentations that were inter linked and gave us a good view of how the sheriff's department, District Attorney's office and community agencies work together.
The security entering the building was state of the art and we stood in a security screening area on foot prints with our hands in the air, surrender style, while we were scanned.

Rotary Club of Cherry Creek Valley

2009-04-29T16:04:00.000-07:00

The club must have had almost a full turnout and several guests as well to welcome us. In Colorado clubs start with an Inspirational spot and oath of allegiance. It's a great positive start to the meeting and Cherry Creek was no exception.

Prairie Canyon Ranch

2009-04-29T15:59:00.000-07:00

Annie, Hollie and Judith, together with Rotarians Sue and Brian Gardner, Irv Buck and Irv's daughter, Courtney and grandchildren, Elias and Isabella visited a ranch (20 acres for 1 cattle beast) The country is very dry and barren but with a beauty. It was great to get out into the fresh air and walk over the hills and rocks.

Parker

2009-04-28T14:30:00.001-07:00

Steve Watson and his wife Nancy are hosting Judith. We love the hat Steve!

We spent the morning at the Women's Crisis and Family Outreach Centre in Castle Rock where we had a great exchange of information.

Lunch was at the Old Stone Church, followed by shopping at an outlet mall and then some free time.

The Continental Divide

2009-04-27T20:53:00.000-07:00

We travelled from Grand Lake to Parker today, crossing the Continental Divide. It was beautiful and covered in snow most of the way. Tonight the Parker and Cherry Creek clubs had a lovely casual dinner where we met a number of Rotarians.

Grand Lake

2009-04-27T20:48:00.000-07:00

We looked outside on our first morning in Grand Lake and the deck, table and chairs were covered in snow. Beautiful but freezing. We were not deterred so after a fabulous breakfast from the cafe owned by a Kiwi we went for a short, literally breath taking walk. Not kidding the altitude is so high that breathing becomes difficult, especially with exercise. However it was worth it as the first picture shows.

Popcorn snow

2009-04-25T20:11:00.001-07:00

We had drinks and dinner with Rotarians from the Granby and Grand Lakes clubs.
As we were ready to leave there was thunder and lightning followed by popcorn snow. Popcorn snow looks like hail, but is soft like snow. Another first for the team.

We think you are out there following us. How about posting a comment or two so we know you are still there!!!

Grand Lake

2009-04-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

We have been looking forward to a couple of days of R and R at Grand Lake. It feels good to be here. At 8396 feet above sea level (2550 m) we are feeling the effects of altitude. We are all knocking back the pain killers and drinking lots of water to counteract the altitude. We're constantly on the lookout for restrooms!!
The lake is the largest in Colorado and is still frozen, though starting to thaw. The surrounding mountains are covered in snow, a very beautiful and peaceful place.

Take me out to the Ball Game

2009-04-24T22:29:00.000-07:00

Here we are at the ball game between The Rockies and LA Dodgers. Armed with big hands, and cheer leader pom poms we entered into the spirit of the occasion, and even learned when to wave and cheer! What a great experience and thanks to our hosts for a great night. We learned that they don't streak at baseball games. No wonder, its freezing!

Evergreen Club

2009-04-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

Evergreen is a club that has around 120 members and is a breakfast club. For some of us the early start was a real test of commitment. We all passed! The meeting was warm and friendly and we were impressed with the variety and number of club projects.

Tree Planting in Evergreen

2009-04-24T13:52:00.001-07:00

The Tree Committee of the Evergreen Club arranged for a new community tree to be planted. Joan's son Doug used his specialised truck to lift a large tree to the new site and then it was time for Rotarians to use their shovels. You can see the Judith in the photo mucking in. It was lovely to be invited to participate in a club project.

