Bayer is more than just aspirin. The global company built a greenhouse in the desert to grow corn under glass using robots--but why? And what does it mean for our community? Stefanie will share a little bit of science, fun facts about corn and hopefully a live look at our corn in the greenhouse.

 

 

Stefanie Boe is a nearly-native Tucsonan, having lived mostly here since 1976 when her entire extended family moved from Chicago. She attended Marana Schools and spent much of middle and high school seated somewhere near your Rotary President, Jen. At the time, they shared the last name of Wood. After attending Arizona State University, Stefanie spent nearly 20 years in TV news in Phoenix, Tucson, and Colorado Springs. She produced for anchors like Dan Marries and Savannah Guthrie, covered mass shootings, devastating wildfires, and major elections. Stefanie transitioned into a career in public relations thinking it would mean more time with her family but her first job was with Tucson's largest school district. While working to share the stories of students and teachers was rewarding, she spent more time with reporters than kids. From education, she moved into agriculture and has been with Bayer Crop Science in Marana for three years, getting a front-row seat to the construction of a $100 million investment in the community.

 

Stefanie is married to a former journalist turned teacher and they have three teenagers. She serves as a board member for Treasurers 4 Teachers of Tucson--a non-profit dedicated to getting resources to teachers. In her spare time, Stefanie enjoys Marvel movies and hiking in the desert.

The meeting was called to order promptly at 12 noon by President JENNIFER HOFFMAN. DREW VACTOR was introduced and led the club in an aspiring Pledge of Allegiance and the Star Spangled Banner. President JEN then showed an inspirational video, “Toddler Sign Language”.  This video was centered around a deaf toddler and how the community came together to all learn sign language. The message of course was “building community spirit” for a purpose. Hats off to Newton Massachusetts for changing this child’s life.  Maybe someone in the club has a cause they want to institute in their neighborhood??? Food for thought!

 

President JEN then took a few moments to introduce guests, however your mystery editor was only able to hear one name – so Connie Murphy you were heard!

 

JASON GRABOSCH introduced our keynote speaker today and it was none other than CLIFF BOWMAN!  Of course, you all know that CLIFF is the Rotary Chair for the 2020 Car Show!!!  Well, let’s call it that in 2020!  CLIFF talked about all aspects of this year’s event with a strong emphasis on ticket sales.  While we are doing fantastic, we have a way to go over the next two weeks.  As stated in Apollo 13 movie, “failure is not an option”.  We must continue to “work the problem”. Top teams in Sales is March, January and July members!  Way to go you animals!  One person even sold over 900 tickets single-handedly! JEANNE ZETAH did a quick presentation about the online auction, yes, you need to get the community involved!  220 items donated, 75 bidders (come on you guys, sign up today!)  Over $13k raised so far and we have a lot more items to sell.

    

CLIFF presented the Hacienda Del Sol wait staff with tickets so maybe they will win one of the prizes as a thank you to each for their kindness each and every Wednesday. 

 

Shout out to sponsors for this year’s Car Show – MIKE ANDERSON, YOU NEVER FAIL US. Thank you for hanging in there with this virtual event!  Additional thanks to FAYE MORSE for sponsoring the online auction. Thanks to Sam Levitz THE VACTORS, Tucson Appliance CHRIS EDWARDS, PAT ZUMBUSCH Wellspring Financial, GARY OLSEN Tucson Family Wellness and Furrier Automotive (hey SEAN where are you?)

 

Rotary Club of Tucson has raised in excess of $1.6m over the past 13 years.   That’s impressive right?  This year the money will go to JTED and Make Way for Books.   

 

Happy Birthdays to JIM MURPHY 10/3, ANN MARSH 10/5 and BILL HARLOW 10/8! 

 

CHARLOTTE HARRIS had a Happy Jackson moment and well, what an announcement!  Our very own, JIM MURPHY, received a prestigious AZ community service award – the 2020 Andrus Award for Community Service.  Congratulations JIM for the outstanding work you do in the community.

 

A presentation then followed by JO DECHATELET for the Rotary Club of Tucson Foundation Legacy Society. Well, guess who? None other than JIM MURPHY! Congratulations again and a big thank you for all your generosity to the Club’s Foundation.

 

President JEN updated us #running for rotary”. President JEN thanked all the members who are supporting her through this campaign. Great success – keep on trekking JEN!

 

BOB SCHAFF did a brief member profile on MATT BLAIR and who knew he was born in Germany, got a degree in Zoology and performed a surgery at the Reid Park Zoo.

 

Next week’s meeting we have Stefanie Boe from Bayer Crop Science as a keynote speaker via Zoom. President JEN did her weekly toast and adjourned the meeting. 

 

My fellow Rotarians,

 

I have laced up my running shoes and started #runningforrotary. I usually run 12-18 miles per week or 48-72 miles per month. You can find a form on our website www.tucsonrotary.org, under the “Member Area” tab, top right corner of the home page, or request one from Dorinna or Kari. You can sponsor me mile for mile for a month, a few months or the entire year. Your donations will go to the area of your choice for our Rotary Club Foundation or even Rotary International. How far do you think I will go #runningforrotary this year?  I would like to thank those members who have already signed up and pledged a donation.

 

Thank you for your support,

 

President Jen

2020-2021

Are you interested in promoting your business?  As a member of the Rotary Club of Tucson, you have the opportunity to advertise your business to our 240+ members of the club and also hundreds of visitors to our website by becoming a sponsor for just $99/per quarter.  With this sponsorship, we will post your logo, which links to your website, on our home page, be listed in the weekly bulletin and pages in Clubrunner and projected on the running slide show every week at our meetings. 

 

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact the Rotary office to find out how you can start promoting your business!