Welcome to the Rotary Club of the North Fork Valley

 
Are you someone who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back.
 
The North Fork Valley Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at 5:00 PM in the Paonia Methodist Church meeting room, 3rd & Onarga in Paonia. 
PLEASE NOTE NEW TIME
All are welcome to come learn about the benefits of Rotary.
“SERVICE ABOVE SELF”

 

Who are we and what we do

We are your friends and neighbors who are deeply committed to supporting the needs of people living in the North Fork Valley. Currently we are focusing most of our attention on young people with scholarships, dictionaries and leadership development opportunities.  We also partner with local organizations.

We could do more if you joined us.

 

Why Rotary?

One person can help another.  Many people together can do so much more. Rotary is an international service organization. For over a century - people just like you - have been doing good in the world. There are now 1.2 million of us.

We start by looking for ways to serve locally. We also look beyond our valley, expanding our vision internationally. For the past few years, we have partnered with an organization that promotes healthy eating habits in poor African villages.

We also participate in Rotary Youth Exchange, a program that supports high school students as ambassadors of their communities and countries.

We meet for an hour weekly for fellowship and inspiration. The latter comes from within our group as well as from invited speakers. Where else might you learn about the development of the edible apple, the experience of a German Jewish child during World War II, agrivoltaics, and the reading program of an award-winning local teacher?

We think you belong in this picture.  Please email board@northforkrotary.org or let one of us know you are interested in joining.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Speakers
Nancy Murphy
Apr 16, 2026
Region 10 Small Business Consultant
Rotary Leadership: Tanya Henderson
Apr 23, 2026
Rotary Business: Committees
Fifth Thursday
Apr 30, 2026
Location TBD
Joy Kaufman
May 07, 2026
Farm Stew Update
Susan Hennessy (pending)
May 14, 2026
Imagine Library. With approval from Carol
Rotary Leadership: Sheryl Mathis
May 21, 2026
Rotary Business: Budget
[Bruce Lemire providing speaker]
May 28, 2026
TBD
[Norm Lewark providing speaker]
Jun 04, 2026
TBD
[Nick Lypps providing speaker]
Jun 11, 2026
TBD
View entire list...
Additional Club Information
Contribute to Rotary Club of the North Fork Valley Foundation    How to contribute to the RCNFV Foundation
Helpful Links
Home Page Stories
The History of Rotary 2 -  How Rotary Became a Service Organization
Just recently I have started re-reading A Century of Service, the Story of Rotary International.  I thought I was pretty well versed in Rotary lore but was amazed at what I had forgotten or might never have known.  While our Rotary magazine keeps us informed of what is going on now, how we got to where we are in the world takes a little digging.  What I intend to do is send you a monthly Rotary message.  I hope it can be informative for newer members and a refresher for older members.

My purpose in reviewing our history is to deepen our understanding of how our beginnings as an organization have shaped what we are today and likely to become in the future.  We don't just gather for a meal and talk to each other; we are an impressive and powerful service organization.

Sarah Bishop, Assistant Governor District 5470, 2025-26
Highway 133 Cleanup
11/06/2025 -    Last Friday intrepid Rotarians Bruce Lemire,
Jon Schulz, Bob McHugh, Greg Thompson, and James Schott - with the help of volunteer Kathy Thompson (who took the photo) - went to their assigned section of HWY 133 and cleared it of trash and debris.
They noticed some improvement on the part of citizen drivers for not tossing trash out their windows.  Nevertheless, we can always do better, so keep the beauty of this wonderful valley in mind as you roam around!
Highway Cleanup on a Chilly Morning
 
Seven stalwart Rotarians gathered in the brisk November breeze to clean up trash along their assigned section of HWY-133 between Paonia and Hotchkiss. NFVRC volunteers have cleared trash and debris from the roadside twice a year for well over a decade.  Many thanks to Pam (back) Carol, Bruce, organizer Greg, Ed, Sarah and Bob.
KPP/Rotary Fundraiser a Big Success
 
The recent Kid's Pasta Project (KPP) dinner and Rotary fundraiser for Agroforestry in Zambia was a big success.  This fundraiser was in support of Farm Stew, an organization dedicated to relieving poverty and hunger in Africa by way of various development projects.  Between the dinner and the accompanying Wine Grab, about $1800 was raised. With a District Matching Grant, the Club should be able to donate double that amount. 
NFVRC Helps Out with Marathon Aid Station
 
North Fork Rotary participated in the first of what is hoped will be an annual West Elk Challenge marathon, sponsored by the Nature Connection.  Rotary provided one of several aid stations positioned along the course, providing hydration, snacks, first-aid and encouragement to the runners.  One participant who failed to make it to the finish line was transported by club members.
One member's sister, age 75 (the oldest runner) jogged across the finish line at 6:50 PM to a hero's welcome.  
NFVRC Seeks Funds for Improving School Lunches
 
North Fork Rotary is pleased to announce support for a new initiative aimed at providing locally sourced natural beef to kids in the local school cafeterias.  In a partnership between Delta County School District and Homestead Natural Meats, school meals will be augmented with local beef, pork or lamb at least once a week under a program called "Meals for Minds".
NFVRC awards $19,593 to Families Plus
 
North Fork Valley Rotarians present check to Families Plus. Pictured left to right, Sarah Bishop and Tanya Henderson, local Rotarians, Dorothy Lorig, Behavioral Health Specialist, Brenda Holland, PhD and founder of Families Plus, Gianna Jenson, Family Plus's Director of Outreach, John Coombe and James Schott, local Rotarians.
Rotary Exchange Student Eszter Arrives from Hungary
 
 
Eszter Pala of Satoraljaujhely, Hungary arrived in Grand Junction on August 3, for a year 
long Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE). She will attend North Fork High School. Pictured left 
to right: Tanya Henderson, North Fork Valley Rotary member, Cheryl Mathis, Eszter’s 
host mother, Eszter and Sarah Bishop, Rotarian.
 

 

 
2024 Cherry Days Pancake Breakfast
 
Each year during the Cherry Days celebration on July 4th The Rotary Club of the North Fork Valley hosts a Pancake Breakfast in the Town Hall just prior to the Parade.  This year we served about 250 people from a menu or four types of pancakes, sausage patties, coffee, tea and orange juice.
 

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