Snow Shoeing

2009-04-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

Hollie, Brenda, Annie and Judith got active today with the new experience of snow shoeing. The setting was idyllic and the snow was so beautiful amongst the trees. The frozen lake looked lovely but we were wary of getting too close. We had the most wonderful time thanks to Joan, Mary and Mark who escorted us and provided the gear. You can see we had a great time, a real highlight of the trip.

Ain't she cute

2009-04-24T13:40:00.001-07:00

We had a great time building a snow lady, especially for Amardin, Aoife and Tea. In the photo you can see Judith, Mark, Brenda, Annie, Hollie and Mary.

Golden and Evergreen Clubs

2009-04-23T22:15:00.001-07:00

The Evergreen club graciously shared us with the Golden Club; our first visit with the Golden Club was to red Rocks, an amazing place of natural beauty, where there is a huge ampitheatre where performances take place, then on to the National Renewable energy lab to see their display and a trip to Coor's Brewery where we were able to taste the sponsor's fine products.

The Evergreen club then hosted us for dinner and a trip to see Evita.

A very busy and enjoyable day. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our host clubs who have gone out of their way to give us truly memorable experiences.

Evergreen and Golden Clubs

2009-04-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

We spent the morning at Family Tree, a large organisation that provides a range of services, including a safe shelter, supervised exchanges and access, parenting and counselling for families where ther has been abuse. It was a worthwhile morning.

Goodbye LoDo we will miss you.

2009-04-22T19:07:00.000-07:00

We have had a wonderful time with the LoDo club. The photos from top to bottom show Jan and John (bff), Hollie with her hosts, Cathy and Jeff and President Marie with Judith. Thanks for giving us a fabulous experience.

The LoDo club has 38 members, and growing, with more than half of the members women.

Judith maybe you should have stayed?

2009-04-22T04:58:00.000-07:00

Well...what can we say? It was the piano sing sing bar!

Judith retired early with her host family and then the LODO rotary members coerced the four of us to go on to the sing sing bar...it would have been rude not to...and as you can see we were a little shy but eventually got into the spirit of things! We had an awesome night with a lot of laughs, bad dance moves and even worse singing!

It's hard life being the perfect girl...

2009-04-22T04:51:00.000-07:00

...well after a hard day at the office boss!

Media mega stars

2009-04-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

We made it into the Fort Morgan Times, with photos!! The link is http://www.fortmorgantimes.com/news/2009/apr/17/nz-crew-studies-local-family-violence-issues/

Even more learning

2009-04-21T19:24:00.000-07:00

Monday 20th
The team are shown here with Tennyson Centre staff. The Centre has both residential and school facilities for children with behaviour issues caused by abuse. We were impressed by the exemplary practice.
We also visited the Colorado Coalition against Domestic Violence and had great discussion.
Tuesday 21st
After a great breakfast at Snooze we visited the Colorado University Masters Programme on Domestic Violence. It was good to discusssome of the underpinnings of our work. In the afternoon we visited the Denver Centre for Crime Victims. Their programmes are truly impressive and comprehensive.

Crime scene

2009-04-20T20:56:00.000-07:00

Mo's house became a crime scene when she hosted us for cocktails!!! Detective Sergeant Kelly told us it was the dachshund. Is it the truth???

From snow to hot

2009-04-20T20:52:00.000-07:00

Friday was below freezing with snow and by today we were so hot that we bought a short sleeved shirt. Looks great on Jess. The extremes of temperature are very new for us.

Out and about in Downtown Denver

2009-04-19T14:03:00.000-07:00

Today was a day to spend at leisure with our hosts. I have spent time walking in Downtown Denver. I enjoyed the public art. The first photo is near the Denver Art Museum and has political statements dating back to conflict between settlers and the First Nation People. I enjoyed the whimsy of the dancers outside the Performing Arts Centre in the second photo.

Looking forward to hear what others in the team have done.

Crazy Kiwis out in the snow

2009-04-18T12:39:00.000-07:00

While Denver residents were retreating indoors out of the snow Hollie, Annie and Judith were in Peg's backyard enjoying the new experience!!

