It is with great pleasure and excitement that I share with you the positive state of the Tucson Classics Car Show. The Club’s annual fundraising event has become a symbol of community unity, passion for automobiles, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
First and foremost, let me express my gratitude to all the volunteers, sponsors, and car enthusiasts who have already made this a great event. Your support and dedication have transformed the Tucson Classics Car Show into a grand celebration.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Rotary Classics Car Show is its ability to bring people together. Whether you are a car enthusiast, a casual observer, or someone looking for a fun family outing, this event has something for everyone. The vibrant atmosphere, the gleaming cars, and the passionate conversations create an environment where friendships are forged, and memories are made.
Beyond the joy and excitement, the Car Show also serves a greater purpose. The funds raised through this event go directly towards supporting our charitable initiatives in our community. From providing scholarships to deserving students to funding local youth programs, to supporting important community homeless programs, the impact of the Tucson Classics Car Show extends far beyond the confines of this one-day event. It is a testament to the power of collective action and the spirit of giving back.
In conclusion, the positive state of the Tucson Classics Car Show is a testament to the unwavering spirit of our community, the passion for automobiles, and the commitment to making a difference. This event brings people together, creates lasting memories, and supports important charitable causes. So, let us celebrate the Rotary Club of Tucson’s - Tucson Classics Car Show, its incredible success, and the bright future it holds for our community.
There is so much to write about that I am unsure where to start. BUT - best place will be to offer thanks to Dorinna, our terrific Executive Director, and to Erica, her stellar assistant. Dorinna guides each new President through their first tentative steps in the role. Then she is there to offer insights, thoughts, commentary and assistance thereafter, patiently answering questions.Thank you Dorinna. Many times over, thank you. Praise must also be given to the brilliant Board of Directors, and I must say that this year the club has the most dedicated and diligent Board that a President could possibly hope for.
Our club has, for the first time in a long time, faced an upheaval in its processes. No longer, as of July 1, 2023, have we been meeting weekly. Instead of raising dues, we, instead, chose to meet three times a month. This may seem a retrograde step to some, but in fact it’s an exciting opportunity for us as a club to think beyond our usual parameters. While we remain at the TCC for our 3 meetings a month, we now also have the opportunity for activities unthought of previously. On the ‘spare’ Wednesday, members joined together in July to visit the PCC Automotive Technology and Innovative Center, in August to visit the Linda McCartney photography exhibit at the Center for Creative Photography, and in September to go to the Gem and Mineral Museum, with a visit to a local restaurant afterwards; other planned activities will include a walking tour of downtown Tucson and a trip to the Ignite Museum.
Our club thrives on and is driven by intertwined strengths: our membership drives our programs which in turn drive our membership and, interlaced with membership and programs, is our strong and refreshed dedication to service projects. Programs, Membership and Service Projects together work to “Create Hope in the World”, the current Rotary International Theme.
We still have a distance to go to even suggest that we are achieving our goals but the foundations being laid by our current Board and committee members will stand us in good stead for the immediate future. Diana Madaras has operationalised a structure for not only establishing Service Projects but also for ‘staffing’ these projects with members. We now have regular, annual projects, we have new projects, we have resurrected prior projects, and we have structure which will flow into future years. There is no doubt about our achieving our service goals this year. Of course, I cannot neglect to mention the car show: it is our signature event and while it may take up a lot of our time, it does generate thousands of dollars for our local non profits. No other service project could do that. Lee Olitsky - thank you for keeping us on track.
For Membership, we have Mitch Pisik, who is similarly establishing structures that will stand the club in good stead: he has talking points, processes, and energy…..again, there is no doubt about our attaining our membership goals. We are well on our way to surpassing our goals. I believe we have reached a tipping point for membership growth.
The Program committee has been doing a stellar job: given its head to build an excellent program, we can say that the programs have truly lived up to expectations. We have heard from the UA Arts director (who whet our appetite for upcoming artistic displays at the UA), from Don Guerra, the James Beard award winning local baker, from the scientists who have continued Dian Fossey’s Mountain Gorilla conservation efforts in Rwanda, from a Gen Z spokesperson, and from a specialist in all-pervasive computer technology. I cannot thank the Program Committee sufficiently. If we did not have exciting and interesting subjects to listen to, it would be a sad luncheon indeed.
Finally, we have reintroduced fun and lightheartedness to the club. We want members to attend the lunches because THEY want to. Our excellent Sergeant at Arms is busy ‘fining’ (sorry ‘recognising’) members, encouraging Happy Jacksons, and playing his guitar, and I personally have re-introduced the telling of jokes (okay, some may not think they are funny but some others do!)....and who can forget Brittany Battle talking with Paul Harris on the recently rediscovered telephone?
I truly look forward to being able to discuss, in more detail, in the next quarterly report, the advances we have made in attaining our membership, service project, and program goals. We are an outstanding club. There is no doubt about that.
WELCOME Rotarians announced PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS this Wednesday’s meeting. PRESIDENT MARGARET rang the bell at 12p to officially get the meeting started then made the announcement on the buffet, we will have fellowship then at 12:15p we will start the presentation by DON JORGENSEN of “The Hidden Secret of Rotary”.
