Darren Maguire’s championship record is long. Before joining Riverdance in 1996, he had earned first place at many regional and National competitions, including the Great Britain’s, All England, All Ireland and the Regional Oireachtas; and a second place in the World Championships. Darren was born into a dancing family. His parents, Kathleen and Michael Maguire, founded the highly-regarded Maguire O’Shea Academy of Irish Dance just outside London, England. Darren and his five siblings inherited the talent, all having won major dance titles. 

 

Darren has performed on many of the world’s most notable stages, including Radio City Music Hall, The Kremlin and the Great Hall of the People.

 

As an accredited ADCRG, Darren is certified to adjudicate Irish dance competitions under the rules of the Dublin, Ireland-based Irish Dancing Commission.

 

He relocated to Tucson, AZ, in the summer of 2006 and founded the Maguire Academy of Irish Dance after hanging up his Riverdance shoes, having danced with the world-renowned show for ten years.

 

Darren actively teaches classes at all three schools.

 

At the Maguire Academy of Irish Dance, students get a chance to learn from some of the best dancers in the world. There are currently three schools located in Tucson, Dallas and Houston. Over the years, Darren has gathered a highly-skilled staff that has performed at some of the world’s largest stages.

 

The Maguire Academy of Irish Dance is a committed team that:

-Strives toward excellence, while celebrating the joy of dance and competition.

-Cultivates creative leaders, mentors, and cultural ambassadors.

-Provides a safe, fun, and friendly environment for children to learn Irish Dance and form lasting friendships.

-Celebrate Irish culture and heritage.

PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS started off the meeting by inviting CHITA STEVENSON to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and started us singing “God Bless America” accompanied by the talented KHRIS DODGE on Jen the keyboard.

 

PRESIDENT BRUCE announced that cards were being circulated for PAT PATTON’S wife Lynn, who has recently been diagnosed with cancer, so please be sure to reach out or send a card if you weren’t at the meeting to let them know you are thinking of them.

 

TOM LICKLITER had a bit of a stand up act, but went on to lead us in a wonderful Inspiration. Reminding us how Rotarians always remember it is better to give than to receive. Also, doing kindness actually is good for your health. So, get out there to do some good, it is good for you.

 

Sergeant at Arms KHRIS DODGE introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians with extra enthusiasm.

 

Past President CHUCK SAWYER introduced our keynote speaker:

Today’s program featured Josh Jacobson, who along with Monica Carlson and Oliver Swan formed the Tucson Crime Free Coalition. This is a group of volunteers/business owners that are working with city and county leaders and law enforcement to bring awareness and solutions to the fentanyl problem which contributes to lawlessness in our community. Their focus is helping these individuals get the aid they need and finding a path to recovery. In their meetings with County officials, they have outlined a plan to implement so this can happen:

You can be a part of the solution too by signing up for their weekly newsletter: www.tucsoncrimefree.com

 

PRESIDENT BRUCE took a moment to recognize long time member GARY SCHEER who has been a member since 1978, WOW!

 

GARY OLSEN introduced our newest Family Member and blue badger: TAMARA WILSON, so glad it is official!

 

MARCY EULER also introduced us to a brand new member, GRACIE QUIROZ MARUM, welcome to the club GRACIE, we are lucky to have you in our ranks!

 

SAA KHRIS DODGE led an auction and announced the winner of the raffle, (not the 50/50) and the winner was…. FAYE MORSE.

 

Lots of announcements that PRESIDENT BRUCE shared:

President BRUCE’S Miles for Memories has hiked 1500 miles so far, Tallahassee is on the Horizon.

The aftermath of the tragic earthquake in Turkey continues and we can help through ShelterBox.  Please consider making a contribution as there is a match through our Foundation and also through Rotary International. Make checks payable to ShelterBox USA.

April 22nd 8a-12p is the annual Triangle Y Ranch work day.

April 29^th is the Boy Scout Camp Work Day.

Please be sure to attend the Club Assembly meeting on March 22 to find out the results of the club survey.

March 11^th  8am Bruce Richardson is having another “Death March” up Sabino Canyon’s Phone Line Trail.

March 25^th  9am there will be a Saturday Stroll down the River meeting at Brandi Fenton Park to St. Phillips Plaza.

March 29^th 5:30-7:30 Replacement Mixer at Vero Amore (Swan and Ft. Lowell) Sign up on Club Runner now.

JO DECHATELET announced that April 18^th you can attend a Legacy Society Event; you can attend if you are a member or sign up to be a member of the Legacy Society.

 

A Blue Badge was presented by CHUCK SAWYER to JONATHAN WALKUP. Congratulations!

 

Next meeting we will be entertained by an Irish Dance Group.  Be sure to wear your green in honor of St. Patrick’s day!

 

President BRUCE then ended the meeting with a toast!

Company: Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona

 

Classification:  Community & Social Services: Mobile Meals of So. AZ

 

Sponsor: Brittany Battle

For those interested in our BSA Camp Lawton Improvement day on Saturday April 29th here is the link:   https://scoutingevent.com/011-CoatiCleanup

Death Marchers, Unite!

 

Wow, what a great group on Saturday's second hike of Phoneline Trail!  Martha and I were joined by friends of Rotary, Nancy Bowman, Bill & Melody Mesch and sister, Julie Kennedy.  Also in attendance were members, Khris Dodge, Mike Schulte, Michael Guymon, Don Riegger, Don's sons David & Douglas along with friend Tim Collins.  Beautiful day with great company for this 10-mile loop covering just under 1,200 vertical and, in under 5 hours.  Thanks to all for joining and save the date: President Bruce's first Saturday Stroll on March 25 beginning at 9AM from Brandi Fenton Park.

Help Wanted!

 

Unfortunately, our wonderful Kari Meger will be leaving the Rotary office to embark on a new venture.  We are seeking a P/T Administrative Assistant to work 20 hours a week.  Tough shoes to fill for sure but if you know someone with excellent office, computer and organizational skills, please contact Dorinna at the Rotary office.  We want to wish Kari all the best in her new position.  She certainly will be missed by all...

 

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