DURANGO HIGH NOON ROTARY
Newsletter
(03-15-07 Meeting)
Opening
Ward Holmes rang the bell and led us in the pledge.
Jan Measles gave us an anonymous thought – “Be Thankful”
Guests
Allison
Pease – Guest of Rick Routh: Durango
Nature Studies: Allison asked for spring volunteer naturalists to work
with the center to assist with their service to the 1368 children (who cross
the high Noon Rotary Bridge) on their property. Post cards with volunteer
opportunities were distributed. They will have trainings for volunteer
naturalists, trails workday, Weed-n-Beer Day (you whack the weeds, they provide
the beer). Call 970-382-9244 X 3 for further information.
Joseph
gave a brief update of his
week. Loads of guests: Don DeBolt,
Rotarian fro Pennsylvania traveling through town. Terri Little guest of Mike
Sandberg – she is helping with the coin and map sale; Jim Duke
(inductee) with parents Judy & Tom Duke; David King; Jenni
Helling guest of Moni
Helling; Julie Visnick
(program with Royce Trainer and Lewis Torres as guests).
Special Announcement
Walt Nowotny announced that Rotarian, Bill Wright,
passed away two days ago (he was Walt’s sponsor). A memorial service will
be in a few weeks. A sympathy card was passed around to send to his wife,
Sue.
Member Induction
Jim Duke was inducted as the newest High Noon member,
sponsored by John Beekman. Jim
said he is 36 years old and has lived in Durango since he was 10. He is
in the midst of a divorce (but sees the light at the end of the tunnel) and has
3 children. He has been working with his mother selling African artifacts
and sending the proceeds back to the group they are helping. They are
looking at starting a nonprofit. Ward performed the induction
ceremony, John presented the pin and gave some positive words of
greeting, and Jill Wark provided his shirt,
red badge and book. Welcome Jim!
Announcements
Ward informed us that we received thank you letters from both
the Boys and Girls Club ($1500 gift) and Music in the Mountains ($1000
gift).
Bill Cartwright reminded everyone that Monte Carlo Night is Saturday, April
14th. Friday the 13th will be a training night for
volunteer dealers and those playing other roles. You do not need to be a
Rotarian to help. Howard Wilson was able to get volunteer
professional Texas Holdem dealers – therefore the
flyer (on each table) states ‘No rakes, No Tokes, No Cash Prizes” in keeping
with Colorado state law. (Rakes are administrative overhead charges
casinos put on winnings, and Tokes are dealer tips). Bill and Justin
Osborn have tickets. The newest raffle prizes are dinner for 2 +
other goodies at Chez Grand Mare and dinner for 2 and a hotel night from
Mahogany Grill.
Ward recognized Peter Marshall for his hard work and
leadership in preparing the Rotary Community Report which is a 12-page insert
that will go into the Durango Herald. In response Peter thanked
the following for their work on the project: Tim Walsworth,
Chip Lile, Angie Beach, Bill Cartwright, David
Downs, Bob Salzer, Sherry Taber, and Ward
Holmes. Extra inserts are being printed for businesses. The
Durango Herald is only charging $1800 for the insert and Ward announced
that RI gave $1000 grant to the project. A round of applause ensued for
the Herald.
Tami Codington thanked those who are sponsoring her in the Big
Brothers/Big Sisters Bowl for kids Sake this weekend. If you are a
sponsor, contact Tami about payment.
Ward announced there will be a Board meeting, Tuesday, March 20
at 5:30. Red Badgers are welcome. March 23 is the deadline for
scholarship applications – let potential applicants that the app can be
accessed from the website.
Angie Beach talked about the upcoming Honduras trip. She made a
plea for a $1000 shortage for the trip (stating they are going “regardless” but
need to eat and buy medical supplies). 28 individuals are going (15
students). In the true tradition of Rotary, Bill Hermesman
donated the needed $1000!!! Followed by Nancy Vanderwal with $200 from Silver Thread interiors.
Ward recognized Angie for her passion and all the work in
fundraising and planning this trip.
Sgt. at Arms
Chandler Jackson announced that all money collected today would go to the
Interact fundraiser. No member birthdays or anniversaries were announced
as no one was in attendance.
HAPPY DOLLARS: First up, Mary Barter. She said we all
knew why she is happy. A standing ovation for Mary followed. She then
thanked everyone for their support during this trying period in her life and
said gracious words of thanks to Mike Matheson for his leadership and
his courage during the process. Another standing
ovation honoring Mike.
Steve Wheeldon tossed in $5 for the weeks he missed while nursing his
broken leg. He also acknowledged both the orthopedic physicians AND local
veterinarians (he used a bone mending product which healed his leg
quickly). John Anderson is happy he doesn’t need neurosurgery
since his accident with a snowboarder. Mark Dold
reminded everyone that Saturday is St. Patrick’s Day and that there will be a
DUI Checkpoint “somewhere in La Plata County.” Take care and he doesn’t
want to see any of us. Bill Hobson tossed in $20 as he received
tickets to go to The Masters, but prior to that he goes on a sailboat trip from
his wife (for his birthday). Steve Govreau
tossed in $20 for the Honduras trip. Sara Olson was happy on her
return from her trip to Costa Rica and that Jim Duke is now in the Club. Walt
Nowotny tossed money for Angie’s “kids.” Jeannie
Wheeldon tossed in $50 from the Diamond Circle
Melodrama for the Honduras trip. Chandler tossed in some money in
recognition of an ecumenical church service Wednesday that brought individuals
from all religions and recognized Dan Morgenstern and Judy Heasley for their participation. Jim Duke’s
Dad tossed in $20 recognizing his son has come a long way since high school –
and Jim responded with a $20 in happiness for getting along with his Dad and
for being a new High Noon Rotarian. He also presented a Rotary banner
from Zimbabwe, Africa. John Anderson had the winning ticket in the
drawing, lost the card draw. More money in the pot.
Program
Rick Routh introduced the program speaker, Julie Visnick,
MS in Clinical Social Work, who is a Therapist and Director of SOS (Snowboard
Outreach Society). The program began in Eagle County in 1993 as outreach to
disadvantaged teens, but it has grown to more than snowboarding. Julie
started SOS Durango 2 years ago. Character values are at the core of the
program (courage, discipline, integrity, wisdom, compassion) and they also
address risk factors through 3 major programs: (1) Learn to Ride; (2) SOS
University; and (3) Sherpa Society/junior Sherpas.
The program also includes a resiliency program which provides numerous
opportunities for social behavior. 47 kids of 59 finished the program
last year. SOS is looking at partnerships with DMR and Fort Lewis
College’s new Adventure Education program. She then called up her guest,
DHS sophomore Lewis Torres. Describing himself as shy, he spoke about
learning respect on the slopes, learning the fine points of snowboarding,
building self-confidence, and using the program’s character values in his
everyday life. Closing
Bud did not attend today, and Ward
said with today’s vibrant meeting, he is humbled to serve as the Club’s
President. He then rang the bell to release us.
PS: Wayne Bedor
volunteered to take notes and produce the Newsletter to June 30th of
this year to take over for me and to give me a break my last 2 meetings (3/22
and 3/29). THANK YOU WAYNE.
A great day to be a Rotarian!!!!!
Respectfully Submitted, Judy Heasley