Rotary Gram

Durango High Noon Rotary Club

October 31, 2002

"There's a great confusion on earth, and the Power that is has concluded the following: Perfect man has visited earth already, and his voice was heard. The voice of imperfect man must now be made manifest and I have been selected as the most likely candidate"

The Facts of Life and Other Dirty Jokes, Willie Nelson

Jeff opened the meeting the announcement that Jan Measles and Steve Govreau will a party/fund raiser called Carnivale. Stay tuned for more. Marv gave the invocation and led us in the pledge.

Guests were introduced, including:

Yvonne Hall, Mercy Med Center

Kirk Dignum, Mercy Med Center

Brad Cochenett, Mercy Med Center

Bill Nelson, Wickford, UK

Erin Driscoll

Howard and Marjie Wilson

Bess Maisel

Keoki Sears

David Genevsky (sp?)

Larry L'Argent

Brian Foote

With lots of ground to cover, Jeff got right to it.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Blaine Immunization Grant: Spencer gave us an update on immunizations at the 55+ Center. With financial support through the grant and the help of Emil, Mike S., Ted R., Bob C., Walter N., Bob S. and others, over 400 seniors were given their flu shots. Comments were that the process went better with the assistance of our members. Thanks Spencer and crew.

Highway Clean Up: Pam Moore reported on the efforts of the 'dirty dozen', Bill Wright, Wayne Bedor, Walter Novotny, Ted Robson, Rick Routh, Vern Swanson, Steve Osborne, Ward Holmes, Pam Moore, Nancy Hammond, Bob Chaput and Steve Redding and his wife Ann. The effort was good and the breakfast at the Kennebec Cafe was given high marks. Ann is not one of the 'dirty dozen'.

Octoberfest: Chip asked members that had not turned in their ticket money, no tickets, just money, to do so ASAP so that a final tally can be made. Money goes to Steve G. About 50 members still have money outstanding, so bring it Thursday!

Durango Nature Studies: Once again a call went out for volunteers to work at DNS. Terri Lee and Nancy Hammond were coordinating the assistance with the construction of some sort of a barrier.

Fire wood for Seniors: Missy Rodey an effort to distribute surplus fire wood to seniors was under way. Members were given the opportunity to serve with their trucks, their backs, their hands and their time. A no-brainer? See Missy for more......

CLUB SERVICE

Howard Wilson is Inducted: Jeff asked Howard, Jill and John M. to come to the front. Jill introduced Howard as our newest member and John Marshall provided some background on Howard's life and career. His wife Marjie was recognized and Howard then told the members a bit more about himself and his family. Jenny agreed to meet Howard for lunch to further his welcome. Thanks, Jenny! Committee chairs, get in touch with Howard and get him busy. Welcome Howard!!

Sergeant at Arms: Len Goebel had the duty. Those honored in meaningful ways included Rick O'Block, Bob Volger, Sam Stites, John Marshall and Susan Sanders. There were three tries, but no one drew the lucky card and the pot grows.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Stars over Ft. Lewis: An auction of Ceramic Stars to benefit the college. More info? Call the Fort.

Dollars over 9-R: Mary Barter made brief remarks about the importance of two items on this week's ballot. Both would authorize the sale of bonds to repair, rebuild and expand school facilities, as well as provide funds for staff salary increases.

Setting the record straight: Steve Redding asked me to let you know that he had successful prostate surgery, not colon surgery.

Charlie's back: Jeff said that Charlie Albert is back from his Leave of Absence in Chile.

Bulletin man on vacation: Your regular bulletin man will be gone on November 14th, so expect a higher level of reportage on that day.

ON THE TABLE

Habitat For Humanity: HFH continues it's 15th build in Forest Lakes and asks anyone that can help to do so. Contact Jose Rivero, Construction Supervisor at 382-9930 or 749-9984.

United Way: Campaign 2002 is underway. Make your caring count and invest in our community. Get in touch with UW at 247-9444 and visit their website www.unitedway-swco.org

American Cancer Society: 4 hand outs were available, Mammograms and Pap Tests, colon cancer, cancer facts for men and guidelines for early detection of breast cancer. Don't take a risk, get a current exam!

PROGRAM

With most of the Rotary business out of the way, Jeff asked Ellen Roberts to introduce the day's program. She introduced Kirk Dignum, Ph.D., CEO and Brad Cochenett, CFO, of Mercy Medical Center. They lead us through a history of present hospital, dating from 1882. Mercy has been on the same site for 120 years, with the original building having 6 patient beds.

Additions and modifications have been made over the years to the campus that sits on 8.9 acres along the river. When built, Mercy was not surrounded as it is today. 130 doctors representing 34 specialties care for patients at Mercy. It has a $25mm annual payroll, with a staggering $17mm in deferred maintenance.

Lack of space, an inefficient facility, maintenance problems and a need to grow to meet the requirements of the community led to the search for a site to build a new hospital and a successful effort by the Mercy Administration to convince it's parent, Catholic Health Initiatives, to award funding in the amount of $76mm. After consideration of 15 sites, a letter of intent to put the hospital in Grandview has been completed.

Plans for the facility include 80 private rooms, a 100,000 sq ft medical office building and a 230,000 sq ft hospital on 55 acres. There will be an ambulatory surgery center for same day procedures and an interest in providing psychological, advanced cardiology and dialysis in the new facility. The layout includes provisions for expanding the number of patient rooms.

Given the selection of a contractor and other details such as negotiating with CDOT for an intersection on 160, Mercy would like to get to work and have the new hospital open in 2005. There will be a need for community support in a number of ways, including fund raising.

Durango/LaPlata County is fortunate to have the talents of Kirk, Brad and the management team at Mercy, not only to make a new Regional Medical Center a reality, but to manage the current hospital out of some very, very tough financial times, setting the stage for the opportunity for a higher level of medical care for us all.

Jeff thanked the presenters, awarded the Rotary coffee mugs and rang the meeting to a close.