RotaryGram

October 23, 2003

Chessa opened the meeting, thanking President Elect Mike McGuire for

running the previous week's meeting and said she was glad to be back. Mike

Sandberg gave the invocation and lead us in the pledge.

Guests were introduced, including a surprise courtesy of Dr. Linda Mack

and vocalists from the Ft. Lewis College Men's choir. They have been

selected to perform at an international conference in Louisville, KY on

November 18th and were at the meeting to solicit donations for expenses.

They will perform for the community on November 17th.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Chessa reported that the Fireside chat was a success, with new members

getting better acquainted with each other and with committee chairs and

board members. Good fellowship and food were had by all.

The Board has been working hard on a variety of issues. Chessa urged

members with questions to speak to a board member and invite any and all to

attend board meetings which are held the 3rd Tuesday of every month at 7:00

AM at the Double Tree. You will be rewarded with a make-up, a buffet

breakfast and an inside look at the management of the club.

Chessa invited Jill and David Downs to the podium. David, having

completed the obligations of a new member, received his blue badge.

Patty asked if anyone could take Jan William's place on a Friendship

exchange to, was it Australia? Please contact Patty.

Jan Measles announced a fund raiser for Muscular Dystrophy. See her for

details.

Burt Coleman saluted Bill Hermesman for his efforts to get furniture for

La Plata Youth Services.

Peter Marshall asked for members to get auction items together for the

silent auction at the Snow Ball.

Frank Valen updated the members on progress in the evaluation of a fund

raiser based upon a classic and hot rod exposition in Durango.

Steve Redding was this week's 'This is My Life" presenter. He mentioned

the 3-B's, but I forgot what they are, so ask him. Steve was born in Terre

Haute, IN. His father was a WWII Veteran and they attended church 3x per

week.

At an early age, he received a chemistry set as a gift, starting him in

the direction of the sciences. As a youngster he bailed hay, played some

golf and after HS, went to the GM engineering school, later transferring to

Anderson College, earning a degree in Biology and/or Chemistry. He worked

full time and took a full load.

Steve married his high school sweetheart 37 years ago. Both he and Ann

are cancer survivors and are heavily involved in volunteer work, including

counseling other survivors.

Before arriving in Durango in 1978, Steve taught chemistry at the

college level, managed medical labs and worked as a deputy coroner. Steve

worked as a 'peddler' of medical stuff and for the largest independent group

purchasing organization in the country. He and his partners founded a

medical e-commerce company which they sold successfully to a larger outfit.

He and Ann are proud of their two accomplished daughters and follow the

work smart, play hard philosophy. Steve is actively involved in the

community, especially so in mentoring and supporting La Plata Youth

Services. I'm happy to call Steve and Ann my neighbors.

Bud D. and Ward drew from the deck, but again, the queen of hearts

eluded them. The pot grows.

PROGRAM

The program for the day was presented by member Tim Walsworth, President

and CEO of United Way of Southwest Colorado. United Way of Southwest

Colorado serves communities in Archuleta, La Plata, San Juan, Montezuma and

Dolores counties.

United Way raises money and other resources in these counties and then

recruits local volunteers to invest donations in the best nonprofit

organizations in our communities 72 programs, managed by 29 non profit

agencies are beneficiaries of the monies collected by United Way.

Chapters pay 3/4% to the national organization for the right to the name

and other support. The Adult Education Center and Big Brothers/Big Sisters

are two of 180 La Plata County non-profits that benefit from United Way fund

raising efforts. UW closely scrutinizes recipients of funds to see that

they are put to good use.

Tim thanked the club for past support and referred members to

http://www.unitedway-swco.org/ for more information about your local United

Way. Thanks, Tim>

Chessa closed the meeting with a joke, but I forget what it was.