October 16, 2012

We had 12 members and no guests or visiting Rotarians.

After Steve and Ted beat me up about Texas losing a football game, the meeting proceded.  Caitlin announced her Crohn's Foundation fund raiser, a muscle car show, on Thursday Dec. 6, and Ken announced that our Christmas party is Tuesday, Dec. 4.  Francie did not announce it, but I think there is a board meeting next Tuesday after the regular meeting, somewhere off property.

Our small crowd was livened by the speaker, Chloe Powell, current Miss Helldorado Rodeo.  She tried out for Miss Nevada Rodeo, but was not selected.  However, there were some Elks Club members present and they asked her to be their Queen.  The competition involved judgement in horsemanship on two horses picked at random as well as beauty. She plans to try again for the state title in April with more experience under her belt buckle, which she wore along with big hat and smile.

Chloe graduated from Faith Lutheran in 2008 where she was Key Club president.  She got her first horse at age 7 and has never looked back, competing in barrel racing and pole bending as a teenager.  Currently she rides cutting horses and participates in Western Pleasure, which is a competition that encompasses how naturally the horse moves and the posture and aesthetics of the rider, among other things. The Elks ask her to speak to elementary students and other groups, which she happily does, since she talks real good.  Did I mention that smile? Photo attached.

Chloe told us a lot about her experiences with horses and cattle, and was a delightful breath of fresh air to our club meeting.