Denver Rotary Club

2009-04-18T12:34:00.000-07:00

Thursday 16th April saw the team presenting to the Denver Rotary Club. What an experience to be hosted by the 31st Rotary Club. Formed in 1911. They received a presentation from the State recognising their upcoming century.
The Denver Club has around 400 members. They have been wonderful and generous hosts who have looked after us very well.

Snow storm doesn't stop kiwis having a good time!

2009-04-18T07:32:00.000-07:00

We have been treated to a couple of fabulous nights out during our stay in Denver. On Thursday we had an extrordinary evening at the Zang mansion owned by one of our hosts Rod Greiner. This amazing home is over a 100 years old! On Friday, despite well over a foot of snow on the roads, we all made it for a fabulous mexican evening at Ron and Joanne Katz home. There was a lot of laughter...some pretty tall story telling and fantastic company. Thank you to you all they are nights that wont be forgotten!

photo 1 is us arriving and Ron and Joanne's house for dinner on Friday

Photo 2 is us a little warmer inside Ron and Joanne's house for dinner on Friday

Photo 3 is us seated for dinner at the Zang mansion Thursday night

There's a new sheriff in town

2009-04-18T07:19:00.000-07:00

Brenda's been out early this morning recruiting numbers for the police .. it's a kind of skinny cowboy sheriff! Not sure how well he'd go in New Zealand...

snow snow and more snow

2009-04-17T15:02:00.000-07:00

Wow! we have been treated to an amazing snow storm...the locals arent quite as excited about it as we are!!!! Expectations of two foot of snow are not out the question! I wonder which member of the team has been most distracted ??? Some interesting versions of snow men have been built!

Fantastic sharing of information

2009-04-16T16:55:00.000-07:00

We decided that our line dancing careers weren't looking to promising so we best concentrate on the vocational activities today.

We have had two very intensive informative days in Denver. There has been some fantastic two way sharing of ideas, existing models and progressive initiatives.

A huge thanks to our fabulous drivers who have transported us around the city. If we were relying on Brenda to navigate we could have ended up anywhere...depending on which way up she had the map.

We presented to the Denver Rotary Club at lunchtime today and were again received with an incredible welcoming and freindly reception.

just wait 15 minutes...

2009-04-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

There is a saying in Denver...if you don't like the weather just wait round for 15 minutes it will change. Here we are in 3 degrees celsius and yesterday in exactly the same spot it was 19 degrees celsius. Denver has a storm warning out and we are expecting up to a foot of snow tonight. Tomorrow's photo will be of us building snowmen!

It's a hootenanny !

2009-04-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Judith's birthday in style on Wednesday night with some of the Denver Rotary Club at Stampede!

She was a fine old hootenanny with the local cowboys and gals... It was a blast!

Turns out the Kiwis have a bit of work to do on their line dancing...however there were no people or animals hurt in the making of these photos!

There was a dance off between Annie and Judith and Hollie and Brenda ... the pictures say it all! Yeehaa!

Fantastic reception in Fort Morgan

2009-04-15T17:45:00.000-07:00

On arrival in Fort Morgan we celebrated Hollie's birthday in style with a carrot cake!

We had a great meeting and presentation at the Fort Morgan Rotary Club on Tuesday. We have been met with fantastic enthusiasim and an abundance of friendly faces throughout our stay in Fort Morgan and for a couple of the team members , Brush.
...Sharon you look so young!

Them there pets are big in Fort Morgan

2009-04-15T17:37:00.000-07:00

Most folks just keep a cat .... sure would keep the burglars out of the house though!

Hi from the Mile High City

2009-04-14T16:37:00.000-07:00

We spent the morning in Fort Morgan visiting Sara, a service for sexual abuse victims. The house they work from is beautiful. Lunch was at the Fort Morgan Rotary Club and we were sad to say goodbye to our hosts and come to Denver. I'm doing this from another computer and will need to find out how to load photos before too long.

