Official Visit # 2, San Juan County East

July 10, 2012

This day began with a wonderful walk on the River Walk in Farmington with Lynne.  A great start to a wonderful day.  It is so good to be a Rotarian in this district.

Noon found us at a meeting with the Rotarians of the Rotary Club of San Juan County East.  This group of Rotarians are energetic and enthusiastic about their service to the community of Farmington and the county of San Juan, New Mexico.  We were present for one of President Barbara’s first meetings.  The support of the members for the club is evident everywhere we looked.  They are giving and open to any opportunity to give of themselves.

Just this 4^th of July, they supported the community with a program called the “Healing Fields”.  This program placed 800 US Flags and flag poles on the Farmington Football field with replica “Dog Tags” of those who served and were lost or had served and are still with us.  They also clothed 327 under privileged children in their community.  This club is the foundation for the “Don’t Meth With Us” program.  What a great club!  How proud they make me to be a Rotarian.

The room is setup for a noon meeting.

DG Mark and President Barb.

Trying to make a point of the greatness of this club!

Official Visit # 1, Las Cruces Mesilla Valley

July 5, 2012

Our official visits began with a 6:45 AM visit to our own club, Mesilla Valley.  We were welcomed very warmly.  PDG Tom Lindsay was present and presented the “Governor’s Banner” to President Kendall.  PDG Jackie Morgan-Tomko was also there with there with her husband Don.  Jackie and I have a very special bond and it was incredible for her to be present.  I was also touched to have PDG Tom present.

This club is a very vibrant club, giving to the community as a club and also individually.  They have been involved in District Simplified Grants and International Matching Grants.  Their primary source of funding is a talent show that they sponsor for Mid-High and Senior High students in the spring.

This club of 48 has excessive energy in the morning and is said to be somewhat lethargic in the late afternoon, with the evening being early.  This being said, they truly “Gitter’ Done”. I must say that my best friends come from this club.  They have been and continue to be a great support Lynne and me.  This was a wonderful way to start our visits.  Thank you to all present.

PDG Jackie Morgan-Tomko giving needed advise and direction to me.

This banner hangs in the meeting every week.  This banner has been passed from club to club for years.

Me and President Kendall.

Rotary Club of West El Paso 4th of July Parade

Our travels began on the 4^th of July with the Rotary Club of West El Paso parade.  This club comes together every year to provide this community service to the West Side of El Paso, TX.  Approximately 20 Rotarians gathered before 7:00 AM to organize the floats, marching bands, politicians and churches.  All came together in a unique and powerful celebration of our countries independences.  Over 30,000 lined the streets of West El Paso to cheer, watch and wave.  American flags waived high and an El Paso Fire ladder truck proudly held a huge American Flag from the top of the hill at the end of the parade route.  This flag could be seen by hundreds of thousands citizens from this country and also Mexico.

Lynne and I were privileged to have the opportunity to participate in this event.  We spent time visiting and meeting with participants.  The joy of those along the route was infectious and exciting.  Thank you to the Rotary Club of West El Paso for making the efforts for years to bring such joy to community of West El Paso.  This was a very fun event to kick off District Governors travel.

 Bebe, Donna and Lynne before the parade

Lynne, Me, Anne Allen and Lt. Gov.  Jesse Allen in front of the Rotary Club of West El Paso float

I did all I could to hold this car down through the entire parade.  We had great fun!

President Carrey and his protection team!