In the late 1950’s, as a fifteen-year-old teenager, immersed in many extracurricular activities and living my life to the fullest, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Then, the only treatment for breast cancer was a total mastectomy, including removing lymph nodes and some chest muscles. Little did I know (now) 66 years later, I would have the chance to be an advocate and spokesperson for breast cancer. I give thanks every single day for being a breast cancer survivor.

 

Even though breast cancer is one of the better-known and more-talked-about cancers, there are still so many misconceptions about the disease. Unless someone personally experiences breast cancer or they are close to someone who does, they might not be able to separate myth from fact when it comes to this disease, like who gets it, and what treatments are available.

 

It is an honor, a privilege, and my passionate mission to tell my story to bring awareness to breast cancer screenings, diagnosis, prevention, and treatments, and to let our community know of the incredible resource that we have right here in Tucson at the Ginny L. Clements Breast Cancer Research Institute.

PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS rang the bell at 12p to get the meeting started then welcomed everyone. 

  

We were led in the pledge and song by KANDIE VACTOR.  Today’s song was “Star Spangled Banner” with the assistance from KHRIS DODGE on the keyboard. 

 

PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS called for a moment of silence for JASON GRABOSCH’S Mother, Barbara, who passed away on September 25, 2022.  We all bowed our heads in honor and sadness for our member and his family.  

 

The inspirational moment was given by MITCH PISIK.  MITCH shared his thoughts on the connection to the car show Service Above Self.  Being a Rotarian is about serving others and that is our foundation. 

 

Lunch break.  After lunch and fellowship, PRESIDENT BRUCE introduced SERGEANT AT ARMS, KHRIS DODGE, who then introduced our guests for this Wednesday. 

 

PRESIDENT BRUCE then introduced MARIANNE FREITAS, who shared some background on BOBBY LARSON, 2022 Tucson Car Show Classics Chair.  BOBBY spoke from the podium and decided to get some of the ‘business’ out of the way first.  BOBBY then presented a dart board to MIKE ANDERSON who was one of the first leaders and a key sponsor of the car show who helped the club keep their ‘eye on the prize’.  Next BOBBY reminded everyone of the silent auction going on during the meeting; lots of great auction items. Be sure to bid!  Next up, BOBBY introduced DIANA MADARAS who shared all the great things that are going on at the T-Shirt and Souvenir Booth.  BOBBY then gave an update on the Classics Club Tickets and, volunteers.  He then referred to the slideshow presentation.  These slides detailed the layout of the show, the special areas such as the Classics Club, food truck and parking.  Wrapping up he went over all the sponsors, entertainment, etc.  JEANNIE ZETAH then stepped up to give an update on the ticket sales along with the deadlines.  In closing of BOBBY’s presentation, the Club gave a ticket to each of the servers here at the Tucson Convention Center for taking great care of us every week.  Thank you TCC staff!!

 

After BOBBY’S’s presentation the book “Fast Cars” was signed by BOBBY for our Make Way for Books Library as we continue to support children’s literacy in Tucson. 

 

There was one Rotary Birthday celebration this week: JIM MURPHY.  A very happy birthday to you!

 

The Raffle and King of Clubs game presented by SERGEANT AT ARMS KHRIS DODGE.  The King of Clubs card was not drawn.  JIM LUBINSKI was the winner of the small cash prize.  Better luck to all club members next meeting.  This meeting also included an auctioning of U of A Football tickets for this Saturday, winner LEE OLITZKY. 

 

Announcements:

PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS gave an update on his Miles for Memories walking campaign.  BRUCE has been keeping up with his goal of walking at least five miles a day.  So far BRUCE has walked 553 miles in first quarter of his presidency.

KHRIS DODGE and DIANA MADARAS shared that there are car show t-shirts from last year available at the back table to purchase for $5   

 

A Blue Badge Presentation was next.  JIM MURPHY introduced TOM LICKLITER then presented him with his Blue Badge.  TOM shared that he is proud to be a representative and member of such a great association.

 

PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS then introduced MARGARET HIGGINS.  MARGARET walked up to the podium to the famous Bee Gees song of “Stayin’ Alive”, due to her recent health scare.  As you know MARGARET recently had a pacemaker put in.  She gave an update on her health and is back ready to announce the President Nominee.  She shared lots of inquisitive unknown details of this person.  Finally, she introduced KURTIS DAWSON as the President Nominee.  Congratulations KURTIS!

 

PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS closed by thanking all our members, guests, and virtual attendees for being here today.  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 BRUCE gave the final toast before ringing the bell to adjourn the meeting. 

 

We have a slotter training session planned.

 

  AFTER our Wednesday, October 12^th meeting

                 

Please text me with questions or concerns about slotting at: 520-444-4109 

 

Lee Olitzky       

 

 

EVERY  Rotarian should be properly outfitted at our Tucson Classics Car Show. Jon Wang will have the Club’s High Performance, Moisture-Wicking, Tailored Polo-style service shirts available for purchase at Wednesday's lunch meeting on October 12^th. If you need to purchase a shirt, please see Jon at the meeting.

 

I shared with those in attendance on the 13^th that this next year I want us to share “Miles of Memories” together. I referenced the memories we have created together over the years and the impact we have had in so many others lives as well as our own.

 

The children and the parents receiving the grass ball field in San Carlos transformed from a dirt lot. The recipients and their families that obtained their mobility by receiving a wheelchair in Nogales. The memories of our member that participated along with the memories of working together on various local workday projects. Our hiking, golf, home hospitality fellowships and the list goes on.

 

I ask for you to help me on “our journey” over this next year by sponsoring me in the “Miles of Memories.” My goal is to walk a minimum of 35 miles a week, 1,825 for the year and honestly want to surpass 2000+. I would like for you to consider donating by the mile and we will share the outcome at the first meeting of each month on my progress.

 

Donations can go to the Foundation toward a Paul Harris, the President’s Discretionary Fund, or others of your choosing. I want us to have fun on our journey over this next year and to INSPIRE each other and our benefactors through the world of Rotary.

 

Thank you for your support in making our 102^nd year one where we create memories together.

 

YIR

Bruce

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