Saturday, February 19, 2011
drive from Alpine to ROS through Ft. Davis.....2-18-11
One of the best drives I have had so far this year (with Clayton to Chama one of them, Angel Fire to Mora another, Espanola to Farmington through Chama the third). This drive would be another 'must see'
O.V. #68 RC of Marfa 2-17-11
What a cool town and neat group the RC of Marfa is. They meet in a place I would say is something right out of Austin or the hill country, right there in Marfa. Padre's bar/grill/concert hall is their meeting place and I had my first outdoor club visit (great weather that day). This club could be considered the equivalent to the 'Club Metro' (ABQ) philosophy, laid back, meets in a bar, does a lot of great Rotary work, and has multiple generations making up the club.
President Cory has a good group here and I heard a presentation from a lady starting a Montessori school in Marfa. They have a ton of potential to grow this club with a little effort. This would be a club I would want to me a member at btw in that they operate like a non-traditional club but have been around since 1923.
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| President Cory & TP |
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| a Rotarian visiting from Georgia and his family next to the giant tin Mexican musician at Padre's |
The community itself is like a more laid back Santa Fe or even a little Boulder, a low key Austin/Portland with a strong Texas flavor. Lots of cool stuff to see from museums, art galleries and night life. Marfa Rotarian Mona took me to her museum/foundation/gallery/recording studio/artist in residence program for a tour.
www.haciendadelarcon.org
705 W Bonnie St
Marfa, TX 79843
432-729-4826
Map and Directions The mission of the International Woman's Foundation is to enhance the intellectual, spiritual and physical lives of women in the arts. The International Woman's Foundation is located in Marfa, Texas and housed in the 12,000 square foot, 1898-1920 former Bachelor's Quarters and Officers Club (Building 98) at historic Fort D.A. Russell. Founded in 2002 by the International Woman's Foundation (IWF), a non-profit 501 (c) 3 public foundation, is a blend of art and science. Building 98 is specifically known for the hauntingly beautiful murals painted during WWII by two German POW's of General Irwin Rommel's (The Desert Fox) elite Afrika Korps, who were billeted at Fort Russell after their defeat by General George Patton's Third Army in North Africa. The United States First Horse Cavalry of the Black Hawk Knight Dragoons was among the many regiments posted at Fort Russell. The late South African artist, Aedwyn Darroll, who served as the IWF Chairman of the Board of Artistic Advisors, evoked the turn-of-the-century, romantic border military history, in the beautifully stylized, IWF Black Hawk logo. During WWII Building 98 continued to be the social center of the area with the nearby Marfa Army Air Field as a training center for pilots. Building 98 is listed as a National Historic Site by the United States Department of the Interior, a Recorded Historic Texas Landmark by the Texas Historical Commission. January 2007 saw the entire grounds of old Fort Russell listed as a National Historic Monument by the United States Department of the Interior. It is considered a gem of Border Military History and Heritage Tourism. Tours are offered by appointment to visit this beautiful property. IWF offers gallery space for painters and sculptors and hosts seminars and art classes. Building 98 is also a favorite venue for writers seeking a peaceful place for the creative spirit. IWF receives both female and male, mature, short-term artists-in-residence of all disciplines. Artists installations are shown in the Building 98 galleries throughout the year.
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| Artist Bonita Barlow with her reflective work (no flash). She uses powdered glass to get the fluorescent effect. |
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| With flash. All of her work uses light in very interesting ways..... |
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| Mona educating the group I was part of...... |
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| This is the bar that Col Patton (before become Gen. Patton) used to drink at... right there in the corner.... |
O.V. #67 RC of Alpine 2-16-11
As of this writing I have no pictures from RC Alpine (still waiting on two folks to send it to me). My camera battery died, so I will update when I get the pics from their people.
Alpine is a really neat small town, the southern most in our district. The club itself has been around since 1923 (one of the older clubs in the district). President and Assistant Governor Lou Pauls is very well organized and is a great ambassador to Van Horn, Alpine, Marfa, and Ft. Stockton Rotary Clubs. This club is very active and voted to send 5 young people to RYLA. That is a big deal for a small club. Yea for you guys for stepping up and making an impact in young lives like that.
A club with a ton of potential, their town is ripe with many folks who could be potential Rotarians. While I was there I made 23 business contacts, many of whom didn't know about Rotary, so this club has the ability to grow.
AG Lou is also owner of the MAVERICK INN. This motel, especially the 'Governor's Suite' would be how I would have my personal guesthouse. Dual head showers, very comfortable beds, and interior wise, similar to how I would do it. I highly recommend this Rotarian owned hotel.
I was able to hit Sul Ross bball game on Thursday night (they lost to Hardin Simmons) as well get in a couple miles on the Sul Ross track early Friday morning.
Thank you guys for taking care of me.
2-16-11 drive from El Paso, through Van Horn to Marfa, then Alpine
Big blimp in the middle of nowhere. I eventually found out it is used to 'spot out' illegals.
RC El Paso Camino Real Provisional Chartering dinner 2-15-11
Thank you to the new provisional RC El Paso Camino Real, James M., DExtension Chair, and AG Beth Newman for rearranging this clubs normal meeting day to accommodate my schedule. It was great to be able to see our first 'multi-national' club. The club, made up primarily of Mexican expats who have brought their businesses to El Paso to escape the Juarez violence. What a nice group of new Rotarians these Mexican folks are. Very welcoming and expressive of how they would like to fit in with our American way of life. I think their Founding President Eduardo (Lalo) said it best during his address. I am excited to see how this club finds it's way, but it is clear they have a firm foundation in Rotary and are going to become an integral part to our District, no doubt.
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| DG TP, President Lalo, DG 4110 David Ayala |
O.V. #66 - RC of East El Paso 2-15-11
The last of my RC visits in El Paso, this group, led by President Steve Allen was a fun group. President Steve always had a smile on his face and his group was very welcoming. It was a little daunting to have my 'exit survey' of 4 PDG's and spouses sitting in audience, but I do appreciate their show of support. My second heckler of the year presented himself, past president MUD. BUT he did it in a funny way and even made me laugh a little. Fun time and thank you all for your support! Good club to make up at.
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| TP & President Steve |
AG/LG Training - Deming - 2-11-11
DGE Bobby Wallace and DTrainer2011-12 & PDG Tom Lindsay had their AG/LG in Deming, NM. It began with an opening session at the training center, then a mixer/dinner on the Friday night at Tom and Linda's house. The next day (Sat) morning was also conducted at the training center. Good outline for the expectations of the AG/LG and what DGE Bobby's vision is for the 2011-12 Rotary year.
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| Loren (middle) in 'Loren' mode |
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| Having found out that I had 'resigned' twice in the previous week, District Security Team member, AG Paul took it upon himself (and his best Jason imitation) to make my 'resignation' official! and no I didn't resign. Just bad rumor.... Imagine that! |
