District 5520 Governor's blog

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 02:55:00 +0000

Official Visit # 43, Fort Sumner

October 10, 2012

I met early in the morning with this club. This is a small club. Three of the five members of this club were in attendance. We discussed the club and the community and how this club can generate membership. We also looked at the community and the effect this club has on the community.

We talked about the relevance of the club and the individuals in the town of Fort Sumner. During the discussion, it was shared that youth is a huge part of the service of this club. We looked into the possibilities of this club becoming more involved in the educational process at the school, working with the kids and thereby exciting the community in the efforts of Rotary. We discussed Interact and Earlyact.

As I left this club, I was very thrilled that this club sees its relevance in the community and is far from finished. They see so much to accomplish and so much that can be done. This is a growing and exciting club. I really enjoyed my visit with them. It was a great time and the future is bright.

Past President Patricia and President John

Me and President John

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 23:30:00 +0000

Official Visit # 49, Northeast El Paso

October 18, 2012

This club is a fun club. As I arrived early, about 11:30, I was greeted by two gentlemen that took their time to share this club with me. The club meets in the far Northeast of El Paso and works with Fort Bliss and the soldiers and families.

This club is very proud of their work in the community and the fundraising success they all have. The members of the club are open to conversation and enthusiastic about the new and great things that can happen. The members of the club are fun to be with and very enjoyable. This was a very congenial meeting and I learned a great deal about their area of the community they serve.

This visit was pleasant and the club made me feel very much at home. All of the members are very proud of their club and all they do in El Paso. The monies that this club raises do so much for the community along with the sweat equity that is so important to this club. I truly enjoyed this visit.

Members coming together for a meeting in El Paso

Sharing ideas with the club.

President Jose and me.

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 23:25:00 +0000

Official Visit # 48, El Paso

October 18, 2012

This visit began with a very well attended board meeting. The Rotary Club of El Paso is the Grandfather club of the district. This was the first club in our district and they work at making sure that they live up to that title and the history that goes with it.

During the meeting, I was given the opportunity to present six (6) Paul Harris Fellows. This club is involved in so many things in the community that it makes your head spin. It appears that all of the members are involved and feel a great sense of pride in their club.

This was a fun meeting with jokes and jabs being the order of the day. All of the clubs of El Paso come together and present the District Governor with a pair of Rotary Boots. It was a little different this year. Just see the pictures to see the fun we had. Rotary is alive and well in El Paso and the Grandfather club is one of the great leaders in the Rotary world.

Board meeting with El Paso

President Debbie presented me with District 5520
Governor of the year plaque. Too funny!

These were the first boots I saw.
Yes sire, clown shoes . Cool huh?

The real boots, sort of. They will be in soon.

Past RI Director Sonny Brown, Me, Sandy and John Coleman

President Debbie and Me

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 22:03:00 +0000

Official Visit # 47, Gallup

October 17, 2012

I met with the board of this club the evening before at the home of the famous Sammy C. We had several of the club come together to give me an idea of the club and the direction the club is going. Our conversations centered on membership and the area they all live in and serve.

This club works wonders on the Navajo Reservation and has a true heart for the region of our country. As we looked at membership, we also looked at the clubs work in the schools. They are really looking to develop on the experiences of their RYLA campers by using their enthusiasm to start an Interact club.

The meeting was well attended. The members of the club were eager to hear new ideas and review the current activities of the club. This club is looking into the process of establishing a satellite club to increase their membership and the services given by this club. This club does an incredible job of giving scholarships. This is an inspiring club. Everyone needs to visit this club. Thank you Gallup.

President Julianna

President Julianna and Me

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 22:01:00 +0000

Official Visit # 46, Los Lunas

October 16, 2012

I worked in this area for about three (3) years. I attended this club as a visiting Rotarian for that time. I have felt like a member of this club for a long time. The last time I visited this club was about three (3) years ago.

There is a saying that the more things change, the more they stay the same. I could not help but notice that some of my friends were sitting in the same place doing the same things that they did the last time I was there. This club is still involved with the schools and the universities. The still give every 3^rd grader a dictionary.

It is a great thing to meet with old friends doing great things for Rotary. Good friends, old memories, and a vision to serve more to get more done. This is Rotary in Los Lunas. A really good time.

Presenting to old friends

President Mike, ADG John and Me

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 21:58:00 +0000

Official Visit # 45, Moriarty

October 15, 2012

Let’s see, an evening meeting on a Monday in a restaurant called “Shorty’s Barbeque” eating homemade pizza and salad. Yep, must be Moriarty. This is a super group of people living for service and so excited to do all they can to serve the area.

