Well, with our Centennial celebration and the 15^th Annual Tucson Classics Car Show behind us, we can take a break and catch our breath, or so it would seem, but Bobby Larson (our 16^th Car Show Chair) and Bruce Jacobs (our incoming 101^st President) have other ideas.  More on that latter.

 

We should all take a minute to bask in what we helped create at JTED.  We promised them $250,000 and due to the success of the car show we almost doubled it.  Then, thanks to our pals at O’Rielly Chevrolet they donated the cost of the Corvette they helped us secure by donating over $71,000 to JTED in our name.  This pushed the overall impact to over $500,000.

 

Yes, over $500,000.  This was the biggest fund-raising effort in the Club’s 100 Year history and our members, and the countless volunteers who helped should be commended.  The impact will go on for generations.

 

Turning to our Programs and our continued focus on “Tucson Treasures” the team of Kurtis Dawson, David Lovitt, and Nancy Bevens have done an amazing job.  Since the start of the year we have heard from Mission Gardens; El Charro and the Flores Family; Greater Tucson Leadership; Russell True and Dude Ranching; Catholic Cathedral; Tucson Rodeo; YWCA; Jovert Steel Drum Band; YMCA; 162^nd Air National Guard Wing; JTED; Tucson Chamber of Commerce; Heather Hardy and Bobby Robbins.   

 

We also had some fun.  We had the 40 Under 40 winners join us as our guests along with the Hispanic Chamber.  This is an amazing group of young professionals who would all make great Rotarians. 

 

We recognized our Club for the amazing effort with the Ride to End Polio and Club members Gary Hirsch and Darrell Stewart were thanked for their tireless efforts.  We are close to $60,000,000 raised – a colossal feat. 

 

We had some fun and engaging Social Mixers – Including the Sweetheart Dinner and Blues Concert in the new Century Room at Hotel Congress.  A special thanks to Vickie Jacobs and Nicole Lombardo for a super event at this downtown landmark.

 

We also had what many thought was the best mixer ever at Proof the end of March.  Thank you, President-Elect Bruce Jacobs, for your efforts with this.  Also, thank you Dan Kalm for organizing the first ever Rotary Day with the Roadrunners.  We kicked this off on the first day of April.

 

We were also active during the 3-Day 4^th Avenue Street Fair around the first of April too.  Heading up beer sales a thanks to Roger Harwell for his ongoing efforts and much help from Lynn Devou.  Dave White was there too but focusing on car show ticket sales.  By all accounts, both did well.  This is another event we had gotten rusty on due to the pandemic.  

 

We also started our March Madness Membership Drive.  Hats off to so many but a special thanks to Past President Chuck Sawyer and Board Member Steve Pickering for their leadership.  With COVID and the move downtown we have lost about 10% of our members.   We have not had a membership drive in a few years, no thanks to the pandemic so we had gotten out of practice and bit rusty.  Someone forgot to tell Chuck and Steve this as the 100 mile an hour crew were not notified.  March Madness was a huge success and I will report back the final numbers in my end of year President’s letter.

 

We are back to the Tucson Convention Center this Wednesday afternoon. PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN rang the bell at 12pm to get the meeting started.  PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN called for a moment of silence for Ukraine. 

 

We were led in the pledge and song by Past President BOB SHAFF.  Today’s song was “America the Beautiful” with assistance on the keyboard from KHRIS DODGE. 

 

The inspirational moment was given by KYM ADAIR. KYM shared how fortunate we are to have The University of Arizona here in Tucson. There is no better feeling then being somewhere outside our city, like an airport, and to see someone wearing a U of A shirt.  KYM will most often lean in and whisper “Bear Down’ to which the response is also an enthusiastic ‘Bear Down’!  We then broke for lunch.

 

After lunch of fellowship PRESIDENT MARK introduced SERGEANT AT ARMS, KHRIS DODGE, who then introduced our guests for this Wednesday. 

 

PRESIDENT MARK reminded everyone to be sure to wear your Rotary Pin.  A picture was shown on the big screen of other members that have been noticed to always wear their pins.  If you don’t have one, please see Dorinna or Kari at registration.

