The meeting was called to order by our Once and Future President, BRUCE JACOBS. Although there was no water to stand in, he led us in a rousing game of Marco Polo with his good buddies. NANCY BEVENS led us in the pledge and a rousing rendition of “You’re a Grand Old Flag” and the inspiration was given by KURTIS ‘I got my first MORE!’ DAWSON. Due to the large number of Rotarians who neglected to register their attendance, the TCC ran out of prepared meals (so your humble servant, Mystery Ed, did not get what looked to be a delicious chicken lunch and instead got a healthy Cobb salad).
KHRIS DODGE introduced visiting Rotarians and guests and PE BRUCE introduced the video introducer who introduced our keynote speaker, BONNIE SCHOCK, the Executive Director of downtown’s lovely Fox Theater. Almost everyone in attendance raised their hands when Bonnie asked who among us had ever been to the Theater. Fun fact: the first visit to the Fox by a future Rotarian was in 1943 when Hugh Thompson went there regularly for the Mickey Mouse Show (and won a pair of tickets for the memory). Bonnie shared with us an example of her impeccable timing: Her first day on the job as the new Executive Director was on March 9, 2020; three days later, on March 12, the Fox Theater shut down due to COVID. Due also to her visionary leadership, creativity and resilience, The Fox survived 18 months with no revenue and reopened 529 days later, on August 19, 2021. There will be new safety standards in place at The Fox, and all will be joined by joy, she said, “the joy of togetherness”. Our Fox Theater is unique in its layout. There are three levels to the building, with the Donor Lounge on the bottom floor, featuring a private bar, restrooms and snacks. The main floor showcases the amazing Art Deco stage, 800 seat auditorium, a bar and delightful water fountains. Upstairs, the Mezzanine has a balcony, windows overlooking Congress Street, a bar and lounge. As well as five rows of 2-person love seats in the upper balcony. Check out their extensive offerings of live entertainment and vintage films - you owe it to yourself to experience this very special Tucson Treasure!
Paul Harris presentations were made by SCOTT VAUGHAN. Earning his Paul Harris + 1 was DAVID LOVITT, who graduated from Salpointe and whose grandfather moved to Tucson after WW1. He is quite talented, having built, grown and sold one of the premier insurance agencies in town, ably assisted by his prior accomplishments as a principal ballet dancer – and an 8th degree black belt! A Paul Harris + 1 was awarded to PE BRUCE JACOBS, who did not graduate from Salpointe, moved to Tucson in 1977, earned his business degree from the U of A and U of Phoenix and will soon be serving as our illustrious club President.
A 21-year member of our club (and President in 2008/2009), CHARLOTTE HARRIS again educated and entertained us with a history moment. She described and showed us vintage pictures of buildings in Tucson at the time the Fox Theatre opened. We were impressed and grateful when she told us that Steinfelds donated 1,923 new pairs of shoes to low-income kids in 1923.
Sergeant at Arms KHRIS DODGE conducted the raffle, but there was no King of Clubs to be found. He moved on to announcements, starting with All Things Centennial. Buy your tickets to this great party – won’t happen again for another 100 years! And go to the TCCS website to sign up as a bidder for the silent auction, which is now live and features more than 250 items. BRUCE then described the new safety guidelines for the TCC- there is now a mandate – masks are to be worn as you enter the building. They may be removed when you enter our meeting space. Keep selling those Car Show tickets and JEANNE ZETAH updated us on the Live Auction. September 22 is Photo Day, thanks to the talented CHRIS MOONEY. Wear something nice – and brush your hair! Mark and WOCKY WIERZBINSKI caught a big fish and participated with President Irv’s Fly-Fishing Fund. Anyone wanting a Centennial shirt needs to order by Friday.
VICKIE JACOBS then gave NICOLE LOMBARDO her blue badge.PE BRUCE ended this delightful meeting with a toast and an exhortation to buy tickets to the Centennial.
