Fletcher McCusker will give an update on Rio Nuevo at our 5/10/23 meeting. Fletcher is a third generation Tucsonan. His grandfather Russell moved to Tucson from Indiana just after the depression. Russell worked for the WPA and laid many of the downtown and University area sidewalks for $1.00 a day and eventually went to work for the railroad. Fletcher's mother was a Tucson High School grad and Fletcher attended John B Wright, Davidson and Amphi. He completed a BS in Rehabilitation at the University of Arizona in 1974 but left Tucson for greener pastures attending graduate school at ASU. Fletcher rose through the ranks in many health care companies in Oklahoma, Maryland and Texas and while in Texas in 1996, he conceived and launched the Providence Service Corporation, the first home based mental health company in America. His wife, Liz, actually suggested they base the company in Tucson and Providence was launchedin January 1997. Fletcher followed an unusual route for Tucson companies with Providence: his money, family and friends, venture capital, and ultimately a very successful IPO. When he exited Providence in 2012, it was a billion-dollar business located in 44 states and employing over 11,000 people. During the Providence run, Fletcher became very involved in the rebuilding of downtown Tucson. He relocated the company headquarters to downtown Tucson in May of 2010 remodeling a block of boarded up buildings that not only became the company headquarters but opened up restaurant, residential and commercial space. His passion for downtown was a catalyst for many and in 2012 he was appointed to the Rio Nuevo board, responsible for the State funds designated to revitalize Tucson, and elected Chairman unanimously by his fellow board members. Just weeks after his announced retirement from Providence, Fletcher launched a new company called Sinfonía, also in a remodeled downtown warehouse. SinfoníaRx was the first major spin out from Tech Launch Arizona. Sinfonia sold in October 2017 and McCusker immediately launched UAVenture Capital, a growth fund dedicated to UofA commercialization. UAVC has made 15 investments in UofA related science and technology and has become a pivotal part of the developing start up ecosystem expanding in the Tucson region.
PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS started off the meeting by inviting LUKE SMITH to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and started us singing “You’re a Grand Ole Flag” accompanied by the talented KHRIS DODGE…..it takes me back to the 4th grade.
PRESIDENT BRUCE announced that cards were being circulated for the passing of treasured member EMERY BARKER’S family.
JIM GARRETT inspired us and doesn’t want us to crash on our bicycles. Keep pedaling and moving forward, it’s ok if you go off path but don’t forget your helmet.
Sergeant at Arms KHRIS DODGE introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians… wow, what a great crowd we had.
PRESIDENT BRUCE introduced our keynote speaker: Today’s program featured Helen Gomez, the Executive Director of Ben’s Bells. She shared with us the story of Ben’s Bells; how it got started with an unexpected tragedy and the acts of kindness that helped the founder Jeannette Maré through her grief. Ben’s Bells is now providing kindness nationwide where tragedy strikes, helping people to remember there is kindness in the world. They also help to promote kindness around our community especially in schools with their “Be Kind” murals in which students can help by making the tiles. What a treasure Ben’s Bells is to Tucson and around the globe as well.
We celebrated two birthdays today; JO DECHATELET and LEE OLITZKY. Happy Birthday to you both!
Then CHARLOTTE HARRIS presented JO DECHATELET’s son, Ryan Lustek with a Paul Harris. Congratulations Ryan!
JOE DANISZEWSKI presented JASON FLAX with his Blue Badge. Congratulations going from Red to Blue!
Then our very own PE MARGARET HIGGINS introduced PP MARK IRVIN to introduce our newest FOUR WAY TEST AWARD RECIPIENT. Congratulations to Jana Westerbeke! She does so much for our community and is very deserving of this special award.
SAA KHRIS DODGE announced the winner of the raffle, (not the 50/50) and the winner was…. Jennifer, one of the team members at TCC, congratulations.
DON ROLLINGS then introduced two Rotaractors and then auctioned off a painting by a fellow Rotaractor, Ava Shepphard. A beautiful piece of art called “Sea Fog”. It went to the highest bidder - LYUDA EISENMAN.
Lots of announcements that PRESIDENT BRUCE SHARED:
President Bruce’s Miles for Memories has hiked 1,864.9 miles so far. Don’t forget to sign up for the Whiskey and the Wine Fellowships. May 17th will be UA-AD Dave Heeke, everyone must register on the website for this meeting and last the COA is June 24th at Omni Tucson National Resort. BRUCE RICHARDSON announced the next hike on 5/6/23.
Next meeting we will be updated on Rio Nuevo by Fletcher McCusker, hope to see you there!
President BRUCE then ended the meeting with a toast!
At our lunch meeting on May 17th, UA Athletic Director Dave Heeke will be visiting and presenting to our club. Since this will be a well attended meeting, all must register by Friday, 5/12/23 @ 3:00 p.m. This meeting will be capped at 175 so we are encouraging all to register early. If you would like to bring a guest, please register them as well. The guest fee is $35 which will be billed to your account. To register, go to the club website at www.tucsonrotary.org scroll down the left side under "Upcoming Events". The buffet menu is listed on the registration page, but if you need a Veggie/Vegan be sure to list your and your guest's light lunch in the Comment Section. By registering, you will be helping the office give a more accurate guarantee of meals for this meeting.
If you have any questions, contact the Rotary office. Please wear your RED!
I shared with those in attendance on the 13th that this next year I want us to share “Miles of Memories” together. I referenced the memories we have created together over the years and the impact we have had in so many others lives as well as our own.
The children and the parents receiving the grass ball field in San Carlos transformed from a dirt lot. The recipients and their families that obtained their mobility by receiving a wheelchair in Nogales. The memories of our member that participated along with the memories of working together on various local workday projects. Our hiking, golf, home hospitality fellowships and the list goes on.
I ask for you to help me on “our journey” over this next year by sponsoring me in the “Miles of Memories.” My goal is to walk a minimum of 35 miles a week, 1,825 for the year and honestly want to surpass 2000+. I would like for you to consider donating by the mile and we will share the outcome at the first meeting of each month on my progress.
Donations can go to the Foundation toward a Paul Harris, the President’s Discretionary Fund, or others of your choosing. I want us to have fun on our journey over this next year and to INSPIRE each other and our benefactors through the world of Rotary.
Thank you for your support in making our 102nd year one where we create memories together.
We will no longer be streaming our meetings live via Facebook but we will be streaming 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.
To view videos 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
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Fletcher McCusker will give an update on Rio Nuevo at our 5/10/23 meeting. Fletcher is a third generation Tucsonan. 
PRESIDENT BRUCE introduced our keynote speaker: Today’s program featured Helen Gomez, the Executive Director of Ben’s Bells. She shared with us the story of Ben’s Bells; how it got started with an unexpected tragedy and the acts of kindness that helped the founder Jeannette Maré through her grief. Ben’s Bells is now providing kindness nationwide where tragedy strikes, helping people to remember there is kindness in the world. They also help to promote kindness around our community especially in schools with their “Be Kind” murals in which students can help by making the tiles. What a treasure Ben’s Bells is to Tucson and around the globe as well.
JOE DANISZEWSKI presented JASON FLAX with his Blue Badge. Congratulations going from Red to Blue!
The following New Active Member application has been submitted for membership in Rotary Club of Tucson:
For all of you who enjoy the robust pleasures of whiskey and/or the robust pleasures of whiskey drinkers - outstanding news. The next event is:
Please join us for the club’s first Wine Fellowship of the year!
UA Athletic Director Dave Heeke Presents
