O.V. #65 - RC of Carlsbad 2-9-11

President Veronica and her group have got some great things abrew in Carlsbad.  Carlsbad and Angel Fire are in a 1 vs 2 fight to see which club can bring in the most new members this year.  They both have installed over 12 new Rotarians.  The day of my club visit, District Foundation Chair Tom Walker assisted me by awarding 21 Paul Harris Fellows (keep in mind each Paul Harris Fellow equates to $1000 donated to Rotary).......  A very progressive club, they balance the multi generationalism within their club very well (Taos, Angel Fire several others do likewise).  Thank you for your leadership RC Carlsbad!  Keep up the good work!

Board meeting the night before

President Veronica & TP

O.V. #64 - RC of Van Horn 2-8-11

When pulling into town, I was reminded of the Disney cartoon movie 'CARS' where the highway bypasses the main drag.  Per capita, there are a ton of hotels here in that Van Horn is 2 hours to anywhere.  Also, one of the founders of Amazon.com has invested a lot of financing to make the Texas Spaceport happen just outside of the city.  President John has got a good group here and they are working at growing their club.  Thank you guys and I'm looking forward to seeing where you go/grow from here!

TP and President John

 

World Understanding Dinner - El Paso 2-4-11

450 or so Mexicans and Americans came together at the El Paso Camino Real hotel for an evening of fun, fellowship, and dancing.  Past RI President Frank Devlyn spoke.  The event was orchestrated by Marta Soto Schmal and President of RC El Paso, Herb Ortega.  

O.V. #63 RC of Deming 1-27-11

The mighty RC of Deming, home club to infamous PDG Tom Lindsay..... also my host and cigar specialist so I have to cut him some slack.  Tom and Linda were great hosts and Shelby's pretzels........ I need that recipe so I can get someone here to make me some.   

President Jarod (a very litigous cutthroat attorney by day, also a Texas Tech law school grad) is a great guy with cool family and has a solid club to lead.  There are many of the old timers of the club that appreciate his efforts.  He has a supportive board and good continuity over the next couple years.  A very active club, RC Deming is a fun club to visit and make up at.  Thx everyone for the hospitality......

Board Meeting

President Jarod and DG TP

 

St. Clair Winery Tour - Deming 1-26-11

WOW, of the 50 plus winery's I have toured (in 3 countries) this was by far one of the best 'back of house' tours I have had (Mudgee Australia would be up there as well).  They produce a very good product, all with New Mexico grapes!  Thanks winemaker Gerard Rottiers for the top notch tour and signed bottle.   Thanks RC Deming for setting this up.... Great experience!

the tubing to taste 'freshies' direct from the barrel

TP and winemaker Gerard (cool cat and really funny guy).