PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN opened the meeting and shared some remarkably great news. The day before, he and other RCOT members visited O’Rielly Chevrolet to present a thank you banner to Rob Draper. They were very surprised when Rob let them know that O’Rielly Chevrolet would be donating the 2021 Corvette that was given away this past October. That’s a donation of over $70,000! Not to mention that we were able to even get one. Please thank Rob and O’Rielly Chevrolet any chance that you get.
JOHN DUVAL led us with the Pledge and “My Country ‘Tis of Thee.” Rumor has it that JOHN has a great voice but I couldn’t hear over the muted tone of my own voice. JOE DANISZEWSKI offered an inspiration dedicated to Jazz…appropriate for the treat that was instore later in the meeting. KHRIS DODGE introduced our guests and we had a lot of guests.
PRESIDENT MARK introduced a visiting Rotarian, Hanneke Peijnenburg-Gedukoglu from Alanya, Turkey. Hanneke traded flags with our club and comes from a club that has 28 members. There are 300 clubs in Turkey. She was in Tucson visiting her daughter who plays Volleyball for the U of A.
Next was our program and such a delight. Dr. Angelo Versace played the piano and Jason Carder played the trumpet. It was high level jazz and so good to hear and feel. Dr. Versace and Mr. Carder both teach at the University of Arizona and are masters of their instruments. After a few songs, Dr. Versace offered some thoughts of the Tucson Jazz Festival and explained how it impacts students at the U of A as well as high school. Some of the touring musicians play with the students and offer true inspiration to the budding musicians. He thanked KHRIS DODGE for KHRIS’ leadership of the Tucson Jazz Festival and reminded me that I needed to buy tickets to a concert or two. Dr. Versace signed “Jazz Studies” that will be placed in the Make Way for Books Library.JIM DAVENPORT was celebrating his birthday and reminded us to place money in the scholarship cups.
PRESIDENT MARK introduced our newest member DIANA MADARAS. They’ve been friends for years and it’s great to have DIANA in our club. She’s jumped right in and seems to be a seasoned Rotarian though she hasn’t been a member for long. She said the Rotary has exceeded her expectations and she hopes to exceed ours. I think she will!
SCOTT VAUGHAN led a Paul Harris Presentation for recipients MICHAEL DEEHAN and DICK LUEBKE. After a remarkable oratory on both recipients, SCOTT gave them both “Meaningful” gifts as opposed to gifts of no real value. They both received gingerbread houses related to their field of work. MICHAEL also received a 25% off coupon to the Flying V Restaurant and DICK received a golf ball retrieval tool complete with a used ball. Wow! SCOTT threw down this time.KHRIS held a raffle with $70 going back into the kitty as no Rotarian claimed the prize AND the King of Clubs was not pulled. So, there’s still lots of $$$ up for grabs. Bring your money for the next raffle as the kitty is over $2,000.
KHRIS reminded us that we’ll be bell ringing on Saturday, December 11. JOE DANISZEWSKI reminded us of the toy drive and that he would accept new toys up until December 21st. You may also give him money to buy toys. Please give him money soon so that he has time to buy the toys. You may drop off your donations at the Rotary office.
JOE presented a blue badge to NANCY BEVENS. JIM MURPHY presented a blue badge to JOHN DUVAL. Nice work NANCY and JOHN!
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Finally, BRUCE JACOBS reminded us of the Holiday Mixer at Culinary Dropout on Tuesday, 12/14 at 6pm. This will replace our lunch meeting on Wednesday, 12/15.But that wasn’t all! BRUCE JACOBS introduced the new RCOT President Elect Elect. Our RCOT President for 2022-2023 will be……MARGARET HIGGINS! Most excellent and I’m already looking forward to that year. No offense PRESIDENT MARK or PRESIDENT ELECT BRUCE. You guys are doing great.
PRESIDENT MARK offered an update on JOHN STROBECK. He’s recovering well from heart surgery and looks forward to getting back to the club. MARK finished with a toast and we were on our way. Happy Holidays all!
