Newsletter

  September 14, 2006 Meeting

Opening

Ward Holmes led us in the Pledge of Allegiance of Allegiance.  Jan Measles used herself as the “inspirational” message this week.  Jan’s breast cancer surgery was successful with her lymph nodes clear.  Her treatment regimen is coming up.  She urged all Rotarians to support friends and family members faced with this disease.  In the 40 year old plus category breast cancer will hit 201,730 women this year and early detection is the key. 

Guests

Guest Representing Sponsor/Host
Eddie Chung                                         Newbury Park CA                                                       n/a

Nancy Chung

Chris Chung

Brad Blake                                           Blake Mechanical                                                         Charlie Albert

Joseph Laurent                                     Exchange Student/France                                            

(Joseph commented how much he is enjoying our country)

Visiting Rotarians
Joe Colgan                                          Durango Evening Club + Candidate

Announcements

Ward Holmes announced that there will be a program given by an oncologist on October 12.

Tim Walsworth announced (and threw in $5 Happy Dollars) the success of the United Way Radio-Thon on September 8^th in the Durango Mall.  They raised $59,400!  Tim also thanked Ward Holmes and everyone in the Club who bid on items and who donated.

Steve Redding thanked the Club members that participated in the Highway Trash Pick-Up day on Saturday, September 9^th and commented that yes indeed, Subway serves breakfast!

Burt Coleman announced that the La Plata Youth Services Mentoring Seminar is being held Wednesday, September 27 from 5-6:30 PM at the Youth Services office building (an A-Frame across from Durango High School).  They need both physical and financial assistance, and are especially in need of female volunteers.

Mike McGuire announced that he is taking a trip to Mexico to work in an orphanage at Santa Maria de Colon.  This is not a Club sanctioned trip, but if Rotarians want to participate, please call mike at home.

Ward reminded everyone of the District conference September 22-24 in Grand Junction.  If finances are preventing Club members from attending, call Ward as there is support funds set aside.

Cathy Crum reminded everyone about the Group Study Exchange is Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, September 27-29.  On September 28 the group is hosted by the Delores/Cortez Club and they will be going to Mesa Verde.  Friday, September 29^th they will be in Durango.  Cathy needs truck and van drivers.  She also needs hosts for the exchange participants (5 people from the Czech and Slavic Republics).  There is a potluck scheduled for Friday, September 29^th at the Durango Rec Center.  Details to follow.

Cathy also reminded everyone of the date for the Habitat for Humanity build – Saturday, October 7.  Wells Fargo Bank will match what is raised to $2500.  A sign up sheet was passed around.  If you have signed up, please bring your own tools.

Ward announced the next Board Meeting:  Tuesday, September 19, 5:30 PM, Durango Office Suites.  Red badgers are especially encouraged to attend.

Ward announced the Kiwanis Club’s Pancake Breakfast that is being held Thursday, September 21^st, 7 AM – 7 PM, at the Fairgrounds.  This announcement was a favor to the Kiwanis President, John Gamble who worked all day at the Radiothon.  If you buy 10+ tickets, John will deliver them to you (259-1021).  This is their 5th “Flipping Year”.  Tickets are $6 ea.

Sgt. at Arms

Chandler Jackson began his part of the meeting by fining everyone $1 who was not wearing a pin (he had let this go for a few weeks, but the fine “is back!”)  Mike Kane was fined for the engagement photo that appeared in the Durango Herald and also fined Tim Walsworth for the article he missed being fined for last week.  Happy Dollars!!!!!  Kathy Firestone threw in a buck to thank Bill Cartwright for helping her finish her last mile at the highway trash day.  Ted Weirather is happy that he’s finally moving into his new house.  Tami Coddington was thrilled that the Bank of the San Juan’s golf tournament is over – and netted $27,000 on a rainy day.  Leanna Jaworsky threw in a dollar for a successful vacation on the west coast and Pacific Northwest.  Phil Bryson threw in $5 (and commented it should be $1000) as they have received the Certificate of occupancy for the new building on Main Ave.  Tom Galbraith followed with a $1 for finishing his new deck.  Rotary guests, the Chung’s tossed one in to say they were happy to be with us.  Chandler threw in two Happy Dollars – one for his son joining the Interact Club at DHS (he’s only 13) and for the first Rotaract meeting held at FLC – they are talking about a trip to Honduras.  Club Anniversaries:  Niles Bruno, 1 year; Nancy Hammond 15 years, Judy Heasley, 1 year, Jay Hwang, 7 years and Frank Valen, 5 years.  Kathy Firestone was the lucky ticket winner and had her 3 tries at nerf golf.  Close but no money.

Program

Rick Routh introduced Peter Tregillus and Rebecca Larson to speak about drug and alcohol abuse prevention.  Peter is a program developer with SUCAP and Rebecca is a prevention consultant for Region 5, Southwest Colorado.  Peter spoke about the importance of forming community coalitions to address this “sticky” problem.  In La Plata County excellent work has been conducted by a variety of groups but without serious planning together – versus scattered efforts – the approaches are in silos.  The importance of the coalition approach is collaborating with other agencies.  Over the past 6 months representatives from the various groups have been catering together to try to establish a drug free cultural norm.  When it comes to prevention, the former methodology of working with scare tactics (such as the DARE program) is shown not to be as effective as first thought.  Youth outgrow the basic tenets of that program and the results are not long-lasting.    The new coalition is trying to energize the coalition for Positive Youth Development.

Rebecca gave an overview of the work being done in Montezuma and Delores Counties.  They are trying to focus on a common goal, working together, sharing resources and not duplicating efforts.  Her group also offers technical assistance.  She further shared what Colorado is currently doing to support the potential impact made by coalitions and are looking to create changes by working with local and elected officials.  Again looking at models of Positive youth Development (school, community, peers and family) and backing consistent messages.  Be watchful in the community that coalitions must work together on broad based programming … “It takes a village…” 

Closing

Here’s Bud" – This week Bud informed us that he will be missing a couple of meetings due to some health issues so took the liberty of telling two short tales.  The first was about monastery life (yes … Monks) and the second about 2 sight service dogs (a Doberman and a Chihuahua).  Ward wished everyone a great day and rang the bell to release us.


Respectfully Submitted,

Judy Heasley