Generation-Z (Gen-Z), people born between 1997 and 2012 are the new generation of movers and shakers. People often proclaim that they are the future, when in fact, they are the NOW. 22-year old Patrick Robles is an example of a local Gen-Z mover and shaker. He is the former student body president of the University of Arizona turned staffer to Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs. Serving as one of the youngest members of the Governor’s team did not just happen overnight,  it took a village to get there with a public service career beginning at age 16. Learn about the unprecedented path of this Gen-Z Southside Tucson resident and why it’s important to give Gen-Z a chance to shape your organization!

 

Of, by, and for the community, 22-year old Patrick Robles is actively advocating and fighting for the community that built him. Patrick is the Business and Community Relations Liaison for the Southern Arizona Office of Governor Katie Hobbs. He is tasked with building relationships and engaging with community and business stakeholders on policy issues and in the policy making process relating to the Governor’s priorities. A native Tucsonan raised in the Southside of Tucson, Patrick is a product of Sunnyside Unified School District public schools, a recent graduate of the University of Arizona, where he received a Bachelor's degree in Public Management and Policy with a minor in Pre-law. Prior to joining the Governor’s Office, Patrick was the student body president of the University of Arizona, previously, the youngest member of Pima County Attorney Laura Conover’s Senior Leadership team as Community Outreach Coordinator, before that the youngest staffer to former Pima County Supervisor Ramon Valadez. Patrick is a Tucson 40 under 40 honoree, TEDx Talk speaker, and was most recently featured on the PBS mini-documentary ‘Patrick Robles for the People.’ He serves on the board of the Sunnyside Foundation, enjoys spending time with his family and friends, checking out local eateries, and volunteering in our community.

WELCOME Rotarians and new PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS to this first meeting of the 2023-2024 Rotary year!  PRESIDENT MARGARET rang the bell at 12p to officially get the meeting started then welcomed everyone. As the members greeted each other, they made their way over to the buffet table.  The food today was pretty good, the brisket was delicious!   

  

After 15 minutes to allow the members to eat and have a good amount of fellowship, PRESIDENT MARGARET made an announcement while we all found our seats; to reduce costs, dessert will no longer be provided as part of the lunch.    

 

We were led in the pledge and song by new member, ALEC BERENS.  Today’s song was “God Bless America” with the lovely accompaniment from DAN KALM on the guitar. 

 

PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS called for a moment of silence for STEVE LINGENBRINK’S wife Terri Lingenbrink who recently passed away.  We all bowed our heads in honor and in collective sadness for our member and his family.   Also, our gentle giant of a Rotarian, PAT LENNAN passed away this week.  We are all saddened to hear of PAT’s passing.  Flowers have been sent and cards were passed for all to sign.  We will miss PAT; the details on services have not yet been provided. 

 

The inspirational moment was given by JOE DANISZEWSKI.  Then PRESIDENT MARGARET introduced SERGEANT AT ARMS, DAN KALM, who then introduced our guests for this Wednesday.  Welcome all Rotarians and guests.

 

PAST PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS introduced our new 2023-2024 PRESIDENT: MARGARET HIGGINS.  Congratulations MARGARET!  PRESIDENT MARGARET presented PAST PRESIDENT BRUCE with his Past President’s badge and theme banner then BRUCE gave thanks for all the support during his Presidency.  Next, PRESIDENT MARGARET presented KURTIS, DAVID, and NINA with their director pins. 

 

PRESIDENT MARGARET attended the Rotary International Conference and began speaking about today’s program; ‘Internationalism and Rotary.’  She shared several pictures of her experience at the conference and spoke of her experience. MARGARET laughed as soon as she arrived at the conference she ran into JON WANG and his wife, of all people!  Plus, Rotary sent her home to Australia.  The conference was a great experience, full of amazing members from all countries and full of knowledge.  Rotarians around the world are truly ‘People of Action’.

 

After MARGARET’s presentation the book “Hopeful Ninja” was signed by MARGARET for our Make Way for Books Library as we continue to support children’s literacy in Tucson. 

 

There were three Rotary Birthdays this week.  Happy birthday to: JIM LUBINSKI, ALAN ROGERS, and BRUCE JACOBS.  A very happy birthday to all of you!

 

Next was a Blue Badger presentation.  A blue badge was presented to DENISE WATTERS by CHAR HARRIS.  Congratulations DENISE on your Blue!

 

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

 

Announcements:

PAST PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS was at the podium again who, at the COA, received his parting gift.  He expressed, after some adjustments, his thankfulness for the gift. 

BRETT STEIN announced the upcoming Whiskey Fellowship event.  It will be held on August 2^nd at DAN KALM’S residence.  DIANA MADARAS then asked for a show of hands for any members who might want to join the Service Project Committee.  Next HUGH THOMPSON gave a Happy Jackson announcement.  

 

PRESIDENT MARGARET closed by thanking all our members, guests, and virtual attendees for being here today.  PRESIDENT MARGARET gave the final toast before ringing the bell to adjourn the meeting.

The Rotary Club of Tucson's Whiskey Fellowship will be gathering once again on August 2nd. 'Brett Stein' brett.stein@nm.com coordinates these outings. Here are the details:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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