Promise to do better tomorrow. We have great photos of a bear!!! A stuffed one, thank goodness

Leaving Longmont and Boulder

2009-04-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

Here we are with Longmont Rotarian Dick Richards. As well as driving us to vocational visits during the week, Dick took us to Hudson. Thanks Dick. We had a great time with you.

Into Cowboy Country

2009-04-12T13:56:00.001-07:00

Howdy to y'all. We found this bison head mounted on the wall of a restaurant in Hudson. They sure like a lotta meat in cowboy country. From Hudson we were met by Greg from the Fort Morgan Rotary Club. The warmth of the welcome was as big as the prairie. We had lunch, a trip through the local museum and then a stroll down Main Street with a chance to shop. Wow the price of cowboy hats and boots is something else.

Rotary Club of Boulder

2009-04-10T22:45:00.001-07:00

Here we are at the Boulder Rotary Club doing our presentation. The Boulder Club is large with around 300 members and is an active and busy club.
While we were there two Paul Harris Fellowships were awarded. For one the woman was told that her contribution had allowed the purchase of 14 sewing machines that would allow women in Guatemala to have their own micro businesses, for the other he was bringing clean water to Africa. I was impressed with the concern for poorer countries and the use of Paul Harris contributions to care for others less fortunate.

Boulder County Justice Centre and Boulder County Ageing

2009-04-10T20:37:00.000-07:00

It was a full day with a visit to the Boulder County Justice Centre in the morning and Boulder County Ageing in the afternoon.
Discussion in the morning centred on the apprehension, sentencing and treatment of perpetrators. We were all taken with the systematic approach to treatment, the way they screen for risk factors, and the Victim Empathy programme. The latter programme is highly dependent upon having skilled therapists. Boulder is lucky to have a number of such therapists. We were a bit green!! (envy)

The afternoon centred around the needs of elderly, especially GLBT elderly.

Voices for Children, Blue Sky Bridge

2009-04-09T20:56:00.000-07:00

Voices for Children supplies CASAs (Court Appointed Special Advocates) for children who have been removed from their families, often because of abuse. Theses advocates will befriend children and are required to look out for the best interests of the children. The photograph shows the team with staff of Voices for Children.
In the Afternoon we visited Blue Sky Bridge, an organisation that does evidential interviewing of children who are alleged to have suffered abuse, often sexual abuse. Their home like facility designed to put children at ease made us a little green.
The day finished with a lovely dinner at Frasier Meadows, a retirement community where Rotarian residents attended.

St. Vrain Family Centre

2009-04-08T19:43:00.000-07:00

The afternoon was spent at the St. Vrain Family Centre where they specialise in supervised access and exchanges and parenting programmes. We were pretty interested in the ability of the court to order parenting programmes for divorcing couples. The other interesting programme was "Boot Camp for new dads" There was also a new programme for teen dads.

Leanin Tree Museum and Celestial Seasonings

2009-04-08T19:32:00.001-07:00

First stop of the morning was at the Leanin Tree Museum where we saw great Western art. Paintings and sculptures inside and stunning brass sculpyures outside. Some great opportunities for group photos!

We moved on to Celestial Seasonings. We had a tour through the tea factory (over a billion cups of tea every year!) and an opportunity to try flavours we don't see in Aotearoa New Zealand. The smells were something else. Really strong, especially the peppermint room that sure cleared the sinuses.

Following a great lunch at Celestial Seasonings we went to our vocational visit and then on to a social event with the Longmont Rotarians. Buffalo wings!

Longmont Rotary Club

2009-04-07T19:34:00.000-07:00

We were made welcome by the Rotary Club of Longmont at lunchtime; the club has a warm and friendly feel. The meeting was different from the usual New Zealand meeting which means I will come back to New Zealand with new ideas for Rotary. Our presentation went well. The photo is of the team doing a waiata at the end of our presentation.

