On January 1, 2017, Sheriff Mark Napier became the 34^th Sheriff of Pima County. Sheriff Napier is a six-time decorated law enforcement professional with 29 years of experience. He began his law enforcement career with the Marshalltown Police Department in Iowa, before moving to Tucson, Arizona. In 1987, he became an officer with the Tucson Police Department, where he served for 21 years, retiring as a Captain in 2008. Sheriff Napier’s assignments with the Tucson Police Department gave him experience in virtually every facet of the administration and operation of a law enforcement agency.

 

Upon retiring from the Tucson Police Department, Sheriff Napier continued his public service career, working with the United States Department of Justice and the Glendale Police Department. In addition to his law enforcement service, Sheriff Napier also served in the United States Army and was formerly the Associate Director of Operations for the University of Arizona Parking and Transportation Services.

 

Sheriff Napier has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He has 11 years of experience in distance education with Boston University where he served as a Facilitator or Lead Facilitator for Boston University’s On-line Masters in Criminal Justice Program.

 

Sheriff Napier has been happily married to his wife, Marlene, for 33 years and has four adult children and one grandchild. He has run in 42 half marathons and is a history buff with a particular interest in 20^th century history. He also enjoys golfing and motorsports.

President CLIFF BOWMAN started the meeting right on time and reminded members about the Blood Drive taking place before and after the meeting.  ROGER HARWELL gave a moving inspiration asking us to reflect on the men and women who serve our country.

 

After our fellowship lunch break, PRESIDENT CLIFF reminded members to give generously to the Scholarship Cups on the table.  JANET BARBRICK introduced guests and visiting Rotarians.  And PRESIDENT CLIFF asked members to celebrate the 75^th birthday of JERRY SULLIVAN, who recently sold Sullivan’s Eatery and Creamery.  Jerry (jokingly) announced that he plans to “go back to school to become a brain surgeon,” while continuing to pursue his dream “to one day be President of the U.S.A.”

 

Paul Harris presentations were made to MARK CLARK, MONTE CLAUSEN, and JIM LUBINSKI.  BOB LOGAN noted the importance and powerful impact of the Fund.

 

DALE BERG led the raffle and gave away tickets to the Maverick, Stars of Magic, a consultation and massage certificate, as well as one to 1-800 Flowers.  JONI CONDIT was recognized by Arizona Alumni Magazine for working at La Posada for thirty years—a great milestone.  PRESIDENT CLIFF and JOHN LEWIS announced the Monthly Social Mixer at Trident II on August 24^th at 5:30pm and the Replacement Member Mixer at GAP Ministries on August 30^th at 5:30pm.  Signups for GAP are now open on the website under Upcoming Events.  DAVE GALLAHER asked members to serve on a work project at Arizona Theatre Company on September 9 at 8:30am.  BOB SHAFF and BILL MOORE made Blue Badge presentations to MATT EWING and BRO CRAIG.  LARRY ADAMSON used his Car Show Minute to thank Caregiver Training Institute for their sponsorship.  DARRELL STEWART offered a Happy Jackson in thanks for his recent marriage to Auna.  And DOT KRET offered thanks to members’ support of her Pakmail business and its job development program, as well as their friendship.

 

BOB LOGAN introduced our speaker, Lt. Gen. Mark Kelly, who spoke eloquently of the successes and challenges, as well as the future of the U.S. Air Force, foreign relations, and geo-political dynamics in a changing world.  He shared that “the Force is at the leading edge of tactics, training, and technology.”  Nevertheless, “the airmen fighting a resurgent China and Russia are half the number (of 1990), using Eisenhower-era equipment, and tired after fighting wars, nonstop, for twenty-seven years.”  Kelly assured members that today’s service men and women are the same as ” the legacy we come from…when we put a man on the moon with twenty-four seconds of fuel left in the tank.  We’re the leading edge; and we’ll continue to be, no matter whose sniping at us.”

 

PRESIDENT CLIFF thanked our speaker and guests.  In his parting toast and adjournment, he thanked “the airmen who protected the U.S.” and shared our collective hope “that they always return safely to their family and friends.”

The Pima County Joint Technical Education District (JTED) offers advanced technical education programs across its 13 member districts. These are not the old vocational programs that were often a last resort for students who did not seem to cut it in college-prep. JTED programs offer cutting-edge technology, relevant hands-on experiences, and a rigorous curriculum. The JTED currently serves over 14,000 students in Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs throughout the county.

