PRESIDENT KURTIS called the meeting to order and introduced new member, ERIC LAMB, who led the Pledge and song, “You’re a Grand Old Flag” with Co-Chief Sergeant at Arms, KHRIS DODGE, accompanying on the piano.
CHRIS EDWARDS, with a purple fo-hawk, offered the Inspiration. He talked about the power of kindness. Kindness is the light of brightness and may ripple in a great way through someone’s life.
Wearing a headband, and still with two years of college team eligibility, KHRIS DODGE introduced our guests.
PRESIDENT KURTIS asked all of the Rotarians who read the weekly Tucsotarian and wore white, to stand. CLIFF BOWMAN, originally wearing a blue shirt, managed to disrobe quickly and be included with those who wore white. Of course, his white shirt was under the blue shirt.
PAT ZUMBUSCH introduced our speaker. He noted that the Men’s U of A Tennis Team won the regular PAC 12 season as well as the PAC 12 Tournament Championship this year. He was also named the PAC 12 Coach of the Year for his third time. Clancy Shields was greeted with a warm welcome and said that he’d tell us some stories based around their motto “Culture Wins.” He told the story of how he ended up at the University of Arizona. He was visiting the U of A and walking between McKale Center and the Football Stadium with Greg Byrne (the Athletic Director for U of A at the time). Greg was picking up trash as they walked. Clancy determined that he wanted to work for a leader like that. When Clancy started, he looked into Lute Olsen’s 1983 playbook and adopted the philosophy “Physical fitness is the greatest team builder.” That first season, the U of A Men’s Tennis team went 0-17, but they were fit. Next, Clancy highlighted the pillars of their motto, Culture Wins:
1 – Commitment – All in. When players commit, they are all in for the season, for their stay on the team.
2 – Playing for something bigger than yourself. This team plays for the seniors, and they know that when they become seniors.
3 – Recruiting – it’s the Life Blood of the program. Clancy told his wife, after multiple attempts at getting Jonas Ziverts from Sweden to commit, that he is going to call Jonas and not hang up the phone until Jonas committed. He told Jonas that and after a 10 second pause, Jonas said “The heck with it, I’m in!” Never give up.
4 – Great teams lead from the middle, not the top.
5 – Confidence & Belief – with a previous record of 4 wins and 150 losses versus USC and UCLA, the U of A has beaten both teams the last 3 match ups.
6 – Love – Imprint love on each other’s hearts. It’s the glue that holds the team together.
Coach Clancy signed the book “A Magical Racquet Ride” for the Make Way for Books library, of which DAVID LOVITT was fined for serving his second year as President of the board.
KHRIS DODGE fined JENN HOFFMAN for her contribution at the Car Show. JENN used the time to let us know that MARCY EULER will have a table at next week’s meeting where we can sign up to volunteer at the Car Show.
JIM WOOD was celebrating his birthday and though an ASU graduate, he credited Coach Clancy on his tremendous leadership. JEANNE ZETAH was celebrating her birthday and told the story of how she joined Rotary while living in Minnesota and is so glad to be a Rotarian. We’re so glad to have her at the Rotary Club of Tucson!
For 2 weeks in a row, we were graced with the presence of JONATHAN ROTHSCHILD and RALPH PHILLIPS. Thanks for coming and good to see you guys!
GARY FRANKS introduced his friend of 28 years, and new member, ERIC LAMB. ERIC was born and raised in California, went to the University of Arizona, has been married for 28 years, has a son who is a Sophomore at Pima Community College and a daughter who is a senior at Catalina Foothills High School.
With the Olympics just ending, there were a few medals that hadn’t been given out and three of our members won! MITCH PISIK won a bronze medal, CLIFF BOWMAN won silver for his quick ability to participate in the White Out for the day and JENN HOFFMAN won gold for being the best Car Show Chairperson that is currently the Chairperson.
JON WANG presented NINA TRASOFF with her Paul Harris +5. Did you know that NINA was a professional dancer and danced with Sammy Davis Jr. and had a long conversation with Elvis? NINA is the longest standing active woman member of our club! Also receiving a Paul Harris was Nina’s Grandson, Sterling Trasoff-Jilg. Congratulations!
KHRIS DODGE held a raffle, and while the winning card was not drawn, DIANA MADARAS went away with $90.00.
PRESIDENT KURTIS had a few announcements:
- The Rotary office will be closed Friday, 8/30 and Monday, 9/2.
- Reminder to check the printed Events & Projects sheet on the table…or just read the Tucsotarian that is emailed to you.
- There will be events around town on 9/11, the day we won’t be meeting at the TCC for lunch. Email Dorinna if you’d like to lead one.
- KURTIS posted some recent Red Badge Member selfies. Keep them coming.
- KURTIS shared some pictures of where Wilbur has been traveling to include Pinetop, AZ, Alaska and Hatch, NM.
EL NDOYE let us know that his first book will be released on Amazon on September 1st. Will it be better than the critically acclaimed book by BOB LOGAN? You’ll need to buy and read it to find out.
CHRIS EDWARDS told us the reason for his purple fo-hawk is to bring awareness to the Heart Ball that he is chairing with his son and daughter. The date of the event is January 25, 2025.
CHRIS also toasted to the U of A beating New Mexico this weekend in football. With that, we were on our way. A photo of members wearing white took place after the meeting with Coach Clancy Shields.
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This very special event happens only once a year and we hope ALL members will come learn about RCOT’s 2024/25 Service Projects and support our Team Captains. In addition, enjoy a Mix and Mingle lunch where you will have the opportunity to get to know fellow members better. 
We will be holding our second "Events Around Town on Wednesday, 9/11/24. Remember, this is the second week of the month, therefore there is no scheduled club lunch meeting. These events are hosted by members at restaurants scattered around Tucson. You can find a link to the events on the home page of the club website under Upcoming Events. There will be limited seating for each event and so reservations are required/all must sign up on the website. Members and Guests are responsible for their meal.
Thank you to those hearty souls that have volunteered to help keep Tucson Clean and Beautiful. The results are very apparent with a much cleaner street! The team has worked on our road (Oracle from Wetmore to River) three times to date.
Good afternoon friends,
You asked for it ~~ So you got it!
The Car Show Friday Night Dinner will take place at the Gregory School, 3231 N. Craycroft, start time is 5:00 p.m. Cost Per Person is $20 (includes two drink tickets, cash bar after) will be billed to your account. Registration is on the Website under “Upcoming Events”. Be sure to register your guests. Lucky Wishbone Chicken Dinner.
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