Rotary Gram

April 25, 2002

Quote: "The only good fly.....is a tied fly" John Edwin Marshall

[Hey, he asked me to put words in his mouth this week!]

With his booming Welcome! blast, the Prez opened the meeting and asked us to reflect upon the dual themes of "Week of the Young Child" and "Administrative Assistants Week". [The latter is the current politically corrected "Secretaries Week" for us old folks] .

Guests included Bob Stannard and Bob Metzler, members of two different Rotary Clubs in Farmington, Gordon Hensley on his third visit, and Jan Measles ("The Realtor with Infectious Enthusiasm"). Also guesting (I know not a word but seems reasonable to me!) were Susan Stressler from the USFS, Peter Marshall, the new Doubletree GM, and two special guests. The first was the Honorable Bill Tarpley, who joined us to promote the Durango Mexico relief project. We are sending them dental supplies (courtesy the efforts of Dr. Bob V. and the Dental Diplomats) and donated musical instruments (more are needed, call Jack W.).

The second special guest was Maureen McGhee from the American Red Cross. She is selling beautiful roses by the dozen for their fund-raiser. The Prez provided roses to Steve Govreau (Club Administrative Assistant), Jill Bruce (Board Administrative Assistant), the Sgt. @ Arms Pam Moore and First Lady Jeannie Wheeldon. Many others supported the Red Cross effort. Finally, an utterly amazing transformation happened to a guest. Ken Fusco entered the meeting with a guest badge, and left the session with a Blue Badge!! Miracles happen if you only believe!

Mexican Food day is This Thursday!! We need everyone to help with this most important fund-raiser - call Mark P. Ticket sales are being moved from the City Markets to Wal-Mart. Blame the corporate folks at Kroger, owners of City Market, and not Dick Pearson. Russell Parker projects booming ticket sales! Do you know who regularly sells more than 100 tickets every year? Yep, that's Wayne Bedor, known by thousands of county employees. This year the Prez says he wants to crown more 100-plus ticket sellers. Now that's a challenge! Gosh, I have a hard time even selling my quota!

Health news: Jill B. reports Bobbie Estes (think Taylor Raymond) spent six weeks in Mercy ICU in a coma sparked by pancreatitis. He transferred to University Hospital in SLC where he is now off the ventilator and proceeding on the road to recovery. What a horror story and he is only in his early forties. Yikes. And George Litow is scheduled for serious spinal surgery on May 14th. Dr. Youssef has the honors. George has requested a Leave of Absence status for at least two months. We will miss his smiling face and keep him in our prayers.

Better news for Dick Pearson, whose new lymph is non-cancerous.

Your Bored of Directors met at 0700H on Wednesday 4/24/02. Sherry T. has vigorously resuscitated the scholarship program and has garnered a record 39 applications! Russell P. and Tami C. report continued progress with the Incubator Program. Mark P. reviewed the plans for the big Mexican day, including an improved burrito. You are planning to help roll those guys aren't you? Spencer P. reported progress with the Blane Immunization Grant. The Board also rubber-stamped the President's decision to support the Community Summit scheduled for Friday May 17, 2002. Your Treasurer provided a great report and says "all bills presented to date have been paid." Coming up: Durango Nature Studies June 1st and Rotary Kids Park June 20th. Next Meeting 5/22/02 -- everyone is welcome and the food is great!

Steve G. reported a fine time for the volunteers who were able to help read a book with the children in the area Day Care Centers on Wed April 24th. A bevy of folks enjoyed this effort including Bill W., Brian M., Paulette C., Jeannie W., Ted R. and others. Thanks!

Our speaker was Kalin Grigg from FLC's Center for Service Learning. The Center supports faculty and students to integrate academic study with responsible service and activism in local and regional communities. The old model was to enjoy campus life for at least four years, then get involved maybe in community and service. Service learning utilizes the community-based experience to enhance the academic learning, and employs the academic learning to help the community. Sociology students are involved in juvenile delinquency issues. Researchers spent three years evaluating welfare reform in La Plata County. Students can help the San Juan Mountain Association, for example, and Paulette C. reported how students have helped at the Adult Education Center. A fine program, proving that FLC is more than just Porn and Palestinians. [His words, not mine, folks!]

5/2: No meeting - MEXICAN FOOD FIESTA

5/9: San Juan Mountains Association, Jenny Kane.

5/16: Crow Canyon, Audrey Coleman.

5/23: Fisheries Biologist, Southern Ute Indian Tribe, Steve Whiteman.

See you Thursday at the Fair Grounds!

Cub-Sub