Jay Dobyns will discuss his personal journey as a youth in Tucson, to his time as a football player at the University of Arizona, to becoming a Federal Agent, being shot after 4 days on the job, rejecting multi-million dollar settlement offers and for the next 27 years, defending and protecting the communities he served as an undercover operative, including his infiltration of the Hells Angels organized crime syndicate, and, after receiving a series of death and violence threats, maintaining his home in Tucson.

 

 

The meeting was called to order by our skeletally painted president appropriately attired for the All Souls Procession.  One Rotarian declared the look ‘a decided improvement’.

 

GENE CASAGRANDE led the pledge and song, accompanied by GARY HIRSCH.  Inspirations encouraged us to remember the difference each of us can make and showed how Halloween is a time for inclusion for one special needs boy.

 

We gave a warm welcome back to JEANNE FLOWER, who told us how much club members’ outreach meant to her.

 

BILL HARLOW highlighted RCOT from 1971-1975, (when BILL joined the Club) which was BCS/BW. (Before Car Show/Before Women) The new Senior Active classification helped the Club grow, opening classifications to more than one member.

 

Paul Weir, founder of The All Souls Procession, talked about that Tucson phenomenon, which began when a group of artists working on an ancestors’ project spilled out into the street, parading through downtown a few dozen strong.  In 30 years, it has grown to 150,000.  Activities are free, but community support is needed to underwrite the event.  Paul said, “You only watch the Procession once.  From then on you’re a participant.”

 

New member (and future Car Show Chair and Club President) LYNETTE BRUSTER was introduced by sponsor TED FORSBERG.  Her positive energy and Golf Cart Driving ability have made a mark.  Plus, she helps bring down our average age!

 

GARY HIRSCH shared plans for a 4-month Job Board pilot project for Rotarians (including Rotoractors/Interactors) and family members only. Access this project by logging into the Members Only area of the website.

 

El Tour riders were recognized; the new slate of candidates for the Board was revealed; November events were highlighted.

 

Closing quote: “Life isn’t about waiting for the storms to pass.  It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” Vivian Greene

Last weekend, over 170 Rotarians from District 5500 attended the “Cruise with a Cause II” with our very own District Governor Ellie Patterson. As we were sailing on day one, we had the privilege of listening to speakers; Rotarian John T. Capps, Past District Governor/Past Rotary International Director Phil Silvers, Rotary Peace Fellow Mark Flanigan and Rotary International Representative Craig Maxey, discuss a variety of topics about Peace and Rotary, sharing personal experiences and stories that were very impactful.  Before lunch we were ready for a little friendly competition so we played Rotary Jeopardy organized by Teree Bergman.  On day two, we had the chance to get our hands dirty working on improvements for Fundacion Nuevo Horizontos, a school for children with special needs, side by side with members of district 4100.  After a hard morning’s work, we headed to a local winery for wine tasting and a lovely lunch.  It was a wonderful time, enjoying fellowship with our fellow Rotarians, working to make a difference and learning about the impact Rotary has in the world.  Well done DG Ellie Patterson and those who were on the committee to put together such a successful District Conference.