The mission of this charity is to motivate and inspire students to achieve higher goals in the academic and personal behavior with the opportunity to learn to fly an airplane. This program introduces students to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) career fields.  More than 30,000 children in Tucson have been served since its inception and 1,000 children per year now participate in this program which they would like to expand.  A $20K grant would allow 200-300 students to participate in the program.  They expect to sell 500 car show tickets and provide at least 14 volunteers the day of show. 

 

 

This program focuses on promoting students (with an emphasis on women and minorities) to enter science, math, and engineering careers. This program has three aspects: 1) Training of teachers to engage students in these areas; 2) make learning fun through real life practical applications of science and math; and 3) support and train parents to be engaged in the annual Science Fair projects.  A $20K grant would allow them to hire another teacher as the liaison to more schools.  They expect to sell 500 TCCS car show tickets and provide 25 volunteers to work day of show.

 

 

ICS is a 501(c)(3) developed by a coalition of many faith organizations and this grant request is to grow their new "Steps For Stability" program aimed at expanding financial literacy, soft skills training, peer-to-peer sharing and coaching particularly focused at low-income, single mothers living at or below 150% of federal poverty level.  This program helps clients secure housing, utilities and food followed by a stabilization program including a job resource center, financial literacy and basic computer training.  A $20K grant would be used to support direct back-to-work expenses for 250 clients and provide an additional 200 clients with job search support and training through the Single Mom's Scholars Program aimed at helping them gain a college education. ICS expects to sell 100 TCCS car show tickets and to provide 20 volunteers the day of show.

 

Founded by Pima County Interfaith, this charity provides opportunities for motivated impoverished individuals to achieve financial independence through improved education and job training in local, high-demand careers that lead to high wages.  Over its 20 year history, Job Path has had a 90% graduation rate resulting in 80% job placement, with graduates experiencing an average $32,800 increase in wages compared to pre-program wages. 300 students are enrolled in this program annually who benefit from tuition and basic needs assistance. A $20K grant would fund another counselor to serve an additional 100 students.  The economic benefit to Pima County is significant.  Job Path expects to sell 20 Car Show tickets and would engage at least 10 volunteers to work day of show.

Past President MARY MARTIN led us in the inspiration, and President CLIFF asked that everyone keep STAN CRAMER in their thoughts while he recovers from recent surgery. After the Pledge of Allegiance, JIM WOOD and GARY HIRSCH led us in a strong singing of “God Bless America”. ASHLEY ELAINE YORK introduced our guests and visitors.

 

We had three outstanding Birthday Rotarians:  LIZ BAKER thanked everyone who volunteered, judged, or donated prizes for the SARSEF Science Fair. There were 2117 projects in all at the competition. RON OXMAN is celebrating his 75^th birthday and remembered his sponsor Ace Bushnell. Retired Sergeant at Arms FONDA INSLEY also remembered Ace, who served as her mentor, and noted that this birthday was the first time anyone had asked her to speak louder (how else do you get to be Sergeant at Arms??).  

 

The Dynamic Duo of President Elect Nominee BOB LOGAN and Past President CHARLOTTE HARRIS made Paul Harris presentations to the following: 

 

 

Sergeant at Arms DALE BERG managed the raffle, and extracted fines from FONDA INSLEY, DIANA CANNON, and PAT RASKOB for photos in Tucson publications. We had the following announcements:

 

President CLIFF reminded us of the monthly mixer at Trident Grill II and gave an update on progress on the Annual Fund, noting how contributions can multiply via matching grants.

President Elect CHUCK SAWYER announced the final Tree Planting day this coming Saturday.

Past President JONI CONDIT announced the four charities selected to receive portions of this year’s Car Show. The charities will make brief presentations at our next meeting.

 

ALLYN BULZOMI introduced our program which included presentations by the Amphi High School Interact Club and the U of A Rotaract club. The Interact Club has completed 21 projects, raised $1,800 and put in more than 160 hours of community service. Projects included the “Build a Bike” project at the Children’s Clinic and book drives to help with the restoration of libraries at Amphi and Prince Road Elementary. The Roteract Club has sponsored the Turquoise Trail in downtown Tucson and contributed to the Make a Wish and Project Linus efforts. Both groups signed a book for our library: “Who, What, Where?”

 

President CLIFF closed the meeting with a toast noting that you are never too young to change the world.

 

New Rotarian Dave Eagleton recently retired from a 36 year career as a Supply Chain Manager at Raytheon here in Tucson.  Dave received his MBA from the U of A and has been in Tucson ever since.

 

When I asked Dave to be my guest at Rotary the timing was right.  He was open to opportunities to get involved in the community and give back.  His commitment to Rotary is fully supported by his wife Cathy.  Cathy and Dave have a blended family of 4 grown children and 2 grand-kids.  Beyond the family, they spend time as avid golfers and travelers.  

 

Dave is excited to be a Rotarian, meet new members every week and get involved.  Please say hello when you see him at our next meeting!

Rotary International President Ian Riseley set a goal at the beginning of the year to plant a tree for every Rotarian Worldwide (1.2 million trees) and we met President Cliff’s goal on Saturday of planting 250 trees in Rotary year 2017-2018.  True to form, RCOT beat our goal and planted 260 trees.

 

We had about a dozen Club members turn out for the planting Saturday, joining four other Rotary Clubs from Tucson to plant over 100 trees in Udall Park.  The Mayor, Jonathan Rothschild, delivered a proclamation supporting Arbor Day and thanking Rotary Clubs in Tucson for planting 506 trees this year, and supporting the City’s ongoing goal to grow shade cover from 8% to 20% over time.

 

District 5500 Governor Elect Kirk Reed also delivered a brief address focused on seven words; That Rotary Thinks Big, Has Fun & Gets Things Done.  He tied it to the eradication of Polio and the many projects large and small that Rotary takes on every year.

Thanks to the Club for your support in reaching our goal…and getting things done!

 

Cliff Bowman

Chuck Sawyer

Please welcome the following new member into the Rotary Club of Tucson.  She will be introduced to the club at a meeting in the near future.

 

New Member:  Jenny Volpe

 

Classification:  Community & Social Service: Make Way For Books

 

Sponsor:  Cliff Bowman