 

Honorary member FLETCHER MCCUSKER took the podium to finally share with our club what his ‘real job’ is after presenting to our club about a dozen times.  FLETCHER is the co-founder of UA Venture Capital along with his 26-year business partner Michael Deitch.  FLETCHER shared with our club that around the time when Bobby Robbins came to Tucson, they decided to start a venture capital firm that would exclusively invest in U of A technology.  So far, they have invested around 35 million dollars into about a dozen U of A related companies.  There is a lot of connectivity between what’s happening in Downtown Tucson, at The University of Arizona, what’s happening in venture capital and, what’s happening in innovation at The University of Arizona.  FLETCHER then introduced some of his facility partners.  These partners took the mic for a brief introduction into the companies the UA Venture Capital has invested in and the amazing advances in technology these companies have created.

 

Today’s Program started with a video introduction by FLETCHER MCCUSKER; University of Arizona President Robert C. Robbins; ‘The University of Arizona: Leading Through COVID”.  Bobby then shared several slides with the club that highlighted the progress The University of Arizona’s colleges have made despite the pandemic and really how amazing this college is.  If you didn’t already know.  To view the full YouTube video of the presentation, click this link: https://youtu.be/vN51ilhDhdk. 

 

After President Robbins presentation the book “A Letter from Your Teacher: On the First Day of School” was signed by President Robbins for our Make Way for Books Library as we continue to support children’s literacy in Tucson. 

 

Next up is our newest Paul Harris Award recipient presented by SCOTT VAUGHAN.  SCOTT presented the Paul Harris Award to BOB ERNSTEIN.  Lucky for us, BOB has great fashion sense and wore a ‘one of a kind’ shirt which happened to be the exact same shirt that was gifted to him from member TOM BROWNING who recently passed away!  This shirt was made by The Catalina Rotary Club, and we hope that BOB will enjoy having a second shirt to wear. 

 

Our History Moment was presented by BOB SHAFF.  BOB introduced PAST PRESIDENT DON SHROPSHIRE (1993-94).  He then shared a few highlights of DON’s ‘Service Above Self’ throughout his life and, reminded us of how he always wore a bow tie.  Then the Past President video of DON SHROPSHIRE was played for the Club. 

 

The Raffle and King of Clubs game presented by SERGEANT AT ARMS KHRIS DODGE.  The King of Clubs card was not drawn.  Better luck to all club members next meeting.   

Announcements:

 

PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN gave an update on #Irv’s Fly-Fishing Fund and showed a picture of our very first vegan fish!  FAYE MORSE and ERIC SMITH contributed the largest donation to the fund so far with a $1,000.   Thank you to all those that have shared their pictures and donations. 

PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN reminded everyone of the Time Capsule ceremony tomorrow evening at Hotel Congress, 4/21 at 5:45p. 

KHRIS DODGE was back at the mic reminding everyone of the Triangle Y Camp work project on April 30^th.  Be sure to sign up on the website. 

BRUCE JACOBS reminded us that Home Hospitality Week is next week.  The events are filling up quickly be sure to sign up and join us for a great time.  No lunch meeting on Wednesday, 4/27.

 

PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN closed with a final thank you to all our members, guests, and virtual attendees.  He reminded us of the scholarship cups on the tables if you would like to contribute.  PRESIDENT MARK gave the final toast before ringing the bell to adjourn the meeting.

Mitch Pisik, a member of our Club since March, 2021, is giving an hour presentation on: How to get the job you want, when you want it, at the compensation you desire. Tips, tricks, actions to take to positively and effectively differentiate yourself from everyone else.

All of the University of Arizona students who have received a Rotary Scholarship have been invited.

 

If any Rotary member's child or grandchild is soon to graduate from college and/or is looking for employment - they are welcome to attend as Mitch's guest.

Any questions: you can contact Mitch at mitch@pisik.consulting, or 631-943-5275.

 

It will take place on 4/27 at 3:15.
Location: Beach Fleischman’s CPA's 1985 E River Road, Tucson.

