RotaryGram

Durango High Noon Rotary Club

Minutes of our meeting, September 6, 2001

Steve opened the meeting, asking Carl Clark to offer a prayer, followed by the pledge and then Bob Griffith led us in the singing of God Bless America.

Guests were introduced, among them Puifai S. of Thailand, who has been staying with Jeff Jaeger. Other guests, in order of signing in, included:

Julia Hubbel, today's speaker

Geri Marshall

Frank Valen

Jo Ann Valen

Ruth Jackson

Jim Jackson

Mark Keene

Walt Parks

Skip Cave

Brook Vinson

Heather Bryson

The next order of business was the induction of Frank Valen, designated by our leader as Mr. September. Steve asked Jill and John M. to conduct the ceremony and to introduce Frank to the membership. Welcome Frank! Russell passed him his business card, inviting Frank to participate in the Vocational Service Committee. No moss grows on either of these gentlemen!

For the moment, Frank is 'Top Banana' by virtue of the placement of the symbol of his membership at the top of the new member banana plant by his shorter, but better looking sponsor.

Steve turned to the events of the week, telling us he awoke Tuesday morning planning to celebrate his son's birthday. Sadness turned to anger, he said. Judging from the faces in the room, it is a sentiment shared by many, in one way or another and to one extent or another.

We were reminded of our responsibilities to our community and to each other in this time of national tragedy and outrage. Several Rotarians told stories of associates that were directly affected by the events in NYC and in the Pentagon, with Arvella telling us of her reaction as the wife of a 30 year veteran fireman.

Steve reminded us that the U.S. economy is driver by the consumer and that we should "keep going to the grocery store". Jim Williams, Patty Burkholder, Winn Berven and Carl Clark offered their thoughts.

Fines from today's meeting, as well as the $540.00 from Rotary night at the Melodrama were designated by a voice vote of the board to be sent to the Red Cross. Thanks to Jeannie and Steve for hosting the event, a good time had by all, and an important use or their generosity.

Chessa took the floor to introduce our speaker, Julia Hubbel. She is a consultant, public speaker and originally planned to speak to us about forming lasting business and personal relationships. Among the many meaningful comments she made was, "Hate begins as home and healing begins in communities".

She remarked that she had sensed that the terrorist attacks on NYC and the Pentagon had uplifted the American spirit and that it shouldn't take a war to unite us.

She encouraged us to "say the important words to one another on a regular basis", not just in times of crisis.

And the, she asked us to have a little fun by completing the sentence, "You'd never guess that I...." on a piece of paper and pass it to a person seated next to you. The exercise is a way of sharing a great story with another person that they have yet to hear.

Understanding leads to trust and trust leads to community. Steve thanked Ms. Hubbel and recognized Brian Kimmell. Brian spent time in the Peach Corps in the company of those of the Muslim faith. He said it's time to look for the good and to build a bridge.

Announcements include: The Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast/Lunch. We'll meet there with fellowship as the agenda. As you enter, make yourself known the Rotarian taking names. We'll have two table set aside for us.

Our September 27th meeting will be downstairs, with a speaker and comments from Mike Matheson about the park project.

Convention schedules were on the table and all are urged to attend. We were reminded of the need for blood and can call 1-800-help-now.

Sign-up sheets for chores at the Octoberfest fund raiser on the 25th we on the tables. Lots of jobs need filled!

Trash pick up is scheduled for Saturday, September 29th, starting with breakfast at Steve Redding's @ 7:30 AM. If you can't make the breakfast, please gather at the entrance to Durango West II at 9:00 AM. Bring gloves! There are 4 miles of SR 160 to cover.

Steve closed the meeting as we sung, once again, God Bless America.

ps: Roger Ptolemy from the evening club called as I was writing the minutes and asked that I remind our club that the Group Study Exchange Team from Sweden will arrive either right before or right after the District Convention (October 5-7) and that those wishing to host a member should contact Bob Volger, 247-0923.

Dates to Keep in Mind

Sep 20 Kiwanis Pancake Day at Fairgrounds

Sep 27 John Peel – Columnist for the Herald

Oct 4 Cowboy Poetry (Bob Volger)

Oct 5-7 District Conference in Telluride

Oct 11 Exchange Students

Oct 18 DCAT –Durango Community Service TV

Oct 25 October Fest Dinner Fundraiser (no regular meeting, tentative)

Nov 1 Hardly Angeles (Pam Moore)

Nov 8 Barbershop Quartet

Nov 15 Russell Parker, Vocational Service

Nov 22 No Meeting – Happy Turkey Day

Nov 29 Ken Fusco – Youth Exchange

Dec 6 No Meeting

Dec 9 Christmas Party

Dec 13 Jim Isgar