Boy’s RYLA Camp

July 25, 2012

As I left Estancia, I met with PDG Dick Jones.  We hit the road again heading for RYLA.  45 minutes later we were at the Boy’s RYLA camp and preparing for a one hour presentation on “Leadership and Failure”.  At 7:00 that evening I was speaking again from the position as Governor, encouraging 61 of the best young men I have ever met, to be better by using the 4-Way Test.

61 young men, viral and still ready to go, and a number of councilors with smiles and excitement showing through tired and exhausted grins welcomed us into their home for one week.  I was amazed to see the variety of students and the energy that appeared to come from nowhere and exist at all times.

The talent show was too funny one time and too strange the next.  Some things we understood and some I found myself scratching my head feeling very old and disconnected.  We were welcomed and taken in as if each of these participants had known us all of their lives.

The next day we watched some of the RYLA Olympics and then headed home.  A long and wonderful week had been accomplished and it was finished with the most excellent of “Cherry Toppings”, RYLA.

And here come the RYLA Olympians

They came by cabin.

They came with color.

All shapes and sizes.

All colors!

All very separate in competition.

All together in Rotary.  

Official Visit # 12, Estancia

July 25, 2012

Leaving Taos for a three (3) hour drive to Estancia and a noon meeting; that’s right, eat and run!  Leaving Taos and the green of northern New Mexico I traveled for three hours down the Rio Grande through Santa Fe and finally into Estancia and the desert I am used to living in.

Estancia is a small club with an incredibly big heart.  This is the home of the world famous “Punkin Chunkin”.  The majority of the members present were female.  Let’s see, me and two other members, outnumbered and probably out worked.  This club does so many things for the community; football game gate, scholarships, and much, much more.

President Victoria has stepped up as President another year, yes two years in a row.  What a Rotarian won't do to help the club.  My visit to this club was another favorite.  I was asked to give a PHF to a long time member who come to find out is a friend of all of my family in Silver City.  This was that special time that we met.  So very wonderful to speak to a club that has its stuff together and is not afraid to show it.  Estancia, you are amazing.

Estancia meeting in progress.

Is he really wearing pink again?

Our newest PHF, Larry Burnett

President Victoria and Me

Official Visit # 11, Taos-Milagro

July 25, 2012

After leaving Raton I found myself on one of the most beautiful highways in our district.  The lush forest with a great deal of water running in the streams was a very unusual sight for someone from the south.  I enjoyed the winding roads and the vistas of scenery that were breath taking.  What an incredible district we have.  This is too incredible for words.

Upon my arrival in Taos I was hosted by John and Rotarian Prudy Abeln at the Dream Catchers B&B.  This is a beautiful little piece of heaven in Taos.  That evening I attended a board meeting with President John and several of the board members.  The discussion was great and as usual, the food was good too.

The next morning found me at a 7:20 AM meeting with the Taos-Milagro Club.  This club continues to grow and find new and different was to increase revenue and to serve the community.  Under the leadership of President John Crouch, this club is bound to do many great things.  I learned of projects and plans that are amazing.  I was taken by the enthusiasm of this club and its commitment to be part of the district.  This club is the home club of GSE District Chair Yale, ADG Prudy and ADG Lisa.  My visit was short, but so full of wonders.  Thank you Taos, great job.

Getting ready to eat again?

Rotarians in fellowship.  How great is that?

Me and President John.

Official Visit # 10, Raton

July 24, 2012

After traveling from Clayton to Raton, I was picked up by President Bill’s son Hunter and taken to the home of President Bill Allen to meet and greet with the Board of Directors and members of this incredible club.  This was a wonderful time of fellowship and understanding of the club and their members.  The fellowship and learning were both wonderful.

Early the next morning began with a trip to the NRA Whittington Center guided by Rotarian and NRA Board Member Bill Daily.  This is an amazing facility and a real draw to the area.  We then toured the theater and met with its director.

Once at the club meeting, I found a warm and very caring group of Rotarians involved in the community and making this community a better place to live and raise a family.  This club does wonderful projects in the community as well as supporting RYLA and other youth programs.  I truly enjoyed my time in Raton and find Rotary very alive and well in this community of many needs.  Thank you to the club  of Raton for all you continue to do and also your vision of future projects.  Lead on!

Board Meeting and Pot Luck at the home of President Bill Allen

More food, fun and drink!

President Bill socializing with the members.

Me and President Bill

Official Visit # 9, Clayton

July 23, 2012

After an 8 hour trip from home to this incredible club, I found a jewel in the Northeast of the District.  Upon my arrival in town time was spent at the Chamber of Commerce.  This visit with Andrea was very informative on an area of the district that I had never seen.

I had the pleasure of visiting with President Don in his office at the hospital.  We spent an hour in visiting about the club and his vision for the club.  Before we went to the meeting, we had tour of the hospital.  During the tour we noted several places that Rotary could assist in areas and our logo could be so prominently displayed.

During the meeting I found a group of Rotarians that do so much for their community that it would shame any other community group in the area.  They sponsor a Western Line Dance lesson time for elementary and middle school students which by the end of the day they have the community involved.  

This club gives over 100 Christmas Baskets to the community each year.  They do so much that they cannot see the greatness of the club and the wonders of what they do.  Huh, they must be Rotarians.  Incredible!

The members of Clayton at lunch.

President Don speaking to the club.

President Don and Me.

Girl’s RYLA Camp

July 20, 2012

This morning found Lynne and I traveling form Las Cruces to Manzano Mountain Retreat to spend the day with 103 young ladies attending our RYLA Camp.  As is typical, we were greeted with cheers and excitement that we were sharing time with them.

We were there for the RYLA Olympics.  This series of events were conducted by the Junior Councilors and was not (never is) your typical Olympics.  I am not going into the details of the Olympics, but I don’t think the rules were typical and the laughter and fun was catching.  We were given four young ladies to dine with and spent our time in visiting and witnessing the wonders of our district youth.

After a wonderful supper of barbeque chicken complete with brownie dessert, we were off for a 45 minute Governor presentation.  To be allowed to present to young leaders and help them to understand their greatness.  It was amazing to watch the emotions in these young ladies and to see another light come on during the presentation.  These are not your typical young people.  These are the elite of the elite of the elite. 

As we left, we were met with hugs, tears and more love than we have ever felt.  The ride home that night was great because we had spent the day with the best of the best.  Yea RYLA.

  

Cabins bonded.  Who let the green shirt in?

Planning is a part of each event.

Purple and pink and green and yellow and........

We are ready for something, but we are not sure what yet!

A microphone and a volleyball.  This can't be good.

Official Visit # 8, Deming

July 19, 2012

This club invited me to a board meeting at 11:00 AM.  In visiting with these dedicated members I found a club that is so very involved in the community that it really did not have the true vision of their efforts until I began share the information about what I saw.  This club works with the schools, the local government, not for profits in the area and individuals of need in the community.

The meeting of the Deming club is held at the Rio Mimbres Country Club.  President Linda Lindsay opened the meeting of this amazing club at 12:15.  I am very familiar with this club.  I have visited this club and watched this club gain enthusiasm and energy every year.

I always have fun with this club and each of the members.  I was received so openly.  This is the greatest job in the world.  I get to meet with amazing Rotarians every day and my view of the world is better than most because of the people I know.  Rotary is alive and well in Luna County and Deming, NM.

Deming Club Visit

Board Meeting prior to the regular meeting.

Making the point of the wonderful work of this club.

Me and President Linda