Pagosa Springs Rotary ClubThe meeting began with Cindi Galabota’s invocation, a re-telling of the story of Jerry, a highly committed positive-thinker. The story originated with Francie Baltazar-Schwartz, and was retold by Cindy in full. It is partially set forth here.
The story begins by demonstrating that Jerry had a magnetic personality. In the restaurant business, when he moved from one restaurant to another, staff followed him. He was a natural motivator, always encouraging others to look for the positive side. But, he was asked, “You can’t be a positive person all of the time. How do you do it?”
Jerry replied with his assessment that “Life is all about choices. When you cut away all the junk, every situation is a choice. You choose how you react to situations. You choose how people will affect your mood. . . . The bottom line: It’s your choice how you live your life.” And, he said, “I choose the positive side of life.”
Years later, Jerry was shot by robbers when preparing to open his restaurant, but survived despite grievous injuries. What was that terrible experience like, he was asked? “When they wheeled me into the emergency room,” he replied, “I saw the expressions on the faces of the doctors and nurses. . . I read, he’s a dead man.” Then a nurse asked whether he had any allergies. “Yes,” he declared emphatically as he could manage, “I’m allergic to bullets!” After their laughter subsided, he added, “I’m choosing to live. Operate on me as if I’m alive, not dead.” And the ER staff set to with a will, did great work, and Jerry pulled through.
Of the conversation with Jerry, Baltazar-Schwartz wrote, “I learned from him that every day we have the choice to live fully. Attitude after all, is everything.”
Thank you, Cindi.
Jessie Formwalt then led the meeting in singing the classic Woodie Guthrie song, This Land is Your Land. Guthrie wrote the anthem in 1940, likely as a protest against inequality (“This land was made for you and me.”) It included a complaint against a “high wall” marked “private property.” Later versions often omitted the verse with that line. The song was recorded by several popular performers in the 1960’s, and during his ill-fated run for the presidency in 1968 its adoption as our national anthem was proposed by Robert F. Kennedy. But regardless of one’s politics, the song’s invocation of this land’s blessings has universal appeal to Americans, and it has been called one of the most beautiful songs ever written by no less an authority than Bruce Springsteen. In 2002, it was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry.
President Shellie Peterson then announced that Rotary District Governor Chris Peterson will be visiting us next week. He will speak at the Thursday meeting, but on Wednesday evening August 22, Shellie is hoping to host a cocktail party in his honor in the back room at Pagosa Brewing at 5:45 pm. Shellie said the guest list has “choice spots available for qualified candidates,” and invited all Rotarians to attend, noting that the party is contingent on reasonable attendance. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Shellie by Tuesday.
Shellie also reported that the Rotary beer sales at early August’s Archuleta County Fair had been successful, netting a profit of $5200 to be shared by Rotary and the Fair Board.
Bill Hubbard circulated a sign-up roster for Loaves and Fishes on September 6. Not present to sign-up? Don’t despair – help is always welcomed by Bill.
Nick Talent touted the currently available Pagosa Adventure raffle tickets being offered by the Tourism Board and the Chamber of Commerce. Some pretty nice prizes are being offered, including a Polaris Rzr All-Terrain Vehicle and other recreational equipment. Nick said the drawing would be 7 pm Saturday September 15, so visit the Chamber of Commerce at the Visitor Information Center soon, to get in on the action. In addition to the Visitor’s Center, tickets are available at The HUB, Pagosa Mountain Sports, Ski & Bow Rack, and online at the Chamber of Commerce Website. Tickets are available for $5 each, or at a bargain price of 7 for $20.
[After the meeting concluded, Dave Richardson asked that two news items regarding Rotarians be added to the Bulletin. First, he reported that Barry Wheeless would be having his fourth surgery on his arm the next day (last Friday), and hoped to be home in Pagosa on Sunday. Dave suggested that Barry would welcome email and other greetings. Next, he noted that long time Rotarian Jack Threet, who had moved back to Houston, had recently celebrated a 90th Birthday, and suggested Birthday wishes would be welcome from Jack’s and wife Katie’s (only age 92) friends back in Pagosa.]