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Club News: June 2009
June 1st 2009 Posted in Club News
HIGHLIGHTS: Get to know your fellow Rotarian: Alex Linnartz, Presentation Speaker: Jim White, Rachel Coon and Chris Edwards, Presentation Speaker: Victoria Santistevan Gonzales
FEATURE: GET TO KNOW YOUR FELLOW ROTARIAN
Five questions about our New Rotarian: Alex Linnartz
1. Where did you spend your childhood and receive your education?
I was born in Bangkok, Thailand hue a military family. We only moved a few times, as I spent the majority of my adolescence in Annapolis, Maryland living in the same home my Mother grew up in. I enjoyed crabbing in the Chesapeake Bay, sailing, playing sports and have had the opportunity to travel to terrific international destinations. I attended Severn School then Gettysburg College. During this time, my parents moved to Saudi Arabia so I decided to join my brother at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque to finish my degree.
2. Please briefly tell us about your family.
My husband Bernie and I are very proud of our 2 sons, Aaron and Benjamin who live in Delaware, one with our granddaughter Samantha, as well as our two daughters, Ana and Callie who are attending UNM.
3. When and why did you come to Taos?
Bernie and I had been coming to Taos for years on our getaways when we lived outside of Albuquerque. 2 years ago we were in a transition period and, with the encouragement of our last daughter at home, explored a few different areas to live.
We came up to Taos looking for a home and moved here three weeks later. We love the great sense of community and welcoming attitude that Taos easily offers. It is a wonderful place to live.
4. What are the most satisfying or important aspects of your being a Rotarian?
I think that the principal motto, Service above Self, sends a strong message. Service to the community is so very vital to everyone’s well being. Doing practical and helpful things for the community is important but promoting the spirit of giving of one’s self is probably a bigger lesson and to be part of a group that supports that is a great experience. I also look forward to making new friends.
5. When and why did you come to Taos?
Well, we just bought a house, so working on the landscape and getting it looking like we want is a big focus right now. My main interest is actually seeing if I can produce at least one great tomato. I’ve got 5 plants, so I’m thinking I may finally accomplish this!
I am also very interested in growing my business and in the process, meeting and enjoying lots of interesting people along the way.
I’d like to do more painting, book reading and traveling, especially more traveling.
May 6th Meeting
Good News
• Leolyn and Jay Wood’s son, Christopher, will be coming to visit from Moscow, Russia, on May 17th.
• Yale Jones is attending the District Conference in Albuquerque. Then he is traveling to Katmandu for 3 weeks.
Announcements
• Lucy’s sister will be visiting in September — She is Laughter Yoga trained.
• Bob Shaw is heading to Minnesota to go on a fishing trip with his dad.
• Steve Fuhlendorf —Lots going on in Taos this weekend.
Business
Shulti-Delahunt Award will be announced at the District Convention. The criteria is ‘leadership shown’. The group voted for Debra Simon from the Espanola Rotary Club.
Drawing
John Crouch was the winner.
Presentation Speaker: Kelly shared slides and experiences of her December — January trip to the Galapagos.
Thank you, Kelly.
May 13th Meeting
Announcements
• President Steve introduced John Smith who has opened a State Farm office in the Plaza de Colores in Taos. John spoke about his home state of Mississippi.
• Ken Bair was welcomed to his third meeting.
• We were pleased to learn from Phil Valieka that there will be an event at the Sagebrush Inn on Friday May 29th to honor our vets who have served in Desert Storm and the Mideast conflicts. SAC flyer 85 year old Colonel Robert Vickers, WWII Vet, will be the speaker at the luncheon. Military vehicles and weaponry will be on display.
Phil related that Taos provides more men to the military than other towns in the state of New Mexico.
President Steve announced that Kara Williams has won the “Best New Business Award,” and that Wolfgang Collins was awarded the title of “Entrepreneur of the Year.” Kudos all around.
• Phil spoke with pride about their three sons and their athletic prowess.
Alix announced that there is a FT position in her office at Brown & Brown.
• Non-profit group representatives, providing information, throughout the “Summer of Love,” beginning May 21st, will staff the Taos kiosk. There will be live bands present as well.
• Since we were without a speaker, the decision was made to hold a club assembly and John Smith was the designated speaker of the day!!!! John spoke about the cultural similarities between Taos and Mississippi. He had wanted to live here since age 13 and decided to move here from his latest digs in Albuquerque.
• Leo was praised for her excellent work on the Chile Challenge tri-fold brochure.
• John Crouch had a great time at the District Convention and regaled us with stories. Attendance was good; the convention next year will be at Buffalo Thunder Resort.
May 20th Meeting
Announcements
• Marci announced that May 21′ will be the first live band on the Taos Plaza and at the same time, there will be a TCC mixer at Lombardi’s from 5:30 — 7:00 pm.
• There will be a TCC Dinner on May 30th at which our Lt. Governor will speak.
George announced that the Taos Library will show the movie “Easy Rider,” on the 23th of May, sponsoring a speaker series and selling Summer of Love CDs and bags.
• Leo Wood shared good news that she and Jay had survived a river-rafting day with their son, despite a plunge in the Rio. They also saw some otters on that eventful day.
Presentation Speaker: Jim White, Rachel Coon and Chris Edwards
Jim White from Centinel Bank spoke about the 2009 Taos River Clean Up Project.
Accompanying Jim, were Rachel Coon, an environmental scientist, from Amigos Bravos
and Chris Edwards of NM Legal Aid.
The Taos River Clean Up is a part of the American Rivers National Effort. 100 volunteers are needed for the June 6th clean up of three rivers and one creek in Taos County. The event will begin at 8 am and culminate in a cook out at
noon at the bank.
Amigos Bravos is a New Mexican river protection effort. They have reintroduced river otters to the Rio Grande, thereby restoring watershed health. The group is working to hold river polluters accountable and to building river protection through education.
May 27th Meeting
Announcements
• Keith took his new bride to St. Louis to see where he grew up.
• Lucy announced that Rachel Templeton will be going to RYLA.
Jay has taken up hiking as a result of birthday presents received from Leolyn.
• Lisa shared that she will be on vacation. Many of her family members will be in town. Also she announced that an anonymous donor gave Interact $200.
• Lou is looking for guests for the September 19th fundraiser dinner.
• Cara had a great time at the kiosk.
Bob had a wonderful time in Minnesota fishing with his Dad and enjoying the different wildlife and vegetation.
Lucy announced she turned 50 and the club sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to her.
Steve announced that the Taos Chamber annual banquet is in one week.
Presentation Speaker: Victoria Santistevan Gonzales, Network Facilitator Victoria Santistevan Gonazales is the Network Facilitator for Taos Entrepreneurial Network (TEN). TEN is a resource for those that wish to start a business, are in a business or are ready to get out of a business.
TEN works to network people to those that can help with the problems of starting, running or selling a business. TEN collaborates with existing organizations working within the region — Santa Fe, Espanola, Chama, Las Vegas and throughout the Enchanted Circle.
TEN works one-on-one with clients and offers a monthly meeting on the 3rd Wednesday of every month at the Chamber office in Cabot Plaza, Taos.
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