Newsletter
 
November 2, 2006
Opening
 
In Ward Holmes’ absence, Chip Lile rang the bell and then led us in the Pledge of Allegiance of Allegiance.  Justin Osborne substituted for Jan Measles and offered some inspirational words using horses for examples of trust and guidance.   
Guests                                                  Representing                                                    Sponsor/Host
Dave Godin                                          La Plata Youth Services                                    Program

Harlene Russell                                     Ditto                                                                 Ditto
Terry Senters                                       New resident                                                    Bill Cartwright
Nicole Kane                                         Spouse                                                             Mike Kane 
                                               
Announcements
 
Important:  Chip announced that next week’s meeting will be held at the Durango Arts Center NOT the Doubletree.  The program is Brian Govreau, son of Steve, who will speak about his experiences in France. 

Kudos to Kathy Firestone for creating a new banner hanger.  She said she looked for the Lake Powell bikini banner, but couldn’t find it.  The new hanger boasts all international banners and she has at least 70 more so will work with Jill to order another hanger. 
 
Justin Osborne reminded all of the Holiday party December 7th at the Diamond Circle Theatre.  Heather Sullivan is the entertainment (jazz).  Justin will email an RSVP sheet to sign up.  We will again be participating in Project Merry Christmas.  More to come. 

Judy Heasley asked for a volunteer to take notes and produce the newsletter for November 9th as she will be out of town.  Thank you Wayne Bedor!
 
Chip announced that sadly one of the Simon twins passed away from a heart murmur.  The memorial service is tentative (possibly Monday) and Jenn would love to have people there.  Rotarians will be informed.  The other twin, Hailey, is doing very well. 

Bill Cartwright announced that Red Ball is scheduled for Saturday, February 10th.  The local clubs are purchasing the franchise from the Aspen club and Bill has the contract to look over.  More to come. 

Peter Marshall announced there will be a Scholarship Committee meeting after the meeting today. 

Tammy Coddington announced that there is an AIDS benefit being held at the Durango Arts Center this weekend.  If interested in tickets, contact her. 

Nancy Hammond’s husband, Peter, underwent a 15-hour heart surgery last week for artery reconstruction.  His prognosis is good but will take a year to recover.   
Sgt. at Arms
 
Chandler Jackson didn’t get us on pins this week!  There were no member birthdays, but David Downs is celebrating a wedding anniversary, Wayne Bedor said his “check is in the mail” from last week, and Chandler fessed up that it was his club anniversary. 

Happy Dollars:  Mark Prouty threw in dollars gathered to see if Chandler would announce his own club anniversary.  Ted Robson went to Wolf Creek’s opening day; Moni Bjorlin had ‘a bunch” of dollars to celebrate successes of her 3 daughters.  The oldest participated in the state cross country competition, middle daughter plays the flute and was accepted into the Durango Youth Symphony and her youngest went to state competition in gymnastics.  Dick Sullivan tossed one in for Adaptive Sports good works and Bill Hobson was happy that his joints are still in tact, and he only gained 10# from his wine tastes and food adventures in Germany.  Sara Olsen left the radio station, releasing her of the golden handcuffs, and she is now open for free lance work.  Steve Redding is happy with the success of his knew surgery and his back on his bicycle.  And, Rotaract’s Bake Sale netted $400.  Mike Kane during the introduction of his wife, Nicole, let her give a pitch for he new venture, Party Lite candles (brochures were on each table), which cost him a dollar.   

 The winning ticket was Scott Matthis who was the first to attempt the new game – replacing golf – miniature basketball.  Scott made it in the first try to win the money, but on a second try from further away:  Air ball!   

Programs

Exchange student, Joseph Laurent presented a PowerPoint program of his background (a small technical glitch was fixed in an instant by Bob Chaput).  Joseph is from Lannion, France, which is a city in one of the provinces (states) of Brittany.  He showed gorgeous views of the city from Lannion’s church.  His family consists of his mother, Sophie, 45 years old, who is from Paris and an instructor of art teachers (her mother is from Paris and visits periodically).  His father is a carpenter, enjoys sailing and is 49 years old.  He and Joseph communicate “live” via the computer.  He has two brothers, Paul 15, who attends a boarding school, is in the Boy scouts and plays a guitar, and M___ (?) who is 13 years old and a freshman in high school in Lannion.  They live in a house built by his grandfather.  He has a dog (Miss Pokey (Pookie), and a black cat that goes by 2 names (Lily and Gidget).  Joseph loves his motorcycle, likes to compete with boat scooters, is in the Lannion Boy Scouts, plays the piano and has a stand-up keyboard, and his best friend, Pierre, is “crazy like me.”  It was nice to have a glimpse of Joseph
Rick Routh then introduced David Godin from the La Plata Youth Services mentoring Program, (who presented the program) and Harlene Russell, Executive Director.  La Plata youth Services mentoring Program is named in memory of Marv Collentine, who made a significant impact on their mentoring program.  Since the inception of Marv’s program, they have impacted 97 high-risk youth.  The mentoring program offers several things, to include friendship, positive role modeling, counseling and teaching life skills.  Currently LPYS has 25 active mentors (10 who are High noon Rotarians).  Burt Coleman was pointed out as being the most active.  Tax payer costs of diversion are only $795 annually, which is covered by grants.  Compared to standard probation which costs $1697.  State operated facilities are 70 times more.  In 2005 there were 458 juvenile arrests (41 on probation, 24 committed to DeNier and 90 to LPYS).  In their 2005 Annual Report they cite 90 youth served and that 95% of those did not re-offend while in the program.  They serve ages 10-17 and are noting that female offenders are rising and they made a plea for female mentors to join their program.  They find that mentoring is very effective with a 98% success rate and High Noon is the greatest supporter with 300+ volunteer hours.  The presentation was followed by Q&A. 
Closing
 

Bud is back and in quite a harness after his surgery (he referred to it as his bullet proof vest).  He read two tales, one about a security system, with size 16 boots and ammo and the other about Jesus’ mother’s name (you had to be here).
Chip rang the bell to dismiss us. 
Respectfully Submitted by,
 
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