Announcements:
Ray reminded everyone about the potluck at 5:30 pm on July 29 at Kathy Eaton’s house with the District Governor, Tom Simon and his wife Debra. We will have a board meeting next Tuesday at 11:15 before our club meeting with the District Governor.
Art met with the Silver City schools and told them about Rotary. They do have a trade school program and are interested in our support. Art got the name of the person running that, and
hopefully we will be able to support them.
Jim Callender asked if we had a gift for the District Governor. His recommendation was that we give him four of our Rotary soaps, some coffee from the Abbey, and a check for $200 for
Rotary International. Everyone thought this was a good idea.
Ray said there will be a Foundation Board meeting after the Club meeting.

 

Ray introduced Fred Baca, President of LULAC (League of United Latin American Citizens). He has been President for about four years and is also Director of the state LULAC Association. The local LULAC Council meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm. Fred said LLAC is a national organization that has been in existence for over 96 years and is about helping mankind throughout the world in a peaceful manner. They have been in existence since 1981 in Silver City and have their own building at 100 Alice Street. Their organization tries to effect
change by staying informed and quietly voicing their opinions on issues. Their members are community leaders who keep everyone informed about what is going on in our community and
Grant county. They have thirteen councils in New Mexico. Some of the larger cities like Albuquerque may have more than one council. They are a nonpartisan organization. The national organization does get involved in national politics but state and local levels don’t. They are over 40 members strong, and growing, and invite anyone to become a member. Everyone is invited to come to learn about a different culture. Every member is very involved with the
community and brings their own knowledge and perspective. They exist because of generous donations and their "World Famous Enchilada" fundraiser. They also rent out their hall. In the
past they had bingo which brought in money for scholarships. It’s limited now because they no longer have bingo, but they are very proud of their scholarship program. Howie Morales was a
recipient of one of their scholarships. Their mission includes dealing with housing, veterans’ concerns, seniors, education, people in need, discrimination in the work force and any other
issue that LULAC might be able to help with. The council tries very hard to work with the community in harmony although there are times issues come up that they may not agree on. Mayor Ken Ladner attends their meetings and keeps them informed about the community. Fred ended by inviting all to attend one of their meetings and welcomes forming closer ties with Rotary.
After Fred answered questions, Ray adjourned the meeting at 1:00 pm.