Mystery Editor ~ 6/6/18

Prior to the start of the meeting young pianist, Jack Putnam, 15-year-old Salpointe student, KAREN PUTNAM’S son, played patriotic music. It was a very nice start to the meeting. Thank you Jack.

 

PRESIDENT CLIFF called the meeting to order and began with an announcement that MAJOR GEORGE ROCHELEAU is moving to Phoenix and BILL MOORE is relocating as well. We will miss both these wonderful members.

 

GARY GETHMANN, then shared that  George Steele had passed away last week. A moment of silence was taken in memory of a great member and wonderful human being.  NINA TRASOFF provided the inspirational thoughts which were letting the membership know more about George Steele and the many good things he had done for the Tucson community and Rotary.

 

The pledge and song were masterfully lead by BRUCE ELLWEIN, US Air Force Academy. Jack Putnam played “My Country Tis of Thee,’ with great skill and acumen.

 

JON PLIMPTON, Case Western Reserve University, announced guests and surprisingly there were no visiting Rotarian guests (could it be the weather?).  He did so cheerfully but firmly asking guests and member to stand.  Birthdays celebrated included CHUCK SAWYER, and TOM MOULTON.

 

BRUCE TUNZE announced a Happy Jackson. He and his wife are taking a 3 month leave to go RV’ing. Enjoy the journey BRUCE.

 

BRUCE then introduced new member CINDY BARBEE-SUGGS. CINDY has had a career in broadcast journalism. She has worked on the sales side of the industry and had worked locally with KOLD, KIIM FM, etc. Currently, she is working with O’Reilly as marketing director. Welcome CINDY, we are very happy you are a new member.

 

Paul Harris Fellows were announced with proper decorum by DAVE GALLAHER.  HOOT GIBSON received his Paul Harris plus 3. A U of A grad working with New York Life for many years. HOOT has been married for 30 years and has two wonderful children. About Rotary, HOOT shared, “It is the best organization worldwide for doing good work.”

 

GARY OLSEN received his first Paul Harris. GARY is a medical massage therapist. GARY was in the Army and grew up on a Minnesota farm where family life was very important. GARY shared, “Growing up on a farm with a strong family,” has motivated GARY in his work (Tucson Family Wellness) and community involvement.

 

RABBI STEPHANIE AARON receives Paul Harris plus 8.  RABBIE STEPHANIE has been the Rabbi at Congregation Chaverim for 30 years. She is celebrating 29 years of marriage to Jack with their five children. She has been in Rotary for 17 years. RABBIE STEPHANIE shared, “Rotary is important to me in part because of its work repairing the world.”

 

LIZ BAKER received her first Paul Harris. LIZ is the Deputy Director of SARSEF, with a BS Degree from U of A and a Masters from the University of St. Andrews. She has received an award as one of the 40 under 40, great job LIZ. LIZ shared, “Education is the key to change in the world.”

 

CHUCK SAWYER received his Paul Harris plus two. Incoming PRESIDENT CHUCK comes from an Air Force family. He’s a U of O grad with a Master’s from Thunderbird School of Management. He’s been back in Tucson since 2004.  CHUCK is the local owner of the Cartridge World empire. CHUCK shared, “It is important to give back to the community, which has given us so much.”

 

The Orville McPherson award was introduced by MARGARET HIGGINS. MARGARET directs the Haven and is a U of A grad.  She noted that this is one of the most prestigious awards given to a Rotarian.  MARK IRVIN provided several detailed clues as who this year’s recipient would be. It only took one or two clues for most members to quickly figure out that past president, DAVE GALLAHER was this year’s recipient. MARK shared just some of the many charitable, humanitarian and just plain hard work DAVE has done for this community and Rotary. He and his wife Susan, have provided a home for many Rotary exchange students, hosted 500 volunteers for Feed the Hungry, he was responsible during his presidency for a large growth in membership. Congratulations DAVE.  DAVE spoke and shared his appreciation. He noted, “I am really at a loss for words, I am very appreciative of this award, thank you. “

 

DALE BERG, Sargent of Arms, former US Marine, oversaw an auction for the Boys and Girls Club event, and a fine for WOCKY whose lovely photo was in Tucson Lifestyle.  JOHN LEWIS reported that he was very sad his social chairmanship was ending but noted the great social last week at Chuy’s and reminded all about the Change of Administration event on July 7^th.   BRUCE JACOBS let everyone know we need more Car Show sponsors.  BOB SHAFF asked that we keep his daughter-in-law in our thoughts and prayers as she is being treated for breast cancer.  So please keep her in your hearts and prayers.

 

JEFF RONSTADT introduced our speaker, Amanda Marks. Amanda is a grad of U of Colorado and Columbia University. She is the Community Impact Director for Tu Nidito. Amanda educated all of us on the work of Tu Nidito and shared stories about their young clients. They serve children who are experiencing a serious illness or have lost a family member. They provide many services including one to one and peer support. She noted their website has a wish list as to what they need and of course, donations are always welcome.

 

PRESIDENT CLIFF asked Amanda to sign one of the books for Make Way for Books and closed with thoughtful quotes.