 

SAVE THE DATE:  APRIL 30, 2022 for this year’s Rotary International Day of Service.  After a hiatus the past two years this year’s service project is scheduled for Saturday, April 30^th   8:30AM-2:00PM.  The Ranch is located 8 miles from the town of Oracle on the Mt Lemmon Road.  Most, if not all of the work projects will be outdoors at this beautiful Southern Arizona facility.  The work performed is a general cleaning of the outdoor areas, painting, trimming, planting, and general cleanup around the cabins.  This is a great opportunity to bring friends and family and introduce them to the spirit of Rotary.  According to this year’s Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta, “bring together volunteers from inside and outside Rotary to celebrate and showcase the spirit of Rotary in your community”.

 

We will have jobs for all ages old and young.  Bring your friends and kids.  Please bring sunscreen, gloves and snacks.  A BBQ lunch will be served around at 1:30pm in the main dining hall at the Ranch. 

 

Sign up on the club website www.tucsonrotary.org under Upcoming Events or email Dave Gallaher, Tucson Rotary Club, at dave@tucsonindustrialrealty.com and/or call 520-907-4983.  A guest count is necessary for planning work and the serving of lunch.  Carpooling is recommended and many people meet at the Trader Joes parking lot at SEC of Magee and Oracle.

During this unprecedented time you are being encouraged to donate blood on May 11^th, 2022 from 10:00am-3:00pm at the Rotary Club of Tucson Blood Drive.

To schedule an appointment please see the Online Schedule Here and enter sponsor code: TucsonRotary

Together, we can all do our part to help ensure patients have access to desperately needed lifesaving blood. Give Blood to Give Time!

You may create your account at www.redcrossblood.org or download the donor app. To learn more about the donor app please visit American Red Cross Blood Donor App

To learn more about donor eligibility please visit the Red Cross at Eligibility Requirements

 

Completion of a RapidPass^® online health history questionnaire is now required. To get started, follow the instructions at redcrossblood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

We had a great group of eleven Rotarians, family members and guests for a beautiful morning hike to the highest point in the Tucson Mountains, Wasson Peak.  Leading the way in the "jack rabbit" group were SAA Khris Dodge with son Harrison and guests Julius and Brother Kindness.  He was also joined by incoming member Mike.  Following in the "slow and steady" group were returning member Alan with kids Sophia and Caden, along with myself and new member Jon.  The views were spectacular as was the company!

I look forward to seeing you on the trails and save the date as the next hike will be on Saturday, May 21st in the Catalinas.  More to follow...

The opportunities to showcase your fish during Irv's Centennial year are shrinking.  There are 3 more dates to choose from: May 25th, June 8th and June 15th. You will not want to miss the chance to showcase your fish, or better yet your Kids and Grandkids with a fish!  Don’t let the Wall of Fame escape you.  Join these other folks who have made it to the Wall of Fame and donated to Rotary charities.  Please reach out to Dorinna or Irv for all the details. 

To My Fellow Rotary Club of Tucson Members:

 

As we know, Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24th.  This unprovoked war has killed many innocent civilians.  It has also created a  humanitarian crisis with many women, children and families attempting to flee to neighboring countries while the men stay and fight for their country.  

 

Over a million people have fled and the United Nations estimates over five million people have been displaced and are in dire need of emergency aid and assistance.  

 

Many of you have reached out to ask, what is Rotary doing and how can you help?  Rotary International has been very engaged.  Both Rotary International and Shelter Box (a Rotary Project Partner for disaster - temporary housing) have created opportunities for us to donate to help the people of Ukraine.  Both have, or are, setting up operations in countries such as Poland where there are many Rotary Clubs.  

 

Here are links with further information and where donations are being accepted:    

Sadly, we have also found that we have more than a few of our fellow Rotary Club of Tucson members with ties to and families in Ukraine.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.  

 

For other questions and/or to obtain more information, please contact the Rotary Support Center at rotarysupportcenter@rotary.org 

 

Thank you for your consideration.  I look forward to seeing you on Wednesday at our luncheon at the TCC.  

 

Mark 

President - 2021-22

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