RotaryGram

Durango High Noon Rotary Club

December 13, 2001

"The hardest struggle of all is to be something different from what the average man is."

Charles M. Schwab

Steve opened the meeting with thanks to all that helped with the Holiday party and reminded those that did not attend what a great time they missed. Jay led us in prayer, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Guests were introduced, including a special offer of a Christmas root canal from Bob V's guest. I didn't see any takers. Guests included:

Jim and Barbara Edmanson

Bob Salzer, for the last time

Jim Royal

Barnes Anderson

The Honorable Jim Isgar

The Honorable Mark Larson

Terry Aspin

Walter Parks, for the last time

Linda Parks

Puifai

Rick Schneider

Patti Spellmeyer

John Khademi, DDS

Steve recognized Petra who in turn, thanked those that worked on the Holiday party, including, but not limited to Jill, Melisa, Scott, Karen etc., etc. There are more, but the names just didn't come to mind. She also thanked those that donated items for the silent auction and those that dug into their pockets to buy them.

$2,300.00 was raised from the auction and it goes toward feeding breakfast to 200 kids outside of Mexico City, 360 days per year. With a goal of $3,000.00 for the event, the ever generous Rotarian with the initials Bud Deering, pledged $700.00. Thanks Bud, from the club, for the kids and for setting an example we all respect!

Steve gave the floor to Jeff Brown who introduced the candidates for President Elect Nominee, Wynn Berven, Chessa Gill and Mike McGuire. He explained the balloting, we marked same and they were collected by the elections supervisor, Steve Redding.

While there was no exit polling, it was clear that the Rotarian selected enjoys the support of the club and our newest President Elect Nominee is Chessa Gill. Congrats and thanks for accepting the responsibility!

Jill took the floor for the induction of not one, but two new High Noon Rotarians, Bob Salzer and Walter Parks. Their sponsors, John Anderson and Ward Holmes respectively, gave us some insight into each new member and helped us welcome them to the club.

Make it a point to introduce yourself to Bob and Walter at the next few meetings, make them feel welcome and committee chairs, get them busy!

In the spirit of service, Bob wasted not time announcing a Benefit Night for Michelle Barrington, wife of Fairgrounds Manager, Pete Barrington. It is tonight, 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM in the Exhibit Hall. Chili dinner, live auction, silent auction, dancing and door prizes. Michelle is being treated for an aggressive form of leukemia and if you haven't made dinner plans for tonight..........

Sergeant at Arms, Pam Moore drew Nancy Hammond's ticket number and asked her a local geography question, which she answered. Pam, did you give her a prize?

Fines were collected from the guilty, with Jay volunteering as a result of the pending increase in family size, with the announcement of their fourth and last on the way. What is Double Tree putting in the water? Congratulations Karen and Jay! Tom Brossia said he was putting 59 bucks in the pot since it was his birthday, but the amount had no relation to the years.

Jeff Brown introduced our special guests, Jim Isgar, State Senator and Mark Larson, State Representative. Jim spoke first, telling us of his background, growing up in a family involved in ag, mining and the motel business. Jim is a CPA and filled the seat vacated by Jim Dyer.

Jim is the Chairman of the Senate Ag Committee, admitting that he is the logical choice as the only Senator with an ag background. Issues important to Jim, because they are important to us, include: Water, healthcare, transportation, all of which are threatened by an estimated drop in state revenue of $500mm.

When speaking of taxes, he wants them to be fair and for our region to get our share. Hard to argue with that! He feels that roads need to get priority as more tourists will be coming to Colorado by car until confidence returns in the safety of air travel.

Foot and mouth disease in another concern, for farm animals as well as wildlife. He indicated concern that important issues have been lacking appropriate attention since 9/11.

Mark Larson took the podium and some of us were surprised to learn that he is a Cortez Rotarian. Taking the Four Way Test to politics, now there's a concept. He says he uses the test when he considers how he will vote.

