Tom was resplendent in his new Rotary shirt and shorts. Tom made mention that the new shirts work well with shorts. Tom mentioned that we have only five weeks to train for the Iron Horse. Recently, Tom rode with the Gorillas up to Rockwood. They made it there in twenty-five minutes. Tom said he has ridden up to Coal Bank recently. I guess the Iron Horse is firmly in his sights. Tom asked Joe Thompson to open with Prayer and Pledge.

There was no news from the Caring Committee and that is good news.

Tom then asked the group to introduce our guests for the day. We had eleven folks join us for lunch. Adam Sanders joined his mom for lunch. Adam will be going to Boulder next year to study Business. Sue Putman from Colorado Springs joined us for lunch. Sue is the replacement for Melisa Jackson who is on her honeymoon. The others that joined us were Ted Robson, Tonya Kahler, Laura McSparren, Barry Victor, Jane Colvig, Julie Goodin, Tami Coddington and Aspen Fitch. Aspen spoke to the group about the Merchants Restorative Justice Program she is beginning in our district. The intent is to focus on bad checks and theft from merchants. She is looking to create boards of Merchants (three) who would sit down with the victim and the perpetrator of the crime to discuss the impacts of the crime.

Joe Colgin was with us this day. Joe is off to Mexico as a Group Leader of a Rotary Study Exchange. He promised a program when he returns from the month long trip. Joe did display his language skills during his address to the club. Buena Sureta and Vio Condios Joe.

Tom has scheduled a Fireside Chat at his home on the 25th of April. The time is 5:30. Tom would like all Red Badges to show up at the event. Tom also said others are welcome. It may be a good idea to call Tom if you want to attend.

Jill Bruce had the pleasure of introducing our newest member to the club. The young man is Chip Lile. He is the owner of El Rancho and works for Loronix. Jill stated that she had never been to the El Rancho before and Chip countered with, that is what they all say. Roy Crow is Chips sponsor and he had Chip tell of his past as an exchange student in Brazil. Chip was a member of our Interact Club in his high school days. Chip said he was honored and proud to become a member of our club.

Joe Colgin stated that the El Rancho has changed. His wife recently spent three hours in the building with a group of her sorority sisters. Chip's mom is also a member of that group. They played pool and had a great time.

Tom Brossia is in need of help finding host homes for two kids coming to our community. He also is in need of folks to help him find host homes. If you have a desire to help kids, call Tom. This can be a great experience.

Tom Galbraith then reviewed the Board meeting from the April 18th. He invited all the club members to show up at future meeting and learn about how the club operates. The Board discussed the Park Project, Locks for Life, three grants we have submitted to RI, our next International Project-potable water, Scholarships, New Members, internet domain name change and with deep regret the acceptance of Charlie Albert's leave of absence. Charlie is going on a mission for his church in Chile.

Len Goebel was selected as Sergeant at Arms. He began by fining Jill for her birthday. Emil was fined for his birthday as well. Mike Matheson was fined for his new motorcycle. He bought a brand new BMW. We had the drawing and as things sometimes happen Chip Lile won the cash.

Jane Colvig and Julie Goodin were the guest speakers for the day. Jane made a great presentation on the state of immunizations in Colorado and locally. She pointed out that most people have not seen the results of Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Diphtheria, Tetanus or Pertussis. This is true for the families as well as the doctors who treat families. Jane pointed out that Colorado allows people to not immunize their children based upon personnel belief, religion and philosophical issues. This has helped to make Colorado the 42nd ranked state for immunizations in the country. There are estimates that thirty thousand children in Colorado are not immunized. In Pagosa Springs, of the one- hundred and three new Kindergarten students, seventy-seven were not up to date on their shots. The state has looked at the issue of not immunizing children and has found that 87% percent of those who do not get immunized do it based upon philosophy. Jane pointed out that the war in Afghanistan is being halted for two days to allow twenty thousand volunteers to attempt to vaccinate one and a half million kids for Polio. This is because a Rotarian had an idea to eradicate Polio. Jane feels that we need to make the community aware of the risk we take by not vaccinating.

PROPOSED NEW MEMBER: Doug Lashley has been proposed for membership. Tom Galbraith is his sponsor.

ONE FINAL NOTE: "Many people are lonely because they build walls instead of Bridges."