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Rotary Club of Casper WY
Meeting Summary
06/8/2015
President Bill DeGraeve called the meeting to order promptly at 12:30 and welcomed everyone to the meeting, announcing that the warm weather is finally here.
Inspiration, Pledge, 4-Way Test:
Clarke Turner
Greeters:
Steve Domonkos and John Griffith were the greeters today and John introduced guests:
Visiting Rotarians – Helen Bishop – Jackson Supper Club;
Kevin Christopherson (our speaker for today) introduced his family members;
Rob Doane introduced Sarah and Colin Rudlein (Casper Star Tribune);
Deb Theriault introduced Jennifer Forsberg (All Property Auctions) for Robin Mundell;
Red Nickerson introduced his long-time friend who was visiting from Oregon, Dan White;
Steve Domonkos introduced Ethan Dexter (BC/BS Insurance);
Mike Ward introduced Dylan Stupak (his grandson);
and, Jim Beck introduced Amy Lect (KCWY- TV);
Song and merriment:
Mike Lougee entertained us with an Irish joke today and then Gary Pehrson asked to, “Please Rise………” and led us in singing “America, the Beautiful,” with Brenda Peters on the piano.
Family of Rotary:
Charlie Shopp reported that Bob Barnard did have heart surgery, is in ICU, but is progressing well.
Dennis Lower will have 2 heart valves replaced in Montana on June 23rd, where he will recuperate with one of his sons. Deb Theriault reported that Rodney Mundell is in Elkhorn recovering after back surgery.
Rotarians of the Week:
Eric Easton nominated the following Rotarians for their help with the Casper Mountain Marathon over the weekend – Jim Limes, Richard Schwahn, Martha Rakestraw, Randy Hein, Connie Brezik, Tom and Lynn Lockhart, Greg Brondos, Dave McNulty, Guy DeWitt, and Paulann Doane. It was a great day with over 400 runners. Dave McNulty nominated Val Roberts for her commitment to reading to the kindergarten class at Crest Hill since the beginning of the year. Helen Bishop nominated Jim Anderson for working on the Welcome Home event for Vietnam veterans for the past two years. President Bill recognized the club members who had served in Vietnam. Dave Simonson nominated Mark Owens for participating in a mission trip to Costa Rica with his church this week. John Starnes nominated the Past Presidents who attended the PP Dinner last week, and thanked them for their suggestions on continuing to improve our club.
Students of the Month:
We are done for the year – will resume in October
Club Announcements:
- Deb Theriault discussed the plans for the Friendship Exchange with India. The 5 Rotary guests from India will be in Casper (6/23-6/25). She is planning a multi-club picnic for the evening of the 24th. She thanked the Deurloo’s, Walker’s, and Corkill’s for offering their homes to host the guests.
- Sandy Widmer announced that the 4th Annual Golf Tournament will be on August 1st at Three Crowns. She and Anthony Martinez would love sponsors and players. Proceeds will benefit our Panama International project.
- Teresa Corkhill announced that the next Duck Derby planning meeting will be June 16th at 7 a.m. at Eggingtons. She and Tara Short are starting to round up the prizes for this year. She had cards on the lunch tables for members to donate prizes.
- Steve Shive reported that he had been in Lusk over the weekend and they were asking for help. There is need for meals, small clean-up relief help, and financial assistance. He will have Lori email the contact information out to club members if you can help.
- President Bill announced that he had put a flyer on the table asking members for their input on the Club awards this year. He reported that the donation receipts from Rotary International have been mailed for the May pledge drive. Bill Schilling will have the first Rotary Park work day on June 27.
Classification Talk:
None today.
Program (Hang Gliding):
John Starnes introduced our own club member, Kevin Christopherson, for today’s program.
Kevin started his program by defining what a Hang Glider is…. a weight-shift air craft. They typically take 15 minutes to set up. Hang gliding got its start in Germany (1891 – 1896), and then the Wright brothers took a shot by adding an engine. The concept of “wing warping” was born. In 1960, hang gliders got a standardized form, and in 1982, Kevin did his first flight! He waited to do it in snow, because it was softer for landing. Kevin informed the audience that you should never fly into a cloud, but that cumulus clouds are perfect for flying under – because they have a thermal layer under them to accommodate lift. The maximum height for hang-gliding is 18,000 feet; any higher and you are in federal air space. Kevin talked about “storm surfing” ahead of storms and what a thrill it was for lift. His first long flight was from Whiskey Peak (SW of Casper) to Pine Bluffs. Since then he has flown further – into South Dakota from Whiskey Peak (287 miles); a record from a foot launch. Kevin has also flown in Switzerland and Venezuela. He set a national record in the U.S. when he was in his 20’s. He gives free lessons because he loves the sport and wants to encourage others. His favorite experience in hang gliding has been to soar with eagles. He said it is a deeply spiritual experience, and he had some great aerial photographs of the eagles flying alongside him. Kevin inspired us to hang-glide. Great presentation and lots of questions from the members!!!
President Bill announced that next week’s program will be Jody Shields, who will discuss the contributions of non-profits in Wyoming. We will be at the Parkway Plaza.
He adjourned the meeting at 1:33 p.m.
“Light Up Rotary”
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