Fred Ronstadt is a fifth-generation Tucsonan and member of several pioneer families.

 

He is currently the Executive Director of the Fourth Avenue Merchants Association, which produces the biannual Street Fair. The association’s primary mission is to promote economic programs designed to strengthen and expand the economic potential of North Fourth Avenue.

 

He served as a member of the Tucson City Council from 1997 to 2005, and worked as a Certified Emergency Paramedic, high school teacher, and a financial analyst.

 

He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Arizona.

 

He and his wife, Sharla, live in the Downtown area and have two boys, a daughter-in-law and a grandson.

PRESIDENT CLIFF rang the bell to start the meeting on time.  RICHARD WHITE gave the Inspiration and LIZ MCMAHON led us in the “Star Spangled Banner” accompanied by GARY HIRSCH on the piano. New member DAWNE BELL introduced guests and visiting Rotarians   

 

We had two birthday Rotarians:  MARGARET HIGGINS representing The Haven and the best sounding accent in our entire club announced that she could never retire and “leave you lot.  MATT NANCE risked life and limb by suggesting that we all already know all the benefits of getting older (if only I could get up from my chair…) Happy Birthday MARGARET and MATT!

 

PRESIDENT CLIFF introduced our newest Honorary Member, FIRE CHIEF JIM CRITCHLEY.  Welcome JIM!

 

Sergeant at Arms DALE BERG (“No, I was not late…”) conducted an auction of four tickets generously donated by BURT STRUG and reminded everyone to sign the TCCS 2017 Banner outside.  PRESIDENT CLIFF asked that everyone vote for new nominees to the Board of Directors or submit an Absentee Ballot online and gave us an update on the outstanding start to the Annual Fund Campaign.  PRESIDENT CLIFF also asked everyone to sign up for the Replacement Mixer on Thursday, November 30 and remember, no meeting on Wednesday, November 29th. Finally, GEORGE ROCHELEAU implored everyone to sign up for Bell Ringing on December 2nd so that his lieutenant would not have to ring the bells for all the kettles that day.

 

GARY HIRSCH introduced our speaker, noting that she has raised over $300,000 through her own efforts for the ride to end polio.  Shirley Grace (PDG Rotary District 5230, 2012-2013) spoke about her experiences working up to the distances required to complete the Ride to End Polio, as well as her own personal history with her son Jackson and the Rotary House International. Shirley encouraged everyone to live by the Four Way Test, give of our time, treasure and talent, and find that part of Rotary that speaks to us. A truly riveting presentation – thank you Shirley! Shirley signed “The Thank You Dish” for the Reading Seed Library.

 

PRESIDENT CLIFF ended the meeting with an inspirational quote, and we adjourned to go carb load for the Ride to End Polio.

 

 

 

The Rotary Club of Tucson was honored with one of the 5 major awards at the 2017 National Philanthropy Day luncheon, sponsored by So. AZ Association of Fundraising Professionals. There was a 2 minute video, a presentation of a lovely heart sculpture made of glass on stage, and photos taken. We should all be so proud of our Tucson Rotary Club for being named the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year! Below was what the MC read about our club from the podium.

 

  The Rotary Club of Tucson is a vibrant group of over 230 professional men and women who share their knowledge, skills and talents in service to others.  We are friends, neighbors and community leaders who are creating positive, lasting changes in our communities and around the world.  We share our passion for helping others and solving problems while forming friendships and making professional connections.  Members enjoy fun social events and networking at different locations around town.  And, we always look forward to getting together weekly to enjoy programs that are educational, entertaining, and engaging.

 

Rotary International had its beginning in Chicago in 1905. Rotary Club of Tucson, chartered in 1921, is the largest Rotary Club in Arizona. We continue serving the Southern Arizona community as the oldest service organization in Tucson.  Nearly every social issue in Tucson has been supported by the Club, including literacy, homelessness, youth development, substance abuse, poverty, food insecurity and education. Our Club has also been a leader on the international stage, encouraging Rotarians, through its parent organization, Rotary International, to participate in the Ride To End Polio event through El Tour de Tucson that takes place in November. Community service is one of the key tenets of Rotary membership, and as both volunteers and volunteer fundraisers, RCOT members lead by example. Over the past 10 years, $1,085,518 has been awarded from the proceeds of our Rotary Club’s annual Tucson Classics Car Show to local charities, improving the lives of children and families. Our Tucson Rotary Club granted a record $209,308 to Tucson charities from the 2016 Tucson Classics Car Show. In addition, our Club awards smaller grants to various charities throughout the year. Tucson Rotary never stops doing and never stops giving. And that’s how we want our Club to be. The commitment of the Rotary Club to making the world a better place is second to none, as they strive every day to live the Rotary motto, Service Above Self.  

The weather could not have been more perfect for the Rotarians and friends who participated in our Rotary District’s 5500 Michael J Harris Memorial Ride To End Polio event on Saturday, 11/18, in the 35^th Annual El Tour de Tucson.  Those who rode outdoors or indoors and those who supported the riders as a donor, or who volunteered in some capacity or both…….all contributed their time, their talent, their money and their energy in  Rotary’s goal to eradicate Polio worldwide. The goal this year was set at $10 million with the Gates Foundation match and as of Saturday morning, more than $8.4 million had been pledged or collected from Rotarians locally and around the world. Polio doesn’t stand a chance with dedicated Rotarians and partners who continue the fight against this devastating disease. Just think, over 30 years ago there were 350,000 cases a year in 125 countries and now this year, only 15 cases reported in just two countries.  We look forward to the day when we can close the book on polio and say “Adios Polio.”

Yesterday the Interact Club and New Life of Tucson hosted a thanksgiving dinner for refugee families and families in need in the Amphi Community.

 

Chef John from GAP Ministries is offering a Thanksgiving dinner for order.  His southwestern version (pictured here) looks so good, you might have to skip cooking this year and order instead.  If you are interested in totally relaxing this Thanksgiving, give Tiane Kennedy of GAP a call at 520-392-8436 or email her at tiane@gapmin.com for more information.