Leveraging the power of our incredible technology team, this week’s recap is brought to you from the South Pacific whilst this editor is enroute to the Hawaiian Islands, proving that your Rotary can be brought to you as long as you have internet access. I sure hope DORINNA YORK gives me attendance credit.
The meeting was gaveled at noon with a slightly sooner than normal start indicated by PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS. Prior to the commencement of the meeting, the video "Imagine" was shown on the screen. PRESIDENT JACOBS started the meeting early at 12:12. JIM GARRETT was introduced for the pledge and song and led everyone very expediently. The song was My Country 'Tis of Thee played by KHRIS DODGE.
PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS introduced the very long-winded past president, BOB LOGAN for the inspiration. BOB welcomed back Crissy Perham, a former member, and we watched a video about Crissy being a kidney donor match to a member in the community. She explained about giving her kidney and expressed there is a huge need for folks to donate since there are about 100K folks awaiting a kidney. Crissy would love to discuss kidney donation with any member who has questions.KRIS DODGE introduced the guests.
DARRELL STEWART was asked to introduce our speaker, Dr. Michael Knotek. Dr. Knotek’s presentation, “The Complexities of Transforming Global Energy Systems” was about the importance of energy and why it will be more important in the future. Energy is the engine of our economy and the world’s economy. Energy represents 10% of the GDP. The three drivers are global prosperity, energy security and climate protection. Energy per person indicates the wealth of the country. Energy can be transformed from a commodity to a weapon and Russia has proven this with the war in Ukraine. Because of CO2 emissions, no country has hit their goal to reduce carbon goals following the Paris Accords. However, there is technology being created to possibly remove carbon from the atmosphere. Electrification cleans up carbon usage. Going forward, renewables are the way to go from wind to nuclear. New modular reactors are far better than older nuclear technology and can be shipped via truck. The modular reactors can be retro fitted to older coal plants. Dr. Knotek explained the intricacies of fusion reactors and indicated that we’re 40-50 years before it’s viable as an energy source. Arizona could install enough solar energy to the rest of the country and make a profit. The Make Way for Books title was, “What is Climate Change?”.
LARRY ADAMSON was recognized for being the 2nd most tenured member of the club. He became a member in 1971 and helped start the foundation. A background of LARRY’S accomplishments was given by PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS. Congratulations by the club was given to LARRY via a standing ovation.
Birthdays recognized were SANDRA JOHNSON and BRITTANY BATTLE. Happy Birthday Ladies!
STEVE PICKERING introduced new member CHRIS KIM—Community & Social Services: Salvation Army. CHRIS transferred from a Rotary group in Bellevue, WA. CHRIS is a Paul Harris Fellow.
A Paul Harris presentation was given by past president, SCOTT VAUGHAN. The recipients were PAT and Lynn Patton. PAT received his Paul Harris plus 1 while Lynn received her Paul Harris as a gift from PAT. SCOTT VAUGHAN as always did a wonderful job introducing the award winners and gifts of little or no value were rendered to PAT and Lynn.Sergeant at Arms fill in, KURTIS DAWSON, performed the raffle drawing. The 7 of diamonds was drawn and PRESIDENT BRUCE won the daily pot, but not the big pot, which is over $1800.00.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
1. Club Assembly on 2/1 is at Westward Look—you must sign up on the club website to attend.
2. Replacement/Social Mixer is at Noble Hops on 2/8, sign up on the club website.
3. Catalina Rotary is celebrating their 75th anniversary on 2/10 at The Lodge.
4. Rillito River Cleanup Project is March 4th - please sign up and get posters.
NINA TRASOFF presented a blue badge to ELIZABETH BOLLINGER, congratulations. NINA mentioned member KATIE DUSENBERRY resigned from the club at age 98 – our first woman president!
BOBBY LARSON presented banners to CONRAD PLIMPTON, MIKE ANDERSON, and PAT and Peg ZUMBUSCH for being sponsors for the 2022 car show.
PRESIDENT JACOBS on his way out to the airport, wrapped up the meeting with his toast and notified the club President Elect MARGARET HIGGINS will preside over next week’s meeting.
