Rotary Gram

Durango High Noon Rotary Club

December 21, 2001

"We are not permitted to chose the frame of our destiny. But what we put into it is ours."

Dag Hammarskjold

Steve, decked out in his cuffed corduroys, opened the meeting, noting a packed house and the festive mood, with a wish that everyone enjoys the holiday season in their own way. He led us in the pledge and got down to business. He indicated that he plans no club assemblies and that more information from Board meetings would appear in the club bulletin.

For those that did not attend the last meeting, Steve recognized Chessa Gill as the Club's President Elect Nominee, who will take the gavel from Jeff Brown in 2003. Congratulations Chessa!

Guests were introduced and they included:

Justin Bradshaw

Kevin Schneider

Mark Wherry

Susie Ewing

Don Kilinsky

J.B. Holmes

Mike C.

Lisa Govreau and daughter

Puifai S.

Paulette briefly introduced a summer exchange program that allow kids, Rotary kids included, to spend 6 weeks in the summer with a host family. This list of host countries is extensive and get in touch with Paulette for more details coloradosky2000@hotmail.com. Our club can make the recommendation without having to send it up the food chain. The deadline is January 31, 2001.

Tom Brossia asked that members send him their ideas for a Community Action Program (CAP Grant). Jeff Brown read a letter from Rep. Scott McInnis commending the club for our financial support of Johnny Taylor,a local youngster battling a chronic illness. His letter indicated that we could call on him if we want his help and support.

Pam Moore executed her duties as Sergeant-At-Arms with birthday and anniversary announcements. Steve G. said his secret of life is not secret, it's his family. Marv said don't take life too seriously, because 'you ain't gonna get out of it alive'. Tom B. said his secret is to learn something from everyone he meets. Spencer announced his anniversary and all made appropriate financial gestures.

Steve noticed that a number of Rotarians were not wearing their pins and asked those that weren't to let their conscious guide them (toward the fine cup). Rick King wants Rotary to be more visible and the pin is a good start.

Tami and Mike McGuire 'arrested' a Kiwanian, Jim Bollen, and brought him before the club for defacing Rotary property. Claiming that it was a set-up all the way, Jim was given a choice of singing or paying a fine. The club seemed generally disappointed when he elected to sing, particularly when the program included professional singer Susie Ewing.

Trooper McGuire, always alert, 'cited' our esteemed PE, Jeff Brown for driving with expired tags on his new vehicle. Jeff's license fee went up by $5.00.

With the detainees properly processed, Chessa introduced Susie Ewing, professional singer and private voice teacher, who entertained us with her wonderful voice. She sang a number of holiday favorites and impressed all with her skill and presence. Wow, what a set of pipes!

Steve announced that Leonard Gray has resigned from the club and will return to Texas. He will be missed and Steve thanked him for his service. Stepping into his shoes are Steve Govreau and Steve Redding, taking over the tasks of Secretary and Treasurer. If you have any questions about your statements, please contact them directly, not our President!

Tonya Lovett (Kahler) also submitted her resignation, citing increased demands on her time at the La Plata County Humane Society.

Steve asked each of us to spend some time getting to know our newest members, Walter Parks and Bob Salzer. The club is on track to reach the goal of one new member a month.

Mike McGuire was given the floor to thank Rotary for their efforts in raising 1/2 of the $9,800.00 contributed through the Jail n Bail Program. Steve then recognized Mike's continuing efforts in the community. Sounds like a Citizen of the Year Candidate! Thank you Mike.

Steve asked if there were any other contributions to the day's meeting and Rick O'Block and Carl Clark offered some seasonal humor. With that, Steve closed the last meeting of 2001, completing an exciting and productive 6 months as President, by wishing us all 'Happy Holidays'.

Announcements:

The Rotary Club of Salt Lake, www.slcrotary.org/oly, announced that their members are welcoming fellow Rotarians into their homes in Bed and Breakfast style for the 2002 Winter Olympics. They have also arranged tickets to may Olympic events, available on a first-come-first-served basis Proceed will be will build a state of the art children's playground for kids of all abilities.

A delegation of up to 2,600 young Russian leaders will come to the United States as early as February, 2002. Clubs with interest in participating need to contact their DG's in time to make that interest known to RI by January 1, 2002.

A dedication party is being planned for the amphitheatre at the Fairgrounds. Stay tuned.

The Board is considering offering members the opportunity to advertise their business in the club bulletin. Please send your comments to Steve, swheeldon@brownwheeldon.com and Jeff B. at jeff_brown@acordia.com.

The Board is also considering providing the opportunity to have their business website hot-linked on the club's site. Comments to the above as well.

The annual RYLA conference is in the planning and reservation stage. It's time to begin to submit candidates from the community.

Information about the Unicef/Rotary Trick or Treat drive can be found at http://www.unicefusa.org/trickortreat/rotary.html. Members of this club raised enough money at Halloween to immunize about 2,200 kids!

The HNR Bulletin staff is asking for a computer literate individual(s) to step forward in the spirit of Club Service and become an assistant taker of notes and to publish the bulletin when John M. is away. It will also serve as a on the job training, preparing the assistant to take the position at some point in the future. The names of those who accept the challenge to serve will be prominently featured in upcoming bulletins.

Coming Up!

12/27: No meeting

1/3: Peace Corps

1/10: Capital projects meeting

1/17: Greg Hoch, city planner

1/23: Board Meeting

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