President-Elect Jim Ruble called the meeting to order promptly at 12:29, and welcomed everyone to the club meeting, acknowledging Martin Luther King Day. We had a good attendance turnout, even with the holiday. He announced that Rotaract President, Amanda Sutton, had a computer at the back of the room and was helping get members signed up in “My Rotary” – feel free to go work with her.
Inspiration, Pledge, 4-Way Test:
Hal Hutchinson
Greeters:
Tucker LaPrade and Lynette Boatright were the greeters today, and Lynette introduced the members who brought guests:
First, Visiting Rotarians, Wayne Heili and Shawn Powell (Casper Five Trails) and Amanda Sutton (Casper Rotaract)
- Jim Allison introduced his daughter, Casey Allison(1st Call Communications);
- Tucker LaPrade introduced Lyle, Tina, and Greg Kruse, and Franklin Froehlich;
- Mike Ward introduced his daughter, Erika Stupak, and grandson, Dylan;
- Bill Schilling introduced Dick O’Hearn (County);
- Robin Mundell introduced City Manager, V.H. McDonald;
- Bob Auflick introduced Dave Davala;
- Martha Rakestraw introduced Rev. Mary Bates (1st Methodist) and Deanna Frye (Seton House);
- Lisa Hubbard introduced Jacob Ernst (GSG Architecture).
Song and Merriment:
Dennis Lower cracked us up with a couple of jokes, and then Tucker LaPrade led us in singing “He’s Got the Whole World in his Hands” – in honor of MLK Day. Gary Pehrson was off for the holiday from the bank.
Family of Rotary:
Brian Deurloo announced that Teresa Corkill got engaged. How exciting! Greg Pope announced that our past exchange student from Sweden, Johanna Johannsen, had a baby girl. Johanna is a dentist in Sweden now.
Rotarians of the Week:
Robin Mundell was invited forward by PE Jim. This is her last club meeting before she moves to Henderson, Nevada. She thanked the club for wonderful memories and especially her sponsor, Don Harris. Dennis Gazdiewich nominated Tony Valdez for visiting him after his recent back surgery. Way to go, Rotarians!!
Banner Exchange:
Dale Bohren presented the club with a banner he received at a club meeting in Spain with his daughter, who is working there.
Classification Talk:
Lynn Lockhart introduced herself to club members. She transferred her membership from Casper Five Trails to our club. Lynn grew up in southern Wyoming and said she has had a fun life. She graduated from U.W. with a degree in home economics. She then taught high school in Powell – which didn’t feel like a great career fit for her. She learned of a job in Casper at Pacific Power (Martha Rakestraw’s father told Lynn’s father it) – small world! She met Tom Lockhart at PP&L and there was instantaneous chemistry. They married after four months; moved a lot with PP&L; have four children, 10 grandchildren, and 1 great grandchild. She is very happy and enjoys skiing, reading, knitting, sewing, PEO, church, and politics (just like Tom).
Program (Bill Shilling – Update on Rotary Park):
PE Jim did a humorous introduction of Bill Schilling. Bill started off by thanking the club members for their commitment to the Rotary Park Project over the past 4 ½ years. Our Duck Derby Club proceeds have been committed to funding this project through 2017. Bill also thanked the County, GSG Architecture, CEPI, Aaker Signs, and Michael’s Fence for their involvement and contributions. The project began in 2012 with a Master Plan, which was updated and formally adopted in April 2014 by the club. Bill stepped through several of the accomplishments:
June 2013 – the bridge was completed and dedicated in an all-club lunch ceremony.
The Wyoming Conservation Corps of U.W. college students began their contracted relationship with the project in July 2013 and have participated each summer with club members in building/maintaining the trail systems, building 11 switchbacks, digging 65 post holes, and constructing the metal railings. It is an annual contract of approximately $12,000. They will be back this summer too.
The observation decks were completed in the 2014/2015 timeframe, as well as the installation of two picnic tables and four benches – which were funded by a Rotary District Grant (our first!!! for $2,000).
Trail signs are being completed now, as well as an information kiosk (which has been funded by a 2nd District Grant for $4,000).
An amphitheater stage is now being planned for construction out of native flagstone, with hopes for completion by the August 2017 Eclipse. In addition, the County has committed to funding the gravel base for the lower parking lot. Rotarians will flatten the ground and assist with installation. The County has also committed $30,000 for a new bathroom at the lower parking lot. CEPI plans to do a presentation about the amphitheater design for the club in March.
PE Jim announced that next week’s program will be an update about the Science Zone by Steven Schnell. He adjourned the meeting at 1:32 p.m.
