3-3-11 RC ABQ Del Norte 23 PHF's, RC CBAD 21

I think one of the outstanding developments this Rotary year was how clubs took advantage of many of the 1 for 1 matching opps that occurred by many generous donors which created an interesting competition among clubs. Toward the end of last year RC Carlsbad inducted 21 new Paul Harris Fellows ($21,000 donation to Rotary). RC Del Norte in early March 'one upped' them by two actually, by inducting 23. Amazing fundraising for an amazing cause. GREAT job both clubs for making it past the ever elusive 20 mark in one Rotary year!

New Mexico Governor's Ball (RC of ABQ del Sol) 2-26-11

ranked as one of the best balls in the state, this event nets over $75,000 a year for children's charities.  Amazing turnout of over 500 people.  I will be adding pictures as people send them to me, but all I can say is wow.  The event was held at the Hyatt Tamaya Resort, great facility and some of the best customer service in the state.

(l to r) media giant Jeff Siembieda, Jeff's date Audra, DGE Bobby Wallace, Michelle Wallace, KRQE's SENM reporter Celina Westervelt, and DG TP

Council of Governors 2/25 & 2/26

Twice a year all of the past, current, and future District Governor's and spouses come together to meet to discuss things of the Rotary nature.  Friday night usually involves a meal together and catching up on what has happened over the past year.  Saturday morning usually involves DGN, DGE, and DG sharing what is happening in the current Rotary world.  DGE shares the new Rotary theme for their year and areas of emphasis, while DG shares what has happened during their current tenure.....

PDG Paul & Ann Herring hosted on Friday night.  Wanda DeShurley, widow of PDG Harold DeShurley was present and it was great to finally meet her.  On Saturday, PDG Myrtle Fritschy drove in from Carlsbad and everyone was excited to see her.

 

O.V. #70 RC of Ft. Stockton 2-24-11

The best for last........ I can say they are up there.  What a great club and dynamic energy.  Worthy of a make up.  This club very involved in the local, regional, and international work of Rotary as well as ..... they are a lot of fun.  The community itself is also very interesting as I was able to participate in several museum tours and meet with city officials.  

The club meets in a very high end entertainment center which includes a bowling alley, movie theatre, concession, and concert facility.  The club put on a 'shin dig' in that this club was my last club visit.  I chronicle some of the 'hijinks' below as well, the newspaper editor is a member and she did likewise....

Ft. Stockton Mardi Gras party for DG TP

They also are the only club in the district with their own margarita machine!

The club participates in a lot of out of normal club meeting activities.  The night before my arrival, the club spent part of the night setting up (till 9pm), then they spent the next three hours (on a work night) ensuring and testing all 'beveridges' to ensure that they were up to the high standards of the District Governor.  

This club encourages participation of the family.  The night of the Mardi Gras party at least 12 kids were running around at one point or another and it was obvious that they felt comfortable at Rotary functions.  At PETS I stated we should work on integrating family into our activities and how I like to see kids at Rotary functions.  They achieve this.  President Dan's wife, Misty, bakes a mean cake.....

THANK YOU all for really putting together an impressive last club visit for me!

President Dan & DG TP

TP with the very married Pam (newspaper editor & LG Phil Chamberlain's daughter).

ahhh, the newlyweds

note the keys, indented from being played on for over a hundred years!

primped for the night out (little did I know they are going to dress me up more)

'The Rev' , Pam in background, and TP (Tim Tea was the drink of the night)

5 till 11pm

the crowd at 5 till 11 pm

Karaoke started at 10pm

the crowd at 20 till midnight.... and they kept going after I left (on a work night no less)

O.V. #69 RC of Tularosa 2-22-11

RC Tularosa, this group is really well positioned for success in a lot of ways.  One of the neatest projects that I have seen all year is that they were able to get the school district to allow Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University into the high school.  This in an effort to help educate them prior to graduation about personal finance and the destructive power of debt.  They also have many other project pots abrew.  President Tom is a very welcoming chap.  

Another interesting deal is that there were two Lions (ie Lions Club) there selling tickets for something.  They provided good feedback in that at some point I may be speaking to the largest Lions club in the world over in Lubbock, Texas.....  It was also interesting to see how many Alamogordo Rotarians use Tularosa as a make up.  A solid club of 19 in a town of over 2k, this group has room to grow and I believe they will.

This club has good continuity in leadership.  Also with two wineries in town.... enough said!  Thank you all and good questions during Q&A.  I am looking forward to seeing you all at the DCon!
 

 

President Tom & TP