About Us
Learn about the Pine River Valley Centennial Rotary, serving Bayfield and Ignacio Colorado.
What is Rotary?
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
“We see a world where people come together to create lasting change.” – Rotary International
Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. For more than 110 years, Rotary’s people of action have used their passion, energy, and intelligence to take action on sustainable projects. From literacy and peace to water and health, we are always working to better our world, and we stay committed to the end.
Our Mission
We promote peace and self-sufficiency in our communities and globally by providing resources, developing leaders, and actively serving the needs of others.
Bayfield’s Rotary History
Pine River Centennial Rotary was chartered in June 2005, the Centennial
Anniversary of the founding of Rotary in Chicago in 1905. Twenty-four Bayfield area residents came together with an interest in Rotary International’s fundamental ethics of community service and promotion of global peace and understanding.
Only two of our charter members had previous Rotary experience, Marcel
Theberge and Carolyn Hull, who served as our first and second presidents while the Club established itself throughout Ignacio, Bayfield, Vallecito Lake, and the surrounding areas.
We have learned, of course, and we value our Association with Rotary that much more. As with many groups, we suffered in the 2008 economic meltdown. We were down to six active members, but we have grown back bigger, more engaged, and more fun-loving than ever!
We support our charitable giving through great local fun- and fund-raisers. Typically, you will find us at the Red Ball Express during Durango’s Snowdown, at Senior Legacy Day and cleaning up our local highways in the Spring, hosting the Beer Tent at Bayfield’s 4th of July celebration, adopting sheep at the Blue Ewe event during the September Heritage Days, and ringing the bell for the Salvation Army in December.
PRVC Rotary Leadership
Eileen Wasserbach
Secretary
Shelley Walchak
Treasurer
Dr. Carrie Bergfalk
President, 2022-23
Marian Tone
Member at Large
What Sets Us Apart?
Every Rotary Club has its own personality. The Pine River Valley “Best-Ever” Centennial Rotary Club has developed a very laid-back, fun-loving personality while maintaining Rotary’s traditional personal and professional ethics as outlined in the Four-Way Test, which guides everything we think, say, and do.
The Four-Way Test
Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
(Of course, our club also adds a fifth: Will it be fun?)
Become a Member
Make a difference in your community by joining the Rotary!