For the next few minutes, Julius Parker, Jr. will take you on a journey that will cover some of the significant accomplishments and events that have become indelible moments in African American History as seen mostly through the eyes of a soldier for thirty-four years.
This journey actually began when the first African Americans arrived on six ships on the shores of what is now called Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. That was 407 years ago or 180 years before the signing of the US Constitution in 1787. Or, 169 years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.
Julius Parker relates black history to the Declaration of Independence ....
Biography
Upon his retirement in 1990, General Parker was the highest ranking African American Military Intelligence Branch Officer in the history of the U.S. Army.
He was born in New Braunfels, Texas. Upon completion of the Reserve Officers Training Corps curriculum and the educational course of study at Prairie View A&M University in 1955, he was commissioned a second lieutenant of Infantry and awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Chemistry. He also holds a Master of Science degree in Public Administration from Shippensburg State University of Pennsylvania, and is a graduate of The Harvard University Senior Executive Program.
A veteran of 33 years of military service, he commanded units at every level of the US Army from Second Lieutenant through two- star General. After his military retirement as Commanding General, Fort Huachuca, he served 21 years as VP for Administrative Services for the University of Arizona. He is a two time recipient of the Arizona Governor’s Award for Excellence.
He has served the Tucson community as a public speaker, mentor, and member of local and state boards of directors.
He is President & CEO of J. P. Industries, Inc. in Tucson, an AbilityOne Program that empowers individuals with severe disabilities with employment opportunities.
He is married to the former Dorothy June Henry of Houston, TX, whom he met at Prairie View A&M University. They have three children. Julian R., is an electrical engineer with a Master’s Degree in Systems Engineering, Dorvita Parker, holder of an MBA from the University of Phoenix, and Jules G. is a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, specializing in the body’s lower extremities, ankles, and feet.
Well if you’re a bicycle rider or a supporter of cycling, I’m sure you really enjoyed today’s program. Did you know that Tucson is considered one of the ten best cities in America for cycling? And did you know that many “tourists” travel to Tucson to enjoy the cycling experience? If so, then you are probably aware that construction is underway to complete “The Loop”, a 54-mile bicycle trail that, when finished, will allow cyclers to ride around the entire city in a continuous, off-road multi-use path. I did not know this, but look forward to completion of “The Loop”. I’m a big supporter of cycling as long as I don’t have to “share the road” with automobiles!
Speaking of cycling, we had a Happy Jackson for ELLIE PATTERSON and STEVE PICKERING. Both were recognized in the recent Rotary International publication for their support of The Ride to End Polio. Thanks ELLIE and STEVE (and everyone else in RCOT) for helping our club be recognized as a leader in the global effort to stamp out polio.
Mark your calendars for an RCOT fun evening event. There is an open house at Make Way for Books March 8th from 5:30 to 7:30. This is a great way for RCOT members to learn more about our new primary beneficiary for the 2016 Tucson Classics Car Show.
Last but not least, we celebrated two birthdays this meeting. DON CLARKE, a 32-year Rotarian, and KEN LIGHT, retired. KEN shared what his retirement experience is like: “I get up in the morning with nothing to do and go to bed only having accomplished half of it!” Sounds like fun to me!
Of the ways of engagement outlined over the past five columns, it is conceivable that money, contacts, and other people's money/time could be realized by a Rotary club regardless of how many members there are. Conceivable, but likely more and more challenging as the club size decreases. Even if those three necessities are in hand, the remaining ways of engagement - time and leadership - are definitely proportional to the number of members. For some needs, there is no substitute for greater, human resources.
Given that every Rotary club experiences member loss, notwithstanding any perfect retention system, there must be new members brought into the club on a regular basis. This is so vital that recruitment acumen alone is a sufficient contribution to be considered an engaged Rotarian. Every club will benefit greatly from the efforts of a proficient member recruiter, and just a few such members can make an enormous contribution to club success.
