Wow did this year pass quickly. This was the last day for Petra in the role of President. She was in a melancholy mood. She was still enthused and greeted us well. Petra asked Jim Hugins to open in prayer and pledge.

We then practiced how to introduce a Guest at lunch. The instruction came from Roy Crow, David James and Rick O’Block. They did well but David is a gifted story teller and did he ever do the ad-libbing in creating the story of the surfer and entomologist, who created predatory insects, and is now world famous. This was Karen L’Argent.

We then met our guests. We had the good fortune to met Chessa Gills’ son Tylan who will be Student Body President next year at the High School. Chessa introduced Sara Frank who was is the recipient of a Club Scholarship. She will be going to Colorado College this fall to be come Doctor. We also met Laura Land and Keara Murphy who recently went to Washington, D.C. as our State entrants in a History Contest. They finished in the top twenty-five. This event started with 600,000 students. This is a great accomplishment. Dale Garland their teacher from Durango High School was with them. George Townsend a Rotarian from Sun Lakes Arizona now of Vallecito was with us this day. The other Rotarian was Tim Price from the Denver Southeast Club

The meeting was then tuned over to Mr. Spies. He then began his good-humored fun guy. He fined Jeannie Wheeldon because she will be the fine master next year. He fined Wayne Bedor for not being Governor yet. Jack Cassidy was fined for being accident free for six months. George Johnson was fined for changing jobs and moving to club membership to Pagosa. His job is with Norwest as a Mortgage Lender. Petra mentioned he will be sorely missed. Mike Matheson was fined for cutting his beard. He wanted a younger look. Bill Hermesman was fined for looking young. J. R. stated that he throughly enjoyed fining the group. He also apologized if he offended anyone. He stated his intent was to have fun and bring enjoyment to the club. He thanked us for the opportunity to serve. Thanks J. R. you did a great job.

Mark Prouty then stated that the fining was not done. This was after Karen L’Argent had stood to applaud J. R. She asked for all who did not stand to be fined a buck. Mark then gave the story of J. R. before the City Council. He began with a little song. He then mentioned he was from Texas. The big problem was his statement of the service groups he was with and the failure to mention Highnoon Rotary. Jeannie got her first fine from J. R.

The Golf Tournament is going great guns. We have twenty of the twenty-five teams. We also have a bunch of door prizes but more are needed. The auction group needs assistance. Low and behold Bill Hermesman offered a Lazy Boy Recliner for the auction. Great Guy Item. David James then offered ideas that could be package items. A stay in Santa Fe with Golf at the Santa Fe course. Get involved.

Petra said she heard on the street that we did not do very well in Fund rasing this year. She noted the best Mexican Food Feast (8500), The best Golf Tournament (28649) and a dance that was done poorly but still raised 4000. Thanks to the club members great efforts.

Mike Matheson then gave a recommendation to the club from the Capital Committee. They recommended 5,000 dollars be given from the Golf event to the "Miles for Smiles" Dental Project. That the other 5,000 go into an account to build a Rotary Kids Park somewhere in Durango. There was some discussion of these items and a Board Meeting was called to approve the recommendation.

We then heard the presentation that Keara and Laura had done on Polio. They stated that the ancient Egyptians had suffered from this disease. It is contracted by fluids entering through the mouth and is found in human waste. In 1935 two doctors came out with a vaccine that was a failure. It caused Polio. In 1940 a few things were developed that would assist victims. This was the Iron Lung, Moynihan Respirator and the Kenny method of Hot Wool Packs for victims. Dr. Salk invented a Vaccine in 1955. It was used in 1957 as people recalled the failure of the earlier attempt. Dr. Sabin in 1961 developed an oral vaccine. This vaccine has a live virus in it that can cause Polio. The Salk requires a shot but is safer as it has a dead virus in it. The girls mentioned those they interviewed and Post Polio Syndrom. This syndrom has all the aspects of the original onset of Polio. It causes weakness and difficulties in walking and other activities. Laura talked about the trip and all the fun stuff they did. Dale Garland then offered a new insight into the High School. Next year’s Student Council has the highest grade point average of any large school in Colorado.