Christmas morning brought a treat to astronomers as the successful launch of the Webb Telescope opened a new era of discovery.  The mission went through a six-month period of deploying the sun shield, aligning the telescope segments, and checking the functionality of the science instruments. The data collected during commissioning gave hints at this telescope's power, and now with the first observing programs receiving data, we are just beginning to appreciate what this telescope and its cameras and spectrometers can do.

 

 

Marcia Rieke is a Regents Professor of Astronomy at the University of Arizona.  Her research interests include infrared observations of the center of the Milky Way and of other galactic nuclei and observation of the infrared sky at as faint a level as possible to study distant galaxies. These research interests have driven her to characterize and develop large-format, low-noise infrared detector arrays. She received her undergraduate and graduate degrees in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She came to the University of Arizona in 1976 as a postdoctoral fellow and has been there ever since.   She has served as the Deputy Principal Investigator on NICMOS, (the Near Infrared Camera and Multi-Object Spectrometer for the Hubble Space Telescope), the Outreach Coordinator for the Spitzer Space Telescope, and now is the Principal Investigator for the near-infrared camera (NIRCam) for the James Webb Space Telescope.  She is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the National Academy of Sciences and was recently named the Professor Elizabeth Roemer Endowed Chair in Astronomy.

President BRUCE JACOBS called the meeting to order at 12 noon from the Tucson Convention Center. A delicious buffet started the meeting featuring food from Greece with plenty of Baklava for the dessert.  The opening of the meeting featured the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag lead by CHRIS KIM from Salvation Army along with a loud rendition of “You’re a Grand Old Flag”. A Get-Well moment was mentioned for JENN DELANEY who fell and broke her foot in three places. We hope to see her back in commission sometime in December. 

 

President BRUCE kicked off the formal part of the meeting by introducing JIM WOOD who gave truly an inspirational moment about how his recent experience with his daughters where the man in front of him at a coffee shoppe offered to pay for his families’ coffee, reminding him on how important his time is spending with his daughters. “Pay it Forward” is an important concept always part of a Rotarian's life if you think about it.

 

KHRIS DODGE enthusiastically introduced today’s guests, which continues to be a healthy collection of prospective Rotary members.

 

Today’s program was introduced by DAVID LOVITT featuring an update of the Reid Park Zoo from President and CEO of the Reid Park Zoological Society, Nancy Kluge. Our Zoo is clearly on a positive path with a new capital campaign underway, along with many new special events including the most popular Zoo Lights. Ms. Kluge gave an update of the “Children Word of Play” the Reid Park Zoo centennial project supported by Rotary Club of Tucson, featuring three themed areas for children of all ages. The Play Area, currently under construction, should be ready for operation by August 2023. Pathway to Asia is the other capital project and has received full community support after many discussions and will include many animals including rare tigers. Nancy signed the Make Way For Books entitled appropriately, “The View at the Zoo.”

 

Today’s Birthdays included WOCKY REDSAR-WIERZBINSKI (11/03) and BRUCE TUNZE (11/24). Happy Birthday to you both! 

 

A new member, LEROY GODFREY, was introduced by incoming Rotary President, MARGARET HIGGINS. LEROY is in the Food Industry: Fine Dining working at Flemings Steak House. Welcome LEROY and Congrats!!!!

 

Paul Harris Presentation was conducted by SCOTT VAUGHAN honoring member ANN LANCERO and her grandson. Congratulations ANN!

 

With no one winning the big raffle pot at the Drawing (up to almost $1,500) President BRUCE quickly went into the announcement part of the meeting since the meeting was running a little long.  See announcements below:

 

Be sure to register for Salvation Army– Bell Ringing – 12/3 Register on ClubRunner

Holiday Mixer - 12/14 at Bruce & Erin Jacobs register under Upcoming Events on Website

BRUCE RICHARDSON – Next Hike: Blackett’s Ridge 12/11

Contact JOE PENNINGTON – Rotary Skiing Fellowship in Park City, UT in March 2023

ROGER HARWELL had a Blue Badge Presentation to THOMAS ROBERTSON – Congrats THOMAS!!!

