MIKE ORCUTT gave the inspiration which included a series of inspirational quotes around the theme of literacy. JAY GANDOLFI and the always sonorous GARY HIRSCH led us in the pledge and song: “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”.
We had a quartet of Birthday Rotarians:
- DOT KRET rapped a toe tapping appreciation for the Club.
- ASHLEY ELAINE YORK split her birthday donation to reflect the varied influences that Rotary has had in her life.
- DON ROLLINGS remembered the wonderful SONNY SOLOT and JOE NEVIN, and thanked President CLIFF for his leadership and sense of humor.
- And ELLEN WHEELER was recognized by President CLIFF for the excellent job she has done as Program Co-Chair.
Past President SCOTT VAUGHAN again did the heavy lifting with our many visitors followed by TED FORSBERG introducing the 10th new Rotarian he has brought to the Club: JAY GANDOLFI. JAY is a Professor Emeritus in the UA College of Pharmacy, which he pointed out means he keeps working… they just don’t pay him.President Elect Nominee BOB LOGAN again joined Past President CHARLOTTE HARRIS to award Paul Harris pins to the following excellent Rotarians and family members:
- Past President JIM MURPHY spoke about the power of Rotary to multiply the effect of our donations.
- Tony Donaldson, JIM’S son-in-law has won the “First Responder of the Year” award.
- DAVID PASHKOW noted he is old enough to remember polio and thus appreciates Rotary’s role in wiping it out.
- BRUCE TUNZE appreciates Rotary’s world-wide influence.
- JERRY HARRIS has sold over 10,000 Classics Car Show tickets, single handedly helping to support our deserving charities.
Sergeant at Arms FONDA INSLEY filled in admirably, organizing our raffle and the following announcements:
- President CLIFF gave us an update on the Final Four of March Madness (look for the FINAL TWO next week).
- DAVE GALLAHER reminded us of the two upcoming work projects - Community Food Bank March 24 and Triangle Y Ranch Project April 6-7.
- JOHN LEWIS asked for further volunteers for Home Hospitality and at least two Rotarians stepped up.
STEVE PICKERING (he of “boutique distillery” fame or bootlegging, as clarified by President CLIFF) introduced our program: Jenny Volpe - CEO of Make Way for Books, the primary recipient of the Classics Car Show proceeds. Jenny spoke at length about the importance of early reading for brain development, pointing out that 90% of brain development occurs between age 1 and 5. Children who read at or above grade proficiency at age 1 to 5 graduate high school at a rate of 9 out of 10. In Tucson, where 39% of children live in poverty and only 40% achieve reading proficiency at grade 3, programs like Make Way for Books “Cover to Cover” make a huge difference, affecting 3,000 children a year. Ms. Volpe signed a book for the lending library: “Dinosaur vs. Library”.
