Wednesday, July 21, 2010

O.V. #10 RC of ABQ Metro 7-21-10

President Steve came up with a new banner for his club and it is very appropriate for who they are.  He has done a great job in taking over this second year club and building on the work of immediate Past President Fred.  Even METRO has faced some of the membership challenges that we all have during the past year.  Steve and his Board are aggressive, open minded, and a lot of fun!  Their age demographic is all over the map and folks from many walks of life are visibly welcomed by this group.  I appreciate who President Steve is and his heart for Rotary and life. This is a club you will want to visit.   THANKS for the hospitality! 




O.V. #9 RC of ABQ Del Norte 7-21-10

President John V. and TP after the meeting.



Installing new member


 
  

See comments from their Board meeting previous day.

O.V. #8 RC of Rio Rancho Sunrise - 7-21-10






E N E R G Y !
I am currently a member of and was a member in Dallas of a breakfast club.  I have visited many breakfast clubs around the world.  This one has the most energy of any breakfast club or noon or night club I have ever been to.  The cheers, chants, near screaming at some points.  These folks were awake at 7.00 AM and had a great time doing it.  What a pleasure to speak to them as a club and then with their Board.  

This club is doing a lot of the 'tool kit' items as listed in our training and Target.  President Sean has been an advocate and supporter of our Target since inception and I appreciate his high level of communication with myself and the District.  Great guy, great Board.  Thank you all for the experience!




Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Girl's RYLA 7-20-10

The Drive Up
What a beautiful drive from ABQ to RYLA via Tijeras.  So far this Rotary year, the two best drives I have had are 'scenic drive' in El Paso after the El Paso Club installation and this one.  This was great from a driving and scenary perspective in the curves and switchbacks are fun (especially when your car drives like a go cart).  Great small little towns to pass through on the way as well. 


The 80 or so young ladies of RYLA and their counselors
PDG Jackie with her 'aggressive' hair style.  I almost poked my eye out when I bent down to give her a hug.

Part of the course, imagine jumping from the platform to the handle bar...

My talk to the girls
The speech to the young ladies I totally winged.  We talked about self esteem issues and how they can manifest and hold one back when they get older.  This also included how decisions they make now, can affect that self esteem by effecting them the rest of their lives.  LOTS of energy and they made me feel very welcome.  We then went to the fire pit for smores! 

The drive back.... 
Leaving RYLA at dusk, with the windows down I headed out back to ABQ, the twisty roads were a blast to drive on, and at several points in the mountain there had been a rain earlier and steam was coming off the road.  The red sky on the west side of the mountain was very picturesque.  Every now and then a gust of pine scent would come through the windows.  Phenomenal drive home!

RC of ABQ Del Norte Board Meeting - 7-20-10


29,000 sharps containers to Mongolia, Mission Mercy dental care support, a Christmas Party for a women's half way house, 31 Paul Harris matches in 2009-10, at minimum a community service project once a quarter, plus a lot, lot more, that is ABQ Del Norte. Very active, very aggressive and finding their new path in this changing Rotary world.

President John gets 'it' and I think his Board does too. I am excited as this club revitalizes itself, builds on it's traditions, and grows stronger in 2010-11. I look forward to speaking at their club tomorrow.

O.V. #7 - RC of Rio Rancho 7-20-10

Think Chile (as in the pepper).... and read on!




I met with their Board prior to the meeting. This club impressed me very early on in our Rotary year. About 2 weeks ago, President Neil sent me a power point detailing additional 'incentives' that they were going to place ABOVE AND BEYOND the sweet pot that is the District Incentive Plan (details www.rotary5520.org 2010-11 Leadership link go to Expectations of the Club President).

They call it their Chile Club.

One New Member = Green Chile Level
One month of free Rotary meeting lunch
Plus all District Governor Bronze Benefits

Two New Members = Red Chile Level
Two months of free Rotary Lunch
Plus all District Governors Silver Benefits

Three New Members = Red & Green Level
SIX (6) months of free Rotary Lunch
Plus all District Governor Gold Club Benefits

FIVE (5) New Members = Smokin’ Hot Level
One Year of Free Rotary Lunch
Plus all Governor’s Platinum Club Benefits

I think this is totally creative and steps it up a notch. WAY TO GO Neil and Rio Rancho Rotary.

While I was there they had their first club member submit their commitment card to bring in 3 new members in the next year.

So as of today, I have District club commitments (on commitment cards) of 13 new members that I am aware of.

O.V. #6 - RC of Moriarty 7-19-10


RC of Moriarty wheel of not so much fortune (i.e. fines fines fines !!!)

President Matt


TP and President Matt

President Matt, kudos, he has read most of the documents and videos TWICE that are available on www.rotary5520.org under the '2010-11 Leadership Materials' link. BIG deal, but the club is already greatly benefiting. As soon as I sat down, Matt tossed on the table 2 'Be My Guest' cards for his membership, commitment cards, etc. etc. Way impressive. The Board was also highly knowledgeable about what we are trying to do in 2010-11 which made the conversation more productive for them. It was also nice to dine in the famous Buford Steakhouse. Good green chile cheese burger.

I am excited to see what happens with this club over the next year!

O.V. #5 RC of Albuquerque 7-19-10

Rotary Club of ABQ held much anticipation as my first large club official visit.

Sitting with President Robert and Foundation Chair Tom

First time Paul Harris Recipients


Multiple Paul Harris Recipients


LG Lowen, District Operations Director Bryant, and DGN Wallace



Rotarian of the Month Shane LeMon, one of the driving forces of RYLA. Very kind hearted guy.


This visit was a lot of fun, a little angst with this being the largest club I have spoken to at this point and 8 United Blood Services key leaders in attendance to my surprise as well.

President Robert is pretty progressive and understands where things need to be going with this club that is steeped in tradition. It seems that for all they have accomplished that they are open minded to try new things (membership is down by 1/3 in 5 years).

The meeting with their Board was also very productive and it looks like this big club is preparing for a big turnaround.