President Art Thorn presided.
Linda Telaak led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Art Thorn gave the invocation.
Peter Falley led the recitation of the Four-Way Test
Guests: Lucy Falley and Stephen Lindsey, our speaker.
Announcements: Kathy Eaton reminded us that, in place of next Tuesday's meeting we will be having a Christmas Party from 5 to 7 pm at her house (3713 Christian Flury Road - off Little Walnut). Bring something to drink and some snacks.
Jim Callender told us about the work of Taylor McWhorter, a Cobre High School sophomore, who has raised significant funds and provided a large amount of dog food, dog treats, toys, blankets and dog beds for animal shelters in the mining district in conjunction with the New Mexico Borderland Animal Rescue Coalition (BARC). He recommended that we contribute $250 to BARC in behalf of Taylor and that we also find a way to recognize Taylor for her work. The money would come from the Silver City Rotary Foundation, but a question was raised as to whether the Foundation could give money to an individual. That question was not resolved, although the possibility of an award coming from the club was raised. We voted to approve the $250 donation to BARC.
Art Thorn announced that, on December 28th, we are planning to provide a meal for WNMU students who are having to stay on campus for the holidays. Contributions of money and food items are being sought for the project. Please contact Maggie Callaway on how to make your contributions.
Robert Whitaker reported that Prospectors Day would be held on Friday, December 6, in Light Hall on the WNMU Campus. There will be an opportunity for people from the area to present projects for which they seek funding from the NM legislature.
Art and Jim showed us samples of soap bars with the Rotary Club of Silver City logo. We can have these made by Kneeling Nun Mercantile and use them as gifts for speakers and also sell them locally and through other Rotary clubs.
Program: Art introduced our speaker,
Stephen Lindsay, a
cofounder of the Future Forge Community Makerspace, now located at 307 East College Avenue in Silver City. Stephen told us that the primary purpose of Future Forge is an educational one. It provides tools and training for people interested in building a business, embarking on a career or pursuing further education. Along with tools and other resources, Future Forge offers classes and workshops to allow people to acquire skills in various fields, such as jewelry making, textile production or the use of computer control technology. Clients who want to start their own business can us the Future Forge facilities to get a start. Other clients may be interested in and seek to get ready for entry into a university program in engineering or entrepreneurship. Future Forge is planning to expand its facilities by erecting another building directly next to their current location, so that they can expand their offerings and provide additional space for start-up business development. He told us that several clients have already established their own businesses or gone on to higher education.
Art thanked Stephen for his presentation and gave him a small gift as a token of our appreciation.
He then adjourned the meeting
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