Rotary Gram

Durango High Noon Rotary Club

June 27, 2002

"I believe in personal service, not purse service...."

Bhichai Rattakul, former Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and 2002 - 2003 RI President,

Steve opened his final meeting as President with his hearty and traditional WELCOME! He commented about the past year, the 'new blood and enthusiasm' that seem to characterize the Durango High Noon Rotary Club.

Having been displaced by the fire, Steve noted that most of us, directly or indirectly have been affected. He said it feels good to be home and the recent events help us to understand that Mankind is Our Business! He asked Ron H. to lead us in prayer, followed by the pledge.

Guests were introduced, including:

Tonya Kahler

Ellen Pinkernell

Kyle Dold

Howard Wilson

Maureen McGhee

Dorothy and District Governor Bill Tarpley

Kelly Wotkyns

Bill Brown

Brad Tafoya

Gentra and Earl Barker

Diane Doney

Rudy Dawson

Anna Passalaqua

Syd and Judy Saperstein

Jan Measles

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Buckley Park Project: HNR Club's proposal to renovate Buckly Park has been approved by the 9-R school board. A letter of approval to the club was read.

Rec Center Amphitheatre: The dedication of the amphitheatre with be rescheduled by 2002 - 2003 President, Jeff Brown.

New Rotary Club for Durango: The 'Daybreak Rotary' club was officially chartered on June 25th. The President is Jan Williams. The new club will meet at 7:00 AM Wednesdays at the Rec Center. Need a make up?

Big Wheel: HNR's 'Big Wheel' will be in the Pagosa Springs 4th of July Parade.

CLUB SERVICE:

New Member: Steve invited Jill to the podium, who in turn, asked Marv Collentine and Gordon Hensley to join her. Marv introduced Gordon to the membership as the club's newest member, made some introductory remarks and then Jill presented Gordon with his membership materials.

Gordon told us more about himself, including his family and career on the NY Stock Exchange. Turning down a job on a tuna boat after graduation from Syracuse University and starting as a clerk for $35.00/week, he rose to the position of Governor. Gordon has 3 children and has been involved in Little League and BB/BS.

Welcome Gordon!!

COMMUNITY SERVICE:

Fire Relief: Jeannie announced that a special presentation of the Diamond Circle Melodrama would be held, with

all proceeds going to fire relief agencies.

Fire Relief: Steve asked Russell Parker to make some special presentations. He brought Tony Kahler and Maureen McGhee to the podium. Tonya told us that the Humane Society cared for 185 small animals and nearly 200 horses as a result of the Missionary Ridge fire. Russell indicated that John Walton called him and asked what Wal-Mart could do to help. From their Disaster Relief Office came a check for $2,500.00 for the Humane Society and transportation of hay for horses from Pueblo.

For his efforts, Russell received a certificate of recognition from the Humane Society and a peck on the cheek from Tonya. Maureen told us that her agency, the Red Cross, was feeding 400 - 500 people three times a day as part of their relief efforts. Further, they had received a check for $5,000.00 from Wal-Mart and she thanked Russell for his part.

Russell recognized other Durango merchants for over $10,000.00 in donations. Jan Measles indicated that the Durango of Realtors was donating the interest on their escrow accounts to the fire relief efforts.

Club Donations: Bob Chaput indicated that the club had raised about $2,400.00, encouraged us to put more in the pot and will e-mail the members with an update.

Rotarians helping Rotarians: A number of Rotarians were displaced by the fires and found shelter in the homes of other members on in accommodations provided by them. Jeff indicated that he had a list of 12+ members that had made life a little easier for their fellow Rotarians.

INTERNATIONAL SERVICE:

Shelly Lauder heads for New Zealand: Shelly announced a silent auction of her western artwork at the Durango Arts Center to raise money for her trip as an exchange student. She brought examples and she it good!!

Thanks Paulette: Bart Cross rose to commend Paulette for he efforts to make welcome,the 48 exchange students traveling through Durango. Those hosting students had a great time with them.

Jeff Brown took over the meeting and asked Jenny Kane, representing the Fun Committee to make a special presentation In keeping with this year's theme, 'Let's go Bananas', she presented outgoing President Steve Wheeldon with a life-long membership in the International Banana Club. Parting gifts included a Go Bananas T-shirt and other valuable items for the former 'Top Banana'.

Bob Chaput took the floor to unveil a 'dignified image' of outgoing President Steve. Turns out that the much rumored photo of Steve on vacation in swimming attire was a reality. Thanks to Nancy Hammond and Joe Brown, the photo was transformed into a nearly life-sized image of the chief, adorned with various articles of clothing. The idea was to bid for the clothes and they were to be removed and given to the top bidder.

Bob asked that we all be generous, funds going to the firefighters, and Mike Sandberg and his assistant Jeannie Wheeldon handled the auction. Bids reached $500.00, in this case, to 'not' remove a certain article. After the auction was concluded, extra cash was offered if the representation of the boss would be placed in prominent locations throughout the city. Steve took it well and the crowd appreciated the humor.

Steve regained control of the meeting and began to thank the club for it's support for the last year. He reminded us of his three goals, to complete the amphitheatre, to have fun and to learn each member's secret of life. He credited the club for rising to each occasion to serve, referring to the 3-4 pages of local and international projects the club supported during his year. He emphasized how proud he was when the club came together throughout the year to help with local issues.

He acknowledged and thanked his board, asked them all to stand and to receive a gift. The 2001 - 2002 Board included:

Jeff Brown

Jill Bruce

Chessa Gill

Steve Govreau

Ward Holmes

Mike Matheson

John Marshall

Russell Parker

Steve Redding

Sherry Taber

Jack Walls

Jeannie Wheeldon

Steve introduced the officers that served during his term, starting with Jeff Brown who 'is ready to lead'. The other officers were Jill Bruce, Steve Govreau, Steve Redding, John Beekmann, Carl Clark and Pam Moore. Referring to the group he said, "someone always rises up to make a good club a great club."

Special recognition went to Steve Osborne for his efforts to create the Rotary Wheel, which is known far and wide and to Tom Brossia for participating in nearly everything, opening his home for the fireside chat and work on capital projects.

In final comments, Steve said it was fun, that he was proud of what the club has accomplished and to live your secret of life. Handing the gavel to Jeff, he left the podium to a prolonged and much deserved standing 'O'. Thanks for a great year Steve!

Jeff said that he is proud to take the helm, announcing that there was no meeting of July 4th. A special award was

presented by Bill Tarpley to the club. It is the Presidential Citation from outgoing President Rick King, recognizing the accomplishments of the High Noon Rotary Club under President Steve Wheeldon, for the year 2001 - 2002.

Closing the meeting, Jeff said see you all in two weeks!

COMING UP:

7-11 - Durango School District 9-R Bond Referendum, Dr. Mary Barter and Debra Uroda

7-17 - Durango Nature Studies w/ Ann Rilling and E.D. Cheryl Weiscamp.

7-25 - Virginia Castro, with slides and discussion of her recent Rotary Group Study Exchange trip to Sweden.

8-1 - Rep. Scott McInnis.