Beating the summer heat

Roswell Rotarians Steve Smith and Frank Sturges took their wives on vacation away from the recent 100-degree-plus days in southeastern New Mexico.

With their wives Kathy Smith and Nita Sturges, Steve and Frank went glacier hunting in Iceland, an island country in the North Atlantic Ocean.

The two couples arrived in Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, on Aug. 4. There they boarded a Viking cruise ship, which took them around the island country.

During their voyage, they stopped to get a close-up look at glaciers and wildlife. Steve reported the temperature at one of the glaciers was 45 degrees F at 2:15 p.m. one day.

The island country has a population of about 380,000.

Land of spectacular scenery

Steve Smith and Frank Sturges

Nita Sturges and Kathy Smith

 

Foundation establishes fund

Our hearts go out to those impacted by the disastrous fires in Maui, Hawaii. Many Rotarians are directly impacted. There are nine Rotary clubs on Maui and at this point it has been reported that the homes of two Club Presidents have been destroyed. 

Early in a disaster, often the most effective way to help is a contribution of cash to a trustworthy and reliable organization. The District 5000 Foundation has established a Maui Relief Fund. District Governor Mark Merriam sent a letter to all Rotary members in District 5000. DG Mark’s letter includes a donation link to make contributions to the Maui Relief Fund. If you wish, this is an opportunity to help our fellow Rotary members in Maui and their neighbors. 

Thanks, Dan
Daniel C. Himelspach
Rotary International Director 2023-25
DG13-14@DisputeManagementInc.com
(303) 349-5689

Yehl to speak at Rotary meeting

Rotarian Warren Yehl, chief executive officer of Eastern New Mexico Medical Center, will speak at the Aug. 17 Roswell Rotary Club meeting.

Warren has 13 years of experience in hospital administration, previously working in Roswell from 2013-15 as the chief operating officer. He has been CEO since 2017.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Speech/Communications and a Master’s in Healthcare Administration, both received from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

Warren currently serves on the Board of the Roswell EDC, Roswell Symphony Orchestra, La Casa Healthcare, and the Executive Board of the New Mexico Hospital Association.

He and his wife Barbara are the parents of four children, Henry, 12; Miriam, 10; Teegan, 7; and Branson, 6.

International athlete to speak

International athlete Tim Oracion will speak to the Roswell Rotary Club on Aug. 10.

After earning a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and business administration from Eastern New Mexico University, Tim worked as a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch and Morgan Stanley, as well as assisting in estates and trusts for 26 years.

Tim, who lives in Roswell, has traveled the country and the world competing in triathlons, distance running, road cycling racing, and mountain biking endurance events for more than 40 years.

Past Toastmaster director speaks

Donna Labatt, past director of Toastmasters International, receives a cup as a gift from Roswell Rotary president Marcos Nava. Labatt spoke to the club on Aug. 3.

Next ramp project Aug. 26

The Roswell Rotary Club will begin its next ramp project on Aug. 26, starting at 8 a.m.

Volunteers are asked to meet at 500 W. Brasher Road, Space 17.

The resident at that mobile home space is in a wheelchair after having one of his legs amputated, and “because of his diabetes, the other leg is in jeopardy. So it’s good timing to build a ramp for him,” said Steve Smith, Rotary ramp project chair. 

Veteran Toastmaster to speak

Donna Labatt, past international director of Toastmasters International, will share her thoughts about “Toastmasters, Rotary and Transformation” at this week’s Rotary Club meeting.

Donna’s involvement with Toastmasters began when, as an Air Force second lieutenant, she was invited to a meeting by a staff sergeant in her squadron.

He had to invite her three times before she finally attended a meeting. Having finally attended, she joined and never looked back.

  

Donna eventually served in all district offices, earning the Distinguished Toastmaster Award, the highest educational accomplishment possible in Toastmasters.

As District 23 Toastmasters governor she oversaw an area that included all of New Mexico; El Paso County, Texas; and a slice of Oklahoma. Under her leadership, the district earned select distinguished status.

After that success, Donna became an international director, serving on the Board of Toastmasters International from 2000-02.

Donna, who lives in Clovis, has been a Toastmaster for more than 40 years.