Pagosa Springs Rotary ClubThe meeting began with Kim Moore presiding in the absence of President Shellie Petersen while attending the District Conference at Cripple Creek.
The invocation was delivered by Meg Wempe, consisting of a compilation of observations suggesting the richness of human experience and aspirations. A few of the many thoughts included were: “Share the extraordinary experience of being alive,” “Let us celebrate our shared humanness,” “Let us work together for a better year.”
Sharon Crump then took the microphone to lead the group in singing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame,” in honor of the Colorado Rockies.
Meeting visitors of note included John Duvall, visiting with Larry McClintock.
Jann Pitcher thanked the many who turned out for the Great Put Hill Pickup. Among the trash collected were several items that bespoke of more than mere litter, perhaps indeed of life gone wrong in one way or another: Larry found a Harley Davidson watch, Jo Ann Laird found a piece of a Chevrolet grill, and Dave Campbell found shoes, socks and a T-shirt.
So my suggestion is that we should have a contest for the best sentence explaining the loss of these items, such as: “On a hot day, the Chevrolet being driven by a man in a t-shirt collided with a pick-up carrying a water tank which ruptured in the collision, causing the hot and frustrated Chevrolet driver to leap out of his car and strip down to cool off in the cascading shower, but the pick-up driver, hot and bothered on his own, alighted from the truck to exact justice, leading to a hasty retreat by the Chevrolet driver leaving sections of the vehicle and all his belongings but pants by the roadside.” Lame, I admit, but that’s the idea.
Jann followed her description of the mayhem on Put Hill (no wait, that’s my idea, not hers) to report glad tidings regarding Barry Wheeless, whom she said had received a “get out of jail card:” i.e. been released from the hospital following four surgeries, the insertion of a rod in his forearm to repair the original broken bone, and a bout of double-peneumonia that landed him in intensive care for several days.
Lisa Scott reported that exchange students Cata and Theodor (plus a few others based in nearby communities) were attending a Rotary camp at Cripple Creek, with the help of Kenny Rogers of Pagosa Mountain Rotary. Lisa added that Pagosa outgoing exchangers Savannah and Lauren were doing well overseas, despite a little difficulty for the former with her host family requiring a little attention.
Betty Switzer then made an appeal for Barn Dance volunteers, noting especially that strong backs were needed for set-up and clean-up. In addition, she noted that two more volunteers to occupy seats of power as entrance door ticket-takers were needed.
Larry reported that sponsorships for the Dance were coming in, but solicited continued efforts to recruit more.
Kim Moore asked Rotarians to contribute candy for Halloween, needed in a town neighborhood that traditionally is swamped by trick-or-treaters.
Betty then returned to the floor for Sunshine/Showers, with bubble machine in hand. She began with an announcement advising that starting October 11, $1 fines would be imposed for attending meetings without proper attire, i.e. anything as long as a Rotary pin is attached (Betty did not specify where the point of attachment should be). Betty then suffered a brief memory lapse, saying the other thing she wanted to say was “something,” before quickly recovering by adding that the fine money and S/S donations will benefit the Scholarship fund.
Ci Ci Stewart then offered a “sunshine” by observing, “It rained.” (Two for the price of one, suggested a voice from the crowd.)
Lassie Olin thanked Rotarians participating in the backpack program, observing that the program was off to a good start with 15 students signed up already.
Jeff Switzer then offered a sunshine with the observation that a grandson had pledged to a fraternity at the University of Arkansas.
A final sunshine was offered by Kim, recounting her enjoyment with husband Walt of taking care of their granddaughters for several days while daughter and son-in-law were off on R ‘n R. One of the features was a youth soccer game, at which an apparently pointed reminder was imparted by one of the granddaughters that one-time coach, current grandpa Walt’s role was “to cheer.” (Probably a reminder others may have merited on occasion.)