“Always do right. This will gratify some people, and astonish the rest “

Mark Twain, writer

Our President was in fine form as she opened the meeting with song and the pledge.

Guests:

We welcomed two new exchange students to Durango: Dew, sponsored by our Evening club, is from Thailand and Yuta Niimi is here from Japan. I think he is staying with Dr. Pozo-Alonso (who was joined today by his wife Margie.) Both youngsters exchanged banners and look forward to their year in our part of the world. Other family guests include Bill Redding who enjoyed lunch on son Steve and Mark Dold (welcome back!!) who rewarded his daughter Kyle Marie with lasagna. She is just back from the State Fair in Pueblo where she won State First Place for horse barrel-racing in her age group. Moreover, she placed second overall in the same event, barely losing to Julia Thomson who lives in south-eastern La Plata County. Congratulations Kyle Marie on doing a great job, working hard, and bringing pride to our part of the State! (Can you tell my editor wife is a former 4-H-er?) Other guests included Jim and Ruth Jackson, Angie Beach, John Windsor and of course Kenneth Walker.

Board Meeting:

Your Board met Tuesday to review the recent members’ survey. As to the question of personal priority of our four avenues of service, Community ranked first followed by Club, Vocational and International. Within the Community arena, La Plata Youth Services ranked higher than our Buckley Park project. [Separately, Steve Redding reported LPYS budget this year came in at $154,000 despite zero expectations.] Within the Club avenue, membership outranked public relations in importance. A majority felt no need to limit our membership which now stands at 104 fine and good folks. As for Vocational activities, our members ranked Scholarships ahead of the Durango High School Incubator Program. Few had heard of the summer leadership program for high school youths called “RYLA”. Internationally, we prefer a hands-on project in another country over the RI Polio Plus effort, which should be no surprise. Interesting effort at prioritizing and focusing our efforts. Now how do you want to serve?

The Board also voted to support the “Vet’s Van” with a bit of green. You may recall from an earlier meeting, the local Veterans group was able to secure a Van to transport Vets to Albuquerque for medical assistance, provided it raised a relatively small amount of matching funds. A very worthwhile effort – glad we were able to help. (Wife Cynthia, a retired USAF MSgt, gave Rotary a round of applause!)

Announcements and Happenings:

Susan Sanders invited all to participate in 1) a pleasant hike up Perins Peak this Saturday 8/23 9:00 AM her house and 2) a 14-mile bike ride around the Animas Valley this Sunday 8/24. Call her at 375-1707 or 259-6116 for details and more information.

Jennifer Simon of the American Cancer Society promoted their “Jail-N-Bail” fundraiser to be held in October. They need ideas for potential victims. Call 247-0278 or 375-2953.

Also scheduled for the end of October is our very own and very successful OktoberFest on Friday the 24^th. This year we will be offering lunch as well as dinner. The evening meal is complimented with beer and Alpineers oom-pha music. Call Paulette Church, who continues to spear-head this fun event.

Dr. Bob Volger has volunteered to head up this year’s “Firewood for Seniors” project. He and Chessa are donating some wood, and seek more of the same plus volunteers. A personal thanks to Bob for carrying this project forward!

Mike to-be President invited all to join at the Railroad Museum a reception for visiting Italian Rotarians. Scheduled for 9/19, more details and a sign-up sheet will be available next week.

Chessa now-President is seeking shelter for an Australian Rotarian couple. It is only for a weekend and she would welcome your call.

Finally, the Rotary District Convention is scheduled for 9/26-28 at that great scenic party-town La Junta CO. Again, call Chessa and tell her she won’t be alone!

This is your life:

This week we enjoyed hearing the life story of Bart Cross. Born in Brooklyn NY, he was surprised to be accepted by the famed Brooklyn Technical H.S. With his degree, he left for L.A. and had no difficulty getting work at an airplane manufacturer as a designer. Unfortunately, Bart only got up to the year 1950 before his five minutes timed out!

The Bud and Bill Show:

Our Sergeants-at-Arms continue to be inspiring and delightful. Another “you have to have been there” to enjoy. The Queen of Hearts remains MIA!

Program:

A ‘Great and Grand Adventure’ complete with a wonderful slide show! Our President Chessa and hubby Jay joined Paulette and Clyde Church (along with the Tarpleys) to attend the 2003 Rotary International Convention in Brisbane, Australia! Flying Albq. to Brisbane was an 40-hour endurance test, but what rewards! Nearly 18,000 Rotarians were in attendance, from 120 countries including our newest nation Afghanistan – whose Governor is a woman! So many attendees in fact that the “Opening Ceremonies” was held four-times over! They thoroughly enjoyed infusing themselves with all things Rotary – the people, the common mission. And of course they also played tourist and enjoyed wine tasting and visits to the nearby rainforest. The Churches were especially touched to meet an Exchange student whom they had hosted a decade ago and to meet her parents. [Your scribe must confess this Rotary Exchange program – with our two new students now in Durango – is a genuine jewel in our world] Following a hectic week in and around Brisbane, the Gills and Churches retreated for a bit of R-and-R at a resort in Fiji. Scuba, sunsets and well…you fill in the blank. What would you do in Fiji? Chessa said we all should attend an International Rotary Conference at least once in our lives. Osaka Japan next year and the host in 2005 is Chicago. But that Brisbane event, well, we are just green with envy. Thanks for sharing! Great program!

Next week: Substance and Sustenance:

Program - Our joint Rotary/Kiwanis program on August 28th will be presented by the Colorado Children's Campaign and the subject is "Why it's good business to support kids' issues".

Doubletree Menu – Roasted Chicken

Yours in Rotary,

Spencer Pearse

Comments? mailto:pearse2827@sisna.com