RON OXMAN gave the inspiration, and JON PLIMPTON joined GARY HIRSCH to lead us in the pledge and song “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”. SHARON LUDWIG introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians.
We had three Birthday Rotarians. The estimable STU GOLDMAN admitted that he plays an awesome piano, though not very well, and continued with a tribute to his 34 years in Rotary modeled on “Somewhere” from West Side Story. GARY GETHMANN claimed he is a little wiser each year because he is a member of RCOT, and BRETT STEIN believes Rotary teaches us that it is possible to have good human relations, successful business enterprises, and still give back to the community.
Richard DeBernardis, founder of El Tour de Tucson, presented the El Tour Woman of the Year Award to Past President CHARLOTTE HARRIS. El Tour has made it possible for the Ride to End Polio to become Rotary’s largest fundraiser, having raised $47 M since 2012, and CHARLOTTE is recognized on a national level for her contributions to that effort.
President CLIFF introduced our newest member, JON PLIMPTON. In addition to starting several international companies in the field of ID Technology, JON looks forward to continuing to participate in Rotary events including selling tickets for the Car Show.
Past President MIKE ANDERSON and BRUCE JACOBS unveiled the 2018 TCCS Corvette, which MIKE noted will put a face on the 2018 Car Show. The car is the highest optioned, lowest mileage car in the 12-year history of the show.SERGEANT AT ARMS DALE BERG again skillfully conducted the raffle and moved on to the following announcements:
- President CLIFF noted there is No Lunch Meeting on 2/7/18 (DARK).
- President CLIFF reminded us again of the Monthly Social Mixer – Trident II 1/25/18.
- MIKE ORCUTT asked everyone to sign up for Blood Drive on 2/21 from 10 to 2 p.m.
- DIANA CANNON reminded us of the Replacement Social Mixer 1/31/18.
- DON ROLLINGS presented a Blue Badge to TOM MOULTON.
- TOM STRASBURG presented a Blue Badge for “DJ JOHN” STROBECK.
- NANCY PURDIN presented a Blue Badge Presentation for SHARON LUDWIG.
- MARK IRVIN added a Happy Jackson asking all of us to support the renewal of the Rio Nuevo TIF District to keep up the momentum for Tucson’s Downtown Renaissance.
- … and finally, JEFF RONSTADT added a Happy Jackson asking for volunteers to help the Tucson Conquistadors with their very successful annual fundraiser.
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MARK IRVIN introduced our program, featuring two “baaaaad…. persons” (sorry Mark, family publication) from Davis Monthan: Col Scott Campbell - Commander, 355th Fighter Wing and Col Kim Campbell - Commander, 612th Theater Operations Group. The Colonels spoke about the challenges and rewards of being a military family juggling the competing demands of high level jobs. Each has several thousand hours of flying time deployed overseas, and they plan to continue their service teaching and mentoring the next generation of Air Force pilots. They encouraged us to offer help watching kids, bringing a meal and otherwise supporting military families.The Colonels signed a book for our Make Way For Books library: “I Spy in The Sky” and President CLIFF finished with a toast to all the families behind and supporting our military.