In spite of the state's revenue shortfall, Mark indicated that projects at Wolf Creek, 8 Corners and 550 would be completed. He told us that, with regard to state highways, our region gets just 6% of the funding, but has 13.2% of the lane miles. Focus for the time being will be on improvements to existing infrastructure as opposed to starting new projects.

With the drop in anticipated tax revenues, Mark indicated that education might suffer a reduction in funding.

Mark is concerned about the redistricting process and the partisanship that always ensues. He stressed that there are a set of guiding principles established in 1982 that should be followed as district boundaries are reviewed.

Mark indicated that there is an idea under consideration for FLC to provide Community College services to serve a wider population. A meeting is being held at FLC this coming Monday, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM to discuss post-secondary and vocational education. Sorry, don't know the venue, but the information office will.

According to Mark, there is a crisis in the care of the mentally ill. More population, less money. He is in favor of having more local services, while maintaining a strong and capable organization at the state level.

Surface owner's rights seem high on his passion meter, prompting the development of a Surface Damage Bill that would by agreement, give surface owners a say as to where wells are located. Mark indicated that he is also working with Ellen Roberts on a bill concerning hospice care.

Ellen, as a member of the Program Committee, I would like to invite you to make a presentation on the state and the future of hospice care. Check the meeting schedule below, select a date and dust off a spot on your desk for the coveted 'Speaker's Mug'. Thanks.

Mark or Jim indicated that growth issues may not get addressed this year and that while they worked well together for the interests of the region, the ugly head of partisonship seems on the horizon.

Tom Brossia stood as said that they should do all they can to 'damn the partisonship', and that no matter what your politics (meaning ours) they were both looking after our interests.

Each of the guests mentioned their aides, Mark's is a former Herald reporter.

Our guest speakers were thanked, their presentations were very informative and they are both quite approachable. Mugs were presented and many of the members stayed for extended discussions, nearly 2:00 PM as a matter of fact!

Ward and Russell lead the effort to provide 107 new blankets for those in need this year and were recognized by Steve for their work. 20 gifts were taken to Project Merry Christmas, donated by those attending the Holiday Party.

Steve reminded us that there is no meeting on December 27th and wished the happiest of Holidays to those who won't make the meeting on the 20th. Next week there will little if any business conducted, with the meeting devoted to the season. Music, egg nog?

Cub

Upcoming Events:

12/20: Christmas music (also some time in there for club business)

12/27: No meeting

1/3: Peace Corps

1/10: Capital projects meeting (no formal program)

1/17: Greg Hoch, city planner

1/24: Brad Finch - kids in community

1/26: Fireside Chat, at the home Jill and Kevin Bruce

1/31: Dr. Fuka

2/7: Tina Beekman

2/14: District Governor Bill Tarpley (possible Valentine surprise )

2/21: Rick O'Block - Hospital bio-terrorism

2/28: BUSINESS MEETING - No program or program to be arranged

3/7: Scott Stewart - Durango MTN

3/14: Ward Holmes - Web site

3/21: John Gamble and city councilmen

3/28: BUSINESS MEETING - no program or program to be arranged

4/4: Blue grass

4/11: John Piel, Durango Herald columnist

4/18: Hospice / Michelle Appenzeller

4/25: BUSINESS MEETING - or program to be arranged

5/2: no meeting - MEXICAN FOOD FIESTA

5/9:

5/16:

5/23:

5/30: BUSINESS MEETING - or program to be arranged

6/6:

6/13:

6/20:

6/27: Steve's last meeting... no program

Announcements:

Meal costs will increase at the first meeting in January, 2002, to $13.00.

DG Bill Tarpley indicates that Colorado State license plates with the Rotary emblem are now available from the Department of Motor Vehicles. There is a one-time charge of only $35.00, in addition to the normal fees.

The opportunity for club members to advertise in your bulletin is being reviewed. Great exposure, great rates. Stay tuned.

Robert H. Salzer (Bob) Sylvia "Billie"

40 Brice Place

Durango, CO 81301

970-259-4617 p 759-9356 cell

work: 2500 Main Avenue

Durango, CO 81301