Rotary Gram

Durango High Noon Rotary Club

January 23, 2003

"Freedom is the oxygen of the soul."

Moshe Dayan...............

Jeff opened the meeting, announcing that it was a Club Assembly. Jeff recognized Steve Wheeldon for spear-heading the drive to raise money for Polio Plus, the final push to eradicate polio world-wide. Members of the club responded to Steve's challenge, ponying up $800 last week.

Bob Griffith gave the invocation and led us in the pledge. Jeff indicated that Bart Cross has taken a leave of absence to recover from back surgery and Doc Sanders was circulating a get well card for him. Hang tough Bart and come back soon.

Jeff called for the introduction of guests and they included:

Bess Maisel

David Ganevski

Regan Bach

Jennifer Simon

Dick Leuders

Cammie Cloman (Pagosa Springs Rotarian)

Pete Moran

Duffy McKay

Announcements

Tom Galbraith is back: The club was pleased to see Past President Tom Galbraith at the meeting and many took the opportunity to do some catching up.

La Plata Youth Services: Regan Bach, one of the guests, rose to the thank the club for it's continuing support of LPYS and especially Gordon Hensley for his recent contribution. LPYS faces further funding cuts, affecting the youth advocacy program and he called for more mentors for the club. Contact Marv C., Steve R. or call Regan. Steve R. read a number of thank you messages for the contribution Gordon made.

Follies Fun: Susan Sanders was the high bidder, $145, for a pair of SnowDown Follies tickets, donated by Bob Chaput and Bud Poe. Thanks to all three.

DHS Interact Club Spaghetti Feed: The Interact club will hold a spaghetti dinner on Feb. 17 or 18 (date to be confirmed soon), to raise money for various projects. Frank Valen will confirm the date to us. I can already smell the garlic bread!

Community Service

Wells Fargo Red Ball Express gathers Momentum: Missy told us that 10 local non-profits are actively involved and there is great early success in ticket sales. And, there is still opportunity for other non-profits to participate. Contact Missy with ideas.

Jeff called on Ward to explain the math behind the selection of the winning ticket. Evidently, there is a set of complex algorithms contained in the computer program that Petra will run. Contact Ward and will give you a complete and thorough explanation of the process. There may be as many as 300 coded balls released from the top of Chapman hill, with the codes on the first two captured corresponding to the winning ticket.

Tom Brossia reminded us that 100% of each ticket we sell goes directly in to the clubs coffers, with sales to non-profits generating $1.25, while they sell them for $5 and keep the difference.

SnowDown Float: Tom B. challenged the Red Badgers to use the Red Ball Express and the SnowDown parade as an opportunity to get involved and to fulfill your early obligations required to become a full member of the club. Contact Tom to decorate the float, provide theme ideas, ride on or walk along side it.

DHS Business Incubator: Tami reminded us of our partnership with the Business Entrepreneurship class at DHS. In mid-February, she needs speakers to address the class, as well as judges for the biz plans developed by the students.

Club Service

22 Weeks left in this Rotary year: Jeff indicated that he is honored to serve as club president. President Elect Chessa Gill asked those interested in serving on her board and/or as committee chairs to get in touch with her.

104th Member Inducted: Jeff asked Jill, Mark Prouty and Jennifer Simon to the podium. Mark introduced Jennifer to the club as our newest member and told us a bit about her. New to Durango in April, 2001, Jennifer is responsible for Community Outreach for the American Cancer Society. She earned a BS in Public Relations for NAU and spent 8 years in Flagstaff before moving here.

Her husband is a geologist, employed locally as a land surveyor and both pursue outdoor activities in their spare time. She said she was impressed with the club and thanks us for making her feel welcome. Welcome Jennifer! Jill presented her with her certificate of membership, a shirt and the brand new, available to you and me for only $8 bucks, Rotary mug.

Sergeant at Arms: Rick O'Block had the duty this week and set records for the contributions, voluntary and otherwise. Among the volunteers were: Mark P. and Patty B. for their second grand children, Brian Myers for being able to go fishing on his 19th anniversary, Spencer for the success of the Ed Decker project and a splash in the Herald, and Jay for having to cross Texas twice since the last meeting.

Not so voluntary honorees included Frank, Tami, the 'entire back table' for not introducing a visiting Rotarian, Dick Pearson, Tom B. for his admitted political incorrectness, our newest member, Jennifer Simon, for flattering remarks about the club in her speech.

Scott and Dick drew cards from the deck, but there was no winner.

How was your lunch: Jeff asked the club if they had tried the alternative meals now offered by the Double Tree. Those who have had the veggie plate or the vegetarian lasagna were happy. Thanks Peter.

Snow Down SnowBall: Steve G. notified us of the ticket price change, $60 per couple, not $50 each as originally planned. Don't forget, there are great food and beverages before the dance, all with a Brazilian theme, with dancing only, for those that arrive later. Auction items include a glider ride, a stay at a Cabo time-share, restaurant gift certificates, a stay at another Double Tree and lots more.

Hey, I just went to the SnowDown version of Business After Hours at the Double Tree and Peter and his crew really know how to put on a spread. Listen to this, chilled Crab Claws, Oysters on the half shell and shrimp sautéed in front of your eyes. And of course, the wonderful cheese, veggie and chicken/beef on a stick stuff. Snow Ball will be even greater, with live music and an even more extensive assortment of goodies.

Get tickets, sell tickets. This is a party for the town and a traditional event!! Jan, Steve G., Terri Lee have or will get you tix.

Jeff thanked Ward for a week's worth of ads.

Jeff told us of the effort by Bill Mashaw to promote a good neighbor week and reminded us that there are lots of opportunities to serve. With that, he closed the meeting.

Coming Up

Jan 30 Bobbie Lieb Durango Chamber

Feb 6 Charlie Albert - Chile Trip

Feb 13 Annies Orphans Humane Shelter

Feb 20 Rocky Mt Chocolate

Feb 27 State Farm Insurance Fraud Unit

Mar 6 Buckley Park Project

Mar 13 Prostate Health - Jim Burpee

Mar 20 Durango Children's Chorale

Mar 27 Open (Colorado Open Space - tentative)

Apr 3 Alexii Carey - Cuba Trip

Apr 10 Club Assembly

Apr 17 Dr. Heddington-Insights to Balding

Apr 24 Open

May 1 Mexican Food Fiesta

Note: The meetings on Feb 6, Mar 6, and Mar 13 will be presented by club

members.