RO T A R Y G R A M

April 22, 2004

Quote: "I pledge allegiance to the State of Colorado..."

Our fearless leader

Guests:

Frank V. introduced Joe Clair of the UPS store at Centennial as well as returning guest Tyler Silvernail.  The polymathic Phil Bryson was Steve W.'s guest while Steve R. bought lunch for Mike Stone.  Stan Johnson, a financial planner, also joined us today as did outgoing exchange students Molly Oswald and Steve Bowen.

Happenings:

Our President reported on this week's Board meeting, which included some minor re-direction of the Mini-Grants program.  On the fund-raising side, Frank V. provided an update to the Memorial weekend "Durango Motor Expo".  Underwriting of core expenses has been secured (yeah!) and 16 members (out of only 40!!) Of the Daybreak Club have volunteered for various tasks.  Now it is time for HNRC members to step up to the plate.

Tim Walsworth finally completed his graduation from Red Badge to Blue Badge!  Congrats!  Now volunteer!.

4/24 - Fireside Chat is scheduled for this Saturday - call Chessa.

5/01 - Durango Nature Studies - call Wayne B.

5/06 - Baseball! - call Ted R.

6/13 - Potluck for visiting exchange students - Rotary Park.

This is Your Life:

Sherry Anne Taber, Director of our Durango Public Library, shared her life story.  She met John while they were both students at Washington State in Pullman.  A nice college town located in the midst of flat wheat prairie.  On to Washington DC where she earned her MLS at the University of Maryland.  After 17 years there, they moved to wonderful Juneau Alaska.  They enjoyed the relative underpopulation (500,000 in whole state) but after nine winters she jumped at the opportunity to join the library at Fort Lewis.  Then on to DPL where she is now trying to find a new home for the Library.

Program:

"I have no budget, no staff, and no authority".  Thus opened a wonderful presentation by Robert A. Kunkel, Events & Business Promotion Director for the Central Business District.  His task is to bring more people downtown, more often.  After 30 years in the ski business, including Purgy, he has drafted a three-pronged approach to his mission.  First up is Clean-up and Beautification, which he describes as only "OK" now. Besides sidewalk repair by the City and businesses, he has had considerable success in rounding up support for Durango Blooms (100 barrels of bloomin' beauty).  They cost $850 each and he has found support for 56 of these heavy duty planters - the initial goal is 100 barrels.  Other projects include lamp post banners and welcome banners over Main avenue.

The second leg includes free downtown shuttle (May to September) and free downtown business directories.  Perhaps the most important project involves acquiring the "tools of the trade" to help generate Special Events.  He has already acquired safety barriers ($56,000) and a great portable 24'W x 16'D stage.  This very high demand item cost $52,000 -- and YOUR HNRC kicked in with $2,500!!  He is now seeking out a PA system and tents to be available for these events.

Finally, Bob has been busy arranging for more downtown special events, although he has already booked more than 50 events this summer. 

Memorial Day will be huge, with the Iron Horse, Narrow Gauge, and now our HNRC "Durango Motor Expo".  He has greatly expanded the July 4 celebration into a day-long grand event.  Another highlight will be Music on the Main -- live music, every Friday after work, all summer. 

Sounds like great fun!  Great Program!

Next Week:

Program:    Judith Reynolds, on Mesa Verde

Menu:        Mexican Buffet

See you then!

Yours in Rotary,

Spencer, your Scribe

As always, your comments are welcomed: pearse2827@sisna.com