My interactive program will keep the audience engaged as I incoherently focus on developing humor as a laugh support system, the history of political satire and why I need more time off.
I will draw Donald Trump.
I may answer the questions "Where does humor come from? Is it available online? And how can I get more at a discount?" We'll touch on what makes you think you’re so funny and why that joke your so-called friend made about you last week was not a knee slapper.
I’ll draw President Obama.
With my ability to quick sketch any member of the audience I’ll pull a random mix of selected participants up, draw them and ask them about their professional lives.
I’ll draw Hillary.
My program will be in the moment, relating specifically to the group at hand because I have a terrible memory, I’m lucky to remember where I’m supposed to show up.
I will draw out the details about working as a political cartoonist, using humor as a cancer survivor, and why having a good sense of humor about yourself is as American as an apple pie in the face. And if the lights are still on after this you'll get a news update on what's in the headlines this week. I’ll also dip into topics such as freedom, family and why a free lunch is a good thing.
Bio for David Fitzsimmons
Cartoonist/Columnist/Producer/Insultant
David W. Fitzsimmons, known to many as“Fitz”, is an Editorial Cartoonist, and Humor Columnist, for The Arizona Daily Star, where he has worked since Geronimo was a paperboy in Tucson, Arizona, a town where all the saguaros are upright and the scorpions above average.
Fitz is syndicated to over 800 news publications-- which is timely since there are only 800 newspapers left in the world at this time.
A Pulitzer Finalist in 1988, Fitzsimmons’ cartoons have been reprinted in USA Today, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, the European press, The Denver Post, the New York Times, the International edition of Newsweek, Time and China Daily, bringing amusement to millions of downcast canaries and parakeets around the globe.
Fitz writes a popular weekly humor column, tweets, blogs, posts, pins and makes other assorted odd noises.
When he is not at his drawing board slinging ink or editorials, David is entertaining his audiences, sketching quick sketch cartoons and caricatures and mocking the weak and defenseless. Known as the “Fastest draw west of the Potomac” Fitz has performed his incoherent chalk talks in every conference meeting room, theatre, school, and clubhouse west of the San Pedro. Not to mention Denver, Portland, Palm Springs, Seattle, Reno, Toronto, New Orleans Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Saturn. Just checking to be sure you’re still reading this snoozer.
No one in his audience is safe as long as his you-know-what is uncapped.
A happy cancer survivor he has an exceptionally beautiful and brilliant wife (She wrote this biography for him), 3 bright and creative children who have all managed to evade capture by the Feds, 3 cats, and the mouse is missing.
Described as a “Flaming moderate at the fringe of America’s center”, Fitz is a snappy dresser who loves reading hate mail from readers and making his kids laugh.
Just when you think that our meetings can’t get any better --- we have another meeting which tops the last --- this is huge. Our PRESIDENT ELLIE began this fantastic meeting by introducing our new Rotary Office Assistant, Kari Meger … Welcome aboard Kari!
Happy birthday to RALPH PHILLIPS – Mr. Bikeman for the World; BRUCE RICHARDSON of Truly Nolen, DAVID PASHKOW – retired from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and our old police chief, BILL GILKINSON. Bill was a heck of a Rotarian and head cop of his day.
We had a Moment of Silence presented by SID HIRSH for Bob Canfield, a 20 year member with perfect attendance. He was born in the stork’s nest, and had P.O. Box #1 in Tucson. The Inspiration was spoken by DOT KRET. Pledge and Song was played by PRESIDENT ELLIE – what a talent! The song was by JULIE SHERRILL, Head of School at The Gregory School.
JIM RONSTADT introduced the guests. BOB LOGAN presented two Rotary Foundation videos – Vision to see; faith to believe; courage to act.
Our SAA FONDA INSLEY fined SCOTT VAUGHAN for re-entering the workforce with AZ Public Media. PAT ZUMBUSCH announced that we are 51% behind last year’s ticket sales. RICHARD MUNDINGER spoke about our Friday Night auction, DAVE GALLAHER mentioned the Youth Exchange Program, ANGELA MOORE talked about TRVFA – vocational training program. PE CLIFF BOWMAN wants car show volunteers. JONI CONDIT wants to host a Token “Car Show” counting party.
We finally began our program introduced by MARK IRVIN aka “IRV”. Fletcher McCusker’s theme of the day was “Rio Nuevo is on a Roll”. Fletcher spoke of 16 projects that are off the ground to bring our downtown to new heights. The new “Rio Nuevo #3” board has spent $20 million compared to $250 million wasted by State and City government. These projects include: the new TCC Arena, Marist College, the new Mercado Apartments, the new Greyhound Terminal, 1800 LaPlacita Apts., the new Hockey Team, Westerner Hotel, the rebuilding of the Indian Village, 1 West Broadway, Miss Saigon building, and the crown jewel – Caterpillar (+-) 200 million new dollars to the “Old Pueblo”. Also 22 housing projects, A.C. Marriott Hotel will begin construction in one year. Wow, great job Fletcher and RN#3 Board!!!
