Witty KURTIS DAWSON encouraged us to hit the delicious buffet early. After some fun catching up with our tablemates, KURTIS rang the bell and we all stood. New member MATT SINCLAIR led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and accompanied by the talented KRIS DODGE we joined in an enthusiastic chorus of “You’re A Grand Ole’ Flag”!
Afterward, KURTIS mellowed our spirits for a moment of somber silence for the passing of member FAYE MORSE’S sister of a sudden illness. Cards were passed around for us to sign.
And then an inspirational moment by enthusiastic MITCH PISIK using the Rotary’s symbol of a flywheel: the turning spokes represents us attracting new members, having fun, increasing our impact and that effectiveness further attracting new members!
The talented KRIS DODGE called out the names of our guests and we heartily welcomed them with applause! Lots of great looking folks, all encouraged to join our awesome club – love it!
Government whisperer CAMI EVANS introduced multi-degreed (I lost count at the first doctorate), science guru from Poland, most significantly now UofA research & genome sequencing phenom, DANIEL LAUBITZ! He is the Director of the PANDA Core for Genomics & Microbiome Research! They are the only ones in southern AZ on the cutting edge of Next Generation Sequencing, the most comprehensive genetic testing approach. Focus of much of their work is sequencing the genes of children suffering from genetic caused ailments they target diagnosing and treating. With a new machine and judicious use of AI for rapid analysis, they have brought the cost of sequencing, diagnosing, and treatment down significantly with great outcomes! For those of us (yours truly) who struggled to grasp the most sciency stuff at the core of their work, DANIEL signed the book “Genetics for Smart Kids” for our Make Way For Books library supporting children’s literacy in Tucson. I plan to check that out if they’ll let me.
Witty KURTIS then introduced our birthday members: DARRELL STEWART, who at 5 years old fell out of a B17, losing hearing in one ear (still glad it was not flying); JONATHAN WALKUP, former extra on the t.v. show Dallas, and planning to run with the bulls in Spain this summer (no one tell the underwriter of his life insurance policy); MITCH PISIK, dart, chess & racquetball master, who sincerely flatters us so well; MATT BLAIR, whose Dad was an F16 fighter pilot, and who will turn 50 fly fishing in northern Arizona!
Cirrus Visual Communications member MATT BLAIR warmly introduced new member, MATT SINCLAIR! MATT owns a local plumbing company Backflow Prevention and first experienced Rotary through his daughter who participated in a Rotaract Camp. When he’s not testing & certifying business’ backflow or fixing them, MATT is an avid cyclist (roadie & mountain biker) or wielding a glaive as a medieval warrior! MATT shared why he joined the greatest Rotary Club: people helping people, camaraderie, friendships, and above all, COOKIES!
DON ROLLINGS awarded ANDRES ESPINOZA with his blue badge! ANDRES is the Tucson Area Coordinator of the Salvation Army and he and his wife are pastors in the All Nations Church!The talented KHRIS DODGE had our speaker DANIEL draw the raffle ticket and I did not win. Again. Darn it.
Witty KURTIS noted the announcements on a slide (and in other parts of this newsletter). Upcoming meeting on 6/25 is the Change of Administration when KURTIS’ reign is passed to DOT KRET! Will miss KURTIS, but also look forward to DOT! JOE DANISZEWSKI reminded everyone to consider an annual donation to the Rotary Foundation through the EREY Every Rotarian Every Year fundraising campaign. Lyrical DOT announced a $10 / quarter dues increase. Bright DAVE WHITE warmly described the outstanding car show leadership of JENNIFER & SEAN HOFFMAN, giving them a cool looking plaque / sculpture as a token of all our appreciation!
Witty KURTIS closed out the meeting and enthusiastic MITCH toasted our close! What a fun meeting!