 

JTED's guiding educational philosophy includes four major initiatives:

●          Upgrading and enhancing existing courses and programs in participating districts.

●          Expanding the options and rigor of courses available to students.

●          Providing innovative training for students to enter the Southern Arizona workforce.

●          Providing a community resource to enhance career skills & improve employability.

 

Nearly 1,700 students leave their high school each afternoon or evening and participate in central campus programs.  Those programs are offered at thirteen locations and result in students earning industry based certifications and college dual credit. Pima JTED’s mission is to provide premier career and technical education programs in partnership with business and industry.  JTED strives to see every student in Pima County prepared for college and the workforce.  Many use their training at JTED to pay their way through college.

 

98% of JTED students graduate from high school compared to 76% for non-JTED students.

It's time to start up our monthly social mixers once again at Trident II, 2900 N. Swan on Thursday, August 24th, start time is 5:30 p.m.  Come out for a fun evening where members and guests get together to enjoy friendship and fellowship. Danny at Trident II is looking forward to seeing us back on the last Thursday of each month.   So come join us!  Cheers...

With five Wednesdays this month, President Cliff is continuing the tradition of having our 5^th Wednesday meeting away from the DoubleTree. Our Social Committee has planned an event on Wednesday, August 30th at the GAP Ministries located at 2861 N. Flowing Wells Road. This function will take the place of our regularly scheduled Wednesday lunch meeting.  This is an amazing organization. GAP Ministries is a social service, nonprofit serving Southern Arizona since 1999.  Their mission is simple: Standing in the GAP for those in need. Bringing help to children, healing to families and hope to the community. One of their services is to provide care for over 400 foster children annually in family style group homes in Tucson. To better deal with the root causes of the foster care crisis, GAP has begun visitation programs with the birth parents, as well as training and licensing of foster parents. This organization is one of the recipients of our 2017 Car Show proceeds.  We hope you and your guest will join us for a fun evening at GAP Ministries.  Signups are on our website  www.tucsonrotary.org under “Upcoming Events”, Guest Fee is $15 which will be billed to your account.

 

Thanks,

Rotary Club of Tucson Social Committee

 

Fellow Rotarians, one of my objectives for this year is to “Build Diversity” in our club.  The district leadership has put together a membership seminar that will assist all our clubs in that objective.  Please join me if you can at the seminar.  Here is the description of the seminar from the district website, http://rotaryd5500.org/.  “This year’s District 5500 Membership Seminar provides an exciting new experience.  You will be treated to presentations from two local Rotarians who will provide excellent ideas on how to recruit and retain new and current members.  Also, this year, you will be part of the experience as three panels will bring practical ideas for your consideration and provide the opportunity for your active participation.  Yes, they will be interactive.  When you register, please jot down questions, comments, experiences pertaining to the topics to be discussed by the panels:  Recruiting Young Professionals, Orientation of New Members and Retention.  Bring them with you and join in the conversation.  This is a different format than has been used in the past.  It is hoped that this format will provide you the opportunity to hear some success stories, to actively participate in the discussions and to take with you some solid, practical ideas to grow membership and retain members because, after all, it is ALL ABOUT MEMBERSHIP.”

 

For more information and to register for the seminar visit the District 5500 website.  I look forward to seeing you there!  ~~ President Cliff

The Arizona Rotary Leadership Academy (RLA) is an exciting and innovative distance learning approach to leadership development. Through this vehicle, selected Rotary Club Past-Presidents obtain exceptional training at home, via their computers, under the guidance of some of our most capable and experienced Past District Governors and senior Rotarians. Students will be able to work at their own pace and on their own schedules, within the guidelines of the program. To be eligible to attend RLA the nominee must be a Rotary Club Past-President.

 

 

There will be a service project on Saturday September 9 from 8:30 to 12:30 AM to help shine up the new offices and balconies in the historic Glenwood Hotel.  There will be plenty of opportunities for painting railings and window sills and sanding of floors on the porches. Other small and light chores will be available.  ATC recently acquired their new digs and they will look even better with RCOT help.  Please register with Dave Gallaher or Mike Orcutt.  Dave can be reached via email dave@tucsonindustrialrealty.com .