ASHLEY ELAINE YORK gave the inspiration, telling a story about a friend who attended the Rotary International Convention only to have it change their life. BOB HOPKINS led us in the Pledge and Song (“My Country ‘Tis of Thee”) accompanied by the ever-musical GARY HIRSCH on the piano. Thanks to Bob and Gary!
BRUCE ELLWEIN introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians. We had one Birthday Rotarian: SARAH FAJARDO who has been a member since May. SARAH is a former member of the Peace Corps and is soon to visit Antarctica. She appreciates the warmth and fellowship shown her since joining in May.
Past President JIM MURPHY introduced two of his daughters, TAMAH DONALDSON and MICHELE MURPHY. Although TAMAH was not present, Jim introduced MICHELE, recounting her growth and development from her earliest days through school at the UA and NAU, a 17-year teaching career at Salpointe. MICHELE has since worked for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Southern Arizona and her current career as Director of Development for the College of Humanities at the University of Arizona. MICHELE is happy to be our newest family member and proud to be her father’s daughter.Sergeant at Arms BOBBY LARSON expertly conducted the raffle including tickets to the Tucson Speedway generously donated by our speaker. We had the following announcements:
- PRESIDENT CHUCK explained our new lunch prices and explained the program to encourage members to bring prospective members by offering one free lunch.
- FONDA INSLEY requested that we sign up early on the website for the Replacement Mixer at Top Golf on 8/8/18.
- FONDA also announced she is looking for five volunteers to help with the Social Media Committee and asked if anyone was involved in setting up the Twitter and Pinterest accounts for our Club (we need the sign in information!)
- Past President JIM LUBINSKI explained our election year themed Ticket Team competition – sell early and often!!
- PRESIDENT CHUCK invited anyone with an interest in developing our membership to the District 5500 Membership Seminar in Green Valley on 8/11/18.
- Past President HUGH THOMPSON is looking for volunteers for the Member Support Committee to provide fellowship and support to members who are sick or need a helping hand.
- JENNIFER HOFFMAN announced that our next youth exchange student arrives 8/3 at 9:30 pm. Let’s get out to welcome Pedro here from Brazil!
ROBERT O’BRIEN introduced our speaker John Lashley, President of the Tucson Speedway. John is a past Rotarian of 28 years who has supported our Car Show, providing goodie bags, opportunities to sell 
tickets, and showing his own cars. John also introduced the 2017 Arizona NASCAR short track champion Brandon Farrington. John has managed the Tucson Speedway under a lease with the Fair Commission since 2012, bringing many improvements and providing a family-friendly, community-oriented entertainment venue. There are currently 230 families racing at the track during its 5th season and several race events that attract national attention.John signed a book for our lending library: “Sam the Most Scaredy-Cat Kid in the Whole World”. President CHUCK closed our meeting with a toast and quote from Henry Ford: “Auto racing began five minutes after the second car was built.”
