The YMCA celebrated its 174^th birthday last week. But as well-known and as venerable an institution as the Y has become, it is not just the “swim and gym” many remember growing up.  Its original mission of service for all remains as fundamental as ever, but the Y has become a vibrant organization deeply engaged in meeting the needs of the communities it serves.  As a cause-driven organization, the Y has three areas of focus:  Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.  Through Youth Development the Y nurtures the potential of every child and teen by supporting their unique youth development journey through holistic programming. From cradle to career, the Y provides all youth with the tools and resources they need to succeed in life. Through Healthy Living we aim to improve the nation’s health and well-being by providing programs and activities that promote wellness, reduce risk for disease and help others reclaim their health. Finally, through Social Responsibility we know that when we work together, we move individuals, families and communities forward. The Y responds to society’s most pressing needs by developing innovative, community-based solutions to help those in need to reach their full potential. These programs and everything else the Y does are in service of making us—our Ys and our communities—better.

 

 

Kurtis Dawson joined the YMCA of Southern Arizona as President and CEO at the beginning of 2017 after 15 years at the YMCA of Grays Harbor in Hoquiam, Washington, southwest of Seattle. Kurtis served at all levels, working his way up through the ranks to become CEO/Executive Director in 2008. That broad experience has given him a hands-on understanding of all aspects of running a successful YMCA.  He played a central role in helping the YMCA of Grays Harbor grow and prosper, surpassing previous budgetary and fundraising goals in the process.  At the YMCA of Southern Arizona, Kurtis has engaged his volunteers and staff in developing a strategic direction of One Y, Strengthening Relationships, and Standard of Excellence.  Kurtis is no stranger to Rotary; he is a past President of the Rotary Club in Aberdeen, Washington and was chosen Rotarian of the year 2 times. Kurtis is an avid Seattle Seahawks fan, but since coming to Tucson, he has also become an active Wildcat basketball fan. Family is extremely important to Kurtis; he is a devoted husband and father. In their free time, Kurtis, his wife Sasha, and their 4 daughters enjoy creating culinary masterpieces to share with family and friends.

Prior to the start of the meeting young pianist, Jack Putnam, 15-year-old Salpointe student, KAREN PUTNAM’S son, played patriotic music. It was a very nice start to the meeting. Thank you Jack.

 

PRESIDENT CLIFF called the meeting to order and began with an announcement that MAJOR GEORGE ROCHELEAU is moving to Phoenix and BILL MOORE is relocating as well. We will miss both these wonderful members.

 

GARY GETHMANN, then shared that  George Steele had passed away last week. A moment of silence was taken in memory of a great member and wonderful human being.  NINA TRASOFF provided the inspirational thoughts which were letting the membership know more about George Steele and the many good things he had done for the Tucson community and Rotary.

 

The pledge and song were masterfully lead by BRUCE ELLWEIN, US Air Force Academy. Jack Putnam played “My Country Tis of Thee,’ with great skill and acumen.

 

JON PLIMPTON, Case Western Reserve University, announced guests and surprisingly there were no visiting Rotarian guests (could it be the weather?).  He did so cheerfully but firmly asking guests and member to stand.  Birthdays celebrated included CHUCK SAWYER, and TOM MOULTON.

 

BRUCE TUNZE announced a Happy Jackson. He and his wife are taking a 3 month leave to go RV’ing. Enjoy the journey BRUCE.

 

BRUCE then introduced new member CINDY BARBEE-SUGGS. CINDY has had a career in broadcast journalism. She has worked on the sales side of the industry and had worked locally with KOLD, KIIM FM, etc. Currently, she is working with O’Reilly as marketing director. Welcome CINDY, we are very happy you are a new member.

 

Paul Harris Fellows were announced with proper decorum by DAVE GALLAHER.  HOOT GIBSON received his Paul Harris plus 3. A U of A grad working with New York Life for many years. HOOT has been married for 30 years and has two wonderful children. About Rotary, HOOT shared, “It is the best organization worldwide for doing good work.”

 

GARY OLSEN received his first Paul Harris. GARY is a medical massage therapist. GARY was in the Army and grew up on a Minnesota farm where family life was very important. GARY shared, “Growing up on a farm with a strong family,” has motivated GARY in his work (Tucson Family Wellness) and community involvement.

 

RABBI STEPHANIE AARON receives Paul Harris plus 8.  RABBIE STEPHANIE has been the Rabbi at Congregation Chaverim for 30 years. She is celebrating 29 years of marriage to Jack with their five children. She has been in Rotary for 17 years. RABBIE STEPHANIE shared, “Rotary is important to me in part because of its work repairing the world.”

 

LIZ BAKER received her first Paul Harris. LIZ is the Deputy Director of SARSEF, with a BS Degree from U of A and a Masters from the University of St. Andrews. She has received an award as one of the 40 under 40, great job LIZ. LIZ shared, “Education is the key to change in the world.”

 

CHUCK SAWYER received his Paul Harris plus two. Incoming PRESIDENT CHUCK comes from an Air Force family. He’s a U of O grad with a Master’s from Thunderbird School of Management. He’s been back in Tucson since 2004.  CHUCK is the local owner of the Cartridge World empire. CHUCK shared, “It is important to give back to the community, which has given us so much.”

