I want to begin by congratulating once again our guest at Tuesday's meeting, Steve Werner from the Denver SE Rotary Club. Steve is this year's winner of the Jim Brook Tireless Rotarian Award. He also was one of just 132 recipients worldwide of the Rotary International Service Above Self Award for 2026. That award was created to recognize Rotarians who fully embody the concept of service above self by making it a way of life. Steve is a longtime member of the Denver SE Club, and has served Rotary at the club, district and international levels. He is affectionately referred to as the "Godfather of WASH" as he is well known for his work in addressing water, sanitation and hygiene issues. He also has worked with other organizations on humanitarian causes, where he has consistently placed the needs of others above his own. It was a genuine pleasure to have Steve at our meeting to accept the Jim Brook Award.

 

The person for whom that award is named is the main focus of this week's column. The Tireless Rotarian Award "honors and celebrates a Rotarian who has dedicated their time and talent for many years at the club and district level and exemplifies the ideal of Service Above Self in all ways." The description of the award says that “This Rotarian should be the one in their club who quietly helps guide and direct by their tireless work in many club activities. Their wisdom and leadership are unparalleled within the club, but this Rotarian never seeks personal recognition. They are the bedrock of their club, always positive and encouraging, providing an ideal example for others of what Service Above Self means."

It is for good reason that this award is named in honor of Jim Brook. Jim joined Rotary in Canada in 1984 and has been a member of four clubs over the past 42 years.  He served as president of three of those clubs, including ours. He has also served as Assistant Lieutenant Governor and Lieutenant Governor of the District. He has served as a quiet leader for many of the club’s activities, including both fundraising efforts and service projects. Jim is an incredible asset to our club, and the presentation of the award named after him provides an opportunity for us to recognize his incredible service and to thank him for all of his work over the years. We are most fortunate to have him as a member of our club.

Keep the faith,
David