After some fellowship time and lunch, PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS started the meeting. We were led in the pledge and song by THERESA LINNANE. Today’s song was “You’re a Grand Old Flag’ with KHRIS DODGE on the keyboard.
The inspirational moment was given by JIM GARRETT who reminded us of the origins of the 4-Way Test and how beneficial it’s been to anyone that’s put it into their personal philosophy. CHRIS KIM filling in for Sergeant, was at the podium to introduce our guests for this Wednesday luncheon. Welcome all Rotarians and guests. It’s great to see all of you here.
PRESIDENT MARGARET reminded us of the books she’s been collecting for the Conference of Clubs upcoming on Oct. 6th & 7th, be sure to bring your books. She then announced ANN HUBER, Assistant District Governor to introduce DON JORGENSEN, District Governor who will speak on “The Hidden Secret of Rotary.” He is the founder of Jorgensen Health Care Associates and shared numerous other accolades that DON has accomplished over his years profession and during his years of service to Rotary. DON reminded us of all the impact we have as Rotarians. We need to adapt and evolve and as Rotary we have been great at adapting and evolving. Flowing with the changes as progress is made in the fight to end polio and promote literacy and education within our community as well as many other service projects of the numerous Rotary Clubs in the District. DON said his number one job for us is to ‘Support Your Club’, he’s here to help us do our thing, support us as we put our goals into action. Rotarians are truly people of action. The District is here to support us, our members, the committees. DON continued to share his plan of supporting the district while improving what we do as a Club. We need to measure what we do then share those in different terms. He’d like to know just how many people have been impacted vs. the amount of money we’ve raised. Hearing about how many individuals have been affected by our service projects is so much more impactful.
PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS announced the book “The Wonderful Things You Will Be” will be added to our Make Way for Books Library for DON JORGENSEN to sign as we continue to support children’s literacy in Tucson.
District Governor Don Jorgensen gave a well deserved recognition to MIKE ANDERSON for his many contributions and his long time service to the Club and to Rotary. Congratulations MIKE and a huge thank you for everything you do for the Club and for Rotary. You truly are the SERVICE ABOVE SELF!!!
There were two Rotary Birthdays this week. Happy birthday to: TOM MCKINNEY (9/15) and, KURTIS DAWSON (9/20). A very happy birthday to both of you!
There was an introduction of a new member by STEVE PICKERING. Welcome ALEC BERENS of BGK Capital!
CHAR HARRIS presented the newest Paul Harris Award to DIANA CANNON for her service and dedication to Rotary Club of Tucson as well as a variety of several other community projects.
The Raffle and King of Clubs game presented by CHRIS KIM. King of Clubs card was not drawn. Better luck to all club members next meeting.
Next up…Rotary Announcements:
PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS began today’s announcements by letting us know we will be seeing the Greeter Line return. We need to have members sign up to be a greeter. Let’s get a good amount of people to sign up. She reminded us to bring children’s books for the Make Way for Books library. Please be sure to register for the Conference of Clubs on Oct. 6th and 7th.
PRESIDENT MARGARET directed our attention to the back of the room where there are several years of ‘theme’ pins available to pick up. CHAR HARRIS has been wonderful at creating a diagram of the theme and meaning of each pin.
JONATHAN WALKUP announced the items needed for the OPCS Service Project; these items are critically needed. There is a list on your table of the items, you can contribute to the project with very little time investment and money. JONATHAN himself visited a Dollar Tree where he found most of the items. Be sure to bring those items with you to the next meeting on Oct. 4th where they will be collected then delivered to OPCS.
BRUCE JACOBS announced the walking tour on October 12th with MARK IRVIN and FLETCHER MCCUSKER around downtown with drinks afterwards at The Leo Kent. BRUCE also reminded us of the Friday Night Dinner at The Gregory School on Oct. 20th from 5p-7:30p, you must register on Club Runner.
MARCY EULER was at the podium to share how to volunteer for The Tucson Classics Car Show. We really need Rotarians to sign up to do the money jobs. That’s where we need your help the most, in a money collecting position.
JEANNE ZETAH gave a car show update on the current fundraising and ticket selling efforts, gave thanks to all the members who have been selling Car Show Tickets at events and to all members who are keeping up the great work of getting out there and selling tickets. Get out there and sell those tickets. Thank you all for your help.
JON WANG asked anyone who is volunteering for the car show to be sure to and wear your service shirts. They are available at the back of the room.
PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS closed by thanking all our members, guests, and virtual attendees for being here today. DON JORGENSEN gave the final toast before PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS rang the bell to adjourn the meeting.
EVERY Rotarian should be properly outfitted at our Car Show. Will have our High Performance, Moisture-Wicking, Tailored Polo-style shirts available for purchase at Wednesday Meetings - October 4th and October 18th.
