WELCOME Rotarians announced PRESIDENT ELECT DOT KRET at Wednesday’s meeting. PRESIDENT ELECT DOT rang the bell at 12p to officially get the meeting started then made the announcement on the buffet, we will have fellowship then at 12:15p to start the presentation.
We were led in the Pledge and Song by Member DAN KALM. Today’s song was “My Country Tis of Thee”.
A Moment of Thought was announced by PRESIDENT ELECT DOT KRET there are cards going around for JAN GREEN who is in hospice care. There are also cards going around for KEITH WEIGAND who had neck surgery. Be sure to take a moment to sign the cards.
The inspirational moment was given by PRESIDENT ELECT DOT. She shared the power of Rotary. Back in August 2023 a fire broke out in Maui, Hawaii. The President of the local Rotary Club contacted the District Governor to ask for $100K for funds to offer gift cards for the locals who have been displaced. By the end of August 2023, they raised $1.2 million, by end of 2023 the total raised was $3.2 million, all from Rotarians. Then last month Los Angeles had a huge fire where thousands lost their homes too. The local Rotary Club of Altadena, CA, where 50% of the town is now gone, was highlighted on national news and on the Jimmy Kimmel Show. A video was shared about this town and another Rotary connection, the Rotary Club of Altadena who is raising funds for the town, all funds donated will go directly to the town.
Sergeant of Arms KHRIS DODGE stepped up to the mic to introduce our guests. Welcome to all Rotarians and guests.
PRESIDENT ELECT DOT then passed the mic to ALAN ROGERS who introduced today’s speaker; Jennifer Mendrzycki, President & CEO of TMC Health. Jennifer is new to Tucson and has been here for 11 months. Jennifer reported on the new additions to the local and outlying communities that TMC supports, Benson, Wilcox and other areas. TMC does more deliveries than any other hospital in the area; they also have a robust Residency program that continues to grow. TMC Health serves an expansive area in Southern Arizona, all the way down to Benson and Wilcox. A slide show of all the recent updates to TMC Health and a little bit of history of TMC, how they got started 80 years ago and the several partnerships they have here in Southern Arizona. There were questions asked by the attendees and answered by Jennifer Mendrzycki.
Next up were our Rotary Club Birthdays. There were two birthdays this week. Happy birthday to: DREW VACTOR (3/1), and BOB MORKEN (3/28). A very happy birthday to you both, her
e’s to another trip around the sun!
We have two new member introductions this week. MITCH PISIK introduced CLARK GODING to the club. Welcome CLARK!
Then DAN ASIA introduced KASPER KAVALARIS. Welcome KASPER!
Blue Badge Presentations were next; there are two of these. A Blue Badge was introduced by KHRIS DODGE who presented the Blue Badge to DAVID LEX and GARY HIRSCH presented a Blue Badge to ERIC LAMB. Congratulations DAVID and ERIC.
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Paul Harris Award presentation by CHAR HARRIS. A Paul Harris was awarded to both DOT KRET and DARRELL STEWART.
The Raffle and King of Clubs game presented by KHRIS DODGE. King of Clubs card was not drawn. Better luck to all club members next meeting.
Next up…Rotary Announcements:
PRESIDENT ELECT DOT KRET reminded the members the announcements are on each table to view and listed on the website as well as in the Tucsotorian.
PRESIDENT ELECT DOT KRET shared a slide of Red Badge Selfies. Remember to take selfies with our Red Badgers. Next was a slide of Wilbur’s Travels. Reminder, if Wilbur has travelled with you and you still have him, please let him go home and return him to the Rotary Office. Next week we do not have a meeting but do have several fellowship opportunities with Events Around Town, see the website to sign up for any of these. Don’t’ forget to donate to Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY). There is a replacement mixer on 3/26 at Dave & Busters, be sure to sign up on the website. Lastly, save the date for “The Event” on April 30th at the Mountain Oyster Club, more details to follow.
PAST PRESIDENT MARAGRET HIGGINS then took the mic to announce the Orville McPherson Award and the 4-way Test Award. The deadlines are coming up, be sure to get your nominations in.
MARCIA KRUMWIEDE stepped up to share a Happy Jackson! A new member has joined their family with her stepdaughter adding a baby named Blaire.
PRESIDENT ELECT DOT KRET closed today’s meeting by thanking all our members and guests for being here today. The scholarship cups are on the table if you’d like to donate. Happy birthday to DREW and BOB. Welcome to the club CLARK and KASPER. Congratulations on your Blue Badge DAVID and ERIC. Congratulations on your Paul Harris DOT and DARRELL.
There is no meeting next week, remember to sign up on the website for the “Events Around Town.” Next lunch meeting will be March 19th when we will hear from Frank Figliuzzi who is a Retired FBI Assistant Director.
PRESIDENT ELECT DOT KRET gave the final toast before ringing the bell to adjourn the meeting. Here-here! That’s all folks!