 

The Orville McPherson award was introduced by MARGARET HIGGINS. MARGARET directs the Haven and is a U of A grad.  She noted that this is one of the most prestigious awards given to a Rotarian.  MARK IRVIN provided several detailed clues as who this year’s recipient would be. It only took one or two clues for most members to quickly figure out that past president, DAVE GALLAHER was this year’s recipient. MARK shared just some of the many charitable, humanitarian and just plain hard work DAVE has done for this community and Rotary. He and his wife Susan, have provided a home for many Rotary exchange students, hosted 500 volunteers for Feed the Hungry, he was responsible during his presidency for a large growth in membership. Congratulations DAVE.  DAVE spoke and shared his appreciation. He noted, “I am really at a loss for words, I am very appreciative of this award, thank you. “

 

DALE BERG, Sargent of Arms, former US Marine, oversaw an auction for the Boys and Girls Club event, and a fine for WOCKY whose lovely photo was in Tucson Lifestyle.  JOHN LEWIS reported that he was very sad his social chairmanship was ending but noted the great social last week at Chuy’s and reminded all about the Change of Administration event on July 7^th.   BRUCE JACOBS let everyone know we need more Car Show sponsors.  BOB SHAFF asked that we keep his daughter-in-law in our thoughts and prayers as she is being treated for breast cancer.  So please keep her in your hearts and prayers.

 

JEFF RONSTADT introduced our speaker, Amanda Marks. Amanda is a grad of U of Colorado and Columbia University. She is the Community Impact Director for Tu Nidito. Amanda educated all of us on the work of Tu Nidito and shared stories about their young clients. They serve children who are experiencing a serious illness or have lost a family member. They provide many services including one to one and peer support. She noted their website has a wish list as to what they need and of course, donations are always welcome.

 

PRESIDENT CLIFF asked Amanda to sign one of the books for Make Way for Books and closed with thoughtful quotes.

Please welcome the following new family member into the Rotary Club of Tucson.  He will be introduced to the club at a meeting in the near future.

 

New Member:  Jeff Hallums

 

Classification:  Family

 

 

Bruce Ellwein grew up in the Seattle area and left in 1980 to attend the US Air Force Academy. He graduated with BS degree in Engineering Physics and was commissioned a 2^nd Lt. in 1984.  Bruce flew the F-15C Eagle for most of his career, is a combat veteran and travelled extensively during his 20 years on active duty. His Air Force time culminated in Okinawa Japan where Bruce commanded the 44^th Fighter Squadron and was a Deputy Group Commander at Kadena Air Base.  After retiring as a Lt. Col. from the Air Force he moved to Spokane WA to be closer to family and raise their children.  Bruce started a financial planning practice in 2004 and became a Certified Financial Planner CFP in 2008.  In 2016 they were offered a business swap and the opportunity to move to Tucson.  They were at Luke AFB in Phoenix 30 years ago and love the desert so they packed things up and moved to Tucson.  Bruce has been an active member of Rotary clubs since 2005, he is a Paul Harris fellow and is a past president of two clubs.  Bruce is an avid golfer, musician and back yard putterer.  Autumn, his wife, is a passionate cook, bowler and enjoys golf.  Bruce and Autumn were married in 1986 and have 2 adult children and 1 grandson.  They recently joined the Tucson Country Club where they hope to spend more time on the golf course.  Rotary has been an important part of their life and have made some very good friends and are looking forward to making many new friends at RCOT while serving their local community and the Rotary Foundation.

Jenny Volpe has called Tucson home for the past 8.5 years. Born and raised in Chicago, she grew up visiting Tucson often. Her mother’s identical twin moved to Tucson just before Jenny was born. In fact, multiples run in her family--Jenny is one of triplets! Jenny enjoyed coming from the big city to visit the desert every year and has fond memories of visiting Old Tucson, learning to ski on Mount Lemmon, devouring eegees, hanging out on Fourth Avenue at Antigone Books, and crossing the border to eat at La Roca as a child!

 

Jenny holds a bachelor of arts in literature and education from the University of Chicago and a master’s in education from the Johns Hopkins University. Jenny has always been passionate about helping people and particularly cares about making a difference for under-privileged children. Believing in education as a means to achieve social change and equity, Jenny began her career as a Teach For America teacher and taught for five years before entering the curriculum development and nonprofit sectors. She spent time teaching on the small island of Molokai which was a great adventure after mostly teaching in urban, inner-city schools. Jenny thrives on adventure and has traveled the globe. Some of her favorite experiences include volunteering to care for rescued elephants in Thailand, working at an orphanage in Nepal, driving a scooter in Cambodia, and traveling across India volunteering and doing yoga. Jenny is CEO of Make Way for Books, an early childhood literacy nonprofit organization that impacts thousands of children in our community each year. Jenny is passionate about her work and feels privileged to help ensure that children in our community are given access to the opportunities they need to realize their full potential. She is grateful to be part of a Rotary Club filled with people who care so deeply about helping children succeed in our community.

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