Richard will be discussing the contribution of The Hotel Congress to the history and culture of the Tucson community.

 

 

Richard was born 1945 into a family who had been in Arizona since the state was a Territory. He attended the University of Arizona obtaining undergraduate and law degrees and practiced law from 1970 to 2006, appearing before State and Federal Courts including The United States Supreme Court. Richard was appointed Public Defender of Pima County and served in that capacity between private practice as a trial attorney. His family purchased the Hotel Congress in 1985 and has operated the Hotel for thirty-six years. Richard was a founding member, with wife Shana, of the Downtown Tucson Partnership and has been heavily involved in downtown Tucson revitalization efforts. He opened Maynards Market and Kitchen in the Historic Train Depot in 2008. Richard is also a partner in Sonoran Vineyards in Cochise County.

Ahhh…we meet again on this beautiful fall day in November.  PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN rang the bell to begin the meeting at Noon.  Due to the buffet, we ate first.  Today’s lunch is a buffet – BBQ – delicious! 

 

We were led in the pledge by PAST PRESIDENT JEN HOFFMAN then we went right into singing “You’re a Grand Ole Flag”.  

 

SERGEANT AT ARMS, KHRIS DODGE, introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians on this wonderful Wednesday.  Welcome all to Downtown.

 

Then PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN introduced our speaker for today, Bill Doelle, CEO of Archeology Southwest.  His presentation was titled, “Tucson Underground: Connecting Tucson’s Past and Present”.  Bill shared the name Tucson comes from a O’Odham language.  Derives from the name given to Sentinel Mountain, referring to the fact that the base of the mountain is darker than its summit.  Original spelling Ts-iuk-shan, which also means ‘black base’.  The slideshow included numerous images of Tucson from Sentinel Peak; these were of the growth progress near the Santa Cruz River basin as well as details of the farming in the area and the archeological findings of previous farms along the river.  These preserved farms and villages date back 4,000 years.  Fun Fact: Tucson has the most archeologists in the United States.  Bill then took a few questions from the audience, and we were further educated on the preservations as well as archeological findings in other parts of Tucson. The book “What is an Archaeologist” was given to Bill to sign for our Make Way for Books Library. 

 

Birthday announcements: JUDY KEAGY, a member since 1993, JOHN DUVAL a returning member this 2021 year and, MARGARET HIGGINS a member since 2005.  Each member spoke briefly at the podium to share some additional thoughts.  A very happy birthday to all of you!

 

A new Member to our club was introduced by LEE OLITZKY.  NANCY STOCKTON, inventor of Trusty Trunks, leak proof swim diapers.  NANCY then shared her thoughts on joining our wonderful club and was welcomed with warm applause from the audience. 

 

The history moment was presented by CHAR HARRIS, she spoke about the quickly approaching Ride to End Polio and shared an updated list of our members who will be riding indoors and outdoors.  These members will be riding to End Polio on November 20^th.   Please consider sponsoring a rider.

 

Next is the always anticipated Raffle and King of Clubs Game presented by SERGEANT AT ARMS KHRIS DODGE.  The King of Clubs was not drawn, better luck next week!

 

Announcements:

PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN gave an update on #Irv’s Fly-Fishing Fund and showed a picture of our new Board Member WES WIGGINS with a fish he recently caught. 

 

PRESIDENT MARK asked us all to be aware of the upcoming Holiday Schedule for our Rotary Club, a slide was shared for all to see and will be shared with the entire club via the Tucsotarian.  Be sure to mark your calendars for the upcoming mixers and dark days. 

 

KURTIS DAWSON asked everyone to consider signing up for the Salvation Army Bell Ringing which is also fast approaching (December 11^th).  Can you believe that December is only two and a half weeks away? BRUCE JACOBS reminded everyone of the Holiday Mixer on December 14^th from 5:30pm-8pm.  There is no lunch meeting on December 15^th. 

 

JIM WOOD presented KYM ADAIR with her blue badge, congratulations KYM!  MARGARET HIGGINS had a Happy Jackson announcement.  She will be retiring from her position as Executive Director at The Haven at the end of the year.  She is looking forward to passing the torch to her replacement while still working part time. 

 

PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN closed with a final thank you to all our members, guests, and virtual attendees.  The scholarship cups are on the table if you’d like to donate and, remember to return your badge in your numbered slot on your way out.  Happy Birthday to JUDY, JOHN, and MARGARET.   If you have not signed one of the Car Show banners in the hallway, please be sure to do so on your way out.  Next week we will hear from Richard Oseran from The Historic Hotel Congress.  PRESIDENT MARK gave the final toast before ringing the bell to adjourn the meeting.

Dear Rotary Club Members:

 

The Member Support Committee is here to help all our members in any way we can in a time of need, not only in sickness and visitation.  This could also include things like a ride to the doctor or our meetings or to offer support when there is a loss in the family, help with funeral arrangements if needed, or issues where one just needs a shoulder to lean on or a listening ear.  Our challenge has been to encourage our members to reach out to us when there is a need.  If there is any way we can help you, or if you know of someone that needs support, please let us know.  Just reach out to Dorinna, Co-chair Hugh Thompson or me.  We are here to help…

 

Thank you.

 

Frank Dahl

co-chair, Member Support Committee

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