Rotary Club of Carrizozo Has Big Impact in Community

A small club in a small town, the Rotary Club of Carrizozo realizes, better than any other club I’ve visited, the impact it has on the community. A club of 18 members in a town of 1036 gives the Rotary Club of Carrizozo one of the highest per capita memberships in the district. It also has a very strong representation from local government. The magistrate is the club president; the sheriff, deputy sheriff, county manager and county treasurer are all members of the club.

Focused on local service it’s hard for the Rotary club to draw clear lines around which projects are its and which projects it’s partnering with an organization. Everyone participates in the projects, they just wear different hats. During my visit we had a round table discussion of the club’s involvement in the community, before we were finished everyone had spoken up to add another project to the list.

I had had the opportunity to visit the club in April for their 50th Anniversary and meet two of the chartering members, but it was wonderful opportunity to be able to visit again. I’m looking forward to the next time I’m able to meet with the Rotary Club of Carrizozo.

Pictured above is the Rotary Club of Carrizozo during their 50th Anniversary Celebration. Two of the original charter members Johnson Sterns and Fred English were presented with special recognition plaques during the ceremony. The Rotary Club of Carrizozo was chartered on March 17 1949 as the 43 club in then District 552.

Flashing Lights Greet Governor in Alamogordo!

Arriving at the Eagles Hall in Alamogordo for my meeting with the Club, I was meeting with flashing lights from several trucks and a large group of men. Recognizing Ed Cole, backbone of the Alamogordo club I got excited that he had planned some special greeting. My excitement was quickly dashed as Ed walked over and explained that earlier in the week the water main had broken swallowing a small car and cutting off service to the Hall. Ed had explained the importance of getting the main fixed as the Governor was arriving shortly for a noon meeting. The city crew worked hard all morning restoring service to the building, only to have their excitement dashed just as quickly as mine when Ed realized they were expecting Bill Richardson and not Dick Jones.

My excitement was not dashed when I meet with the club. It was easy to see why Immediate Past District Governor Tom Lindsay had chosen the Rotary Club of Alamogordo as District 5520’s Club of the Year. The club places a great emphasis membership, having already inducted several new members by the 3rd week of July. The club conducts a new member orientation and their “Rotarian in Need” program sends cards and flowers to members that are ill.

The club is a long time supporter of a Juarez orphanage. Each week Al and Charlene Wood bring bags of rice and beans to the meeting. Club members take the bags home, cook them and bring them back to the next meeting. Al and Charlene load the food into their truck and transport them to Juarez.

The Club also sponsor’s a Rotary Little League, this year they were getting ready to play in the State final tournament.

The club is also a sponsor, along with the Tularosa and White Sands Rotary Clubs, of the annual Wine and Music Fest. This event showcasing New Mexico wines, local artist and featuring live music all day is held in conjunction with the White Sands Balloon Invitational.