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Durango High Noon Rotary Club

Minutes of the Joint Meeting with Durango High Noon Rotary and Kiwanis of Durango

August 16, 2001

Max Schoefield of Kiwanis of Durango opened the joint meeting (by ringing the Rotary Bell) with the Kiwanis’ tradition of signing ‘America the Beautiful’, followed by the pledge and a prayer. Max said that the joint meeting was to celebrate the successes of the first year of Study Connection Durango.

While no club business was expected, Max was presented with an award for being the first to turn in the money from the sale of pancake breakfast tickets. His prize? A box of Epsom salts and a tub to soak his feet.

Max introduced Dr. Clint Barter, Co-Chair of Study Connection. He referred us to the Program Outcome Evaluation Reports, which were in abundance on all tables. Bottom line, he said, there was achievement by the kids and educational success. He indicated that the first year’s goals were met or exceeded.

Clint then introduced a close friend, his wife and High Noon Rotarian, Dr. Mary Barter, who discussed the importance of Study Connection and the involvement of the community in student achievement. Mary recognized the members of the steering committee and the volunteers that tutored this first year. She indicated that it was a joint effort between 9R and Big Sisters/Big Brothers of La Plata County, with additional support from local organizations and businesses.

She pointed out the contribution of the Durango Lift, getting students to their study buddies. Mary told us that a tutor/mentor at least doubles the amount of personal time that is spent with a student.

Mary introduced another High Noon Rotarian, Margaret Gray, Executive Director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of La Plata County, Inc. Margaret believes in magic and set about to prove it to us with such facts as Study Connection being in all 12 schools in its first year in Durango. The goal for the second year is to match 150 ‘kiddo’s with tutor/mentors.

Margaret introduced Marcie Denham, Principal of Park Elementary, who was pleased to be able to speak on behalf of all elementary school teachers and to relate a couple of positive student conversations she overheard about Study Connection. Marcie was quite enthusiastic and those close to the podium saw Margaret’s signal to Marcie that her time was up.

Margaret invited Jerry Mulder to podium and he told us of his work with two study buddies, getting involved after retiring. Jerry told us what a tutor/mentor does with the time with student and it isn’t always homework. Jerry asked if those of us in the audience had just one hour a week to invest in Study Connection.

Margaret was back on the podium, giving the knee a workout with all the ups and downs. She asked us to remember someone that put the magic in our lives. Her suggestion is that we can have the chance to do the same for a youngster today, with just an hour a week.

Clint Barter took the podium again to remind us that Big Brothers/Big Sisters provided the infrastructure and partnering to make Study Connection a go. He then introduced Bill Mashaw, Co-Chair of Study Connection and told us of his special award at a national meeting in Minnesota. Bill was recognized for bringing Study Connection to Durango.

Bill made a heartfelt appeal for us to ‘sell’ out neighbors and friends on becoming a Study Buddy.

Our own Jeff Brown, President Elect, wrapped up the joint meeting with a quote. "What matters is making a difference in the life of a child." He then answered the question that was on the minds of many, "What does Kiwanis mean anyway?" Simple, "Where does Rotary meet?"

Jeff thanked all present and closed the meeting with another ringing of the Rotary bell.

Cub

Aug 18 United Way/Rotary Golf Tournament

Aug 30 Political Cartoonist

Sep 6 Fun Stuff

Sep 13 Julia Hubbel - Expanding Rotary/Building Membership

Sep 20 Kiwanis Pancake Day at Fairgrounds

Sep 27 John Peel – Columnist for the Herald

Oct 4 Cowboy Poetry (Bob Volger)

Oct 11 Jenny Kane – San Juan Mountain Association

Oct 18 DCAT –Durango Community Service TV

Nov 1 Hardly Angeles (Pam Moore)

Nov 8 Open

Nov 15 Russell Parker

Nov 22 No Meeting – Happy Turkey Day

Nov 29 Ken Fusco – Youth Exchange

Dec 6 No Meeting

Dec 9 Christmas Party