ROTARY GRAM

Durango High Noon Rotary Club

October 17, 2002

"The Large Print Givith...And The Small Print Taketh Away."

Tom Waits

With a clang of the bell President Jeff Brown welcomed us to the dudgeon for this weeks festivities. The only saving grace to the basement room this time was that the Kiwanis were in the room next door. ( Did anyone see Peter Marshall at the meeting??) Jeff asked Wynn Berven to lead us in prayer and pledge to which Wynn gave thanks for a hole in one that was witnessed by Ron Holligan. Before welcoming guests, Jeff and the club welcomed Emil Nagy back from his leave of absence. Good to have him back again.

Guests this week included:

*Denise Mauer - Wife of the late Bill Mauer and speaker from the American Cancer Society.

*Jennifer Simon- Outreach Coordinator for the American Cancer Society

*Howard Wilson- Guest of the absent John Marshall

*Carey Cathern- Len Goebel's daughter

*Geoff Peason- Dick Pearson's son

*Roy Gust- Visiting Rotarian from Phoenix

Jeff then asked Chip Lile for a review of the recent GSE from Argentina team visit. Chip ran down what sounded like a very busy schedule that he and Paulette Church had created. Sounds like they had a great time and earned their couple of downtime days at DMR. It was also announced that our Chief Scribe John Marshall has been selected as the GSE team leader for a trip to Argentina next year. He will be interviewing for four other non Rotarians to travel with him. Congrats and thanks for bringing this honor to our club John.

Jim (hows my 200.5 account going ) Williams had the distinction of being todays Sgt. at Arms.

After requesting for several members to let their conscience be their guide for birthdays, anniversaries and the like, Jim focused in on Dr. Bob Volger for hiring new employees and Jeff Brown for his career change. New contest from Jeff, we need to decide on his new classification as he has left the insurance field. Submit your idea to Jeff before the November 7, meeting and if yours is selected he will donate $100.00 to the Polio Plus program in your name. Speaking of the November 7th meeting, Jeff reminded us that PDG Bernie Zucker will be in attendance to speak on the Rotary Foundation. Frank Valens and Paulette Church got to select cards in the ever growing card pull contest....and missed. ( Hey Len when are you going to tell them that you have pocketed the Ace of hearts???)

Club President elect Chessa Gill has enlisted the help of all members in the Real Estate classification ( non of whom would admit to being in attendance today) to help the club in securing a storage unit of some kind for all our "stuff." Currently in is spread out among several members. Help and ideas should be directed to her. Chessa then went on to thank all in attendance on Oct 15 for the Fireside Chat held at her home. A good time was had by all and special thanks to Chessa and Jay Gill and Jill Bruce for a wonderful meal and hospitality.

Recent requests that our club expand on our project themes from youth and beautification to some senior age projects has already taken off. Jeff announced that Spencer Pearse has secured two for us to begin with. Chessa Gill and Steve Wheeldon have agreed to donate a total of 6 cords of wood that can be distributed through the 55 + Center. Jeff request some members to help and : John Anderson, Tom Brossia, Vern Swanson, Emil Nagy, Bill Wright, Ron Holligan, Rick Routh, Wynn Berven, and Bob Volger held their hand up long enough for me to get it down. Spencer and his wife Cynthia are spearheading a project to make quilts for seniors confined to wheelchairs. Spencer showed several of these at yesterdays board meeting and requested a mini grant of $500.00 to create more of these. It was unanimously approved. If you or anyone in your household can quilt please contact Spencer.

Jeff then took Bill Wright "totally by surprise" by asking him to revive one of the clubs more interesting club functions. Where a member takes a few minutes and lets us get to know him/her better by telling us about his/her life. Upon taking the podium Bill removed what appeared to be a script causing this reporter to wonder whether he carries this around all the time? Bill was born in February of 1925 moving to Kansas City and causing the great depression in 1929. After an extended period in first grade he moved on to finish high school in 1943 and joined the Marines. Receiving his commission as a 2nd Lt in 1945 he was transferred to Guam to prepare for the invasion of Japan. He was then transferred to Nagasaki Japan as part of the occupation forces for a year. Upon returning to the U.S. he enrolled and graduated fro University of California -Berkeley. (Which explains many things about Bill.) Taking a job as a Purser with the America Steamship Lines gave Bill the chance to experience what many of us dreamed about at 25. He was recalled to the Marines in 1950 for duty in the Korean War and was returned to Japan for duty. His next smart move came in marring his lovely wife Sue and spending time with her in Japan, having two of his children then moving to Hong Kong where Sue gave birth to their third child. Bills work then went to the airlines and a various other ventures. This was interesting for all. Thanks Bill.

