Meeting Summary
Presiding: Murray Schroeder
Meeting Room setup/takedown and general problem solving: Shaun Bullock and Crew
Inspiration: Tom Wolfe
Professor’s Quote:
Foundation Flash:
Introduction of Guests: Michelle Johnson
Visiting Rotarians: Herb Maning
Guests: Terry Moss introduced prospective member, John Goldhardt; Shaun Bullock introduced Denise Marquiss.
Junior Rotarians/RYLA/Young RYLA/Exchange Students: Braxton, Alexa
Rotaract/Interact Students:
Humor: Todd Pearson
Foundation Card Game: Tom Wolfe, Dan Pasman, Terry Moss
Announcements:
- District Conference is June 5-7 in Fort Collins.
- A social hour is coming up on April 30 at Altitude’s in the bar area.
- Murray Schroeder sent around a survey about club apparel. The board approved $100 for Laramie Youth Baseball. There will be a vision survey out to the club in early June. Shaun Bullock has been given more funds for the tech and AV budget to upgrade us more.
- Keith Rittle announced that the Taste of Laradise event will be June 13 from 11am-5pm. We need volunteer help on the day. Laramie Range Ford will be the main sponsor.
- Jaime Stine needs actors for a murder mystery fundraiser. Let her know if you can volunteer on May 8.
- Murray Schroeder announced that Tony Hoch has decided to stay on as chair of the program committee, and Dan Furphy volunteered to take over trash pick-up.
- Trash clean-up is May 2 at 8am on 287 by WyDot.
Upcoming Programs:
- May 7: The Land Institute, Tessa Peters
Rotarian of the Week: Sarah Brown Mathews nominated Anna Cramer for picking up the tab at a committee meeting; Caitlin White nominated the Rotarians who attended the Albany County Public Library grand opening; Tom Mangan nominated Caitlin White for her work on the library construction project.
Rotarian of the Month: Justin Christenson
Songs:
Program: Albany County Fairgrounds/Professional Smokin’ BBQ Competition, Taylor Haley and Pat Downey
Introduction: Shaun Bullock
Taylor Haines has been the fairgrounds director since 2021. In 2026, rentals are up 48%, and dual rentals are up 70%. The fairgrounds hosted 276 youth meetings and education activities. The campgrounds have seen a 27% occupancy increase.
The Albany County Fair Alumni Association host the Gem City Showdown for youth and the BBQ competition. For the showdown, there are usually about 900+ entries from several states. This will be the sixth year for the show, and it is the last weekend of June.
The SPET special election on May 5 includes funding for the fairground’s grandstands. The grandstands were built in the late 1950s and finished in 1965. It holds 2,500 spectators. It has seen a big increase in usage, but is not in good shape to host more events. Upgrading the grandstands will bring in more tourism and funding for Albany County. Because the grandstands are not modern and rundown, many groups go elsewhere for their events.
Pat Downey explained the BBQ competition. The Smokin’ BBQ Competition is scheduled for July 24-25. It is in its third year, having 37 teams compete last year. It is a certified competition.
Teams cook four categories – chicken, ribs, pork, and brisket. There are different categories. The professionals cook all four meats. The backyard competitors make chicken and ribs. There is also a People’s Choice award and a kid’s competition. The competitors must cook on non-electrical source smokers.
There are 35 certified BBQ judges who look at presentation, flavor, and tenderness. The Cowgirl volleyball players participate as servers.
Response: Keith Downey