BRANDI HAGA-BLACKMAN had a Happy Jackson - Needs Marshals for Downtown Parade of Lights

BRUCE JACOBS talked about the Tubac RC– Golf Outing & Kino RC– Angel Heart Pajamas Project

 

NEXT WEEK’S PROGRAM: Marcia Rieke, U of A - The Webb Telescope

 

PRESIDENT BRUCE then gave the toast and the meeting was adjourned.

PCA - Southern Arizona, Sunday, December 11, 2022, Musselman Honda Circuit, Tucson, AZ. Registration ends December 8, 2022 6:00 PM MST 

This event is for new drivers or seasoned drivers, as well as those who want to improve their driving skills. The one-day event is spent learning, practicing and experiencing car dynamics through a series of 3 key skills, all of which require you to learn to look ahead while driving:
1) Smooth Steering on a Slalom Course -
2) Threshold and Trail Braking -
3) Skid-Pad Activities -4) Autocross -  

For the latest event information please go to  https://www.pcasar.org 

The registration fee is $60.00. 

Go to -   pcasar.motorsportreg.org/events/pca-sar-car-control-clinic-musselman-honda-circuit-southern-arizona

Registration is limited to 50 drivers so sign-up early.  NOT RESTRICTED TO ANY CAR BRAND. No onsite registration. 

Note:  This is an excellent track for spectators so bring your friends and family.

Anticipated temperatures will be in the mid 40's and we will meet at the east gate in the Sabino Canyon parking.  This hike gets the blood pumping quickly so keeping warm will not likely be a concern. The below link will provide specific information for the Blackett's trail only but the overall hike will be 6 miles round trip.  The elevation gain of 1,700 feet will come in a 1.5 mile section with anticipated hike time of 3.5-4 hours with breaks.   

 

https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7019125/blacketts-ridge 

This year the Holiday mixer will be hosted at President Bruce and Erin Jacobs’ home located near Sunrise & Kolb. 5:30 – 7:30 pm on Wednesday December 14^th. The mixer includes two drink tickets, all additional drinks are $5 each with the money going to the scholarship fund. Guest fee is $30 and will be billed to your account.  Casual holiday attire for both indoor and outdoor weather. Address, directions and additional information will be emailed to all that RSVP. Please be sure to sign up on the Club Website, www.tucsonrotary.org under Upcoming Events no later than noon on December 9^th. For additional details, please contact the Club office, 520-623-2281.

 

I shared with those in attendance on the 13^th that this next year I want us to share “Miles of Memories” together. I referenced the memories we have created together over the years and the impact we have had in so many others lives as well as our own.

 

The children and the parents receiving the grass ball field in San Carlos transformed from a dirt lot. The recipients and their families that obtained their mobility by receiving a wheelchair in Nogales. The memories of our member that participated along with the memories of working together on various local workday projects. Our hiking, golf, home hospitality fellowships and the list goes on.

 

I ask for you to help me on “our journey” over this next year by sponsoring me in the “Miles of Memories.” My goal is to walk a minimum of 35 miles a week, 1,825 for the year and honestly want to surpass 2000+. I would like for you to consider donating by the mile and we will share the outcome at the first meeting of each month on my progress.

 

Donations can go to the Foundation toward a Paul Harris, the President’s Discretionary Fund, or others of your choosing. I want us to have fun on our journey over this next year and to INSPIRE each other and our benefactors through the world of Rotary.

 

Thank you for your support in making our 102^nd year one where we create memories together.

 

YIR

Bruce

I thought for those who are not familiar with this show, try watching www.Myclassiccar.com. For those that have voice remotes, ask to watch My Classic Car, will probably appear on Pluto TV (which is free).

 

Lee H Olitzky

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