Week two allowed me to begin to find the time to get around a bit in the community. It seems no matter where I go, I’m always a few minutes late. I fear I may earn the nickname, “A few minutes late.”

Friday night, Post Independent advertising guru Kendra Jones coaxed me to delay my long temporary drive to Eagle-Vail by a couple of hours and reacquaint myself with folks at the Glenwood Chamber “BizOpoly” business trade fair at the Hotel Colorado. The food was awesome and so was the company. I have been humbled by the warm welcome I have received by the community.

My only uncomfortable moment at the event was when Don Chaney from KMTS stuck a microphone in my face. Although Don was quite kind, it came unexpected. I think I said something like “duh, ahh, duh, yes, ahh, duh.” Next time, I will be prepared.

Kent Wilson was there from Alpine Bank. He’s the guy that beat me out to plant that big sloppy kiss on the pig back in 2004. Again, thanks to all for the warm reception.

Last Friday, I returned to the Rotary Club of Glenwood Springs. The guest speaker was high school principal Paul Freeman. Not only was he informative, he was also hilarious. This man is a true character with a passion for education.

Freeman’s charts positioned Glenwood Springs as one of the top academic high schools not only in the region but also in the state, based on national testing. We learned that Freeman came from a large Irish Catholic family with 70-plus first cousins. Yet only he and one other cousin completed college. His question to us was why? The answer? Apparently back in the 1950s, Ireland was an impoverished third world country. Money for education was scarce. Poverty is one of the greatest challenges when it comes to a good education, Freeman told us. When you think about it, it makes a lot of sense.

Tuesday, I met with Helen Rogers at Shooters for coffee to discuss Rifle’s Main Street program, along with a variety of other topics, including local government, newspapers, the theater project and the weather. I volunteered to help out with the marketing committee and Helen promised to set up meetings for me with other key folks in November. Like I said last week, helping to build better community is what it is all about.

Finally, my apologies to Robin Tolan from YouthZone. I got your call and I promise to get back with you shortly. My apologies for being a little bit late.

Michael Bennett is the publisher of The Citizen Telegram and Glenwood Springs Post Independent.