Back on the project list. Pam Moore reminded us that we have highway cleanup this weekend October 19. Meet at the Kenneback Cafe at 8:00 AM for breakfast and plan on being done at 11:00 or so. Those leaving their hands up for are; Jeannie Wheeldon, Ted Robson, Mike Matteson, Pam Moore and Steve Redding. Their were several others whose hands got tired.

Spence Pearse who has spearheaded the Blane Grant Immunization program for the club then announced that next week will be the time to begin enrolling seniors for their shots. He needs three or four members to help and; Bob Volger, Emil Nagy, Ted Robson, Walter Parks, and Mike Matteson have stepped up.

(Editors note; Does it seem that I keep typing the same names for everything??? hint hint)

Jeff then request Steve Goverou to come forward and fill us in on the Club Service avenue of service as he has provided the great leadership of this area for the last couple of years. Steve covered the sub committees of this avenue and acknowledged the chairpersons;

Membership & Development - Jill Bruce

Fellowship and Caring - Susan Sanders

Newsletter - John Marshall

History - Cathy Crum

Programs - Mark Proudy

P.R. & Website - Ward Holmes

Steve finished with a plea for member ship involvement. If one of these committees ring your bell call the chair and get involved.

On to our program for the day. Mark Proudy introduced Denise Mauer and Jennifer Simon from the American Cancer Society (ACS). Denise gave us a brief history and listing of their many accomplishments. Founded in 1913 when a diagnosis of cancer meant a death sentence the organization has grown to be the premiere organization for research and information on cancer. The goals for the ACS for the year 2015 include;

A 25% reduction in the overall age-adjusted cancer incidence rate

A 50% reduction in the overall age-adjusted cancer mortality rate by

the year 2015

A measurable improvement in the quality of life (physical,

psychological, social, and spiritual) for all cancer survivors.

The ACS has invested $2.4 billion in research so far yet cancer still strikes 80% of Americans 55 and older and is still the number 2 cause of death. What can you do to prevent cancer?

Refrain for all tobacco use.

Lower or remove your alcohol consumption.

Eat a healthy diet containing five servings per day of fruits and vegetables.

Lead an active lifestyle.

Use sunscreen.

Follow the guidelines of the ACS.

On the local side Denise informed us of the local accomplishments of the ACS;

The Road to Recovery Program that provides transportation for cancer families.

Home Away From Home that provides housing for families.

Reach for Recovery is a mentoring program for new cancer patients from survivors and other

patients.

Wigs, scarves and turbans are available at the AS office.

A weekly Support Group for families of patients.

Dense finished by telling about the national hot line that is manned 24/7/365 for information. It is 1-800-AS-2345. The website is http://www.cancer.org/ .

Stepping out of her roll with the ACS Dense moved the entire room with an update on herself and the family informing us the they "are doing fine" and thanked the club for its support during Bills illness.

Dense introduced Jennifer Simon from the state office specializing in breast and cervical cancer. Jennifer reminded us that breast cancer can strike men as well as women. While there is a test for cervical cancer it still remains an active cancer among women. She encouraged everyone to have the test. Early detection is key to beating cancer and she reminded everyone to perform monthly breast exams and not be shy about your partners. Jennifers main function with ACS is to manage a program called the Colorado Women Cancer Control Initiative (CWCCI). The CWCCI is a program targeted and low income and under insured residents that provides assistance to those in need.

Thank you ladies.

Jeff then called upon Steve Redding. Steve informed us that both he and his wife have been pronounced CANCER FREE. Ann was diagnosed with breast cancer some time ago and is going strong. Steve was diagnosed with colon cancer in November of last year and had a procedure in October that the Doctors have said was completely successful. Happy to have you back Steve.

A great way to end the meeting.

COMING UP

Oct 19 Trash pick up, Kennebec Cafe, 8:00 AM

Oct 24 Octoberfest Dinner at Fairgrounds

Oct 31 Mercy Medical Center

Nov. 4 Durango Nature Center Work Day 9:00am- 12 Noon

Respectfully submitted

Ward Holmes

Sub Cub scribe