Official Visit # 14, El Paso Camino Real

August 1, 2012

This was my first evening meeting.  The Camino Real Club is a very unique and energetic club.  This is our newest club to the district.  The welcome was very warm and friendly. 

As I listened to the activities and the projects of this club I am blown away with the enthusiasm and the excitement they had in sharing their direction.  This club wants to be the District ambassador to Mexico and why shouldn’t they?  They are very active on both sides of our border.  They are helping children and families on both sides.

My time spent with this club was incredible.  I found more friends and wonderful Rotary spirits in central El Paso.  This was a wonderfully refreshing visit.   Thank you to my friends in Camino Real.  Keep up the great work of Rotary.

President Juan conducting the board meeting.

A great time meeting with amazing Rotarinans

President Juan, Me and Lt. Gov. Jesse Allen

Official Visit # 13, Silver City

July 31, 2012

This was my Grand Father’s club.  Yes sir, what an experience to stand in front of men and women who watched me grow in this community along with classmates from high school, and tell them all how wonderful they are.  This was one of my favorite days in Rotary.  Mom and Dad were at the social with me the evening before.  Incredible!

As this club began to share its magic with me I was taken aback by the efforts of this club in the community of Silver City and Grant County; one fund raiser bringing in $45,000.00?; finding new and innovative ways to involve youth because the Rotaract and Interact model have not worked?; funding to send four youth to RYLA?; working with not for profits in the community?; the Guatemala water project?  I was in awe and then they asked for more training.  Let’s combine our youth and some of our business leaders with our club and sponsor the Rio Grande Academy and the Institute for Leadership, can’t that work?  Who am I to say anything but go for it!

During the meeting, a lifelong friend and Rotarian, Murray Ryan, spoke of my Grand Father and comparisons to me.  I was very touched.  I could not praise this club enough after hearing them speak of their club and seeing their enthusiasm.  I can’t help but think what a huge hole would be left in this community if Rotary was not there.  Thank you Rotarians of Silver City, you inspired me to continue.

Rotary Club of Silver City, 1937.  Can you find the man I
bought tires from or the man who delivered me, or my
Grand Father?  Truly they are there.

Meeting with the board.  Great group!

Me and my friend Murray Ryan.

Me, PE Sunni Yates, and ADG Sally Christman

Me and Sunni and Lt. Gov. Jesse Allen

Me and GSE India Team Member Dave

President William and me.

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.