Ruidoso's Unique Food Collection Project

In Ruidoso I learned of a unique twist to holiday food collection. The Ruidoso Rotary Clubs holiday food collection is for infants. The club’s member set-up collection points near major grocery and department stores during the holiday season and provide shoppers with a list of what is needed (i.e. pampers, formula and clothing). This project and several other club projects are funded by the club’s enchilada dinner. I’m looking forward to attending this year’s dinner scheduled for October. My meeting with the board was over dinner at the Cattle Baron. In addition to club issues we also discussed the impact of tourism and the racing season on the local economy.

Inspiration, Dedication, and Membership Highlight Roswell Visit

During my visit with the Roswell Sunrise Club, I had the opportunity to hear Frank and Jolene Lilley tell the amazing story of their son Air Force Staff Sgt. Scott Lilley’s incredible recovery from a head wound received when a roadside bomb exploded outside Baghdad in April 2007. Told that he probably would not survive the wound, Dennis has fully recovered and returned to active duty. Also during the meeting, the Club presented the Vietnam Veterans of New Mexico with a check for $5000 to support their veterans’ transportation program. Veterans from the Roswell area are provided free transportation to clinics in Lubbock, Amarillo, Big Springs, and Albuquerque.

The Pecos Valley Club had readings on of five new members that will be installed in August. The club is also busy working on the Sun Country Classic Golf Tournament. This tournament is sponsored by the three Roswell Rotary Clubs, and funds equipment purchases for the Boys and Girls Club of Roswell, books to Africa, and Adopt-a-Family Christmas program. It was also a pleasure to have an opportunity to visit with PDG Paul Herring during lunch.

My visit to the Rotary Club of Roswell was highlighted when Club President Betty Long presented me a check for $5000 on behalf of Polio Plus. The Club has supported Polio Plus since the program’s inception. I also had the privilege to induct two new members, Cindy Torrez and Mary Bryant during my visit to the Club and recognize the new member sponsors Bill Liakos and Bob Maples with the presentation of their sponsor pins.

Tri-Club Reception Welcomes Governor

I was welcomed to Farmington with a tri-club reception at the San Juan Country Club. It was an evening of great fellowship and chance to visit with old friends. I was able to visit with Jess Beard, a Rotarian with 50 years of perfect attendance who keeps busy rebuilding airplanes.

Thursday morning I meet with the Tres Rios Club. chartered in February 2008, they are starting their year of service under the leadership of Dennis Ivie. During the meeting, Dennis presented Immediate Past President John Tata a plaque for his year of service as chartering president. The club's goals for the year are building membership, increasing fellowship opportunities, and building visibility in the community.

At noon, I visited the Rotary Club of Farmington. Mark Biel has established a challenging membership goal for his club - increasing the membership by 10 to 62. Mark also stated that he wants to work with the other presidents to have "One Rotary Club in Farmington with three meeting times."

Tri-District Conference - August 7th & 8th

The Tri-District Conference is coming soon - August 7^th and 8^th in El Paso, TX. This year we will celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the international partnership established to provide Rotary fellowship and service opportunities across the US – Mexican border. Once again, Rotarians from Districts 4110, 5470, and 5520 will come together with their service projects searching for international partners to support their efforts.

This year the conference will address the importance of preserving our 20-year old international partnership and how this partnership can flourish for at least the next 20 years. PDG Sonny Brown has agreed to speak at our kick-off meeting Saturday morning and I’ve just received notice that Mireya Morales from the Rotary Foundation will be joining us.

Because The Rotary Foundation has severely reduced its portion of the matching funds available, the three District Governors agreed that moving the conference to August was needed to increase our chances to receive a portion of these funds. To offset a portion of this reduction in available funds, District 5520 has increased the budgeted amount from District funds.

Please participate because we can’t get it done without you! Register now at

http://rotary5520.org/tridistrict2009/index.html

Gallup Awards Scholarships Totaling $18,000

Rotary is doing great in Gallup! Jason Sanchez and his board announced their intention to host this spring’s GSE team in Gallup. This will be a first for the club. I had a great time during my brief tour of Gallup and a local business, so I know the team will have a wonderful visit, too. The Gallup club selects a local high school student to be their “Student of the Month”. This student makes a presentation to the club and at the end of the school year the students are awarded scholarships ranging between $500 and $5,000 totaling $18,000. The club raises this money each year during their Speakers Banquet featuring famous sports personalities. Plans for this year’s banquet have not been completed, but it is expected that Franco Harris will be the keynote speaker. The club hopes to raise $50,000. The club meets at Sammy C’s, a local sports bar that features walls covered with photos of sport giants, legends of the music industry, famous actors and world-class leaders.