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 Marcie Mitchell is the Executive Director of Aspire, a local organization that provides medical services and education to expectant Archuleta County mothers and new parents. According to the organization’s website, aspirepagosa.org, Aspire (formerly operated under the name Thrive) is the d/b/a of Pagosa Crisis Pregnancy Center, Inc, a not-for-profit corporation located at 608 S. 8th Street in downtown Pagosa Springs. Marcie explained that Aspire is a “pro-family” organization, but not political. It provides counselling to pregnant women regarding options, but does not refer for abortions. It is dedicated to supporting infant health and development physically, socially and emotionally with a variety of services provided to expectant mothers and families through early childhood. Among its services are pregnancy testing and ultrasound examinations, prenatal care, education, and testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections. In 2018, Aspire provided a total of 3000 services to 278 local individuals, Marcie related, and provided care and assistance in more than 70% of community pregnancies. 40% of its clients are self-pay, but many require financial help she said, in view of the high local incidence of low-pay employment. In addition to testing, prenatal care such as dietary support and medical examinations, education in childbirth, finances and parenthood, and support with supplies including vitamins, diapers and wipes are provided. Aspire’s mission, Marcie reported, responds to the wide-spread problems nationally of pre-term birth and low birth-weight. 6% of births in Archuleta County fall short of desired benchmarks in both categories, she added, but these numbers are actually better than national averages. The Aspire staff consists of volunteers, other than herself, Marcie said. Visit its website to make donations. As examples, she cited some values: $50 buys diapers and wipes for seven clients, $60 funds a childhood education class, and $100 pays for an ultrasound exam. The organization hosts an annual fund-raising banquet, this year set for August 22 at Centerpoint Church. The speaker will be a young mother who became pregnant as a 16-year old drug user, but then turned her life around. |
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| Posted by Jim Garrett |
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Art Benzell began the proceedings by quoting Rotary founder Paul Harris, and former President George Bush, on key elements of humanity (not an invocation, asserted Art, just important thoughts). Harris: “You must share knowledge. Ignorance is a menace to peace.” Bush: “Any definition of a successful life must include service to others.” Sharon Crump and Jesse Formwalt then debuted a new song, “When We Meet at Rotary,” to an old tune, “When the Saints Go Marching In.” Very catchy, but only one line: someone needs to propose additional lyrics. Certainly, though, a good start. Guests were introduced: Mike Beckel, a member returning from Leave of Absence (Kim Moore) and Jodie Brown (husband Warren). A new member was next announced, by President Shellie Peterson in the absence of Dave Campbell: Kathleen McFadden, sponsored by the effervescent Pat Love (a/k/a Mom). Kathleen told us she enjoys Pagosa, and has made it her home, recently becoming a licensed Colorado driver and now working toward a real estate license. With regard to Rotary, Kathleen “loves being part of an organization that does so many good things.”  Grant Guru Dave Smith then updated the group on Rotary’s grant activities. Initially he displayed a calendar featuring amateur photos by a Rotarian couple, used to raise funds to support a sister club’s Nicaraguan water project by selling advertising. The calendar, Dave indicated, exemplified the ways that small beginnings can lead to big results, as the local club had managed to raise $14,000 for the project, which it ultimately leveraged to $65,000 with a Rotary International Global Grant. In addition, Dave pointed out the benefits to be reaped by obtaining Rotary District Grants. As examples, Dave noted that District Grants have recently helped fund a diverse variety of beneficial projects in multiple communities, including providing equipment for schools, a dental clinic, and a local meeting hall, outfitting needy children with shoes and socks, and installing benches in a public park (for the weary, perhaps, or even just nature-lovers). Bob Eggleston then reminded all of the task of selling tickets for the upcoming Casino Night, and Pat Love stayed on theme by issuing a similarly ecumenical invitation to all to participate on the event’s decorating committee. The committee will be assembling to work magic on Mondays June 3 and June 10 at 4 pm in the back room at Pagosa Brewing, Pat said. Don’t worry about the goings on, cautiously described as “fun,” by Kim Moore. As allegedly true for Las Vegas (or so they claim), what happens in the back room, stays in the back room, so good times are virtually guaranteed – or at least, good works (and remember what President Bush said about service). Pat hinted further at good times to come, by revealing that the local UPS store had donated boxes to be decorated as large dice for Casino Night. Large dice!!! The mind boggles at the mere mention . . . President Shellie then provided a dose of cold reality to the proceedings, with mention of thus-far unproductive discussions with the Town of Pagosa Springs over the issue of liability associated with hosting the Fourth of July Parade. Discussions with Town staff seem to have reached an impasse, Shellie indicated, threatening Rotary’s ability to fulfill its traditional role, and a decision would need to be reached soon. Your reporter then lamented the news, declaiming with concurrence of many the centrality of the Parade to Pagosa summertime. [As this is being written on Sunday June 2, this seems a still developing story. Following the Thursday meeting, the Pagosa Springs Sun reported that Rotary would not host the Parade. But subsequently, it was suggested to your reporter that additional developments may be in the offing, and it appears new arrangements for the Parade could be revealed by the time of the Pagosa Springs Town Council meeting the evening of Tuesday June 4, 2019. Those interested may wish to await further developments.] Kim Moore then presided in the absence of Betty “Bubbles” Switzer over Sunshine/Showers (apologies to those omitted from this account due to the slowness of your reporter’s pen): - Dave Smith led off with a description of his recent trip to San Jose, California – driving his 89 year-old Model A Ford. The don’t make ‘em like they used to. But according to Dave, he and his wife needed visits to the chiropractor at the end of the ride under nearly century-old standards of comfort, so maybe that’s not all bad.
