Newsletter

Newsletter

September 21, 2006 Meeting
Opening

Ward Holmes led us in the Pledge of Allegiance of Allegiance. Jan Measles gave us a word of inspiration about sunshine.
Guests

Guest                                                    Representing                                                            Sponsor/Host
Dave Anderson                                    Oneonta NY (past president of his club)
Andreas Tischhauser                             Fort Lewis College                                                       Dan Morgenstern

Dave Crowell Ted Weirather

Linda Brossia Spouse Tom Brossia

Joseph Laurent Exchange Student/France
(Joseph’s English is improving and he told about his weekend visiting TellurideAnnouncements

Ward announced that the District conference starts tomorrow (September 22-24 in Grand Junction) and thanked those driving Interact students.

Cathy Crum reminded everyone about the Group Study Exchange next week and she still needs one more host family (W-Sat). 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 is still looking for truck and van drivers. The potluck is scheduled for Friday, September 29^th at the Durango Rec Center. Our Club has been assigned a side dish or a ‘hearty” salad. Cathy passed around a sign-up sheet and announced more details to follow.

Cathy also reminded everyone of the date for the Habitat for Humanity build – Saturday, October 7. After GSE she will give more information next week.

Judy Heasley announced that she will miss the next 4 Rotary meetings due to work obligations. She asked for volunteers to take the minutes and prepare the weekly newsletter. Ward implemented immediate “volunteerism” and thanks to Peter Marshall, Justin Osborne, Jan Measles and Emily Spencer for stepping up.

Ward reported on the Board Meeting that was held Tuesday, September 19^th. They approved $500 for a Fiji project. If anyone wants to serve on the By-laws committee, contact Chip Lile.
Sgt. at Arms

Chandler Jackson began by explaining why he is running late this semester – he has a meeting that ends at 12:15 on campus (should Chandler be fined???). First fine out of the box was a buck for not wearing a pin – this is now taking on the look of a weekly occurrence. Happy Dollars were abundant: Ward Holmes in honor of his 23^rd wedding anniversary – Dan Morgenstern on behalf of all Jewish people, the Jewish New Year begins tomorrow night – Walt Nowotny gushed about seeing their 1^st granddaughter – Guest Dave Anderson for being in Durango – Ted Robson for visiting family in Alberta – Laryn Kasten in celebration of 3 ½” of snow at DMR this morning – Howard Poe because Michigan beat Notre Dame – Mike Matheson because he was elected President of the Board of Education (and he requested no more fines!) – Nancy Hammond because she gets to sit at the “Old Farts” table – and Tom Brossia for a critter gaining weight (?)! Member birthdays included Jim Burpee, Scott Mathis and Manuel Pozo-Alonso. Wedding anniversary: Mike Burns and finally, Club Anniversaries: Walt Nowotny hit the 4-year mark and Sara Olsen, 1 year.

The golf mat wasn’t laid out so ticket winner Norm Freemeyer was given the cash and turned it over to the Club! Way to go!

Program

Angie Beach introduced Mandy Mikulencak and Tracy Korb of the Women’s Resource Center to speak about their nonprofit. Mandy has been the Executive Director of the center for 3 years and Tracy has served as Assistant Director for 4 years.

The two women presented a PowerPoint show highlighting the key elements of the WRC. The center will be celebrating its 20^th anniversary next year in Durango. In 2005 they went through a community needs assessment and are concentrating on two major programs: (1) Individual Advocacy 9service to clients and (2) Cause and issue Advocacy (input on major issues affecting women such as domestic violence).

The WRC mission is: Advocating for the personal empowerment and economic self-sufficiency of women. Their longest running, largest and most crucial program is Resource & Referral. They have more than 2000 referrals each year and there is no typical client.

Under the Cause Advocacy program they are looked to as “the voice” for women in this area and support causes such as sex ed curriculum, policy, violence prevention, Colorado Consumer health Initiatives etc. Education is also a key element of the WRC and they hold 2 annual conferences for girls and women. Last year their program impacted 275+ girls and 100 adult volunteers (demonstrating positive role models). They hold WomenFest, which is a 10-yearold special event that has a different theme each year. The event is being held Saturday, November 4, 2006 at Escalante Middle School. The theme is One Planet (a focus on global environmental issues). Registration forms will be available in 2 weeks at the WRC. They also offer business support (loan program, business networking meetings, mentoring, consulting) and in 2007 plan to launch a new program titled MyBiz.

Individuals can become involved with the WRC through their membership program, volunteerism, mentoring, financial donations, or becoming a member of their board (3-year commitment). The program ended with Q&A.

Closing

Here’s Bud … Bud’s story involved skiing, insight, a barn and a bequest. Ward had everyone stand-up and turn around 3 times to pretend we were on a ride at a State Fair. The Doubletree’s Executive Chef created a new buffet for our enjoyment today. Evaluation forms were on each table asking for member input on what you did/didn’t like about the meal (for those not present it was a choice of fix-your-own hot dogs, hamburgers, or corn dogs, with all the condiments, assorted salads and French fries). Ward wished everyone a great week and rang the bell to release us.

Respectfully Submitted,
Judy Heasley
Judith Heasley
Vice President, Institutional Advancement FORT LEWIS COLLEGE
1000 Rim Drive
Durango CO 81301
(970) 247-7253
Fax: (970) 382-6948
Cell: (970) 426-8777
heasley_j@fortlewis.edu