Newsletter
February 1, 2007

 

Opening

President & Pirate Ward Holmes rang the bell,” and all stood to recite the Pledge of Allegiance.
In the spirit of Snowdown, Jan Measles provided inspirational words from Erma Bombeck:  Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well-preserved body – but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand, strawberries in the other – a body thoroughly used up, totally worn and screaming:  wooooohooo … what a ride!!!

Guests
Kent Ford, Program

Jim Duke, Guest of John Beekman

Dennis Hanson, Durango Herald, Guest of Ward Holmes

Amy Wasserbach, Exchange Student and Jack Wasserbach, her father

Natasha Golston, Guest of Wayne Bedor

And Captain Morgan (in honor of Snowdown)

Announcements  
Joseph
had a great weekend, went skiing, went to a big party and celebrated his birthday.  SNOWDOWN PARADEWard reminded everyone that Rotary is having a float in the Snowdown parade tomorrow night (Friday, 2/2/).  Niles Bruno said if you want to walk in the parade, hunt for the float somewhere near the train depot at 5 PM, and wear red.   18 inbound exchange students will be here for a conference over the weekend and will join the walkers.  Ward also announced that Rotaract will be selling hot chocolate and hot apple cider at the parade. RED BALL:  High Noon’s door prizes are a Tucson Doubletree weekend and $1,000 gift certificate from North Pointe Furniture. Ward announced that the nonprofits have sold all of their tickets – time is running short and we need to sell more.  Justin Osborn (in Pirate garb) needs a few more skiers for the race.  In a “Pirate manner” Justin arranged a race pointer session with a DMR ski instructor on the mountain.  Skiers, contact Justin for information.  Angie Beach announced the “chili cook-off” and needs fully cooked chili to sell at Red Ball.  Call Angie for details. 

Peter Marshall announced that the Scholarship Committee would meet (again) after the meeting.  Peter said we owe a debt of gratitude to Dennis Hanson (guest with the Durango Herald) for assisting with the Rotary Report to the Community.  The insert is scheduled for March and Peter covered those who are to write a column.  David Downs is in charge of the insert sponsorships and asked for block ad sponsors ($25-$250+). See David if you want to advertise. Steve Wheeldon reminded everyone of the La Plata Open Space wine tasting and art auction tonight (sounds like he obligated Dick Pearson to provide Coke for Bob Chaput?).  If you want to go, they will sell tickets at the door and you will get the art print.  Ward announced that he is getting a number of bounce-back emails because of spam blockers.  Please unblock to receive your Rotary news.  Moni Helling announced a St. Patrick’s bowling event on march 16-17 at the Fairgrounds.  More info in the coming weeks.  Judy Heasley provided 2 follies tickets for auction (Ward does need auctioneer lessons) and thanks to Kent Curtis for his $220 to go to the Rotary Scholarship Fund.  Judy will be out next meeting and Wayne Bedor volunteered for Newsletter duties.

Sgt. of Arms
Angie Beach substituted for Chandler.  She fined Red Badger Kent Curtis for not working at the check-in table with Jill Wark today.  Everyone was fined if they didn’t have a guest at their table or if they didn’t have any Red Ball tickets sold.  She attempted to fine Mike Matheson for being in the newspaper and not mentioning Rotary (Mike’s response was…Are you out of your mind?  -- the story was about a major controversy!). Birthdays and AnniversariesDick Sullivan (birthday), Charlie Albert (wedding anniversary) and Club Anniversaries:  Mary Barter, Mark Prouty, Steve Redding, Vern Swanson and Jill Wark.

HAPPY DOLLARSTed Robson was $32 worth of happy for his wedding anniversary.  Justin Osborn was happy that it is Snowdown so that he can drink daily.  Niles Bruno is happy that ‘da Bears” are in the Super Bowl.  Wayne Bedor happy for another company arranged for the Russian accountant visit (Rick Routh, Mercury Payment Systems).  Mike McGuire had a couple of dollars in thanks to Angie Beach’s bank displaying the Spanish coins and for Sherry Taber and the Library’s books on tape program.  Mike Sandberg was happy for the Durango Herald article (front page no less) about the Spanish coins.  Mark Dold was happy that when he stopped many cars last night, he found drunks, but none behind the wheel.  Moni Helling gave thanks to Jeannie Wheeldon for proving her with 1890’s costumes for an event Moni is coordinating.  Emily Spencer is happy to walk in the Snowdown parade.  Bud Deering is happy Judy is traveling, but she is sending home a lot of packages 9go UPS!!).  Jeannie Wheeldon tossed in $46 for the Melodrama’s years (we will all miss it!) and Angie was happy to welcome Jennifer Simon back.  Dave Farmer won the ticket drawing, but with no games to play, donated the money back to the scholarship fund. 

Program

Rick Routh introduced Kent Ford from the Green Round Table.  Kent’s presentation was PowerPoint with a couple of fun slides – global warning undies and a 6-pack of Bud).  The Green Round Table meets for an hour lunch at the Strater monthly.  The format is similar to a Rotary meeting.  Examples of some topic themes:  Green building, transportation efficiency, foods, energy efficiency.  Kent described sustainable development and gave a sampling of green buildings in Durango (FLC Student Life Center, The Smiley Building renovation and the Rochester Hotel).  Speakers are from various agencies such as FLC, LPEA, and the American Solar Society and emphasize local sustainability issues and LEED building strategies.  A short Q&A session followed.

Closing

Bud told 2 stories:  Dallas Air Traffic Control Center (politically incorrect?) and Durango traffic.   Ward reminded everyone not to forget the Parade, and dress in red – and to go by the Bank of the San Juans prior to the parade for the Spanish coin auction – Angie is hosting a small party.  Ward then rang the bell to release us.
 
February Program Schedule:
 
2/8       TBA
2/15     Andrew Gulliford, Mesa Verde Centennial Blood Services
2/22     Club Assembly & Committee Updates 
 

 
Respectfully submitted,
 
Judy Heasley