Pagosa Springs Rotary ClubRotarians were called to order by Jo Bridges sitting in for President Kim Moore. Jo filled in admirably, despite needing to rely on a strong voice to command attention in the apparent absence of a bell to be gonged (perhaps Kim takes in travelling with her, just in case?)
Opening ceremonies featured the return of Bob Tillerson, the Songmeister, to lead the group in a heartfelt rendition of “Home on the Range.”
Several interesting guests attended including two young women from Pagosa Springs High School, who are applicants to be outgoing exchange students, and Carol and Bruce (whose last name your reporter must apologize for neglecting to note), who identified themselves as Rotarians from “the unburned part of Northern California.” In addition, Kenny Rogers from Morning Rotary, visited the meeting to announce a gift of $1000 from our early-bird brethren to the “Feed our Children” campaign.
Among the additional announcements were the opening by Doug Large of a campaign to raise funds for a solar and wind powered water purification system, to be sent to Puerto Rico for help in overcoming the recent hurricane disaster.
Jan Pitcher “pitched in” with an update on the Mesa Heights Halloween Candy campaign, predicting that thanks to Rotarians’ generosity, as many as three bags full of candy will be supplied to Mesa Heights residents to aid in coping with the traditional invasion of trick-or-treaters. Continuing the Halloween theme, Nick Tallent reminded meeting attendees of the Haunted House at the Mason’s Lodge behind Pagosa Bakery, running from Saturday the 28th through Halloween night, each evening between 5 pm – 10 pm.
Jo announced the two key results of the Barn Dance sponsored by Rotary on the evening of Saturday October 21: first, that a great time was enjoyed by all (Betty Switzer offered the observation it was the best Barn Dance ever), and second, that $11,225 was raised by the event for community projects and scholarships. Ramona Tschaar, the artistic decorations committee chair, then added thanks to committee members for their outstanding work in transforming a barn into . . . well, an attractive barn.
Jo saluted the absent Kim for her leadership contributing to the success of the Barn Dance and other Rotary activities, and suggested that all Rotarians pay tribute to Kim’s efforts by dressing in costume for the post-Halloween meeting on November 2 (this week). Jo commented, she’d rather “walk on ground glass” than don a Halloween costume, but vowed to overcome that aversion for the meeting, and urged all to join her.
With all the recent giving, Rotarians’ bank balances may have receded currently to low ebb: despite Betty’s best efforts, few sunshine or showers accounts were offered. But in her usual good spirits, Betty noted, “$5 is better than nothing.”