Kathy Prather has served as the Superintendent/CEO of the Pima JTED since 2018.  Prior to joining Pima JTED, she served as Director of Career and Technical Education for the Sunnyside Unified and Tucson Unified School Districts.  Kathy's career in secondary and post-secondary education has spanned 32 years in multiple locations across Arizona.  She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration-Management, a Master of Arts Degree in Vocational Technical Education, and multiple certifications from the Arizona Department of Education including Superintendent, Principal and Career and Technical Education (CTE) Teacher. Kathy Prather was recognized for her accomplishments in Career and Technical Education as the Association for Career and Technical Education of Arizona (ACTEAZ) 2011 Administrator of the Year and was awarded the 2016 ACTEAZ Lifetime Achievement Award.  Kathy served on the Board of the National Council of Local Administrators (NCLA) from 2008-2015 as well as the Executive Board of the Arizona Council of Occupational and Vocational Administrators (ACOVA) from 2006-2014.  Kathy was instrumental in the passage of the Pima County Joint Technical Education District in Pima County in 2006.  Prior to the JTED Proposition 400 item being listed on the ballot for residents in Pima County, she led community forums and made multiple presentations to business, industry and local school district governing boards.  Passage of the Pima County JTED District continues to bring over $20 million dollars annually in supplemental funding for satellite and central CTE programs in Pima, Santa Cruz and Pinal Counties.

Welcome back to the Tucson Convention Center this beautiful Wednesday afternoon!

 

PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN rang the bell at 12:15p and started the meeting.  He shared that we no longer need to wear a mask in City of Tucson buildings.  Then PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN asked all those attending for a moment of silence for Ukraine.    

JONI CONDIT then shared that the Foundation Board approved the matching funds up to $10,000 for the disaster relief fund for Ukraine.  We as Rotarians are always looking for ways to help; you can donate to the cause through the RI Foundation or the Shelter Box.  Please see CHARLOTTE HARRIS for more information on the Foundation donation match.  There will be an email sent out for our members with all the details. 

 

We were led in the Pledge and Song by DENA KERN.  The song for today was “My Country Tis of Thee” with assistance on the keyboard from KHRIS DODGE. The Inspirational Moment was given by JOHN DUVAL. JOHN shared some pearls of wisdom he found while cleaning out his desk.  Facts about geese and flying in formation.  The formation helps the entire flock and supports their neighbors. 

 

PRESIDENT MARK introduced the SERGEANT AT ARMS, KHRIS DODGE, who then introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians.  There were lots of guests today, with over 30 guests in attendance. 

 

Today’s Program was introduced with a video about Col. Sandra Wilson and Col. Jason Dickinson, both very accomplished professionals.  Col. Wilson and Col. Dickinson shared the mission of AZ Air National Guard with the 162^nd Mission Brief with our Rotary club today.  We watched an amazing video of the 162^nd created by the Air National Guard, enabling us to see the jet and UAVs in action!  After their presentation we had time for a few great questions from the audience. 

 

The book “Take off! All About Airplanes” was given to Col. Wilson and Col. Dickinson to sign for our Make Way for Books Library as we continue to support children’s literacy in Tucson.

 

Now onto the birthday for this week.  JON WANG celebrated his birthday yesterday, 3/15.  Happy Birthday JON! 

 

Two new members were then introduced: DENA KERN was introduced by GARY FRANKS and DOUG LOWELL by HUGH THOMPSON.  Welcome to the Club you two!!!

Next, Paul Harris Presentation by CHAR HARRIS.  CHAR introduced DOT KRET’s sons, David Lex and Nathan Lex.  Both were presented with a gift and their Paul Harris Certificates. 

 

The Raffle and King of Clubs game presented by SERGEANT AT ARMS KHRIS DODGE.  But first there was an auction of a F-16 simulator ride, which went for $500.  It was so popular that there was another simulator ride auctioned off; a ride in an A-10 simulator!  Thank you CLIFF BOWMAN!  The raffle ticket was drawn by Col. Wilson, but The King of Clubs card was not drawn.  Better luck next week! 

 

Announcements:

PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN gave an update on #Irv’s Fly-Fishing Fund and showed a picture of CHUCK and MATT FREITAS holding fishes (one real, one a statue).  We are working on our way towards $6,000 in the fund!  Thank you to all those that have shared their pictures and donations. 

PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN reminded everyone of the Time Capsule ceremony at Hotel Congress on 4/21 at 5:45p. 

KHRIS DODGE asked those interested to join him for hiking on Saturday, 3/19 at Pontatoc Ridge, meet at Finger Rock Trail at 7:15am. 

BRUCE JACOBS reminded the Club of the mixer at Proof on March 30^th from 5:30p-7:30p.  He then slipped in that PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN is being honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award with the Boys Scouts of America.

CHUCK SAWYER gave a rousing update on March Madness.  Now is the time to get these guests in and get new potential members in too.  Get to winning points for your team! 

 

PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN closed with a final thank you to all our members, guests, and virtual attendees.  The scholarship cups are on the table if you’d like to donate and, remember to return your badge in your numbered slot on your way out. 

 

PRESIDENT MARK gave the final toast before ringing the bell to adjourn the meeting.

To My Fellow Rotary Club of Tucson Members:

 

As we know, Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24th.  This unprovoked war has killed many innocent civilians.  It has also created a  humanitarian crisis with many women, children and families attempting to flee to neighboring countries while the men stay and fight for their country.  

 

Over a million people have fled and the United Nations estimates over five million people have been displaced and are in dire need of emergency aid and assistance.  

 

Many of you have reached out to ask, what is Rotary doing and how can you help?  Rotary International has been very engaged.  Both Rotary International and Shelter Box (a Rotary Project Partner for disaster - temporary housing) have created opportunities for us to donate to help the people of Ukraine.  Both have, or are, setting up operations in countries such as Poland where there are many Rotary Clubs.  

 

Here are links with further information and where donations are being accepted:    

Sadly, we have also found that we have more than a few of our fellow Rotary Club of Tucson members with ties to and families in Ukraine.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.  

 

For other questions and/or to obtain more information, please contact the Rotary Support Center at rotarysupportcenter@rotary.org 

 

Thank you for your consideration.  I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday at our luncheon at the TCC.  

 

Mark 

President - 2021-22

Our Replacement/Social Mixer is the evening of March 30th.  Back by popular demand, this mixer will be held at Proof on the patio (St. Philip's Plaza), 4340 N. Campbell Avenue from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.   Guests are invited, the fee is $25 and will be billed to your account.  And yes, the March Madness continues with this mixer, no charge for MM guests.  Please register at the website www.tucsonrotary.org scroll down the left hand side to Upcoming Events and click on the mixer.  Don't forget to register your guest(s).  If you have any questions, please call the Rotary office.

 

Let's have some fun!  Please remember, there is NO LUNCH MEETING on March 30th.

 

 

 

 

SAVE THE DATE:  APRIL 30, 2022 for this year’s Rotary International Day of Service.  After a hiatus the past two years this year’s service project is scheduled for Saturday, April 30^th   8:30AM-2:00PM.  The Ranch is located 8 miles from the town of Oracle on the Mt Lemmon Road.  Most, if not all of the work projects will be outdoors at this beautiful Southern Arizona facility.  The work performed is a general cleaning of the outdoor areas, painting, trimming, planting, and general cleanup around the cabins.  This is a great opportunity to bring friends and family and introduce them to the spirit of Rotary.  According to this year’s Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta, “bring together volunteers from inside and outside Rotary to celebrate and showcase the spirit of Rotary in your community”.

 

We will have jobs for all ages old and young.  Bring your friends and kids.  Please bring sunscreen, gloves and snacks.  A BBQ lunch will be served around at 1:30pm in the main dining hall at the Ranch. 

 

Sign up on the club website under Upcoming Events or email Dave Gallaher, Tucson Rotary Club, at dave@tucsonindustrialrealty.com and/or call 520-907-4983.  A guest count is necessary for planning work and the serving of lunch.  Carpooling is recommended and many people meet at the Trader Joes parking lot at SEC of Magee and Oracle.

The opportunities to showcase your fish during Irv's Centennial year are shrinking.  You will not want to miss the chance to showcase your fish, or better yet your Kids and Grandkids with a fish!  Don’t let the Wall of Fame escape you.  Join these other folks who have made it to the Wall of Fame and donated to Rotary charities.  Please reach out to Dorinna or Irv for all the details. 

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