Rotary Club of Tucson loses approximately 10% of its members each year, most due to uncontrollable factors. Just ten of our 231 members, each sponsoring three new Rotarians per year, makes up for the loss and provides robust growth.
Only a minority of RCOT members excel at recruitment (although a majority have enough in the way of contacts and sales ability to introduce a prospect on at least an occasional basis). If you are one of that minority, consider focusing your engagement, or most of it, on filling that club need instead of other ways of participation. If you run through your entire field of potential members after three or four years, you've still made a huge contribution to Rotary. Moreover, there is a good chance at least one of those you bring on board will, in turn, be a star at convincing new candidates to join.
The new family membership category - for club members' close relatives who have constrained schedules during Wednesday meeting times - provides a new avenue for expanding our numbers.
Every new member brings new abilities and assets to Rotary. You say you can't give money or time, you have no contacts who can give money or time, and you are not comfortable with taking leadership positions? Your value to RCOT is just as important if you succeed at expanding the membership roles.
There is one more means of being engaged in Rotary that is next week's focus. Unlike the prior six means, It is not one open to all members.
Posted by Frank, Presson, D5500 DG
on Feb 15, 2016
Tucson,/February 13. For immediate release - It is a great pleasure to announce the District Governor committee has selected Kirk Reed, (Catalina Club in Tucson) as the District Governor for 2018-2019. Moreover, the committee also selected PDG Teree Bergman as Vice Governor for 2016-2017.
Kirk is an outstanding choice with plenty of skills to move Arizona Rotary in District 5500. He retired from the ministry four years ago where he served three congregations in Chicago. While in Chicago he served as President of two clubs and was an AG. He moved to Tucson and served Catalina as President. He currently serves as chair of the Centennial committee that will help us meet our Foundation Giving Goals for the 100th Anniversary. He is from a Rotarian family with 90+ years of service. His dad was a PDG and his mom (93) serves the Large Georgia Club.
Kirk’s wife Susan is a long distance bike rider (like here to Florida) that has gotten Kirk to peddle along during their recent trip to Vietnam. Please congratulate Kirk on accepting this position to serve our district.
Garden Salad: Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette and Ranch Dressings
Rustic Meatloaf: Stuffed with Smoked Ham & Cheddar, Onion Gravy, Sour Cream Masher and Seasonal Vegetables
Doubletree Cookies Served Family Style
Coffee, Decaf or Iced Tea
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 DESCRIBED ABOVE. NO CHEF SALADS MAY BE ORDERED AFTER THE FRIDAY DEADLINE)
Vegetarian - Tucson Ratatouille:Roasted Vegetables with Balsamic Vinegar, Olive Oil over Vegetable Fried Rice, Served with Steamed Spinach and Tofu, Fresh Steamed Vegetables
Fresh Fruit Plate: Fresh Seasonal Fruit served with FLAVORED Greek Yogurt and Low Fat Cottage Cheese
Gluten Free: The main meal as a Gluten Free option
NESDAYS, 12:00 PM-1:20 PM
For the next few minutes, Julius Parker, Jr. will take you on a journey that will cover some of the significant accomplishments and events that have become indelible moments in African American History as seen mostly through the eyes of a soldier for thirty-four years.
Well if you’re a bicycle rider or a supporter of cycling, I’m sure you really enjoyed today’s program. Did you know that Tucson is considered one of the ten best cities in America for cycling? And did you know that many “tourists” travel to Tucson to enjoy the cycling experience? If so, then you are probably aware that construction is underway to complete “The Loop”, a 54-mile bicycle trail that, when finished, will allow cyclers to ride around the entire city in a continuous, off-road multi-use path. I did not know this, but look forward to completion of “The Loop”. I’m a big supporter of cycling as long as I don’t have to “share the road” with automobiles!
Thanks ELLIE and STEVE (and everyone else in RCOT) for helping our club be recognized as a leader in the global effort to stamp out polio.