I met with the board for a bit and then with the club. This club does a little bit of everything in the town, but the one thing they are most proud of is their RYLA girls and the possibility of an Interact club. The members are all very involved in every area of the community.

The club is well organized and a model to the small clubs in every town USA. I truly enjoyed this club visit and had a great time with old friends. My time spent with this club was too short, but the road calls. I will be back.

Paul Harris Awards

Me and President Paul

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 21:54:00 +0000

Official Visit # 44, Tucumcari

October 11, 2012

This club’s board and I met this morning to discuss the club and the efforts of the club and its membership. The conversation was detailed and very intense. The members of the board were truly looking for ways that they could improve the projects and expand the services of the club. We discussed membership and came up with some ideas on this topic.

As we met for the meeting I was surprise at the attendance and the six (6) visitors. The group was very lively and conversational. I had a great deal of fun visiting with this club. President Diane gives energy to the meetings with a special sense of humor mixed with an energy level that few have and an eagerness to serve the community.

I had a wonderful time with this club and saw some old friends and met a great deal of new ones. Tucumcari is very fortunate to have a club like this one. Rotary is alive and well in Tucumcari. Fun times.

Making a point

A club gathered with enthusiasm

Add caption

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 21:48:00 +0000

Official Visit # 42, Santa Rosa

October 9, 2012

Get your kicks on Route 66! That pretty well sums up this meeting. I meet with some of the most wonderful people that Santa Rosa had to offer. The members of this Board and this club were incredibly warm am enjoyable.

As they began to tell the story of their club I was in awe of the stories they told and the projects they have. The energy in the room was wonderful and the camaraderie of the members of this club screamed Rotary fellowship. They laughed and joked with each other and made the as enjoyable a meeting as I have attended.

The community is being improved every day by this club. They are active in all areas of Rotary and so very willing to share and work for the improvement of this community and the world. This was a wonderful visit. I am so glad I was here. Great times with great people. What a kick.

Members getting ready to meet.

Efficient club meeting

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 21:44:00 +0000

Official Visit # 41, Alamogordo White Sands

October 4, 2012

I have had the chance to visit with this club on multiple occasions. I have a large number of friends in this club and that makes my visit here very refreshing. To visit old friends that are doing so many things is great. I have looked forward to this visit.

The room was full and all were very welcoming. This club is the sponsoring club for the Interact Club in Alamogordo and works with the other clubs in the Tularosa Basin. This was my final visit to all of the three (3) clubs in this Basin. I had been told that how strong Rotary was in this area, Rotary is incredibly strong and I will tell that forever.

This club is a model to the district and the Rotary world, but hand in hand with the other two (2) clubs are models to Rotary International. What a great visit. Thank you all so much.

The White Sands Club gathering

Talking about Foundation

President Matt and Me

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 20:28:00 +0000

Official Visit # 40, El Paso Vista Hills

October 3, 2012

Vista Hills is a club that meets on the East side of El Paso. This club is trying to make things happen in their end of town.

This club is working with the High School and the Interact Club to meet the needs of this area. This meeting was a board meeting. All of the membership discussed different avenues of service and different ways that they could open up the club to attract more members and more service projects. The discussion was lively and the deep. Every member was active in the meeting.

It was good to see a club that looks at internal issues and looks for every way to improve the community and their club along the way. This club is going in the right direction and will show us all the way shortly. Great job and great meeting.

Meeting as a round table discussion.

Supper people looking to make a difference

Vista Hills members and Me

President Hugo and Me

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 20:21:00 +0000

Official Visit # 39, El Paso Sunrise

October 3, 2012

Early morning in El Paso; the sunrise over the Franklin Mountains, I guess it came up, but it was not visible when you are inside meeting with a great group of Rotarians. The sunrise could not be as bright as the attitude of this club.

This is the early morning club that meets on the west side of El Paso. They are involved with youth and the underprivileged all over El Paso. They have an attitude of doing and eagerness to get the job done. This Rotary club has that spirit that makes them Rotarians. They live and breathe Rotary.

I fully enjoyed this visit and look for any opportunity to visit this club again. They are a club that is brighter than sun coming over the mountains. They are doing great things for El Paso.

Presenting to a wonderful bunch of Rotarians

Talking Rotary business

President Regina and Me

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 20:16:00 +0000

Official Visit # 38, Truth or Consequences

October 2, 2012

This is the only city in the world that would ever change their name to that of a game show. This club is very active and unique to the world of Rotary International. They are in a unique town and have very special members that continue to go great things for those of the community and the world.

