Official Visit # 33, Eunice

September 19, 2012

Ok, I am as far Southeast in the state of New Mexico as I can go and visit a Rotary Club.  This is a town that lives or dies with the oil industry and yet this club remains active and vital to the community.

The members of this club are involved in every form of leadership you can imagine in the community of Eunice.  Although the head of the Chamber of Commerce is a member, I really got the feeling that the group assembled truly made up the Chamber.  This club has been so proactive to the community and the individuals of the community.  I was amazed at the stories told by this club.  Their efforts in fundraising in this community were inspiring. 

It was great to listen to the club and members as they told their stories with pride.  There is a sense of pride in the community in the room, and that sense of pride has to spread out of the doors of the meeting.  As I drove away, I was very happy to really understand the extent that this club goes to reach out to their fellow citizens of this community.  I left very proud.

Fellowship begins with food.

Discussion is always healthy.  Sometimes!

Me and President Chris

Official Visit # 31, Mountainair

September 13, 2012

Here is a small community, with a small club, having a small budget, helping in a huge way.  This is a club of 16.  This is a country club.  A club that welcomes and impresses.

This was a meeting that I would characterize as a kitchen table conversation.  I thoroughly enjoyed this visit.  I found out about the addressed needs of the community and how this little club shows its heart at every turn.  They are involved in every aspect of the community.  Each is a leader in this little town.  This is actually the Chamber of Commerce.

As we visited and as we began to find out everywhere this club is involved I was warmed by the activity and the caring of the members.  This club impressed me hugely.  The don't have the assets or the resources to make things happen as a club, but they make things happen.  The members never say die attitude is so infectious.  Holy Cow, am I proud to be a Rotarian.

Gathering for service.

 

Time for discussion.

Time for visiting

 

Official Visit # 30, Rio Rancho Sunrise

September 12, 2012

Another morning meeting.  I belong to a morning club, but I still don't understand the energy that is unique to morning clubs.  Is it that we are all up so we may as well be happy about it?  Well, what ever the reason, this is a club that is really happy to meet and really happy to be in Rotary.

No matter the time in the meeting, there is something happening that is unexpected.  Sounds, comments, jokes, laughter, ....!  What a fun bunch.  During our visit I found this to be yet again an incredibly active and vibrant club.  Yes they have fun, but I think this bunch could have fun with an anvil.  They just see the goodness and the excitement in everything.

Rio Rancho is much better off having this club in their community.  The efforts of this club are incredible and the success in this club is over powering.  Keep up the great work.  Keep true to your Rotary values.  You are doing so good.

President Elect Will and Me.

Zone 21B and 27, Overland Park, KS

September 4 - 9, 2012

Zone is a training and informational meeting for the string of Governors and Spouses that are preparing to serve our districts.  This trainings are mandated by Rotary International just as PETS is mandated for the incoming Presidents in our districts.

The DGE Kit Turpen and DGN Lonnie Leslie begin their week with that training by having a bonding dinner with their classes on Tuesday evening.  Then Wednesday and Thursday is all about training for the incoming governors.  The current Governors attend a bonding dinner on Wednesday evening and then on Thursday take part in a problem solving session that looks to others in your class to assist is solving some issues that may arise during your year in office.

Friday and Saturday are informational meetings that are designed to give all of us a look at what is going on in other parts of the Zone.  On Saturday evening, the graduated DGE's are formally presented to those assembled.  At this meeting, DGE 5520, Christopher "Kit" Turpen was formally introduced as our District Governor for 2013-2014.  Yes, he made it this far and we are so proud.  One last step for Kit and that is Governor Elect Training Seminar "GETS" in San Diego in January.  He is preparing well.

On Sunday and memorial service for deceased PDGs, a final report, wrap-up and a plane ride home.  One more thing checked off the list.  Rotary is so fun!

RI Director Andy Smallwood

5520 DGE Kit Turpen being presented.

Our Governor 2013-2014!



Past RI President Wilf

 

Our group in Overland Park.  Not Pictured Marshall Poole
and Norm Arnold.  We were well represented.

Official Visit # 29, Socorro

August 29, 2012

I pulled into Socorro not really knowing what to expect or how to react to this club.  My contact with the Socorro club has been very limited.  There is nothing strange here, just a new environment for me.  As I walked in the door, as always, I was greeted with smiles and hugs.  

As we met and visited, I discovered a club that had very little collective idea of the impact they make on their community.  We talked about projects and fundraisers.  We visited about kid's and children's programs.  We had fun discovering the greatness of the Rotary Club of Socorro together.  It was a great time.

The members of this club are all open to change or modification.  They are willing to step out of the Rotary Wheel to do things just a little differently to reach those in need.  They are true Rotarians in a small town doing huge things.  This is a great club.  I had a wonderful journey home just thinking about this club.  Fantastic!

You duck this way and I will duck that way and the tomatos
will never hit us.

 

 

President Jim and me.