HIGH NOON ROTARY NEWSLETTER

JULY 1, 1999

Today marked the passing of the baton of leadership. Petra passed the President’s pin to Pete Sanders. Petra thanked the club for allowing her to be president and for all the wonderful work we have accomplished. She gave mementos to her Board of Directors and special thanks to J. R. Spies for his wit, humor and support. Flowers were given to Jan Williams and Susan Sanders for their special relationship with Petra. She also recognized their great work.

This all occurred after Pete Sanders entered the room. He was dressed in an outlandish colored cape. Black hose and a slinky shirt complimented the cape. The topper was the curly black wig that added to this cross dressed man. He danced to the tune that contains the phrase "I am excited!". If you don’t know the significance of this phrase, you are out of luck. He danced with Petra as we all shared the moment. Pete then confirmed that, by observing Petra, he had learned to get in touch with his feelings. This, of course, led to his getting in touch with his feminine side. He added a cigar to capture a little balance.

We then had a slide show of Petra’s life. Our past president had a storied childhood. We saw her as a nine year old with baton ready for the Fourth of July. She was a Duchess of Dixon High Schooler, a Duchess opposite a young man who had informed on her in second grade. She kissed a boy, he being jealous, ratted on her. She avoided him until he became her Duke. Very difficult, she said. Petra formed a special relationship with Ronald Regan. She was his pen pal from 1972 to 1984. Seems the electorate in her home town turned down a bond issue to refurbish the auditorium. At age 14, she wrote the President. He was a graduate of the school. This began her career as a fund raiser. She was a student of the month. This got her a Rotary scholarship and a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council and Thespian Club. She played in the Solid Gold Cadillac, No No Nanette, played Abigail Adams in the play 1776, and the lead in Hello Dolly. She married Scott on May 31, 1985. There needs to be a note that Scott said they married May 28^th. Humor was in vogue, as was laughter. Pete raised the question of singing, and Petra explained she only performs when she wants to. This is the result of her mom inviting folks over for Petra to sing. Pete said the year was not over until the lady sings. Petra said no. Pete gave Petra her Paul Harris Fellow and a gift certificate for romantic weekend in Espanola at the Rancho De San Juans. I wonder if Scott gets to go?

We did guests. David Gonzales came with Karen L’Argent. Price and Joy Schroeder joined with another guest, Jeri Fluria, at one table. Cindy and George Holmstead joined Mike Matheson’s table for lunch.

The Golf Tourney is full, but more teams can be added. Rick O’Block’s team was number 30. We still need auction items and help with door prizes. Get involved and help out.

ONE FINAL NOTE:

Learned from Petra: If it is worth doing, do it with all your passion and commitment or don’t do it at all. This was an excellent year in Rotary. It began with enthusiasm and ended with the same. We achieved marvelous things in International Services - trips to Mexico, a joint venture in Colorado and Mexico, Medical supplies, computers, sewing machines, ambulances, all given through the work of the club. Fund raisers that provided scholarships, nature studies, a childrens’ museum, a scoreboard in Bayfield and money for child dentistry. A club that learned about each other. A club that worked together to show "Service Above Self". We have done much and there is much more to do.

BEAR

A Sad Note:

Charlie Albert is recovering from surgery. Send cards and prayers.