Newsletter

August 3, 2006 Meeting

Opening

Ward Holmes led us in the Pledge of Allegiance of Allegiance.  Jan measles inspired us with a quote from the Buddha -- which was reminiscent of the Four Way Test.  Thanks Jan.

Guests

Guest Representing Sponsor/Host

Scott Bradley                                                                                                                       Emily

Jeff Dietch                                            Himself/Political Candidate                                       Burt Coleman

Kyle Dodd                                           Mark's Daughter                                                      Mark Dold

Fred Govreau                                       Steve's Father                                                          Steve Govreau

Loryn Kasten Durango Mtn. Resort                                                Jennifer Simon

Nel Panech                                           Rick's Spouse                                                          Rick Routh

Announcements

Ward announced that the Fireside Chat will be held at 6 PM, 3rd Floor, John Reed Library at FLC, Thursday, August 10th.  Red badge members and others are welcome.  The Library is located next to the College Union Building in the center core of campus, flag poles out front.

Ward thanked everyone for their response to his email urging Rotarians to contribute to their Paul Harris Fellowship.  August 17th 19 High Noon Rotarians will be presented at the meeting at which the District Governor will be present.

Ward and Justin Osborn reported on the El Rancho fire status.  Rotarians are encouraged to donate to the Victim's Assistance Fund with the Red Cross.  There are also 2 accounts at the Bank of the San Juans and XX.  Give directly to the "Central Hotel Residents Fund."  Ward also said to give firefighters a handshake when you see them in town -- they saved a possible disaster for downtown Durango!

Ward announced that Wednesday August 16th there would be a pot luck dinner for the district Governor.  More information will be forthcoming. 

Ward gave a heads-up that Kiwanis will be announcing a raffle at our August 10 meeting.  They are raffling an $18,000 Harley.  Tickets are limited to 3,000 at $20 per ticket.  The drawing will take place over Labor Day weekend.  If interested, bring your money to next week's meeting.

Bill Cartwright said there was some unfinished business from Monte Carlo night regarding the prize for the most tickets sold.  He presented Melissa Caskey with a gift certificate for selling 16 tickets to the event!

Sgt. of Arms

Chandler Jackson exercised his power by fining anyone who wasn't wearing his/her pin $1.  Rotarians should be warned that this is something Chandler will be focusing on for the year.  Tom Brossia was recognized for his Club anniversary (7 years) and his 43rd wedding anniversary had passed.  He also gave a happy dollar for the successful Ducks unlimited convention.  Tom Galbraith  was recognized for his 18th Club anniversary as well  Michael Burns  was recognized for his birthday and threw in a buck for his appearance in the Durango Herald in a Habitat for Humanity article.  Wedding anniversaries included Mark Dold (23 years) and Lyman Gregory (34 years).  More Happy Dollars included Mark Dold recognizing his daughter's 2nd place finish in reining, Melissa Caskey for her team's second place finish in a bank simulation game.  Ken Fusco had missed a meeting and tossed in money to cover his birthday and Club anniversary.  Mike McGuire gave a Happy Dollar for successfully climbing Engineer Mountain and Justin Osborne  for serving as the first host family for our exchange student from France, Joseph.  Bob Griffith was the winning ticket this week, but missed his 3 chances in nerf-ball putting --- better luck next time!

Program

Rick Routh introduced Joe Lewandowski from the Division of Wildlife, State of Colorado.  Lewandowski presented a program on the challenges facing area wildlife )and per Rick, plays a "mean guitar".  The speaker took an informal poll of Rotarians present asking who held hunting and/or fishing licenses.  The majority of our Club raised their hand.  Lewandowski explained that the Davison of Wildlife is a stand-alone enterprise with the majority of their funding coming from the sale of licenses.  Via a video the speaker stated that Colorado is home to over 900 species of wildlife.  Currently a great majority of prime habitat has been eaten up by development.  The DOW is trying to garner support from the citizens to donate to wildlife conservations since the division receives no state funds.  he gave a pitch for Colorado citizens to buy Habitat Stamps ($10 each) -- which everyone must possess when visiting/using state wildlife areas (hunting and fishing licensee's receive a stamp with their license).  At the end of the formal presentation, Rotarians responded with a number of questions that filled the allotted program time.

Closing

"...Here's Bud" -- a tale about the Super Duper Computer Store (similar to the old "who's on first" Abbott and Costello routine).  Several chuckles were heard around the room.  Also, Mike McGuire - in the spirit of the wildlife theme, told a short "tacky" moose tale.

Ward wished everyone a great week and rang the bell to release us.

Respectfully Submitted,

Judy Heasley