PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS rang the bell at 12p to get the meeting started then welcomed everyone.
We were led in the pledge and song by RAYMOND SMITH. Today’s song was “You’re a Grand Ole Flag” with the assistance from KHRIS DODGE on the keyboard.
PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS called for a moment of silence for member GORDON GRAHAM, who passed away on July 24, 2022. The family also lost his nephew to a severe asthma attack shortly after that. We all bowed our heads in honor and sadness for our member and his family.
The inspirational moment was given by KYM ADAIR. KYM spoke about the dedication of public servants, how much we count on them to make sure our community is safe. True service is critical to our integrity, our society and to our nation. Thank a public servant, they make sure that our community has what we all need to survive and thrive within our community.
Lunch break. After lunch and fellowship PRESIDENT BRUCE introduced SERGEANT AT ARMS, KHRIS DODGE, who then introduced our guests for this Wednesday.
PRESIDENT BRUCE then introduced our speaker for this Wednesday meeting, Jan Lesher, Pima County Administrator.
Jan’s presentation included reminding us, as a previous Rotarian of our wonderful Club, you don’t have to be an active Rotarian to use The Four Way Test in everyday life. Jan spoke of the fixing of the roads in the unincorporated Pima County, who she credited Supervisor Christy with spearheading the program and really getting those roads fixed. They are now focusing on the infrastructure of the flood control systems, the wastewater systems, Parks and Recreation and all those other items that keep our county running safe. Other areas the County looks at, are serving the public, and making sure they are serving the community; she feels the county has done terrific improving upon the standards that were set by fixing the roads. Maintaining the Bond Rating and making sure that they remain fiscally responsible with the taxpayer’s money and where they spend that money. Jan continued to share some of the other challenges that the Pima County Government has been dealing with such as hiring for openings. They are aware of how important it is to work with the other departments in the county and working with the Chambers of Commerce. They are really trying to reach out and work with all members of the community. She continued with a few items they are working on such as the budget and pledging to be stewards of those funds. In closing Jan took a few questions from the audience. After Jan’s presentation the book “City Signs” was signed by Jan Lesher for our Make Way for Books Library as we continue to support children’s literacy in Tucson. We celebrated our Rotary Birthdays next! Happy birthday to: HUGH THOMPSON, who celebrated his birthday on 8/13. HUGH THOMPSON is not only celebrating his birthday but also had a Happy Jackson announcement. HUGH then shared what happened when a teacher asked 4–8-year old’s what Love means to them. He then shared a few quotes from those children. Those made the attendees laugh, ‘awww’ and we were left with a very warm feeling of what love is to others. MICHAEL GUYMON who celebrates his birthday tomorrow, 8/18, and JEANNE ZETAH who will celebrate her birthday while on vacation with her family on 8/23. A very happy birthday to all of you!
Next up was a Paul Harris Award to ROB LAMASTER and MITCH PISIK presented by JIM MURPHY. JIM shared a brief history of both members and their tireless involvement in our Club. The Club stood to congratulate our Paul Harris Awardees today, ROB and MITCH. Then JIM presented the ‘gifts of little or no value’ to both.
We had another new member and a Blue Badge presentation inducted at this meeting. MARIANNE FREITAS introduced ALAN SCHROPE as our newest (and returning) member. Welcome back ALAN! The Raffle and King of Clubs game presented by SERGEANT AT ARMS KHRIS DODGE. The King of Clubs card was not drawn. Better luck to all club members next meeting.
Announcements:
PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS introduced ALAN ROGERS to announce our next Social Mixer to be held on 8/31 at 5:30p at the Noble Hops on Alvernon located in the DoubleTree Hotel. Everyone sign up on the website.
PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS was back up to ask for Club Lunch Meeting Sponsors, there are many benefits to being a sponsor. A great opportunity for a sponsor would be on Sept 21st when the speaker that Wednesday will be Coach Tommy Lloyd! He’d like to have a ‘red-out’ on that day too. Due to the popularity of the speaker, we expect a large turn out so please be sure to RSVP to the meeting.
Next up was BOBBY LARSON who then handed the mic to MARCY EULER who announced that the website for the volunteers to sign up with all the volunteer opportunities is being finalized, look for the official launch soon. Please see MARCY with any questions about volunteering. BOBBY then gave an update on the ticket sales.
PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS closed by thanking all our members, guests, and virtual attendees for being here today. The scholarship cups are on the table if you’d like to donate and, remember to return your badge in your numbered slot on your way out. PRESIDENT BRUCE gave the final toast before ringing the bell to adjourn the meeting.
