Mystery Editor - April 9th | Rotary Club of Tucson

Posted by Ed Mystery on Apr 11, 2025

PRESIDENT KURTIS called the meeting to order and welcomed BRUCE MARION to the stage for the pledge and song, “You’re a Grand Ole Flag.”

MIKE ANDERSON offered the Inspiration. He’s carried this “prayer” in his wallet for the past 45 years. It reminded us to be extra considerate of young people and children and he thanked God for our bountiful lives.

KHRIS DODGE introduced our two guests. One of who will be a guest for the last time as he is going to become a member. As it turned out, we had three guests but one was not mentioned.

CHARLOTTE HARRIS introduced her favorite Son-in-Law and our speaker, CLIFF BOWMAN, who is not only an A-10 pilot but also the Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation’s (RCOTF) President. CLIFF noted that we are all members of the RCOTF. The Foundation’s Mission is to be the vehicle to donate money to charities and has roughly $2 million in financial assets….as of the end of February. Merrill Lynch manages the RCOTF’s money based on the Foundation’s guidance. Most of the expenses are to pay administrative fees. The Foundation has given out $889,000 in scholarships in the past 25 years. After some riveting question and answers, CLIFF pulled away from the podium and was given “The Lemonade Ripple” book to sign for the Make Way for Books Library.

We celebrated two birthdays. CHRIS EDWARDS was celebrating his birthday. Did you know that he failed “Spanish 1” in high school three times? MIKE ANDERSON was celebrating his birthday as well. Did you know that he won the first ever “Great Race” that was a car race across the country in a vintage vehicle and won $100,000?

VIC JACOBS presented CAROL SAYLER with her blue badge. LEE OLITZKY presented DAN ASIA with his blue badge. And CHUCK SAWYER presented BRUCE MARION with his blue badge. Nice work Blue Badgers and congratulations!

JOE “D” DANISZEWSKI presented JIM ENGEL and LEW RIGGS with their second Paul Harris. Did you know that JIM’s Father-in-Law was SWEDE JOHNSON who was our Rotary Club’s past President in 1957-1958?

KHRIS DODGE held a 25/50/25 Raffle and DAN GUARE took home $45 (given to scholarships) but not the pot which is worth just about $1,000.

PRESIDENT KURTIS offered a few announcements:

Reminder to check the printed sheets on each table that have the Events/Projects coming up. You may also go to our website: https://tucsonrotary.org/

There were no Red Badge selfies and Wilbur is currently traveling for his next Photo Op.

Please donate to Rotary International, Every Rotarian Every Year.

Triangle Y Ranch Camp event is on April 12^th.

You need to sign up to attend next week’s lunch to hear the U of A Athletic Director speak.

Home Hospitality is the week of 4/21. We are still looking for hosts. It’s a blast!

There will be a Happy Hour at Hotel Congress on April 23^rd, 4 to 5:30pm to review the Time Capsule that is buried there.

“The Event” is one not to miss! April 30^th at the Mountain Oyster Club. Tickets are $100 each and you need to sign up online. This is the don’t miss event this year!

DIANA MADARAS announced the Service Points Winner for March. It was CHARLOTTE HARRIS.

Happy Jackson, DAN KALM and JASON FLAX attended the Phoenix Bike Week and shared photos of them taking PRESIDENT KURTIS along. Of course, they were just head shots of KURTIS. Looks like fun.

PRESIDENT KURTIS ended the meeting and MIKE ANDERSON offered the toast to the Rotary Club of Tucson’s Foundation.