Tucsotarian - June 27, 2018 (Jun 27, 2018)

President CLIFF opened his last meeting of what has been an entertaining, funny, and productive term, and he gave his best wishes to DAWNE BELL who sadly is moving to Michigan. Good Luck DAWNE!

HOOT GIBSON offered an inspiration hoping for a quick resolution to the immigration conflicts at the border, and PAT PATTON led us in the pledge and song “America the Beautiful” accompanied by GARY HIRSCH.

JON PLIMPTON introduced our guests, noting that our usual contingent of visiting Rotarians are smart enough to stay away from Tucson in the dog days of summer. We had four Birthday Rotarians:

GARY OLSEN has enjoyed getting involved in marketing for the Car Show and announced that his business has grown four times since becoming involved with Rotary.
ANGELA MOORE is following in her father’s footsteps as a Rotary member, and gave the best ever birthday wish according to President CLIFF.
MONTE CLAUSEN is celebrating 60 years in Tucson and noted the change in size of the athletic department at the University from when his father was the Athletic Director.
ERNIE MINCHELLA as always told a “quick” joke, thanked his sponsor STU GOLDMAN, and thanked the club for 28 years of friendship and fellowship.
GORDON GRAHAM, an esteemed 50 year member, served as the original “Bulletin Editor” which later became the Mystery Editor. Our editorial hats are off to GORDON!

We also had the introduction of two new members:

ELLEN WHEELER, who served as Pima County Assistant Administrator, introduced SARAH FAJARDO. SARAH attended Sam Hughes, Tucson High, the U of A, and looks forward to helping people continue to make their dreams come true.

President CLIFF introduced a familiar face as a new member. JENNY VOLPE current CEO of Make Way for Books. We’re all familiar with JENNY’s passion, energy, and dedication from the past four years, and she noted that it is an honor to now be a member of the RCOT.

The esteemed past presidents CHARLOTTE HARRIS and SCOTT VAUGHAN presented Paul Harris pins to the following:

HUGH THOMPSON gave a Paul Harris pin to daughter Stephanie Welch who is following her dreams in Phoenix as the owner of a salon in Phoenix.
William Isaac Ronstadt received a pin from his Great Grandfather JIM RONSTADT.
KATHY KITAGAWA received her Paul Harris plus one, and remembered her involvement as co-chair of the wheelchair project, Rotary Foundation, and Episcopal Health Foundation.
CHRIS EDWARDS received his Paul Harris plus two and continues to follow his dream of being an entrepreneur.
JULIUS PARKER received his Paul Harris plus two and recalled his time leading the military intelligence corps in Fort Huachuca under the motto “always out front”.
KEN LIGHT received his Paul Harris plus 5, enjoys helping others around the world, and looks forward to his 50th wedding anniversary next year. Congratulations Ken and Martha!

Sergeant at Arms DALE BERG sadly began his last turn rallying the members with the following announcements:

President CLIFF reminded us we are dark on 6/27 & 7/4 (No need to do Make ups).
JOHN LEWIS invited everyone to the Change of Administration celebration – Sat. 7/7/18 at La Mariposa. All must register on the website – home page and scroll down the left side to Upcoming Events.
President Elect CHUCK SAWYER invited everyone to our August 8th Replacement Mixer (Top Golf).

JEFF RONSTADT introduced our speaker Morgen Hartford, MSW Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter. Mr. Hartford noted that the cost to our health care system from Alzheimers will exceed $1.1 trillion by 2050. Thankfully NIH has devoted $1.8 M to research annually through 2025. He explained that there are over 80 different types of dementia of which Alzheimers is the most prevalent. The diagnosis is difficult and often the progression varies, but 1 in 9 seniors will be affected by the disease. Mr. Hartford’s staff of six offers programs for education, Memory Cafes, early stage programs and a trial match service for treatment programs. Mr. Hartford signed a book for our lending library: “Old Hat”.

We ended with a toast from our newest and possibly funniest past president noting that it has been a privilege and honor to serve as president and hold the rudder firm for the Rotary Club of Tucson.