Safe Shelter of St Vrain and Longmont Police

2009-04-07T19:15:00.000-07:00

Our morning was spent at the Safe Shelter of St. Vrain. We were envious of the amazing facility and very impressed with their programmes. What a great start to our trip. We had wonderful discussion and lots of issues in common that we both struggle with, but also differences. We will bring back great ideas. I was impressed with their teen programme in schools that helps young people understand date violence and how to deal with it.

Our afternoon was spent at the Police Department where we learned about their legal system as it relates to Domestic Violence and then from LEVI , Longmont Ending Violence Initiative. Brenda was so excited to be able to hold a police gun and see their vehicles.

The Dushambe Tea House

2009-04-06T20:02:00.001-07:00

The photo shows part of the ceiling and supporting pillars of the tea house. It was a great experience and thanks so much to our hosts for this wonderful opportunity

Snowballs and Snow angels

2009-04-06T19:52:00.000-07:00

Here we are in the snow. We had a short hike in the snow amidst stunningly beautiful country. Jo and Abby picked us up from our hotel for a great day. Just what we needed to keep us fresh and awake.

It didn't take too long for some members of the team to discover snowballs and Brenda persuaded us to make snow angels (you lie in the snow and wave arms and legs and make an angel shape).

We had an interesting tour of the National Centre for Atmospheric research, lunch in an amazing tea house. The Dushambe Tea House was gifted to Boulder by a sister city.

The afternoon was spent strolling in the shopping area before transferring to Longmont and our host families. A great welcome.

Boulder in the snow

2009-04-06T07:17:00.000-07:00

From 20+ deg to -4 deg in 2 hours...we arrive in Boulder Colorado! Look closely...it's not dandruff its snow! We were met at the airport by Joanne and Carl and chauffered to the Homewood Sweets Hilton in Boulder...oh life is tough! We had a fantastic dinner last night with Connie, Sandy and Liz.

How to do San Francisco in 12 hours

2009-04-06T07:07:00.000-07:00

We hit San Francisco running, boating, tramming and dining. Here we are on a boat under the Golden Gate . The trip also took us around Alcatraz. Brenda fantacised all the way around the island!! She's currently looking for the outstanding prisoners ($million reward). We saw Chinatown, rode a tram and ate at an authentic diner. Hollie has been stood down from orienteering.

Farewell Dinner for the Team

2009-03-26T12:09:00.000-07:00

There was a good turnout at the Farewell Dinner on Tuesday 24th March to say goodbye to the team and wish them well. The Team are shown with District Governor Tony Fryer and his wife Sheryl. Annie's son Armadin was keen to be part of the action. From left: Judith, Sheryl, Tony, Jessica, Hollie, Armadin, Annie and Brenda. Thanks to Terry for being a great photographer.

Draft Itinerary

2009-03-19T14:12:00.000-07:00

Preliminary Itinerary for New Zealand GSE Team Visit to District 5450
As of 2/17/09

Sunday, April 5

Rest and Relaxation, Homewood Suites, Boulder

Monday, April 6

Rest and Relaxation, Homewood Suites, Boulder

Longmont/Boulder Rotary Clubs
Tuesday April 7
8:00 AM
Pick Up Delegation @ Homewood Suites Boulder

Tuesday April 7
9:00 AM
Arrive at Safe Shelter of St Vrain Valley

11:45 AM
Arrive Longmont Rotary Club

12:00 AM
Lunch With Longmont Rotary

12:45 PM
GSE Team Presentation to Longmont Rotary Club

1:45 PM
Longmont Police Department

4:00 PM
Meandering downtown Longmont

6:00 PM
Host Families Pick Up Guests @ Senior Center Parking Lot

Dinner With Host Families

Wednesday April 8
8:00 AM
Hosts Deliver Guests to Senior Center Parking Lot

8:30 AM
Leanin Tree Museum

12:00 N
Lunch TBD

2:00 PM
St Vrain Family Center

3:30 - 5:00 pm
Team Time at Ziggi's (no Rotarian members present, please)

