Now in his fifth year of service as District 4 Supervisor, Steve Christy is a lifelong Tucsonan who attended local schools and is a 1976 graduate of American University in Washington DC with a degree in Political Science. He started working in the family business, Galloway Motors, in 1973 as a service lot-boy and worked his way up through all dealership departments before becoming president and general manager in 1985. In 1997, he bought total ownership of the dealership, and in 2001 relocated and renamed it Steve Christy Chrysler-Jeep. He sold the dealership in 2007. Christy served twice as president of the Tucson New Car Dealers Association, president of the Arizona Automobile Dealers Association, chair of the Tucson Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Tucson Airport Authority, the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, the Rotary Club of Tucson, The Breakfast Club of Tucson, and a life member of Tucson Conquistadors.

 

His civic accomplishments include board member and chair of the Arizona State Transportation Board (ADOT), member and chair of the Pima Association of Government’s Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), board member of Tucson Regional Economic Opportunities (TREO), and he is an active member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. Steve has been married to Susie Christy for 39 years and they have three daughters and two grandchildren. The Father’s Day Council named him their “Father of the Year” in 1997.

President JEN HOFFMAN called the meeting to order at 12 noon indoor at the beautiful Hacienda Del Sol with 42 Rotarians attending the weekly meeting. The opening of the meeting featured a rendition of America the Beautiful and the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag lead by Matt Blair, from Cirrus Visual Communication.

 

The lunch featured a juicy chicken dish, bone in, with a delicious sauce and some healthy vegetables. As always Hacienda Del Sol banquet staff were attentive to the hungry Rotarians.

 

President JEN kicked off the formal part of the meeting by thanking all of the virtual audience attending the meeting and introduced Rotarian JEFF RONSTADT to introduce today’s program, ROB LAMASTER, Director of Make-A-Wish Arizona.

 

ROB led off with echoing the inspirational thought of the day with a message on “Gratitude”, which he is most thankful for the community stepping up and being part of the Making a Wish come true for those in need. ROB has been servicing the community throughout his career thanking a Rotarian his first job in Tucson, JACK CAMPER past President/CEO of Tucson Chamber, who was in attendance. ROB’S comments began promising to follow the presentation speech steps of incoming President MARK IRVIN “Be Bright, Be Brief and Be Gone”.  Well having failed at this attempt following an exceptionally, but beautiful long program, ROB’S heart was in the right place throughout the talk as he shared how the community has stepped up to grant Wishes for the Kids, even during the challenges of COVID-19. Thank you ROB and “Make a Wish” for helping those dreams come true.

 

Today’s Birthdays featured JIM ENGEL a Rotarian for over 20 years. Little known fact was his father built most of the Kitt Peak’s buildings.

 

WAYNE PEATE, 30-year member of Rotary, introduced new member MIKE FRANKLIN and DON ROLLINGS presented MIKE with his Blue Badge.  MIKE took the podium under siege to thank everyone but wouldn’t give it back to the President until he gave the second program of the afternoon, giving numerous accolades to Tucson Rotary. JEN will be sure to bring the hook with her to the next meeting.  Congratulations MIKE and welcome to the Club!

 

BOB LOGAN’S “sweet terror” returned with the two Rotarians receiving Paul Harris designations. Birthday boy, JIM ENGEL and JOE DANISZEWSKI were honored. JOE by the way has been blessed with two sons who joined him as Eagle Scouts.

 

There were no Sergeant At Arms announcements for the afternoon.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 1:20 with a quote by Michael Jordan and toast by PRESIDENT JEN.

 

“Some people will want it to happen. “Some people will wish it to happen, Others Make it Happen. Here’s to those that step up and make it happen for those to make it happen for those who can’t.”

The RLI Committee would like to remind you of the Rotary Leadership Institute taking place virtually this month.  These are wonderful courses for new Rotarians and those long-term Rotarians who would like refresher courses on all things Rotary.  Please see the information below on RLI and how to sign up:

 

To view on the RCOT YouTube channel go to our Home Page of the Club website and click on the YouTube link on the right hand side of the page.  Or, go to YouTube and type in Rotary Club Of Tucson.  You will be able to click on the video you wish to watch once they are posted.  Here is the link to do this: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=rotary+club+of+tucson