I have met with this club on several occasions and feel very at home with this wonderful group. This club does it all. This club is involved in Simplified grants, RYLA, International Matching Grants and RYE, making a difference and taking names. The members are leaders in the community and in the state.

I was welcomed openly in this meeting and with the board. The club and board members are very exciting to be around. This club is doing things and the things they are doing are amazing. There are not bad consequences to anything this club does. Keep up the great work.

Meeting with the board

During the meeting

President Earl, PP. Lisa, Mark, DGE Kit and PDG Dick

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 20:09:00 +0000

Official Visit # 37, Albuquerque Metro

September 26, 2012

I left Angel Fire at 1:15 PM and drove to Albuquerque to meet with the Metro club for a board meeting. This is a club that is about 3 (three) years old and is working to find its own identity and working to make a difference with a unique approach. President Willie is leading this club in a direction of service and hands on projects. The board is active and energetic.

The board meeting was one of fresh new ideas and fresh community efforts. Each of the members was very active in the process. President Willie works very hard at keeping the focus on community support.

The meeting was very good with all in attendance eager are ready to share their clubs efforts and projects. The meeting was a time of sharing and expression of desires. All members of this club have a true servant attitude. This club has a great chance to work within the community and make wonderful things happen on the way there. Lead on!

Members and visitors during the meeting.

Additional membership photos

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 20:06:00 +0000

Official Visit # 36, Angel Fire

September 26, 2012

This visit started with a trip on a quad in an assault on the gofer population in the Angel Fire valley. Not to worry, the gofers survived because the rain came and washed the Governor down. Out came the sun and dried up all the rain and the gofers came out for fun again.

Shawn and President Tammy are amazing hosts. We had a very special board meeting this evening. The members of the board are energetic and very ambitious to make the community a wonderful place and a community that is better because they exist.

During the meeting we heard a man of the cloth that is running an Orphanage in Uganda. He shared his life and his vision. He shared his faith and his purpose and then he shared his membership in Rotary International. This was an incredible experience and a real great time to be present in a Rotary Club. Thank you Angel Fire; keep up the good work.

What an amazing sight to see before a meeting.

Rotarians gathering in Angel Fire

Coming together at a board meeting

Mark and President Tammy

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 20:01:00 +0000

Official Visit # 35, Las Vegas

September 25, 2012

This was a great way to begin another amazing week on the road to discovery of District 5520. My visit in Las Vegas began with a wonderful meeting with my friend Marshall Poole. Marshall and I have been friends for a long time and if there ever was a silent Rotarian that continues to make the rest of us look good it is Marshall.

This visit was one of great memories and incredible conversation. This club works so very hard for the community. They discussed all of their options and all of their projects. The members are very proud of their community and the importance of this club in that community.

During my visit with this club I was impressed with the discussion and with the enthusiasm. The new members of the club are involved and the beginning to fill leadership positions. This club is in a position to make great things happen in their club and in the county. I enjoyed every minute of being with this club. One day with this club and one day with amazing Rotarians in northern New Mexico.

President Elect conducting the meeting.

All are gathered for a meal prior to business

Presenting to a really good club.

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 17:37:00 +0000

Official Visit # 34, Fort Stockton, TX
September 20, 2012

Let the party begin. Fort Stockton is a unique and entertaining club. They do all they can to make you feel welcome and warm. As I arrived in town the evening prior, I was told that the club was not at full strength. They had entertained the RFE team from Great Britain the three evenings prior and they were a little tired.

Thank you Great Britain! Holy Cow, there is no way I could have continued if they were not tired. This was an incredible visit. This club has so many projects from the peace garden at the hospital to the bird feeders at the rest home. One of the main fundraisers is a raffle for an Audad hunt in the Big Bend of Texas. That’s right, “Audad”. I won’t tell you, you go look it up. This club is totally active in the community and leaves no stone unturned to find a place to help.

I was truly at home in Fort Stockton. This club is warm, open and fun. This was a great visit. Hope I get an Audad! (Don’t you want to know? Look it up! ;>)

ADG Terry and his spouse Donnie. Terry is the one with
the beard, Donnie is the pretty one!

One of the plaques at the hospital. It really pays to
advertise.

Me and President Anna

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 17:32:00 +0000

Official Visit # 32, East El Paso

September 18, 2012

This is a club that has look at adversity and climbed from that adversity to build a wonderful and exciting club on the foundation of that adversity. I found this club to be very warm and welcoming. I was received openly and very welcoming.

As I arrived early, I found several new members and had the opportunity to visit with them and spend time finding out exactly what they see in the club and why they felt the urge to join. I found that they were using Rotary as an avenue to fill their individual need to serve. This club has members that truly want to serve and truly want to be part of something bigger than them.

