PRESIDENT KURTIS called the meeting to order and introduced new member, LIBY LENTZ, to lead us in the Pledge and song, “Star Spangled Banner” with Co-Chief Sergeant at Arms, KHRIS DODGE, accompanying on the piano.
JASON FLAX offered the inspiration with a theme that success doesn’t happen overnight. Much like a Chinese Bamboo Tree seed, sometimes you need to water the seed for 5 years and then it will grow more than 90 feet in just 5 weeks. Let’s continue to water the next generation so that they may succeed and grow once their roots are set.
KHRIS DODGE introduced a large group of guests with a thunderous ovation. That was because of the storm outside. It was really great to see RALPH PHILLIPS!
PRESIDENT KURTIS thanked MIKE LEVIN and the Port of Tucson for the sponsorship of the meeting. Thanks very much MIKE!
JONATHAN ROTHSCHILD introduced our speaker. He said that as you work as Mayor, you meet talented people and Chad Kasmar was one of those really, talented people. Then, Tucson Chief of Police, Chad Kasmar spoke. He introduced and thanked his Deputy Chief of Police, Monica Prieto. She is the second in charge and will be first in charge when Chad takes a vacation starting this Friday. It’s a well-earned vacay and has been 4 years since his last vacation. He said that Tucson is the 33rd largest city in the USA. Seven years ago, we had more than 1,100 police officers. Today, we have 750 police offers yet the crime is more complex. The Tucson Police have a $195 million budget. 95% of that goes to its personnel. The balance is for supplies to include guns, drones, vehicles, etc. The budget is an ongoing challenge for Chief Chad didn’t complain. The Tucson Police will work with what they have regardless of the budget. Fentanyl is a huge problem in our community and is the first synthetic drug that the Mexican drug cartels can manufacture. 50% is seized at the border and the other 50% makes it to the USA. It’s really affordable in Tucson, which creates an even bigger problem. A dose of fentanyl in Tucson costs less than $1 and in New York City it costs $20 for a dose. Fentanyl is a country wide issue. Chief Chad said that we have a gun problem, and it keeps him up at night. We’ve had over 100 shootings this year. Pedestrian fatalities are a challenge also and most are attributed to drug issues. The Tucson Police is committed to an evidence-based strategy for enforcement. They are a leader in NIBIN (The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network) that tracks shell casings and ultimately tra
cks individual guns, how they’re used and the network they may be a part of. Regardless of all of the challenges, Chief Chad said he would have quit a long time ago if he didn’t have faith that Tucson can and will be a better, safer place. Thanks for keeping us safe Chief! Chief Chad signed the book “I Want To Be A Police Officer.”SALLY MONTAGNE was celebrating her birthday. Did you know that she worked for three Presidents of the US: Eisenhower, Kennedy and LBJ? JENN DELANEY was celebrating her birthday and something that you may not know is that she believes that her daughter is the greatest gift she has received…and her son is really great too. ANA GREIF was celebrating her birthday and is a global traveler. ANA has been to 37 different countries. Happy Birthday to these ladies!
MICHAEL GUYMAN was arrested and fined by BRITTANY BATTLE for writing an article in the Tucson Sentinel. MARK IRVIN was arrested and fined for knowing so many people and TIM PUTENNEY was fined for being such a good friend of BRITTANY. Hmm, be careful who your friends are.
GARY HIRSCH introduced new member LIBY LENTZ who has worked with the Pima Medical Institute for 31 years. She started as the HR Director and is now the President. Next, STU GOLDMAN was fined by KHRIS DODGE for not being obnoxious enough and JAMAL GIVENS was fined by BRITTANY for being such a big deal. These Co-Chief Sergeant at Arms were on a rampage!
DIANA CANNON presented a Blue Badge to SANDY McCASLIN, who is the General Manager of the Tucson Raquet & Fitness Club. Congrats on getting your Blue!
JOE DANISZEWSKI presented MONTE CLAUSEN with his Paul Harris Award +5. MONTE is a 21-year member and is friends with Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney. Interestingly, MONTE avoids politics.The meeting started to go a little long, like this Mystery Editor submission so KHRIS DODGE pulled the winning raffle ticket as well as card. CHRIS EDWARDS was the big winner of $94 which he gave back to the club. Then, CHRIS was fined for advertising on the new model train at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. Thanks for all CHRIS!
PRESIDENT KURTIS worked quickly through announcements and reminded us that we may review all of the events and projects via the printed sheets on our tables. We may also review our website for what’s going on. We are looking for hosts for our “Quiet Week” on September 11th. Email Dorinna if you’d like to lead a lunch or meeting somewhere. KURTIS showed a slide with various photos of members with Red Badge members. Remember to take selfies with Red Badge members and more importantly, get to know them! KURTIS showed images of Wilbur the Wildcat as he traveled to Sturgis for the Motorcycle rally with DAN KALM among other places. If you’d like to take Wilbur somewhere, ask KURTIS if you may have custody for a short time.
JEANNE ZETAH updated us with our progress on Car Show tickets. We’re at 15% of our goal. Go sell tickets! MARCY EULER let us know what we’ll be receiving in an email regarding volunteering for the Car Show. Even if you can’t attend, please complete the email. There is an “Assignment” that lists that you can’t attend. If you don’t participate, she’ll keep asking you.
With that PRESIDENT KURTIS adjourned the meeting and JASON FLAX offer the toast “Cheers to nights that we won’t remember and friends that we’ll never forget.”
