PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN started the meeting and welcome new member MELISSA RYNDERS to the podium where she led us in the Pledge and through a fine Star-Spangled Banner.
ANN MARSH offered the inspiration by highlighting the achievements and successes of Crystal Stark who was our speaker two weeks ago. Crystal continues to inspire with her voice and contributions to the community.
PRESIDENT MARK shared some news of member JOHN STROBRECK who will be having heart surgery and asked that we keep him in our thoughts. A card was passed around for members to offer well wishes.
KHRIS DODGE introduced our guests and then we were presented with the video introducing our speaker, Richard Oseran, owner of Hotel Congress.
Richard Oseran offered a nice history of the Hotel Congress. It was built in 1919 as the perfect place to stay for people traveling by train. Over the years, the Hotel Congress has created a rich history of fine dining and culture. By the 1970’s, many businesses had left down town and prosperity had slowed at the hotel. During the “Creative Class” movement in the 1980’s, the Oseran’s purchased the hotel. During that time, KXCI Community Radio station opened as did the Tucson Weekly publication. Club Congress had it’s beginning in the 80’s and still remains the largest, alternative venue west of the Mississippi River. Notable events that continue for the Hotel Congress include Dillinger Days in January as well as the Agave Heritage Festival which celebrates the harvesting of agave and is a contest of mixed drinks. The Oserans have received Culture and History awards from Governors Napolitano and Ducey.PRESIDENT MARK was celebrating his birthday. He originally joined the club in 1993, took a 3-year break in the 2000’s and we’re glad to have him back as our Centennial President of the RCOT. MATT NANCE was celebrating his birthday and once was a van driver for President George W. Bush’s motorcade. BRUCE TUNZE was celebrating his birthday and has a degree in Botany and Horticulture.
TOM CAMPBELL introduced our newest member, MELISSA RYNDERS who is a reverend at Catalina United Methodist Church. We’re looking forward to having MELISSA as a member and welcome her enthusiasm! Congratulations MELISSA!
SCOTT VAUGHAN led a Paul Harris Presentation. DREW VACTOR celebrated his third Paul Harris Award while he’s also gifted four to other family members. JEANNE ZETAH celebrated her sixth Paul Harris Award. As is with tradition, SCOTT gave them both gifts of little or no value. JEANNE received Lute Olson’s Autobiography (arguably of value in this town) and DREW received the first volume of Lewis and Clark’s Expedition.
CHARLOTTE HARRIS shared a history moment and highlighted all of the hotels that the RCOT has met at since 1921.
KHRIS DODGE held a raffle and BOB MORKEN won! He didn’t win the King of Clubs however so $2,000+ is still up for grabs.
PRESIDENT MARK highlighted the Turkey Fish (also known as the Scorpion Fish or Lion Fish) for his Fly-Fishing Fund. He also shared a photo of the current RI President Shekar Mehta at the Zone Institute as Shekar was investigating the Ride to End Polio.
JONI CONDIT updated us on the 2021 Car Show ticket sales. We sold over 38,000 tickets between member sales and day of sales at the Car Show. PRESIDENT MARK asked by show of hands which members support having the car show for 2022 and it was a resounding “yes”!
KHRIS DODGE reminded us of the Salvation Army Bell Ringing that will be held on December 11th. Log on TucsonRotary.org to sign up for your shift. BRUCE JACOBS offered details on our next Holiday Mixer that will be held on Tuesday, December 14th at the Culinary Dropout, 2543 E Grant. This replaces our lunch meeting on Wednesday, December 15th. He made special mention that it will start at 6pm.
PRESIDENT MARK congratulated his fellow birthday Rotarians, offered a toast and we were on our way.
