HIGH NOON ROTARY
Newsletter
11-30-2006

Opening

Chip Lile, substituting for Ward Holmes (who had to go to Grand Junction) led us in the Pledge of Allegiance; followed Steve Osborne giving the inspiration for Jan Measles (who is home recovering from reconstruction surgery).  In the spirit of the Holidays and last week’s Thanksgiving, Steve asked all to bow their heads for a moment of silent mediation/prayer. 

Guests

Guest Representing Sponsor/Host

Tom Grams                              Speaker
Kent Ford                                                                                Rick Routh
Jim Carver                                                                                Rick Routh
Visiting Rotarians - 
Mike Sandberg (HNR)

Announcements

Cathy Crum announced Project Merry Christmas participation.  There were gift suggestions placed at the tables.  Rotarians are asked to bring an unwrapped gift to the Rotary Holiday Party.  If unable to attend, gifts are welcomed at another time.  Contact Cathy with questions.

Justin Osborn distributed flyers about the CHRISTMAS PARTY Thursday, December 7^th. Diamond Circle Theatre.  Doors open at 5 PM.  Fabulous dinner and cash bar.  Entertainment by Heather Sullivan.  Auction to Benefit the Interact Club.  Bring an unwrapped gift as a donation to project Merry Christmas.  Dinner is compliments of the club for all Rotarians.  Spouses/guests are $30 each.  If you have not given an RSVP CALL Justin at 375-5548 no later than Monday morning. Justin also reminded everyone that the Tim Sullivan benefit is on New Years Eve celebration is $25 per person and tickets will be available at the Strater. THERE IS NO REGULAR MEETING NEXT THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7^TH!!!!!!

Bob Chaput reported on the status of the purchase of Red Ball Express (scheduled for February 10, 2007, 4:07 PM).  Bob said he needed help – bodies – not just our money.  There is an expectation that each Rotarian is to sell 10 tickets for the event.  He encouraged Rotarians to participate and enjoy the festivities to include skiing and a tentative chili cook-off.

John Anderson reminded everyone of the Rotary scholarship fund that is housed in the Durango Community Foundation.  The intent is to grow the fund over time, so please consider a year-end gift to the fund (tax deductible donation).

Steve Govreau announced that the dictionaries are in (round of applause to Dick Pearson for his work).  Next step is the Daybreak club is affixing name plates and wrapping them.  If you want to be included on the Delivery Committee, contact Steve (delivery is scheduled for the 2^nd week in December). 

Charlie Albert announced the following international projects:  Water filter project.  A $50,000 matching grant was received through partnering with the Freeport, Maine club. At the Tri-District Conference in Juarez, Mexico (3-weeks ago).  Identified projects needed by the Mexican clubs.  clef palate surgical supplies, used school buses and a truck for a food bank.

Chip announced the By-Laws Committee meeting would follow today’s meeting; and Presidential Nomination Ballots were on each table and everyone was asked to vote for 5 of those Rotarians eligible and place the ballot in the box at the end of the meeting.

Angie Beach gave an Interact Club report on the fundraising plans for the Honduras trip.  At the Christmas party on December 7^th, the students will have a Silent Auction with terrific items to bid on …b ring your checkbook!  Their goal is to have 20-30 students go at an estimated cost of $750 ea.  Please contact Angie if you are interested in helping out or being a chaperone on the trip.  Chip said that fundraising is critical and if Rotarians have fundraising ideas the students can hold, to let Angie know.

New Member Induction

Sponsor, Bill Cartwright, introduced new Durangoan, John Wilkin.  John lives at The Ranch and is an avid golfer.  An Ohio native an Ohio State Buckeye, he is in the investment business as a financial consultant (stock broker) and has been for 23 years.  As a new member of the community is he very grateful to be inducted as a member and is looking forward to becoming an active Rotarian.
Sgt. of Arms

Chandler Jackson (again) fined everyone who didn’t have a pin on.  Member birthdays:  Jeffrey Brown and Doug Lashley.  Wedding Anniversaries:   Bill Hermesman and Steve and Jeannie Wheeldon.  Steve announced in celebration of their 18^th anniversary they will be making an appropriate donation to the Rotary Scholarship Fund.

Happy Dollars:  Bill Cartwright for snow.  Lauren Kasten for 21” of snow at DMR and announced their Benefit Day is this Saturday (tickets available at both City Markets, Magpies and Albertsons).   Mike McGuire announced that he was in an auto accident (he is alright) that totaled both cars and was happy his seat belt worked.  New member, John Wilkins, tossed in $5 for being a new member.  Vern Swanson had been in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia and was happy to be home.  Leanna Jaworsky, as president of the Habitat board, was happy that Wells Fargo presented a check for $17,500 for the donated days.  Justin tossed in a dollar on his way out the door to go to the Texas Panhandle to hunt with his Dad.  And, Bud was happy for the Medicare and Social Security Systems that handled the huge medical costs from his back surgery (it cost $30,000 for 2 titanium rods and 4 screws!).

Bill Hobson had the winning ticket and missed at the basketball toss.

Program

Burt Coleman introduced the speaker, Dr. Tom Grams (dentist).  His program was Afghanistan 2004-2005.  Dr. Grams is affiliated with a dental clinic in the country and goes often to do his work.  He spoke as he showed electronic photos:  Afghanistan is a complicated country comprised of various ethnicities (tribes).  80% of the country is dry/arid.  Homes are made of mud, and many heads of the house (men) go to Iran to work low paying jobs in order to make ends meet.  No photos are allowed to be taken of women.  The Japanese government recently built a school, which was needed.  When building any structure, they first put up a 12’ wall (due to a history of wars) and then build the structure within the confines of the wall.  The code of conduct is honor, revenge and hospitality.  Dr. Grams feels quite secure working there.  The economy is dysfunctional with areas of wealth woven with extreme poverty.  The clinic is in a valley in the country where the terrain is similar to Albuquerque.  They are about an hour outside of Kabul.  His perception from his experiences is that one does not talk politics, very few of the people speak English, and many are disillusioned with the Taliban.   He is retiring from his dental practice here, but will continue to practice at the Clinic in Afghanistan.  He said the population has poor dental hygiene practices, their nutrition is sparse (average meals are rice, beans and bread), few have toothbrushes, and his usual work is extractions, cleanings and some repair work. 
Closing

Although a little over time, Bud had one quick story – the ending worthy of a boo or two. Chip then rang the bell to release us.

REMEMBER, NO MEETING NEXT THURSDAY, DECEMBER 7^TH DUE TO THE CHRISTMAS PARTY!

Respectfully submitted,
Judy Heasley
Judith Heasley
Vice President, Institutional Advancement
FORT LEWIS COLLEGE
1000 Rim Drive
Durango CO 81301