The meeting began with a delicious buffet and fellowship. PRESIDENT MARGARET introduced new member SEDJRO HOUNKONNOU who led us in the Pledge and Song, You’re a Grand Old Flag”. MARGARET then informed the members that CINDY GODWIN is in the hospital, and to send Get Well Wishes to her. Cards were going around to be signed. MARGARET then brought up JEFF RONSTADT who gave the Inspiration, which was a moment of reflection and thanks.
SERGEANT AT ARMS DAN KALM introduced and welcomed the guests at today’s meeting.
DIANA MADARAS announced the Service Project Winner for November. Congratulations to TOM WILLIS! She then continued with introducing our speakers, Clague Van Slyke and Miles Green who will discuss the San Xavier Mission. The White Dove of the desert has survived 226 years in our harsh desert. Both Clague and Miles talked about the conservation of San Xavier.
First Clague discussed the tours he has done over the years and the significance of San Xavier to this Valley. People come from all over the world to tour the mission. He discussed the reason why the Fathers built it so big and tall and beautiful. The 
mission was to be the beacon to come here. It’s a place where all the cultures come together. Miles talked about the second Bishop of Tucson, Bishop Granjon, who came with a large family fortune and spent it on the first restoration efforts. He went into detail of all of the restoration efforts of Bishop Granjon and explained that it is pretty much what we see today. He also discussed the future restoration/preservation efforts of Patronato. They are currently looking to the business community to partner with Patronato on the final restoration of the mission. If you have not been to San Xavier, please be sure to visit and take a tour. It’s a Tucson treasure!MARGARET then had the book “Hello, Arizona” signed by both Clague and Miles, which will go into the Make Way for Books library as we continue to promote literacy in our community.
Next up we had three birthdays, BOBBY LARSON, JIM DAVENPORT and our Christmas baby, GARY SCHEER. Happy birthday to you three!
MITCH PISIK introduced two new members. First he introduced SEDJRO HOUNKONNOU. SEDJRO is from From Benin, West Africa; his first language is French. He works for New York Life Insurance. SEDJRO is looking forward to being a 
part of the Rotary Club of Tucson and to meet all the members. The second new member introduction is FAH SAETAN, graduate of Mercer University. Relatively new to Tucson, speaks Thai and is excellent in Marketing. She is looking forward to volunteer work and contributing through Rotary. A huge welcome to SEDJRO and FAH and congratulations on your membership into the Club!MARGARET then auctioned off a TCC dessert and received $1.00 for the dessert. Oh come on!!!!
BRUCE TUNZE presented a blue badge to ALEC BERENS who has fulfilled all the requirements to obtain his blue badge. Congratulations ALEC on your Blue!SAA DAN did the raffle and JONATHAN WALKUP received the small pot but the King of Clubs was not drawn. Better luck next time as the pot creeps up higher.
MARGARET announced the 2023 Car Show banner is in the back for all to sign. She then went over the December schedule. There is no lunch meeting next week and the next week is the Holiday Replacement Mixer. Our next lunch meeting will be January 3, 2024. GARY OLSEN announced to please sign up to sell car show tickets at the 4th Avenue Street Fair. ALAN ROGERS announced the Holiday Replacement Mixer on Thursday, December 21st at Brother John’s private room and please sign up on Clubrunner. Also, pull out those ugly holiday sweaters! No lunch meeting on Wednesday December 20th.
MARGARET had a joke for the group, “What do you call a wreathe of 100 dollar bills? Aretha Franklin”! Oh my how appropriate for this time of year.
JEFF RONSTADT gave the Toast and we were adjourned.