We will hold a Service Project at our Club lunch meeting on October 4th for Old Pueblo Community Services. Please bring any items on the list (focus on the Priority Items) for the residents in shelters and scattered housing. A truck will be parked outside the TCC and RCOT members will help with getting your items to the truck for delivery to OPCS. Thank you for your donations; it is much appreciated. See the list below:
The 2023 Annual District Conference of Clubs will take place on October 6-7 at the Casino Del Sol and is now open for registration www.rotaryd5500.org. We are calling it the “Conference of Clubs” because this year it features breakout and plenary sessions delivering exciting ideas on Club Service Projects, Fundraising, Member Engagement, and more, including a Club Presidents Roundtable on Friday afternoon. The Conference also features outstanding national speakers at every general meal session. For hotel reservations, you must use the District portal to access the block of rooms at lower cost.
Come join us for a downtown walking tour with Fletcher McCusker. See and hear about the many new exciting places that are happening downtown. The tour will start at 4:00 pm in the lobby of the new Leo Kent Hotel at 1 S Church Avenue. The Walking Tour will be approximately 45 minutes followed by optional no host drinks at the Leo Kent. Paid parking is available underground at 1 S Church Avenue. Entrance is on Broadway. If you have any questions just let me know.
All members, please be sure to attend the Nov. 1st lunch meeting where we will mix, mingle, and introduce 14 Service Projects our Club will focus on this year.
You will have the opportunity to rotate through 3 tables (of your choice) to hear about plans for that project from the Rotary Team Leader. See a list of the projects below.
Members are not obligated to participate in any service projects, but we hope after learning of the many opportunities, one will entice you.
We are offering these Service Projects after many members indicated in the survey they were interested. Participating in a Service Project is one of the best ways to get to know your fellow Rotarians, and it is keeping with our core principle of Service Above Self. This year, for the first time, we will recognize members for service and we’re working on some great year-end prizes.
The Projects:
Triangle Y – Kurtis Dawson
Camp Lawton – Don Riegger
Salvation Army – Chris Kim
Adopt a Road – Lee Olitzky, Jonathan Walkup
Old Pueblo Community Services – Wally Johnson
Community Food Bank – Bobby Larson and Angela Moore
AZ Trails Maintenance – Chuck Sawyer
Youth Services - Jeanne Zetah and Nancy Stockton
Rotary Reading Coaches at Robison Elementary – Jon Wong
We will be streaming our weekly meetings live via our YouTube Channel. We are encouraging you all to subscribe to our Channel in order to receive notices of when the meetings are streaming live. After the live meeting, this video will become a recording and immediately posted on our YouTube Channel. To view live CLICK HERE. You can also 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 search Rotary Club of Tucson.
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It is with great pleasure and excitement that I share with you the positive state of the Tucson Classics Car Show. The Club’s annual fundraising event has become a symbol of community unity, passion for automobiles, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
There is so much to write about that I am unsure where to start. BUT - best place will be to offer thanks to Dorinna, our terrific Executive Director, and to Erica, her stellar assistant. Dorinna guides each new President through their first tentative steps in the role. Then she is there to offer insights, thoughts, commentary and assistance thereafter, patiently answering questions.Thank you Dorinna. Many times over, thank you. Praise must also be given to the brilliant Board of Directors, and I must say that this year the club has the most dedicated and diligent Board that a President could possibly hope for. 
PRESIDENT MARGARET reminded us of the books she’s been collecting for the Conference of Clubs upcoming on Oct. 6th & 7th, be sure to bring your books. She then announced ANN HUBER, Assistant District Governor to introduce DON JORGENSEN, District Governor who will speak on “The Hidden Secret of Rotary.” He is the founder of Jorgensen Health Care Associates and shared numerous other accolades that DON has accomplished over his years profession and during his years of service to Rotary. DON reminded us of all the impact we have as Rotarians. We need to adapt and evolve and as Rotary we have been great at adapting and evolving. Flowing with the changes as progress is made in the fight to end polio and promote literacy and education within our community as well as many other service projects of the numerous Rotary Clubs in the District. DON said his number one job for us is to ‘Support Your Club’, he’s here to help us do our thing, support us as we put our goals into action. Rotarians are truly people of action. The District is here to support us, our members, the committees. DON continued to share his plan of supporting the district while improving what we do as a Club. We need to measure what we do then share those in different terms. He’d like to know just how many people have been impacted vs. the amount of money we’ve raised. Hearing about how many individuals have been affected by our service projects is so much more impactful. 
There was an introduction of a new member by STEVE PICKERING. Welcome ALEC BERENS of BGK Capital!
The following new Active Member application has been submitted for membership in Rotary Club of Tucson:
EVERY Rotarian should be properly outfitted at our Car Show. Will have our High Performance, Moisture-Wicking, Tailored Polo-style shirts available for purchase at Wednesday Meetings - October 4th and October 18th.
The 2023 Annual District Conference of Clubs will take place on October 6-7 at the Casino Del Sol and is now open for registration 
Fellow Rotarians,
All members, please be sure to attend the Nov. 1st lunch meeting where we will mix, mingle, and introduce 14 Service Projects our Club will focus on this year.
