Pagosa Springs Rotary ClubThe invocation was delivered by Jeff Switzer, from Native American tradition, recounting requests under the inducement of lies by the Evil One made to the Great Spirit, for riches, power, strength and generally for the stuff of comfort. In each instance, in the story the requests were met by the Great Spirit patiently, with grants instead of the immediate gratification sought, of substance to build on, viz: “I asked for a happy life, and the Great Spirit gave me life, that I might live happily.”
Jeff did not add, but your reporter thinks it fitting, If the Great Spirit is dealing with modern times, in response to being asked to Make America Great, perhaps he will instead make America thoughtful, that we might become great.
After the Pledge of Allegiance, Sue Whalen took-up the baton to lead in singing an appropriate follow-up, “This Is My Country.”
President Shellie Peterson then provided a run-down on major calendar events in the future, encouraging broad participation: the Health Fair, April 27 at the High School, Casino Night May 10 at the PLPOA Clubhouse, and ultimately carrying all the way out to the Fourth of July Parade (you guessed it: July 4).
For the last of the big events, Shellie asked for all to be in town if at all possible, since keeping the event and the mob of attendees within some semblance of reasonable order demands lots of “wranglers” in orange vests. If you ever had a hankering to direct traffic, there is a spot for you!
After reminding all of the summertime fun that awaits us, Shellie rebounded back to winter, with a reminder that the Hatcher Lake Ice Melt contest would soon be in full swing. Entrants were already registering guesses, she added, and noted that entries can be made on line through the Pagosa Springs Rotary website, or by purchasing tickets at the Visitor’s Center (Chamber of Commerce) downtown, Choke Cherry Tree, and at both the PLPOA Recreation Center and Administrative Office. Entries must be in by March 20.
Allen Roth reported that the 55-gallon drum that will determine a lucky (sagacious?) contestant’s bragging rights and unlock the key to riches (up to a cool one grand for first, half that for second, and one-quarter for third) for guessing (computing?) the official moment of final thaw would be in place soon. First, Allen explained, it needed to be properly stenciled with the legend, “Rotary,” to distinguish it from the other 55-gallon drums that may be bobbing around in Hatcher Lake. (Well, he didn’t say that part, but there must be some reason for the stencil.)
Shellie then followed-up by encouraging all to beat the drums (sorry) for event sponsors, an initiative of increased magnitude this year since, as reported in last week’s Bulletin, Rotary has shifted to one-time, annual, all-event sponsorships. Commitments from sponsors for the year are due in another five weeks or so, on March 15, so time is running out to reel ‘em in.
Thanks were next expressed by Shellie to Melanie Garrett and Sharon Carter for compiling the data and sending status reports to members on their standing in the march to accumulate Paul Harris points.
Exchange students Theo Bonlokke and Cata Acuilera followed with reports on their recent doings. Theo went snowboarding in the company of Larry McClintock, and was both enthusiastic about the fun he had boarding, and complimentary of Larry’s skiing. (That’s good Theo: always be complimentary to your host.) Cata then recalled her participation in the year’s last swim meet for the Lady Pirates at Grand Junction last weekend, and added she soon would be playing soccer with the Pirates’ squad this Spring. (With our weather, Cata, you might want to borrow Theo’s snowboard.)
At a gesture of her magic bubble-wand, Betty Switzer next convened a session of Sunshine and Showers.
Larry commented on the good time at Wolf Creek with Theo, Betty herself reported a win in a Super Bowl pool, Cindy Galabota noted that with her son’s birthday she now had a teenager in the house (eliciting broad commiserations from the assembled throng, heavily featuring grandparents), Linda Virrips reported the purchase of a house, Sue Whalen recounted the annoyance of Traveler (must be a horse, but Sue didn’t explain) over Rotary’s decision against having a Kentucky Derby party this year, and Dave Cammack complimented students Cata and Theo for their patience in putting up with him for a trip to see the X-Games in Aspen (the Games were big-time fun, he added).