Rotary Gram

Durango High Noon Rotary Club

November 7, 2002

"So little done. So much to do"

Alexander Graham Bell........

Jeff opened what he termed a very exciting meeting. He called on Bob Griffith to give the invocation and to lead us in the pledge.

Called for guests, Jeff let us know that 'Petra's back!' and she told us a bit about her experience as a student teacher in Aztec and how she feels that she has found her calling. Welcome back and thanks.

Guests for the day included:

Bernie Zercher, PDG and his wife Pam

Jennifer Simon, ACS

Charles Owens, Educator

Savannah Cox, DHS

Kurt Tanny, DHS

Scott Wilson, DHS

D.J. Close, DHS

Ann Rilling

Elizabeth Samuell

Kent Curtis, 1st Nat. Bank

Diane Doney, 9R

Keoki Sears

Kay Ulwelling, HFH

VOCATIONAL SERVICE

DHS Entrepreneur Class: Jeff gave Tami the podium and she brought with her the student guests from DHS and their instructor, Chuck Owens. Each of the kids had been selected by a group Rotarian judges to be recognized by the club for their best-in-class business plans. Tami indicated that the competition was difficult, with some many good b-plans presented. Those receiving the recognition also received $100 from the club. The judges included Past President Tom Galbraith, John Marshall and Tami Coddington.

Octoberfest Status: Money continues to be received as members give Steve G. the proceeds from their ticket sales. A final determination of the amount raised for scholarships will be available as soon as all of us have turned in our money.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Community Assistance Grants (CAP) Received: Jeff indicated that, through the efforts of Jenny Newcomer and Steve Redding, we received RI grants for environmental education for the San Juan Mtns. Association and to purchase bicycles for La Plata Youth Services.

Durango Nature Studies: Ann Rilling thanked the club for it's efforts to help with a project a Saturday ago.

Firewood Project: The distribution of free firewood to deserving seniors was postponed due to some logistics being worked out. Stay tuned!

Bellringer's have a coordinator: Jeff called for a volunteer to coordinate our efforts to support the Salvation Army this holiday season. Stepping up is Tami Coddington. Contact Tami for a time and place to serve. Thanks, Tami!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Family Literacy Education Fund: Paulette reminded us that $50k must be raised by the end of the year in order to go to the legislature next year to ask for continuing funding for adult ed and family literacy. By Honorary Proclamation, Gov. Bill Owens declared November 18 - November 24, 2002, as Family Literacy Week.

Paul Harris Coordinator: Jeff recognized Mike Schafer as club coordinator for Paul Harris Sustaining members. It is Rotary Foundation month and our club supports the foundation to the tune of over 70% of the membership. Mike's goal is to have at least 75% participation.

Paul Harris Fellow Awards: Jeff introduced Bernie Zercher, PDG, who presented Laurie Forbes and Bob Griffith with the pin, medallion and certificate that recognizes them as Paul Harris Fellows. A PHF has contributed $1,000 or more to the Rotary Foundation. Remember, dues go to meals and club level requirements, the work of Rotary is funded by the Foundation.

Snow Down Sno-Ball: Steve Govreau and Jan Measles are coordinating the Feb 1st affair.

Entertainment needed: Entertainment is needed for the Holiday party of December 8th. Get in touch with Petra with ideas.

CLUB SERVICE

Programs needed: Mark Prouty asked for help in scheduling presentations after the first of the year.

SERGEANT AT ARMS

Bob Volger was pressed into service and conducted the duties with typical efficiency and skill. He first recognized his own status as a grandfather, congratulations, and then went on to the rest of us. Those honored, voluntarily or otherwise, included Wayne, Steve G., John M., Laurie F., Steve R., Ward, Bob G., Mary B., Ted, Bill W. and Petra.

Cards were drawn for a share of the jack pot to no avail. The pot grows. Jeff led us in a salute to Bob for his efforts as SAA. Thanks Dr. Volger.

PRESENTATION

Jeff asked Patty to introduce the speaker for the day, PDG Bernie Searcher. She has know him since they met when Patty took President Elect Training. She was pleased to welcome him back to Durango.

Bernie opened his remarks by saying that we have a terrific, 'one of the best', club and have set records every year. He commented further that no other Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) has the potential of RI to do good in the world.

Bernie's history of service includes time in Ethiopia working for famine relief. He indicated that Ethiopia is the poorest country on earth and is in the midst of yet another famine and drought. Rotarians are at work feeding people for just 2 1/2 cents per meal. No other NGO but Rotary could make this happen.

When Bernie was our DG, he traveled to India to participate in the inoculation of 125mm kids, in one day, with polio vaccine. We all know that in 1986, RI made it a goal to eradicate polio by 2005, the 100th anniversary of Rotary International. He also told us of his visits to polio surgery camps where hundreds of surgeries were performed on youngsters who were not inoculated.

Having set the stage, Bernie told us he has two things he wants us to do. First, to become a Paul Harris Sustaining member. He made his own commitment by giving up one soft drink a day and pledging the money to the Foundation.

Second, he told us that Pakistan, India and Nigeria are the countries that still report new cases of polio. To reach RI's goal of a final $80mm for polio eradication, each member is asked to make a separate contribution of $80-$100 in the next three years to fund the final push.

Bernie concluded by asking 'what is it worth for your grandkids never to have to live with the threat of polio?' PRICELESS!!

Jeff thanked Bernie and Pam. After a few announcements, Jeff closed the meeting.

COMING UP

Nov 14 Arthur Post San Juan Symphony

Nov 21 Polio Plus / Club Assembly

Nov 28 No Meeting

Dec 5 No Meeting (Christmas Party Dec 8)

Dec 12 St Columba Hand bell Choir

Dec 19 Ron Fogleman

Dec 26 No Meeting

Jan 2 No Meeting

Jan 9 Ft Lewis College (Bob Dolphin)

John E. Marshall

3005 County Road 207

Durango, CO 81301

970-259-6248 p

970-259-4498 f