The day began as any other day. There were many gathered to enjoy lunch, companionship and humor. It was Rotary. We are excited. Applause for the half-year that we have spent under the leadership of Petra Lyon. Petra asked Jim Hugins to lead in prayer and pledge.
 

We introduced our guests and had Chris Gwinn, Rick and Cathy Gasco and Calvin Gundell all were there for the event. The bill of fare was rubber chicken and chicken filets when it ran out. Oh, the joys of festive dining. Speaking of which, the Christmas party was a grand event, thanks to Mike McGuire, Jeannie Wheeldon, Michelle Wiley, and Bill Wright's unique Santa Claus. It has been rumored that some children now have a fear of Santa. We did raise money for Project Merry Christmas and holiday baskets. Mike then had a great letter written by a Presbyterian.
 

We accepted two resignations today: Gene Young, as he has stepped down from his Superintendent job. The other, with regret, was Scott Maycock, who needs to respond to the press of business.
 

Pete Sanders spoke of the Website for our club. It has information on the bulletin, speakers and club projects. We are now exposed for all to read. Steve Wheeldon apologized to Pam Copeland and then spoke of the Childrens' Museum and our sponsored projects near completion.
 

Joe Williams paid a $100 fine for Jan's birthday and her Paul Harris fellowship. Jim Wotkyns spoke of the Blood Bank and their need for blood. It was also his last meeting till October when he will return, learned in every way. He is one of the Colorado Fifty. Pete Turner is also on a leave of absence. Rumor has it he is still with Gretchen and looks like a mountain man - wild and wooly.
 

Petra announced lunch has been raised to $11 per meal. This includes guests and visitors. We inducted Sam Stites and Ron Fogelman into the club. Sam was an Executive Vice President of E. W. Albrecht Company. He distributed food stuffs. He came to Durango to pursue his interests in fishing, hunting, sword and rug collecting. His wife is Gwyneth and they have two kids. One does public relations in New York and the other is in Boulder delivering pizza. Ron Fogelman joined his wife, Jan, as a member of our club. He has three motorcycles and is looking for a Harley to ride in the parade. A person who rides bikes said a BMW is a better cruiser. Ron currently serves on three boards connected with aviation - Rolls Royce of North American and Mooney Aircraft are two. He also runs a consulting business that deals with the aviation business. As J. R. stated, make them welcome.
 

Speaking of J. R., he fined Ron for his words of wisdom in the paper about Iraq. He also fined Jeff Brown and Joe Williams for the infamous "Hug Picture" found in the Herald. Seems an award was given by one to the other from their stint in United Way. J. R. also told the story as to one of our members doing 12 pull-ups. He asked who could do this same feat. The respondents were Jack Cassidy and Jim Wotkyns. The result was a $12 fine. J. R. also fined all those folks who did not attend the Christmas Party. J. R. was named outstanding Rotarian of the month, as was Mike McGuire. Name that Rotarian asked who ran a night club for the mob. It was J. R. In his younger days. J. R. was given the President's luncheon badge by Jan. He set a $5 fine and gave it to Jan for ratting on the President.
 

He had a Christmas Songfest from the Singers and Ringers at Riverview. No meetings the next two weeks.
 

Happy Holidays!