High Noon Rotary Club of Durango

District 5470

Club 1161

Meet at Doubletree Hotel

Time:  12:00 Noon

Thursdays

 

Newsletter: June 10th 2010

 

Fellow Rotarians: 

 

Past president Tammy led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and then guests were introduced, but not before Bud Deering valiantly assisted all ladies close by to their seats!:

 

Jan Williams – former District Governor and current member Daybreak club – Jan announced that everyone was welcome to attend the upcoming Western Heritage Day Event @ the fairgrounds this Saturday. Barb Stine introduced Katie Stone – CO Grand scholarship award winner, who will be attending Denver University this fall. Tammy introduced guest Jerry from a Florida Rotary Club and also from Florida returning guest Jim Dolin. Tammy also introduced our presenters today: Aaron Fernandez – Founder of Open Sky Wilderness Therapy and Bob Beardsley – also with OSW. Finally Nacho, appearing at his last meeting before embarking on his tour and ponytail less let us know how excited he was for his trip. All fines for the day went to assist Nacho with trip lunch money.

 

Announcements:      

 

Bill Cartwright announced Happy Hour Build for Habitat on June 24th 3.00pm-7.00pm in Bayfield - sign-up sheet on tables. Also Bill announced that Chevron had stepped up to be the lunch sponsor for the upcoming golf tournament: 7 holes left to sponsor – a good start, 13 teams left to fill and volunteer signup sheets on table. Bob Chaput asked once more for everyone to make sure they had checked their roster info – also offered to take pictures and touch-ups for the roster. Emily Spencer announced that the Changing of the Guard dinner was scheduled for July 1st @ Strater Hotel @ 6..00PM. No rotary lunch that day – fees would cover your dinner that night – guests pay $20. Invites will also be mailed – please RSVP to Emily – should be another great event!. Tammy mentioned that @ this weeks board meeting, the year concluded with a balanced budget – funds raised and spent – all great causes! Also Tammy is looking for someone to step up and assume the responsibilities of organizing the in-bound students, arranging host families and interviewing potential out-bound students. Please see Tammy if you are interested. In response to a request for volunteers to host, Moni stepped up – thanks Moni!

 

Meet a Rotarian:

 

Jill Carithers bantered beautifully with Frank Valen. Some highlights: Sells commercial insurance, loves spending time with his two young grand children, has one dog and three cats, attended college @ Cal Poly – Pomona and MBA @ Pepperdine, welcoming back step-daughter and two grand kids, started @ tight end for USC until injury to his leg, roommate in college was Jim Zorn. FrankÕs first ever job involved having to wear a tie while loading trucks for Sears – Frank rebelled and still maintained his job.

 

Sergeant of Arms:

 

Sergeant of Arms (SOA) Kathy Firestone: Member birthdays: Walter Nowotny, Wedding Anniversary: Nancy Bennett – 17 years, Club Anniversary: Tammy 9 yrs, Dan 3yrs, and David Downs & Tim Walsworth – absent today. Kathy posed the question of the day: When did Red Lion convert to Doubletree? Cathy Crum correctly answered – 1996. Steve Wheeldon – gratefully back amongst us won the drawing and donated it to Nacho for his trip. Happy Dollars: Lee Ann – mother-in-law leaving after 41/2 months!, Bill Cartwright – for the following golf hole sponsors: Bud Deering, Bank of San JuanÕs, Realty Executives, Bank of Colorado, Genie Wheeldon/Doubletree Hotel, Advanced Eye Care, Howard Wilson, Wells Fargo Client Services. Bud Deering was happy to hear that he had won $1M from Publishers Clearing House, but was not expecting the money any time soon. Moni was happy because Laura Shelton of Alpine Bank – her premature born baby was doing well. Bob Chaput was happy for Howard Wilson – soon to embark on his trip to the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. Bud Deering offered to subsidize airfare for 10 luck Rotarians should Howard advance to the Final Table! Steve Wheeldon was happy to be back.  Finally, Tammy threatened massive fines unless ownership to the crime of losing a magnetic rotary pin was confessed by unknown individual who lost said pin @ Kennebec CafŽ on Sunday. Moni graciously paid up a fine to absolve all.

 

Program:  

 

Aaron Fernandez – Founder/CEO Open Sky Wilderness Therapy:

 

A very unique background in wilderness travel and adventure led Aaron to eventually found his present company that provides a therapeutic solution for troubled kids. Some highlights:

      Intensive & comprehensive treatment for kids that takes kids for 60 days - outside 100% of the time and teaches life skills to further their self sufficiency.

      No technology allowed for kids attending - Outfitted entirely with all gear needed – intended to break them from their old destructive habits and pattern of behavior.

      Kids commonly at a crisis point when they initially come to them.

      Programs for kids – boys & girls aged 13-17 and also for young adults aged 18-28.

      Operates 365 days/year – 60 employees

      Program focuses on organic whole foods diet, good sleep/exercise patterns, emotional health therapy, daily meditation, letter writing & reading to stimulate mental competence and daily activities to promote self reliance and personal responsibility.

      Goal is to develop in the kids/participants a greater sense of self awareness a self esteem, the ability to take control of their own lives and develop healthier relationships.

 

An outstanding presentation!

 

Tammy then led us in ŅThe Four Way TestÓ: of the things we think, say or do:

      Is it the truth?

      Is it fair to all concerned?

      Will it build good will and better friendships?

      Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

      

 Yours in Rotary,

 

Editor

Peter Marshall