Rotary Gram

Durango High Noon Rotary Club

March 21, 2002

"A problem is a chance for you to do your best."

Duke Ellington..............

Steve opened the meeting with his traditional 'WELCOME' and then proceeded to tell us of his 12 hour days this time of year. Proving that he is not completely buried in his work, he shared some observations that let him know spring is here. Among them, "Things are thawing, baby cows (calves) have made an appearance, Robins have been sighted, baseball spring training is underway and tax returns need to be prepared." There are five more reasons, see Steve for the balance, after April 15th.

After a moment of reflection and the pledge, Steve introduced guests, starting with two students from the DHS Interact club. Our additional guests included:

John Gamble, Speaker

Mike Sandberg

Pam Taylor, from the evening club

Song Dustin, Interact

Haley Jones, Interact

Puifai, exchange student from Thailand

Ken Fusco, Ft. Lauderdale

Terry Price

ANNOUNCEMENTS

International Service: The Board voted to support a water project near the town of Durango, Mexico. Jack Walls provided details of a water line to be installed between the source and a small drought stricken community. The club is investing $1,000 as is the District, with $2,000 from one of the four Rotary Clubs in Durango, Mexico. RI will be asked to provide an additional $4,000.

The DHS Interact Club will elect new officers the week of March 25th.

Mexican Food Fiesta: Mike Matheson said that the Board had considered adding beer service to the Fiesta. Chip Lile and Justin Bradshaw have volunteered to handle the particulars and Breckenridge Brewery will provide the beer at not cost. The idea was put to a vote of the members at the meeting and accepted. Thanks to Chip and Justin for the additional revenue opportunity.

District Leadership Conference: Pam Taylor from the evening club reminded us of the conference set for March 30th. It is designed as training for committee chairs, board members and any interested Rotarian.

Homeless Shelter: Jill Bruce presented the club's check for $500 to the shelter, along with a box of food. She told us of their appreciation for the gifts. Bill H. and family went food shopping, sort of a service-learning experience, and delivered more food to the shelter. Thanks to you both for doing the club proud.

Chessa was back at the meeting after knee surgery, complete with knee brace and crutches.

Paul Harris Fellow: Steve indicated that one member is within $47 of completing his/her Paul Harris Fellow investment. An event is being planned to present 3 new PHF's.

Scholarships: Sherry told us that 6 applications for scholarships have been received from 4 area high schools. As of yet, no applications have been received for Ambassadorial scholarships. Deadline for the HS kid applications is April 15th.

Community Service: Steve G. said that sign up sheets will be on the tables at the next meeting for those available to invest an hour reading to pre-schoolers. The date is April 24th. It's time to make a difference!

Puifai to the Capital: Mark Larson has invited Puifai to join him for a day at the Capital in Denver. A change to see how the wheels of government turrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrn.

Fun Master: Using his executive privilege, Steve has appointed Len Goebel as 'Fun Master'. In the interest of supporting Law Enforcement, Len presented a special gift to Trooper McGuire, in the form of a Dash Mounted Doughnut Holder from the innovative company, Happy Cop Products. The device includes a starter pack of two of the favored pastries. Advantages of the dash-mounted accessory include being able to check the status of your supply and to select a snack at any time, without taking your eyes off the road ahead. Mike was speechless at Len's thoughtful gesture.

Next Meeting: Steve said that Jay Hwang would lead a discussion or have a speaker to talk about the possibility of a pedestrian mall.

SPEAKER

Chessa introduced Mr. John Gamble, City Counselor, Head of Volunteers of America (Safe House, Homeless Shelter, Thrift Store), Kiwanian and Mayor Pro-Tem. As his introducing suggests, John spends most of his time serving the community.

He explained that the homeless shelter has a planned capacity of 35, but often houses and feeds many more than that. The night before our last meeting, the shelter had 39 residents, 19 of which were children. John said that the community must partner to meet it's challenges and that prosperity isn't meaningful unless we live in a healthy community. The shelter serves people that John says we would all be proud of and proud to know.

The shelter needs to find a home of an extended family of 13 that lost their home and a family member in a recent fire. Funds are available to assist with rent. Contact John if you have some ideas.

John indicated that he will become the Mayor of Durango in about a month and that he is proud to be able to serve as Mayor. A number of projects are under consideration at any given time. Current considerations include the Children's Museum's desire to convert the old power plant for it's use. The funding requested of the city is too high and the dreams seem to be bigger than the advocates can fulfill.

The Animas River Trails will cross Main Ave. somewhere around Teri D's and negotiation with land owners is underway. The city hopes to have this aspect of the project finished in 1 - 2 years. Revenues in excess of those required for the Rec Center raised from the 1/2 cent sales tax will go toward the trail.

Speaking of the new Recreation Center, John said that the city clearly 'hit a home run'. There have been a few glitches to work out, but they are all on the way to resolution.

The city has a philosophy for development and resource use that seems to be in keeping with a concept called 'New Urbanism'. It is an anti-urban sprawl concept that was discussed in some detail in a recent article in the Herald. There is a lecture Thursday night by an individual that penned a book on the subject. Check with the city to find out where.

The development of Ewing Mesa seems more imminent, with Mercy Hospital $76 from it's parent, Catholic Health Initiatives, for the construction of a new hospital. According to Gamble, Ewing Mesa (Pleasantville?) is their preferred location. The new hospital could anchor and accelerate the development, now slated to include 1,700 dwellings, a golf course and amenities necessary to support the population. Again, according to John, the hospital is planning a fund raiser to generate an additional 10% of the money needed to build the hospital

The city is studying water requirements, including evaluating the construction of a new city reservoir or getting access to water to be stored at Ridges Basin.

John likes the LPEA model of allowing residents to 'round up' their electric bills to the nearest dollar, with the funds going to scholarships. He may advocate doing this with city utility bills.

A new Library is planned for 2003, at least it is in the capital projects plan. 30,000 - 40,000 square feet are required and the city is asking for the county to participate in the $6 - $8 million project. A special taxing district is being considered.

After taking questions from the audience, John was presented with the Rotary Speaker's mug, which he promised to carry with him to his next Kiwanis meeting. Thank you John and thanks for your service to the community.

COMING UP

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

4/4: Blue grass

4/11: John Piel, Durango Herald columnist<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

4/18: Hospice / Michelle Appenzeller

4/24: Community Service project, reading to pre-schoolers.

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