Pima Community College has partnered with the Gospel Rescue Mission’s Center of Opportunity through a unique arrangement – one that we believe could be replicated in other communities across the country. Guests of the Center have access to training opportunities, taught on-site at the Center, in a variety of programs designed to provide a direct-to-employment career path in five focus areas: 1) Building & Construction Technology; 2) Culinary Arts; 3) Health & Safety; 4) Information Technology; and 5) Logistics / Truck Driving. Learners participating in the training programs have costs covered for tuition, faculty salaries, fees, books, supplies and uniforms (if required) allowing students to have no educational loan debt upon completion. The goal of the partnership is to provide a pathway out of poverty for those who are struggling to earn a sustainable living wage. Current enrollments are expected to reach 100 with growth anticipated to exceed 300 learners when all programs are fully enrolled. An investment by the Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation will ensure that many more men and women are able to improve their financial situation. Funding received up to $100,000 would ensure existing training programs are able to continue. With funding over $100,000, we would expand offerings to add skills-based training programs in other high-demand areas. Additionally, Pima Community College welcomes the support of Rotary member businesses that are interested in offering meaningful employment opportunities to individuals who complete trainings at the Center. Thank you for your consideration.

 

President BRUCE JACOBS called the meeting to order at 12 noon indoor at our downtown location at the Tucson Convention Center with a 2022 record crowd of Rotarians plus many guests attending due to coach Tommy Lloyd presence. Most of the attendees were dressed in UA red or something close to honor the UA and the coaches winning inaugural 2021 Basketball season.  

 

President BRUCE kicked off the formal part of the meeting by introducing MICHAEL GUYMON, President and CEO of Metro Tucson Chamber for the Pledge and singing of “God Bless America”.

 

Following the Pledge and Song JOE DANISZEWSKI gave an inspiration message about success and quoted a few comments from Coach Lloyd’s positive comments from basketball coaches around the United States.

 

President BRUCE mentioned Rotarian MARGARET HIGGINS became ill in Australia while visiting but is recovering and will be home soon.

 

The lunch featured a special meal in honor of the coach of both steak and chicken and my favorite scallop potatoes. As always, the TCC banquet staff was attentive to the hungry Rotarians, the UA coaches, and guests.

 

After the introductions by DAN KALM of the sold out crowd with too many guests to introduce them all, PRESIDENT BRUCE honored guests BERT LOPEZ, HSL Properties and DAVE HEEKE, UA Athletic Director, with their Honorary Member certificates.

BERT LOPEZ, as the sponsor of today’s luncheon and program, spoke briefly by introducing his senior leadership team and how proud they are to be part of the Tucson community and University of Arizona.

 

President BRUCE introduced JON WANG, past RCOT President, 2006-2007, to introduce today’s program featuring Tommy Lloyd, Head Coach of the UA Basketball program.

 

Coach Lloyd spoke about why he moved to Tucson and the University of Arizona, to be part of the community himself and his players. During his presentation, he honored several other coaches for his growth and successful career. Many questions were asked, and Coach Tommy gave a very detailed assessment of the 2022/2023 team.

 

To see his entire presentation, please go to YouTube and search for the Rotary Club of Tucson. You will find the entire meeting on this site.

 

Running short of time, a very quick announcement of birthdays, Paul Harris Presentation and the Raffle were held. KURTIS DAWSON and DAVID PASHKOW birthdays were honored followed by a Paul Harris Presentation by SCOTT VAUGHAN to KANDY HIRSCH and MONTE CLAUSEN.

 

No one won the big pot for the raffle, so the big funds were returned until next week’s drawing.

 

Sergeant of Arms: ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

BRUCE JACOBS - Blood drive, 9/28 from 10-3

BRUCE JACOBS - Charities Presenting on 9/28 at Rotary Meeting

BOBBY LARSON – Car Show Update; Get your Tickets in; On-line sales is the way to go now.

 

Next meeting September 28 will feature RCOT Foundation Grant Presentations. Meeting was adjourned around 1:35 mentioned how close the Car Show was and sell those tickets.

On Saturday, September 17th a host of folks (we lost count at 80) showed up to wrap up the DEK Rink landscaping project at the Boys and Girls Clubs - Doolen Middle School Campus.  

 

Besides the Rotary Club of Tucson, the Catalina Rotary Club joined us with a host of amazing workers.  The Tucson Roadrunners (including Dusty), TUSD, Sundt Construction, Concord Construction, Chasse Building Team, Shade Industries, DMAFB, the Boys and Girls Clubs and many others also showed up.   It all came together under the watchful eye of Rebecca Johnstone with Tree for Tucson and her amazing staff.

 

Over 250 plants (and trees) were planted.  In a month or so the shade structures and picnic tables will go in and that will wrap up this project. It is something that will be used for decades to come by many youths and others.

 

Special thanks to Gadabout for the ice cream wagon and treats.  Also a huge shout out to Prep and Pastry for the incredible collection of pastries.  Finally, a big thank you to Nova Financial Services for underwriting the cost of the pizzas.

 

 

EVERY  Rotarian should be properly outfitted at our Tucson Classics Car Show. Jon Wang will have the Club’s High Performance, Moisture-Wicking, Tailored Polo-style service shirts available for purchase at Wednesday Lunch Meetings on September 28^th, October 5^th and October 12^th. If you need to purchase a shirt, please see Jon at the meetings.

 

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

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