This was the first club that had a heckler in the group. I honestly took delight in the banter that occurred. The club seemed to enjoy the interaction. I can’t wait to attend this member’s worship service. As he is a pastor, I had thoughts of attending and affording the same interaction, but then I put the “4-Way Test” to it and saw that I couldn’t do that. Sometimes it’s just hard being a Rotarian. I love it, don’t you?

Preparations for a wonderful meeting.

Fellowship is important to this club, vital!

President Joe and me

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 17:30:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 17:14:00 +0000

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

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 16:53:00 +0000

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.

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 16:44:00 +0000

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.

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 16:37:00 +0000

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.

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 16:32:00 +0000

Official Visit # 28, Ruidoso

August 28, 2012

Where else should you go in the dog days of summer to cool and refresh except to the tall pines of Ruidoso and thankfully that is exactly where Jim and Elaine scheduled me. Great Job!

Ruidoso was devastated by fires this year and I was very curious to see and hear from the club members about what they were doing in the wake of that fire. Well, I was not disappointed. This mighty club stepped up in ways that you can't imagine, but that is not what touched my heart. Yes, the club has done the right things and the Rotary things all just as we all expect, but that is Rotary.

What really touched me is to hear the stories of Rotarians acting as neighbors and friends. They supported the community as individuals with a calling, not waiting of others to call and organize, but stepping out and doing all the things that needed to be done. Individually and collectively they shined the Rotary Wheel in Ruidoso and made us all very proud. I am very humbled by their actions and their efforts. I feel like a proud parent. Way to go Ruidoso, lead us all.

Another Rotary Club eating with joy.

Inducting two new members. A real honor for me. Thank you.

President Georgia and me.

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 16:24:00 +0000

Official Visit # 27, West El Paso

August 27, 2012

This was my second El Paso club to visit. This is a club that I have spoken to on several occasions and they still allowed me back in the door. I enjoy this club. I have a long history with this club and very much admire the leadership and the members for all they have done and all they will do in the future.

This is a club that, like so many others, does not like to brag on themselves, but they do so much in the community and Internationally. They are very active and very welcoming. From the Sargent of Arms to the newest member, all stand ready enjoy Rotary with fellow Rotarians.

To meet with this club is to put on your happy face and go along for the ride. By the way, if you do not put on your happy face, one will be supplied at the door. You will not be allowed to leave without feeling the full enjoyment of Rotary fellowship. El Paso is a great place for Rotary.

The Rotarians gather for more chicken.

Giving awards for the parade.

noreply@blogger.com (Rotary District 5520) — Sun, 16 Sep 2012 16:16:00 +0000

Official Visit # 26, Albuquerque Del Sol

August 23, 2012

When I heard we were going to meet in the basement of a hospital, I was just a little concerned. I had been led to believe that not much energy or activity is ever found in the basement of a hospital. Really? This club is going to build energy meeting here?

Well, never worry about energy anywhere the Albuquerque Del Sol club meets. And don't go to this club to take a nap or to have a nice restful calm meeting to prepare your thoughts before your work day. You come to this meeting to revitalize and rebuild. This club is strong. It is full of District Leadership. It is wonderful.

I had an incredible time at this club, saw some wonderful old friends and truly left with a song of joy and wonder in my head. As I headed home I could not help but reflect on the wonders of Rotary and power of good people doing great things for all they did not know. Wow! Rotary is vibrating in Albuquerque.

The meal is always the greatest time to converse.

Another view of a reason to meat.

Me and President Dave

District 5520 Governor's blog

Official Visit # 43, Fort Sumner October 10, 2012

Official Visit # 49, Northeast El Paso October 18, 2012

Official Visit # 48, El Paso October 18, 2012

Official Visit # 47, Gallup October 17, 2012

Official Visit # 46, Los Lunas October 16, 2012

Official Visit # 45, Moriarty October 15, 2012

Official Visit # 44, Tucumcari October 11, 2012

Official Visit # 42, Santa Rosa October 9, 2012

Official Visit # 41, Alamogordo White Sands October 4, 2012

Official Visit # 39, El Paso Sunrise October 3, 2012

Official Visit # 38, Truth or Consequences October 2, 2012

Official Visit # 37, Albuquerque Metro September 26, 2012

Official Visit # 36, Angel Fire September 26, 2012

Official Visit # 35, Las Vegas September 25, 2012

Official Visit # 34, Fort Stockton, TX September 20, 2012

Official Visit # 32, East El Paso September 18, 2012

Official Visit # 33, Eunice September 19, 2012