The meeting was called to order by President BOB a couple of minutes early to accommodate our jam-packed schedule.
JIM WOOD led the pledge and song, accompanied by STU GOLDMAN. JIM made a joke about the ASU win over the U of A, with a President BOB ASU comeback after the singing and playing got a bit off sync. Our inspiration was the origin of Secret Santa.
MATT BLAIR introduced a recognition video for Harlow Gardens and their 80 years of being in business. With the fine starting at $2000, BILL HARLOW successfully negotiated that down to $200, proving his successful business acumen.
MARCY EULER introduced our Pima Community College honored guests. We were fortunate to have 10 PCC administrators and one board member, all sitting at different tables. Pima Community College sponsored our lunch, and Honorary Member, LEE LAMBERT, the Chancellor of Pima was our speaker. He gave a compelling speech about the future of work and learning and how Pima has refocused to be a workforce solution for Pima County and the greater Arizona area. Many interesting programs that are presently in place and are planned were introduced to the club. President BOB had MR. LAMBERT sign the book “The Sad Little Fact” for our Make Way for Books library.WOCKY REDSAR-WIERZBINSKI, DAN GUARE, RON BUSH and JEANNE FLOWER’S birthdays were all remembered. RON BUSH did double duty at the podium, as he also received his Blue Badge from STEVE PICKERING.
Announcements included this weekend’s Salvation Army Bell Ringing, with pleas for additional participants. ROGER HARWELL spoke about the upcoming 4th Avenue Street Fair beer booth to help our scholarship students.
Past District Governor KIRK REED described RCOT as a GREAT Rotary Club and said we represent the three Rotary tenants of Dream Big, Have Fun and Get Stuff Done. He then presented RCOT with FIVE awards for Club Service, Community Service, International Service, Youth and Literacy Awards.
JENNIFER HOFFMAN did a great introduction of our President Nominee for our Centennial Year, MARK IRVIN! MARK also recently received Man of the Year honors. We look forward to MARK leading us through our Centennial year.President BOB’s closing quote: “You can’t spell challenge without change. If you’re going to rise to the challenge, you have to be prepared to change.” President BOB then adjourned the meeting.
