PRESIDENT KURTIS called the meeting to order and noted that we had a jam-packed schedule so those that needed to rabbit before the meeting ended would not be fined. He also noted that the crew from the USS Tucson, a Los Angeles class attack submarine, was sitting at various tables within the crowd.
New member, TJ “Lightnin” Juskiewicz, led the Pledge and song “America the Beautiful” with KHRIS DODGE accompanying TJ on the piano.
ROGER HARWELL shared some sad news that TOM WILLIS passed away on October 22nd from cancer. TOM requested no services.
JASON FLAX offered the inspiration. He noted that we’re all capable of more than we realize and that we just need to take one more step to see what we can really do.
KHRIS DODGE introduced the large group of guests. Then, PRESIDENT KURTIS exchanged a flag with Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Camden, Maine.
MARK IRVIN introduced our esteemed speakers: Carlotta Flores, Ken Foy and Janos Wilder. The three were set on stage at separate tables, each with a microphone. The first question was asked “How many cities of Gastronomy exist?” Janos started by answering with the “why” it’s a City of Gastronomy and that’s because of the 5,000 years of history that Tucson has cultivating food, not just because we have lots of great restaurants. In the US, there are two, Tucson and San Antonio and there are just over 50 cities around the world. Carlotta noted that we use food provided by the desert all twelve months of the year. Ken said that something that makes Tucson great, beyond the great natural ingredients native to us, is the exchange of ideas among chefs and cooperative learning that takes place. They were asked about the first meal that they remember making:- Carlotta made a meal for her Brownie Troop when she was a Girl Scout. She didn’t realize that it was supposed to be cooked.
- Janos made tacos for his family when he was 5 or 6 and said that they turned out pretty good.
- Ken made a Cranberry Lemon Sauce from cranberry juice and a Country Time Lemonade packet and burned himself in the process.
Next, they were asked if they were condemned to be put to death, what would their last meal be.
- Janos’ would be his Mom’s Leg of Lamb. She did the best and it certainly doesn’t need mint jelly.
- Carlotta would like Carne Seca.
- Ken said that he’d like Crab Cakes and/or Soft-Shelled Crab.
It was great to have such high-level chefs talking casually and it was clear how proud they are to be leading the way of fine food in Tucson. They signed the book “My Magical Foods” that will go in the Make Way for Books Library.
KHRIS DODGE then took the mic and led an auction for dinner with PRESIDENT KURTIS and his wife. There was some tough bidding and ultimately JEFF RONSTADT won with an offer of $1,200.00.
MARK IRVIN was celebrating his birthday as was WOCKY REDSAR-WIERZBINSKI. Happy Birthday you two!
LEE OLITS
KY introduced our second to newest member of the club, BRIAN CRAWFORD who owns Millenium Private Wealth. BRIAN has been married for 25 years, graduated from the U of A and also has a master’s from the college up north. He has a son and daughter, both of whom are attending college.
KY introduced our second to newest member of the club, BRIAN CRAWFORD who owns Millenium Private Wealth. BRIAN has been married for 25 years, graduated from the U of A and also has a master’s from the college up north. He has a son and daughter, both of whom are attending college.
MATT BLAIR introduced our newest member, TJ “Lightnin” JUSKIEWICZ and said you’d have to ask TJ how he got the nickname. TJ has also been married for 25 years, has a son who lives in Iowa and daughter who goes to school in Maine. TJ received a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the University of Florida. TJ is the Executive Director of Perimeter Bicycling Association who organizes El Tour de Tucson, as well as the Tour de Arizona and Tour de Scottsdale. He’s turned the organization around and is breaking records with the number of cyclists who participate in each event.
KHRIS DODGE held a 25/50/25 Raffle and JOHN DUVAL was the lucky winner although he didn’t win the jackpot. SEAN FURRIER, Corbin Edwards on behalf of his dad, CHRIS EDWARDS, and CHUCK SAWYER were all fined for winning the Best of Tucson in their related fields of business.
Board Candidate Introductions were made by JEN HOFFMAN and the following members are running for a board position: BRITTANY BATTLE, JENN DELANEY, BRANDI HAGA-BLACKMAN, THOMAS ROBERTSON, ALAN SCHROPE and JONATHAN WALKUP. You will be able to vote for three of them at the 11/20 meeting.
PRESIDENT KURTIS offered the following updates:
- Events and Projects are listed on the printed sheets on each table, on the Website as well as running slides during the lunch.
- Service Projects points deadline for the Car Show would be extended until Friday, November 8th. You need to have 5 points to be eligible to win sweet prizes in May 2025.
- If you would like to host a lunch during our dark week (next week) let Dorinna know. You may also sign up to attend a lunch on our website.
- Red Badge Member selfies were shown on the screen.
- Wilbur Traveled to Nice, France, The Tucson Classic Car Show, San Diego and Bangkok, Thailand. He’ll be going to Rome, Italy next.
- CHARLOTTE HARRIS listed the club members who will be riding both indoors and outdoors for the El Tour de Tucson, Ride to End Polio. Please donate to their rides.
- The Captain of the USS Tucson talked about what makes their submarine so great and it’s not just the Galley named El Charro Downunder. He finished his comments with a chant “Bear Down, Tucson!”
- BRITTANY BATTLE noted that the Tucson Jazz Festival is looking for a sponsor for her concert on November 15th…which is sold out. Go BRITTANY and KHRIS!
- BRUCE RICHARDSON told us that Truly Nolan is having their 6th Annual Car Show on November 9th.
- DAN KALM reminded us that there are still spots available on December 15th for the Salvation Army Bell Ringing at various locations around town.
- MITCH PISIK was shown with PRESIDENT KURTIS’ face while he was getting his colonoscopy. It’s not quite as glorious as the trips that Wilbur takes, but at least KURTIS is getting some attention.
PRESIDENT KURTIS closed the meeting and let us know that the DMAFB Wing Commander, Col. Scott Mills will be our next speaker on November 20th.
JASON FLAX offered a toast “Good friends, great moments and an amazing journey ahead!” And we were outta there.
