ROTARYGRAM

March 7, 2002

"Why can't I use my Master Card to pay my American Express Card?"

Well as he has often promoted, our fearless leader had the flu and was missing. Fearless leader to be Jeff Brown opened the meeting with a brief reminder that thanks to Rotary, Polio will be eradicated by 2005. With that thought in mind we moved ahead.

Our guests today included;

Scott Stewart -Our Speaker from Destination Durango

Kenneth Walker

Mike Sandburg

Ken Fusco

Regina Fallace

Terry Price

Cathy Neill

Russell Parker was attired in a new style. ( Early street manager.) Claiming he had "retired from Wal-Mart,' and was going to manage a store downtown. Actually he had a part in a new line of products for the store and did not have a chance to change. (Don't go changin for us Russell.)

We then welcomed our newest member Justin Bradshaw with Brekenridge Brewery. His sponsor Chip Lile gave us a brief history. Jeff Brown then read two e-mails from supporters of Justin, the best from his parents. Justin's from a long line of Rotarians and is a most welcome addition to the club.

Hizzonor Judge Greg Lyman (also a birthday boy) gave us an inside view of the Olympics as he and Patty were backup timers for the short track speed skating. Greg competed in speed skating for the U.S in 19__. He then presented Jeff with two collectors pins from the Olympics for us to auction.

Next up was a preview of Jeff's plan for next year as president. To get to know each other better. Grabbing the chance while he was in town, Jeff asked Dave Farmer to tell us about himself. After relating the story of how he offended some of the female guests at the District Convention in 1986(?), Dave let us in on his life story. A "rajun cajun from Louisiana , Dave came to Durango in the 70's after service to his country in the Army, as a physical therapist for Mercy. He opened several clinics around the Four Corners and then went out on his own to create the Durango Health Club. This is a very condensed version of a fascinating person so if you have the chance and can catch him while he is in Durango and not growing coffee in Hawaii, have him flush out the details. Thanks Dave.

Back to the pins that Hizzoner brought fro Salt Lake. Dave and Greg held a brief but effective auction that brought in $200.00 a piece from Bud Deering. Thanks Bud, Greg and Dave.

Chessa Gill took the floor to introduce our speaker for the day, Scott Stewart from Destination Durango.The mission of Destination Durango (DD) is to improve the air transportation in and out of Durango. They have had a very successful year. We have seen an increase in service from American Airlines with the addition of several American Eagle Flight to Dallas and the return of Continental Airlines service to Houston. Scott went on to explain that the DD is now working to fill these seats and encouraged all of the members who travel to check the fares out of Durango. He has a newsletter that is availbale on e-mail to get on the list, contact Stewart at <sstewart@durangomountain.com> .

Thanks for the hard work DD and the information.

Respectfully submitted;

Frank Valen Note taker

Ward Holmes Clerk typist

Upcoming Events:

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: Steve Whiteman, Fisheries Biologist, Southern Ute Indian Tribe

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

6/6:

6/13:

6/20