President CLIFF started the meeting with a moment of silence for JOE NEVIN who passed away on Saturday, February 3 and SONNY SOLOT who passed away on Monday, February 5. We will miss both Rotarians immensely.
ELLEN WHEELER gave an inspiration quoting Thomas Merton to say that love seeks only the good of the one loved. JO DECHATELET and GARY HIRSCH led us in the pledge and song – another rousing version of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee” And our own “DJ John” JOHN STROBECK introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians.
We had three Birthday Rotarians: TIM PUNTENNEY congratulated President CLIFF on doing a good job and promised a check to follow, ROBERT O’BRIEN thanked Past President JIM MURPHY for having faith in the ability of the Arizona Bowl to generate additional contributions to the Car Show, and ALICE MILTON thanked everyone for the warm welcome in her first year as a member of RCOT.
For announcements, Sergeant at Arms DALE BERG marshaled the following:
- President CLIFF reminded everyone not to let JIM RONSTADT outdo them in wearing western dress for next week’s meeting.
- President CLIFF invited everyone to the Trident II Social Mixer Feb 22 at 5:30.
- MIKE ORCUTT asked all to sign up for Blood Drive on 2/21 from 10 to 2 p.m.
- Past President DAVE GALLAHER invited us to two work projects: the Food Bank on March 24 and the Triangle Y Ranch April 6 & 7.
- Bob Christadore invited everyone to attend the Saddlebrook Rotary Golf Tournament to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation.
- JEFF RONSTADT highlighted the upcoming Festival of Books.
- ALLYN BULZOMI added a Happy Jackson for his retirement and the fact that 5 of his 7 grandchildren are now in Arizona.
- And finally, President Elect CHUCK SAWYER and STEVE PICKERING introduced our March Madness competition to generate as much new membership interest as possible during the month of March.
JEFF RONSTADT introduced our speaker Lynn Wiese Sneyd, who is an author and literary consultant for the Tucson Festival of Books. The Festival is celebrating its 10th anniversary and hosts 375 authors on multiple panels and presentations. Annually, the economic impact of the Festival exceeds $1.3 million. Lynn has worked extensively to promote the festival east of the Mississippi, and as a result the Festival is widely acknowledged as one of the best by authors across the country. Lynn signed a book for our lending library: “Lola Reads to Leo”.President CLIFF closed the meeting with a quote that identified literacy as a bridge from misery to hope.