5:15 PM
Hosts pick up delegates at Ziggi's

6:00 PM
Social Evening With Longmont Rotarians TBD

Thursday April 9
8:00 AM
Deliver guests to Senior Center Parking Lot

8:15 AM
Depart for Boulder

9:30 AM
Vocational visit at Voices for Children, CCASA

12:00 N
Lunch TBD

1:00 PM
Vocational visit at Blue Sky Bridge

5:15 PM
TBD

Friday April 10
8:00 AM
Deliver guests to Senior Center Parking Lot

8:15 AM
Depart for Boulder

9:00 AM
Vocational visit at Boulder County DA's Office

11:45 AM
Boulder Rotary Lunch and Program

2:00 PM
Vocational visit at Boulder County Aging Services

3:30 - 5:30 pm
Team Time at local coffee shop, etc..(no Rotarian members present, please)

5:30 PM
TBD

Saturday April 11
9:00 AM
Deliver Guests to Senior Center

9:15 PM
Depart for Fort Morgan

11:30 AM
Arrive Fort Morgan_ Location TBD

Transportation Provided by Longmont Rotarians

Fort Morgan Rotary
Saturday April 11
11:30 AM
Arrive Fort Morgan – Location TBD

Sunday, April 12
Easter
Free Time with Host Families

Monday, April 13
Vocational Tours
Alethea

Fort Morgan Police/Sheriffs Offices

Ft. Morgan Court System

Paula Bragg, Domestic Violence Group

Tuesday, April 14
Noon
Fort Morgan Rotary Meeting

1:30 PM
Transfer to Denver

Denver 31 Rotary Club
Tuesday April 14
2:00 PM
TBD

2:30 PM
TBD

5:00 PM
Hosts Pick Up Delegation @ TBD

Dinner With Host Families

Wednesday April 15
8:00 AM
Hosts Deliver Guests to Webb Building

8:20 AM
Denver City Attorney's Office,

8:30-10:00 AM
VA Program and Criminal Justice Process

10:00-11:30 AM
TRIAGE

11:45-12:45
Lunch with City Attorney's staff

1:00-2:30 PM
DVOMB (Domestic Violence Offender Management Board)

2:45 - 4:00 PM
CASA

4:15 PM
Hosts pick up delegates at Webb Building

6:00 PM
TBD

Thursday April 16
8:15 AM
Hosts Deliver Guests to Webb Building

Denver City Attorney's Office,

8:30-9:45 AM
Fatality Review

9:445-11:15 AM
AMEND (Abusive Men Exploring New Directions)

11:30-1:00 PM
Lunch & GSE Team Presentation to Denver Rotary Club @DAC

1:30-3:00 PM
Safehouse

3:00-4:30 PM
TEAM TIME (No Rotarians)

4:45 PM
Hosts pick up delegates at Webb Building

5:30 PM
TBD

Friday April 17
9:00 AM
Hosts Deliver guests to TBD

TBD

12:00 AM
Lunch TBD

1:00 PM
TBD

TBD

5:30 PM
TBD

Saturday April 18
9:00 AM
Deliver Guests to LoDo Club @ TBD

Denver LoDo Rotary Club
Saturday April 18
2:00 PM
Receive GSE Team from Denver Rotary Club @TBD

