All Rotarians arrived ready for this next venue tour, some with an extra layer of clothing due to the deep freeze we experienced last week at The Hilton. However, the Tucson Convention Center did not disappoint. This is the first event that the TCC has had in over 13 months; the food was hot, the service was excellent, and all Rotarians were ready for some whiskey (or was that just me?). It was great to see so many Rotarians attend in person and we hope to see those who joined us online in person soon. PRESIDENT JEN HOFFMAN rang the bell to begin the meeting. MITCH PISIK with Pisik Consulting Group led us in the pledge and song “God Bless America”.
The inspirational video was “Rescue Dog”. Where Sadie, the rescue dog, saved the life of her owner. A shared experience neither will forget as they are both eternally grateful for each other. As I wipe my sappy tears of joy, PRESIDENT JEN HOFFMAN welcomed the longest list of guests in attendance since before the pandemic. A warm welcome by the Club was given to all guests.
Rotarian JEFF RONSTADT with Ronstadt Insurance, introduced our speaker, STEPHEN PAUL with Whiskey Del Bac by Hamilton Distillers. Paul detailed his humble distilling beginnings of making single malt whiskey in a 5-gallon still in his backyard. With the idea from his wife and help from his daughter, he turned mesquite wood furniture scraps into a James Beard Awarded whiskey that is now sold in 16 states and at local and major retailers. Don’t forget…they do tours AND tastings! The book “Never Touch a Porcupine” was given to Stephen to sign for our Make Way for Books library. 
Rotarian SCOTT VAUGHAN gave Paul Harris awards to ROBIN STODDARD (+3), DON CLARK (+3), and RALPH PHILLIPS (+2). Each was given a gift that highlighted their interests and contributions to the Club.
There was a surprise award given to our PAST DISTRICT GOVERNOR ELLIE PATTERSON by JOE HENTGES and KIRK REED for recognition of her leadership as District Governor. The award said it perfectly, “Thanks for helping us break things the Rotary way.” PRESIDENT JEN HOFFMAN reminded each Rotarian to Save the Date for May 5th, our speaker will be Jed Fisch, Head Coach of U of A Football. She asked we all remember to turn in our venue surveys and shared we can list guests for the Centennial event.
Honorary Member FLETCHER MCCUSKER gave an update on the TCC renovations and the other improvements in Downtown Tucson. A lot has changed during this last year!
BRUCE JACOBS spoke about our Home Hospitality Week next week and the schedule was up for all to see. There is no lunch meeting next week.
JOE DANISZEWSKI reminded us about the Camp Lawton Boy Scout Camp Clean-Up on April 24th. Some other Rotary Clubs will also be joining us for participating in “Peace through service.”
DARRELL STEWART from the Venue Committee announced the April 28th meeting will be our final stop on the venue tour at the Westward Look. Please come, enjoy, and share your thoughts with the last venue survey.
JONI CONDIT gave an update on the 2021 Car Show Ticket sales; we’ve sold over 2,000 tickets already; 1,099 of those by MARK IRVIN. She reminded us all to complete the Car Show survey on your participation level at this year’s event. JONI CONDIT also made a second announcement and introduced our 2022 Car Show Chair: BOBBY LARSON who stated he was up for the challenge and excited to take on the task. PRESIDENT JEN HOFFMAN began the closing of the meeting by thanking all those who attended in person and online. Reminded us all of the Scholarship cup at the registration table if you wish to donate and don’t forget to turn in your name tags.
PRESIDENT JEN HOFFMAN gave the final toast by quoting Mark Twain then rang the bell to adjourn the meeting.
