Rotary Gram

Durango High Noon Rotary Club

May 30, 2002

"Light tomorrow with today"

Elizabeth Barrett Browning...................

Steve opened the meeting with a Welcome and how's everybody doing? He commented on the Memorial Service at Ground Zero and asked that we remember those who died. We sang God Bless America and recited the pledge.

A call for the introduction of guests included:

Danny Marsh, Visiting Rotarian and Past President

Derek Brown (Jeff B.'s son)

Mike G., Visiting Rotarian

L. Grantham, Visiting Rotarian and Past President

Puifai

DG Bill and Dorothy Tarpley and their daughter-in-law Tracy

Deb Duncan, Speaker

Carol Ann C., Speaker

Terry Price

Jan Measles

Cathy Neill

Jim Class

Clyde Church, Visiting Rotarian and President Elect of the evening club.

Susan Stresser, Visiting Rotarian

Club Service:

Mexican Food Fiesta $: Bring any remaining tickets and money to the June 6th meeting!

Community Service:

Amphitheatre at the Rec Center: Dean Brookie indicated that the shade structure should be in place by the June 20th luncheon and dedication.

Vocational Service: No report this week.

International Service: No report this week.

Mark Dold returns from Thailand: Commander Dold returned for his mission to Thailand, which included hauling some luggage for the soon to depart Puifai. Her mother met Mark, moved his staff into a better hotel, enjoying a reward of Rocky Mountain Chocolate for her trouble. Mark visited two clubs in Thailand and brought back their banners.

Youth Service: No report this week.

Announcements:

It's a banner day!: Steve noted that, with the presentation of three club banners, it was a banner.........

Invite to attend the evening club: P.E. Clyde Church invited us to attend his club's meetings, Tuesday evenings, 6:30 PM at the Strater.

The Crum Challenge: Past President Cathy Crum asked the club for 10 members to begin contributing toward their Paul Harris Fellow award and if that number was reached, would contribute the first $100 in the name of each member. Meeting the challenge were: Burt Coleman, Greg Lyman, Chip Lile, Bob Foster, Chessa Gill, Jim Burpee, Melissa Caskey, Steve Redding, John Beekman and Rick Routh. Thanks Cathy and to the 10 new contributors to the RI Foundation.

D.G. Tarpley to evaluate forming a third Durango Club: D.G. Bill Tarpley announced an exploratory meeting to be held on Wednesday, June 5th, to discuss the formation of a third Durango Rotary Club. It would be a 'breakfast' club, an option for those who find lunch or dinner inconvenient. Bill also indicated that the meeting costs would be less without a meal. Steve Wheeldon indicated that the HNR Club would be happy to sponsor a new club.

Sergeants At Arms: Carl admitted to a birthday, his secret of life being to work hard, be honest and do as much good as you can. Pam celebrated as well, with an 'attitude of gratitude.' Jill formally announced being a grandmother for the first time. Bob Salzer's organization passed a Federal Civil Rights audit. Susan Sander's daughter graduated from the Fort in 3 years. Mark Dold was happy (relieved) to bring back from Thailand, the 3,000 members of the Navy and the Marine Corps under his command. Chessa's son completed his first year at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Clyde had an article published in a Colorado business review.

Speakers

Ellen Roberts introduced the speakers for the day's program, Deb Duncan and Carol Ann C., counselors at DHS. Deb, the head of the counseling department, began the presentation, 'Where are teenagers today?', indicating that most counselors are responsible for between 200 - 325 kids each. She 'has the best job in the country!'

Deb said that high schoolers have two worlds, the social and the academic. A student's comfort with their high school years depends on how they deal with both worlds. High school age kids have strong and distinct needs and high school is a holding tank to protect society from 14 - 18 year olds.

A primary force at work is individuation: kids searching for their own identity, wanting to fit in and to be accepted, feeling like they have some control and that they are in charge of some issues and the need to challenge their teachers, parents and themselves. Deb says kids aren't bad or good, they just look like one or the other as they deal with the issues above.

When kids are out of control, Deb tells parents that it's better now than later, when the cost is higher. It can break your heart to see what kids do to have their needs met.

High School is tough on many kids since there are so many levels of academic readiness in the 9th grade. It is difficult to process all the types through the same system. The school tries to find a balance and to put the kids with the teachers where they can best be taught. She encourages students to tell the school 'what's wrong'.

It is Deb's experience that, generally, kids will do well if they can and an important element for teachers is to speak for no more than 10 minutes without a break or a discussion. Standards are supposed to make sure that kids have learned. Unfortunately, equal education for all is a myth, given the preparation at home is not equal.

Carol Ann spoke of her special expertise, dealing with at risk kids. She says she was one and went on to teach and counsel, benefiting from her experience. Fundamentals of her work include: social responsibility training (law), moral recogition (honesty, trust, accepting the rules). Carol Ann stated that her at risk kids share the same problems, drugs and alcohol.

Her work includes a 16 step program to help the kids adjust. At risk behaviors should concern all of us, Carol Ann says, because of their influence on others. She goes to class and tries not to be shocked at what she sees and works to move the kids from where they are to the vision of where they would like to be. Staying connected is important and they will respond.

Steve thanked Deb and Carol Ann, and presented them with the Rotary speaker's mugs.

Next week's program will involve Tribal education. Steve says don't miss the June 13th meeting, 'it's about us'. June 20th is the dedication of the new park, wilth lunch provided by Cliff's Subway store. On the 27th, Steve will pass the banana to P.E. Jeff Brown.

With nothing more for the good of Rotary, Steve closed the meeting.