2:30 PM
Time at Host Homes

5:00 PM
Pot Luck Dinner with LoDo Rotary Members and Team

Sunday, April 19
AM
Morning at host homes

1:00 PM
Denver Botanic Gardens or Museum of Natural History

Monday, April 20
9:30-11:00 AM
Tennyson Center for Children

11:30 A.M.
Lunch @ TBD

1:30 P.M
Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence

3:30-5:30 PM
Team Time @ TBD

6:00 PM
TBD

Tuesday, April 21
11:00 AM
University of Colorado Masters Program

12:00 PM
Lunch at TBD

1:30 PM
Denver Center for Crime Victims

5:00 PM
Team Dinner , followed by visit to Sing Sing Piano Place

Wed. April 22
9:30 PM
Tour Denver Art Museum

12:00 PM
Denver LoDo Rotary Meeting

2:00 PM
Transfer Team to Evergreen Rotary Club at Colorado Mills

Evergreen Rotary Club
Wed. April 22
2:00 PM
Receive GSE Team at Colorado Mills

2:00 PM
Tour Ops Center at Mills and free time for shopping

4:30 PM
Pick Up by Hosts

Thursday April 23
8:30 AM
The Family Tree Vocational Visit

12:00 PM
Lunch @ TBD

PM
TBD

Friday April24
10:00 AM
Tour National Renewable Energy Laboratory

12:00 PM
Lunch at Red Rocks State Park

2:00 PM
Tour USGS Earthquake Center and CSM Geology Museum

3:30 PM
Tour Miller-Coors Brewery

5:00 PM
Pick Up by Hosts @El Rancho

Saturday April 25

Transfer to Grand Lake @TBD

Grand Lake Rotary Club
Saturday April 25

Receive GSE Team from Evergreen Rotary Club @TBD

Retreat at Western Riviera Motel in Grand Lake
Sunday, April 26

Retreat

Monday, April 27

Transfer to Parker Rotary Club @TBD

Parker Rotary Club
Monday April 27

Receive Team from Grand Lake Rotary Club@ TBD

Tuesday April 28
9:00 AM
Women’s Crisis and Family Outreach Center Voc. Visit

11:30 AM
Lunch @TBD

1:00 PM
The Greenbook Project

Wed. April 29
9:00 AM
Team Time or Leisure

11:30 AM
Presentation at Rotary Club of Cherry Creek Valley

1:30 PM
Visit to Prairie Canyon Ranch, Douglas County Open Space

4:00 PM
Team Time @TBD

5:00 PM
Pick up by Hosts @TBD

Thursday April 30
6:45 AM
Presentation to Rotary Club of Parker

9:00 AM
Brief Trail Ride (Optional)

12:00 PM
Lunch @ TBD

1:00 PM
Team Preparation for District Conference

5:00 PM
Pick up by Hosts @TBD

Friday May 1
TBD
Transfer to Colorado Springs for District Conference

District Conference
Friday May 1
TBD
Arrive at District Conference, Activities TBD

Saturday May 2

Conference Activities TBD

Sunday May 3

Conference Activities and Transfer to Parker, TBD

Parker Rotary Club

Sunday May 3
TBD
Pick Up by Parker Hosts @TBD

Monday May 4
TBD
Depart for Denver International Airport

IT'S NOT OK Campaign

2009-03-12T20:02:00.001-07:00

Attitudes and behaviours are starting to change in NewZealand and it is partly because of an intensive campaign. The It's not OK phrase has been widely used especially in the Television campaign. Resources can be found on the website http://areyouok.org.nz/
The television ads are powerful and can be found in the resources section of the site. The campaign was funded by the Families Commission and Ministry of Social Development after solid research to find out what would work. Community agencies have been supportive of the campaign and It's not OK has become a common phrase.

Family Violence in New Zealand

2009-03-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

The Family Violence Clearing House has great resources on Family Violence in New Zealand. The website, http://www.nzfvc.org.nz/ has great resources including research and evaluation, lots of information on good practice as well as newsletters and fact sheets on aspects of family violence in New Zealand. There are also links to similar international sites.

