WCC's 31st Anniversary

Register online, with a mail-in form or by calling (970) 256-7650

Sponsored by

Uncompaghre Group of Rocky Mtn Chapter of the Sierra Club

CMU's Sustainabiity Council, History Club and the Newman Center.

Colorado Mesa University Recital Hall [new venue]
Grand Junction, Colorado
Saturday, October 8, 2011

Western Colorado Congress is pleased to host Lee Stetson’s Conversation with a Tramp: An Evening with John Muir as part of our 31st anniversary celebration. Register today to join us! And consider planning the whole weekend around other events in Grand Junction!

Stetson’s stirring portrayal of Muir has been presented every summer since 1983 in Yosemite National Park - and throughout the country and around the world as well. Stetson was also tapped to depict Muir in Ken Burns’ critically acclaimed series National Parks - America’s Best Idea.

At our meeting, Stetson will portray Muir’s last dramatic battle to preserve the beautiful Hetch Hetchy Valley, threatened by San Francisco’s desire to construct a dam there, thus drowning it hundreds of feet deep. Audience members are Muir’s guests in this performance as they await final word of the Hetch Hetchy’s fate from Washington decision-makers. While waiting, Muir’s righteous anger is tempered by his hearty good humor while relating some of his most extraordinary wilderness adventures. Register today!

Our Agenda

• 1:30 pm: WCC's Legislative Liaisons Chuck & Sol Malick will share their insights for the upcoming 2012 legislative session.
• 2:30 pm: WCC Annual Business Meeting including officer elections, proposed by-law change and annual volunteer awards
• 5:00 pm: Catered Reception featuring Silent Auction and jazz guitarist Steve Williams
• 6:30 pm: Lee Stetson's Conversations with a Tramp: An Evening with John Muir

Lee Stetson as John Muir

Guitarist Steve Williams will perform an upbeat mix of smooth jazz, R&B and pop during our reception at 5:00 pm.

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Business meeting -

• BYLAW CHANGES: A proposed revision to the WCC By-laws would change the maximum number of At-large Board members from three to five. The Board approved this change at its July 23 meeting in Ridgway, but referred it to the general membership for ratification. [View detailed changes here]
• ELECTIONS: According to WCC’s By-laws, officers are elected for two-year terms: President and Treasurer in even-numbered years, and Vice President and Secretary in odd-numbered ones.
  At last year’s Annual Meeting, the membership elected Gretchen Nicholoff as President and Randy Parker as Treasurer to special one-year extensions of their previous terms. This year, WCC’s Nomination Committee is recommending that Nicholoff and Parker be approved to complete the normal second year of those terms.
  The Nomination Committee is also recommending two-year terms for Penny Heuscher as Vice President and Dennis Olmstead as Secretary.

Silent Auction - A silent auction will once again be an exciting part of the Annual Meeting. Mail in this form if you would like to donate an item to the auction, or call Brenda at 970-210-5242.

Registration for the day is:

• $15 for regular admission
• Students may attend Lee Stetson's performance only at a discounted rate of $5.

Pay online using Google Checkout [below] or print out a registration form to mail in with your check, or call (970) 256-7650.

If you pay in advance, your name will be added to the Will Call List at the door. You do not need to print out and bring your receipt [unless you're like me, then you'll do it just to be on the safe side].

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Other Grand Junction Events

John Otto, the first ranger and promoter of the Colorado National Monument outside of Grand Junction, was a contemporary of John Muir. Coincidentally, the Monument is celebrating John Otto Day in Grand Junction on October 8 with a number of activities, SOME of which you could attend without missing WCC's Annual Meeting.

In addition, John Otto's statue will be unveiled on the corner of Main and Second in downtown Grand Junction on Friday evening, October 7 at 5:30 pm. The dedication is followed by a reception at Two Rivers Convention Center, which Lee Stetson will be attending. At 8:00 pm, a concert featuring Stray Grass at the newly remodeled Mesa Theatre at 538 Main Street, Grand Junction. Cost is $10.