- Bill Hubbard reported on the return to town of former local scholarship winner, the granddaughter of downtown barber Ray Garcia.
- Warren Brown celebrated athletes: his wife Jodie, who recently claimed 5th place in a Utah triathlon, and the upcoming Special Olympics, to be kicked off by a torch run at Mary Fisher Park set for June 22.
- Bill Darling rejoiced (a) in the recent visit of a granddaughter (the youngster brought her parents, Bill observed in an apparent afterthought), and (b) a recent scan finding him cancer-free at one year.
- Sharon Crump recounted her Mothers’ Day visit to New Orleans, to (you guessed it) visit her mother.
- And Kim herself reported on an acrobatic, soon-arriving grandson, who performed a graceful “flip” in the womb of Kim’s daughter-in-law, thus averting an impending C-section for his mother.
The lottery concluded the meeting. Mike Beckel held the winning ticket, but drew a looser from the remaining concealed cards flourished by Lisa Scott. The pot, up to $368 at the time of Mike’s disappointment, continues to grow, as the remaining cards in the deck dwindle down to a mere few and the Ace of Spades still lurks anonymously in hiding. |
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| Posted by JoAnn Laird and Bob Eggleston |
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Are you hankerin' for a fun night in Las Vegas, but don't want to spend the time or money to drive there? Your wish is Rotary's command. That fun-loving group welcomes you to its own version of Las Vegas by presenting Casino Night Las Vegas on June 21 from 6:30 to 10 pm at the PLPOA Clubhouse, 230 Port Avenue. GO SELL THOSE TICKETS!!! Pagosa Springs Rotary Club Presents Casino Night Las Vegas (probably our 15th) Ticket Sales Support: Handling Objections OBJECTION: “The tickets are too expensive.” ANSWERS: - All of the expenses for the event have been paid for by our sponsors. Their generosity allows us to designate all of the ticket sales proceeds back into our community through scholarships and other Rotary projects that support our local students.
- For a great night out with full entertainment, dancing, being with friends, fun games to play, appetizers and desserts, you would spend a similar amount of money.
- Your ticket is your entry into a drawing for $400 cash, $200 cash and $100 cash prizes.
- An option would be to make a small donation of $20 to $30 to Pagosa Springs Rotary Club as means of supporting our organization and your community.
OBJECTION: “I will be out of town that weekend.” ANSWERS: - Surprise your friends with two tickets to this great event! (What a great Anniversary or Birthday present!)
- Give your tickets to your employees as a “Thank You” to reward them for all of their hard work and efforts towards your company’s success.
- See above #4. Even if you are unable to attend, purchasing tickets is a donation to benefit Rotary scholarships and Rotary projects helping local students.
- See above #3. You could win $400, $200 or $100 CASH!
OBJECTION: “I don’t like to gamble” ANSWERS: - No problem. There will dancing with the Retro Cats, a silent auction, socializing with your friends and eating appetizers and desserts. A cash bar is also available.
- See above #3. Did we mention that you could win $400, $200 or $100 in cash!
- You will receive $50,000 casino dollars that is worth 5 entry tickets for additional prizes.
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