Lisa Bates, Founder and Executive Director of Tucson Wildlife Center, and Diana Madaras, artist, are kindred spirits who were destined to come together. Both these women began rescuing wildlife at age 5 or 6—Lisa in Tucson in her backyard, and Diana in New Jersey at her father’s veterinary hospital. At a very early age, both formed a deep bond with animals and understood the need to help these beings who were desperately trying to survive.

 

The Tucson Wildlife Center, now 23 years old, is a survivor, as well. Eleven other wildlife rescue centers have closed in the past few years pressuring TWC to increase its intake by 400%. Where they served 1500 animals 4 years ago, they now expect 6,000—and all care is funded by private donations.

 

In this presentation, Lisa will share behind-the-scenes stories from Tucson Wildlife Center and simulate a bobcat rescue. Diana will share how she and a goose named Lucy helped Tucson Wildlife Center survive during a critical time and raised enough money to eventually hire a full-time veterinarian for the center. You will walk away from this program with a deeper understanding of our relationship to wildlife and how we can each make a difference with relatively little effort.

 

The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated. – Mahatma Gandhi

 

We really changed it up today, it’s a Buffet!  Today’s meeting started off with a buffet lunch of Alfredo and/or Spaghetti.  PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN rang the bell to begin the meeting at Noon then announced we’d eat first before the presentation would begin at 12:15p. 

 

At precisely at 12:15p LEA MARQUEZ PETERSON led us in the pledge.  Then the inspirational moment was given by ANN MARSH about the Lopez Family, an immigrant family from Cuba that found their way to Tucson via Chicago and ultimately its’ matriarch created the Angel Heart Pajama Project (http://angelheartpajamaproject.org/) that provides PJs and books to abused/neglected/foster care children in Tucson from child birth through 18 years.  It was indeed an inspirational story.

 

Next the song was introduced by LEA MARQUEZ PETERSON; “God Bless America” with accompaniment by KHRIS DODGE and JEN the keyboard. Onto the introductions, KHRIS DODGE, did not disappoint in his rousing introductions of all guests, and fellow Rotarians.  Welcome all to Downtown.

 

PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN shared with the Club that there is a card being passed around for our very own JON WANG who is having eye surgery and will be out for a month.  Please take the time to sign the card and wish him well. 

 

PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN then introduced our speaker for today, Zach Yentzer with Tucson Young Professionals.  A video introduction about Zach and Tucson Young Professional (TYP) was shown.  Welcome Zach Yentzer!  Zach spoke of the history of TYP as an organization, its growth since established in 2007 with its most recent change from being an all-volunteer organization to now having a small staff as of 2019, currently consisting of two employees.  Zach shared the impact that TYP has on the local community, how they support young professionals when transitioning into a management roll or with moving to Tucson and the resources they offer.  TYP is about connection, development, and advocacy.  It was a great and informative presentation. 

The book “The Future Worth Fighting For” was given to Zach to sign for our Make Way for Books Library. 

 

BOB SHAFF was honored to give our club a History Moment which happened to be of one of the Club's Past Presidents, MARIANNE FREITAS.  We then watched her ‘Past President’ video of what it was like during her year of Presidency.  A few things about MARIANNE that you may not know; she is known as the ‘Mom’ of the Tucson Classics Car Show, is always impeccably dressed, always has a smile on her face and once won an award as the “Seat Belt Queen’.  MARIANNE then stood to address the Club and say thank you. 

 

Birthday announcements: BOB ERNSTEIN a member since 1991, JOE DANISZEWSKI a member since 2018 and, DIANA MADARAS a new 2021 member.  A very happy birthday to all of you!

 

A new member was introduced to the club by VICKIE JACOBS: TOM SCOTT, welcome to the Club! 

 

SCOTT VAUGHAN gave the Paul Harris Award to CHRIS EDWARDS and DARRELL STEWART.  Congratulations on the impact you have made in our community and your involvement with Rotary Club of Tucson.     

 

Next it was the always anticipated Raffle and King of Clubs Game presented by SERGEANT AT ARMS KHRIS DODGE.  KHRIS also had an extra special item up for Auction; 2 sets of UA vs. NAU for this weekend.  The tickets were auctioned off to the highest bidder.  Then the King of Clubs was not drawn, better luck next week! 

 

Announcements:

JIM LUBINSKI and JONI CONDIT – both gave updates to the: Centennial, Auction and, Tickets sales.  So far, we are at 45% of our goal for the Car Show Ticket Sales.  Remember to register for the Centennial Event on September 25^th too.  We need everyone to register to bid on auction items. 

PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN had a couple additional reminders: next week is Photography Day.  CHRIS MOONEY will be here to take an updated head shot for ClubRunner and if you missed the group picture, CHRIS will also be here to take your picture to be added to the group picture. 

DAN KALM announced the next Social/Replacement Mixer is on 9/29 at Prep & Pastry on Campbell from 5:30p-7:30p. No lunch meeting that day.

 

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, remember to return your badge in your numbered slot on your way out and if you have not received a magnetic Rotary pin, see DORINNA or KARI.  Happy Birthday to BOB, JOE, and DIANA.   Next week we will hear DIANA MADARAS and Lisa Bates present on the Tucson Wildlfe Center, Inc. PRESIDENT MARK gave the final toast before ringing the bell to adjourn the meeting. 

Dear Rotary Club of Tucson Members,

 

The Centennial Event Committee wishes to share with you the details of our Centennial Event created by your fellow Club members. 

 

 

Parking is in Lot B.  As you approach the TCC portico, on Saturday, September 25^th, 2021, at the Tucson Convention Center, you will encounter ten selected classic cars representing each decade of our Club’s existence. You then enter the Grand Lobby. You will be greeted by soft music and beautiful décor. We have selected awesome hot and cold appetizers (these are not your run of the mill cocktail hot dogs!).

 

Satays of Chicken, Beef, Tofu/Peppers

Spanakopita

Sonoran Chicken

Ratatouille Phyllo with Boursin

 

Antipasto

Shredded Sonoran chicken, poblano and peppers

Green chili, etc, tortillas

Salami, provolone, peppers, and basil tortillas

 

And that’s just the appetizers!

 

The bar will be open with our ice luge available among other beverages.  Members will be able to stroll around the classic cars during the cocktail hour. Following the cocktail hour, we will move into the BEAUTIFULLY decorated Grand Ballroom. Our program begins with a selection of significant auction items for our live auction. We will have the opportunity to bid on the famous Jay Leno Garage Tour! The best live auction in 100 years. 

 

 

Dinner begins with wine (red and white of course) poured at your table.

 

You have the choice of three excellent entrée options to select which include:

Seared Atlantic Salmon

Butter Seared Fillet Mignon

Vegetarian – Bucatini Genovese Style, with Vegan Pesto and other treats

 

While there is more detail with our program, dinner will be followed by the debut of the critically acclaimed Rotary Club of Tucson short film (a sure Cannes winner), “Our First 100 Years.”

 

 

 

The ticket price is based on a breakeven budget. We have to pay a fee to Eventbrite for each ticket sold.

Food and beverage costs have increased and results in higher expenses (represents 65% of cost). We have to have a police officer to watch the classic cars (and us). There are other fixed costs related to the event. The rental space at TCC is $2600.  That is why the ticket price is as it is.

 

 

 

Thank you,

Lee Olitzky and The Wonderful Centennial Committee

 

 

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