This meeting ran extra-long, but it was well worth it. PRESIDENT ELLIE adjourned and toasted the meeting.
Picture waterfalls, dense rain forests, savanna and rare primate habitats. Now picture in which country these might be. What about Nigeria, West Africa? Yes, and most of this natural beauty is in protective parks, but what about the people of Nigeria? According to the United Nations Nigeria is in a monumental health crisis and desperately in need of help to eradicate extreme poverty, diseases that are preventable in most other countries, illiteracy and severe malnutrition. Now picture compassionate and actively caring Rotarians responding to this crisis. That is our Rotary club. Tucson Rotary has partnered with Lagos Central Rotary Club of Nigeria as the International Partner for the Global Grant titled Rotary Family Health Days in Nigeria.
For almost 100 years, The Rotary Foundation has lived up to its motto: Doing Good in the World. The global impact of the Foundation's financial support will be seen once again in Nigeria at the end of this week when Rotary Family Health Days takes place. Tucson Rotary took on the role of primary international partner fulfilling one of the criteria necessary for Global Grants - that of a partnership between two clubs/districts, one as a host partner and one as an international partner. This Global Grant is in the focus area of Disease Prevention and Treatment and will serve staggering numbers of Nigerian people in need. Rotary Family Health Days in Nigeria will benefit 150,000 people in health camps where comprehensive screenings and testing will take place to include HIV counseling and testing, tuberculosis screening, breast and cancer screenings, malaria screening, polio immunization, dental and eye care plus general medical checks. When the family members know their health status, they become empowered to take care of themselves and become healthy through referrals to healthcare centers. I can picture smiles on their faces like the ones we saw in the video that Bob Logan shared with us at last week’s club meeting. The people of Nigeria may not know our language, nor where we live nor even know who we are, but looking at their faces, there’s one thing you can be sure of, every smile is a thank you as the video revealed. Our Tucson Rotary club is bringing education, health and hope for a sustainable future in their country to all the people who visit this camp. We are bringing them smiles.
Notice to All Members: Please make sure you have a Club Community Services shirt to wear at the Tucson Classics Car Show. If you do not, please see Jon Wang who will be selling these shirts at upcoming weekly meetings. Thank you!
Pre-Set Garden Salad with Ranch and Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressings or Fruit Cup
DoubleTree Cookies Served Family Style
Coffee, Decaf or Iced Tea
Pot Roast; - Savory Pot Roast served with a Side of Smashed Potatoes and Steamed Seasonal Vegetables
Chef Salad; - Ham, Turkey, Cheddar/Jack Cheese Blend, Hard Boiled Egg, Tomato, Cucumber & Croutons over Chopped Romaine Lettuce. (PLEASE DO NOT ASK THE SERVERS TO ALTER THE SALAD, IT WILL BE SERVED AS LISTED ABOVE. NO CHEF SALADS MAY BE ORDERED AFTER THE FRIDAY DEADLINE.)
Eggplant Rollatini; - Grilled Eggplant with Stuffed Ricotta and Mozzarella Cheese Marinara Sauce Served with White Bean Wild Rice
Fresh Fruit Plate; - Fresh Seasonal Fruit served with Flavored Greek Yogurt and Low Fat Cottage Cheese
NESDAYS, 12:00 PM-1:20 PM
My interactive program will keep the audience engaged as I incoherently focus on developing humor as a laugh support system, the history of political satire and why I need more time off.
Bio for David Fitzsimmons
We finally began our program introduced by MARK IRVIN aka “IRV”. Fletcher McCusker’s theme of the day was “Rio Nuevo is on a Roll”. Fletcher spoke of 16 projects that are off the ground to bring our downtown to new heights. The new “Rio Nuevo #3” board has spent $20 million compared to $250 million wasted by State and City government. These projects include: the new TCC Arena, Marist College, the new Mercado Apartments, the new Greyhound Terminal, 1800 LaPlacita Apts., the new Hockey Team, Westerner Hotel, the rebuilding of the Indian Village, 1 West Broadway, Miss Saigon building, and the crown jewel – Caterpillar (+-) 200 million new dollars to the “Old Pueblo”. Also 22 housing projects, A.C. Marriott Hotel will begin construction in one year. Wow, great job Fletcher and RN#3 Board!!!
Picture waterfalls, dense rain forests, savanna and rare primate habitats. Now picture in which country these might be. What about Nigeria, West Africa? Yes, and most of this natural beauty is in protective parks, but what about the people of Nigeria? According to the United Nations Nigeria is in a monumental health crisis and desperately in need of help to eradicate extreme poverty, diseases that are preventable in most other countries, illiteracy and severe malnutrition. Now picture compassionate and actively caring Rotarians responding to this crisis. That is our Rotary club. Tucson Rotary has partnered with Lagos Central Rotary Club of Nigeria as the International Partner for the Global Grant titled Rotary Family Health Days in Nigeria. 
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