Conference

2009-03-11T12:10:00.001-07:00

Our very smart Icebreaker uniforms got their first outing at District Conference where the team made a short presentation about our work and hopes for the exchange. Here we are outside the Conference venue with Andy Watson, Chair of the GSE outwards committee.
From left; Hollie, Judith, Annie, Andy, Brenda and Jessica

Saturday night at Conference

2009-03-11T12:04:00.000-07:00

District 9940 has a team from Brittany, France visiting so an ooh la la theme was chosen for the conference dinner and show. The team really looked the part in our little black dresses. We had a great time. Thanks conference organisers, you did a great job.

Meet the District Governor

2009-03-10T19:24:00.001-07:00

Meet District Governor for District 9940, Tony Fryer and his wife, Sheryl.

Tony joined the Rotary Club of Wellington North in 1990, and served as Club President in the 1995-96 Rotary year. He was appointed to the District Membership Committee in 1996-97 and was its Chair in 1997-98. Tony was then District Governor’s Representative for both DG Ross Murray (1998-99) and DG Lindsay Knowles (1999-00).

Tony and Sheryl have two adult children, Karen and Blair, both of whom live in Wellington. They were also delighted to welcome their very new grandchild, Emily, recently.

Pat had a dream...

2009-03-10T19:11:00.000-07:00

Pat Waite, in his role as District Governor 9940 for the 2007.2008 year had a bold dream, That Rotary could do something about preventing Family Violence. That dream continues today with a Group Study Exchange team going to Denver, Colorado to look at ways of addressing family violence. Thanks Pat for making a positive difference to our communities.

Meet the Team - Judith

2009-03-10T18:48:00.001-07:00

Meet Judith Timpany. Judith is the Chief Executive of the Whanganui Community Foundation, a grant making and community development organisation.

Judith also works as a volunteer for Women's Refuge with three roles, governance, professional development for staff and responding to the crisis line.

Meet the Team - Jessica

2009-03-10T18:43:00.000-07:00

Meet Jessica Trask. Jessica is the outreach coordinator with the Family Violence Clearing House. Her role involves making research accessible and understandable to those wanting to find out about aspects of family violence including, social service professionals, government and politicians, journalists etc.

The other part of her role is ensuring that government and other agencies understand the needs of family violence victims and treat them in a sensitive manner

Meet the Team - Hollie

2009-03-10T18:37:00.000-07:00

Meet Hollie McPhun. Hollie is the Family Court Coordinator at the Wanganui Court. In her role Hollie is the link between the Family Court and the community. This involves relationships with community and government organisations that have clients in the Family Court. She also helps people through the Family Court system.

Another facet of her role is to ensure that those providing professional services for the Family Court give quality services. This includes lawyers for the child, psychologists, counsellors and family violence professionals.

Meet the Team - Brenda

2009-03-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

Meet Brenda Kelly. Brenda is a Detective Sergeant with the New Zealand Police. She works at the Lower Hutt police station in the role of Family Violence Intervention co-ordinator where she manages a specialised unit dedicated to Family Violence. Brenda's role is one of co-ordination and training of Police Officers from an operational to strategic level.

Brenda's role has brought her into contact with some extremely serious cases of family violence

Meet the Team - Annie

2009-03-10T18:22:00.000-07:00

Meet Annie Firaza. Annie is Practice Manager with Life to the Max, a social work agency that deals with 5 to 13 year old offenders and potential offenders. The agency works with the whole family, and sometimes extended family, in such areas as family dynamics, schooling, recreation and leisure to bring about permanent change in families. The agency is supported by the Police and Child Youth and Family in their work. Family violence is a recurring issue in these families. For many of the children their is no light in their eyes and Annie's real joy is to see the light appear in their eyes.

Meet the Team

2009-03-10T17:31:00.000-07:00

Meet the Rotary Group Study Exchange Team who are travelling to Rotary District 5450 in Colorado. From left: Judith Timpany, Jessica Trask, Hollie McPhun, Brenda Kelly, and Annie Firaza.

The team are taking part in a Family Violence themed study exchange.