Betty has been the Executive Director of Literacy Connects since it was formed on July 1, 2011. Before that she was the Executive Director of Literacy Volunteers of Tucson since June 2002. The over-arching mission of Literacy Connects is to open a world of possibilities to people of all ages through literacy and creative arts programs. Literacy Connects serves more than 46,000 people in Tucson, Pima County and Southern Arizona.
Betty has lived in Tucson since 2000 having moved here from Cleveland, Ohio. She is a social worker and was the Executive Director of a transitional housing program for homeless families for 10 years in Cleveland. She loves working in literacy because it is addressing one of the root causes of homelessness and poverty both of which have been her professional focus for 25 years. Betty is the mother of two grown children and the grandmother of three delightful, precocious and adorable little boys.
I will admit, I knew little to nothing about Ben’s Bells prior to our program. I’ve heard people speak about it and certainly seen the “kind” stickers on automobiles throughout Tucson. So it came as a surprise to me to hear Jeannette Mare’s story about the death of her child and the difficult time she went though following that terrible time. So when you cap that story off with what has become a huge success story, based completely on the concept of “being kind”, it is pretty amazing! It speaks to the resiliency of the human spirit and what an amazing person Jeanette Mare is when you stop and consider the fact that Ben’s Bells has grown from a personal tragedy into an organization that is providing good to people throughout the Tucson community. What a great story!
There is a New Member Mixer scheduled for Thursday 03 December at Thunder Canyon Brewery. If you’re a New Member, please mark your calendar and plan to attend. If you are not a New Member and want to meet New Members, please feel free to attend.
In my usual manner, I sat randomly at a table, never sure who will sit next to me. Well, I was fortunate to have Dr. ALAN ROGERS join me for lunch, and we had a nice conversation about his recent trip to Israel. I’ve been twice in my life, but not for several years. So it was interesting to hear a new perspective, particularly with the present chaotic situation just on the other side of the Israel border. I’ve said it before, one of the great benefits of being an RCOT member is socializing with other members. Truly an enjoyable experience.
Happy Birthday to JUDY KEAGY, JASON GRABOSCH and WOCKY REDSAR!
In closing I will paraphrase JUDY KEAGY. “Growing older is a case of mind over matter… If you don’t mind, it don’t matter!”
It was a fantastic day, this past Saturday, to be on a bike and riding in the 33rd El Tour de Tucson with over 7000 other riders. There was no wind, no rain, no sleet- nothing but beautiful sunshine the entire day. Over 300 Rotarians rode in the Rotary International District 5500 Ride to End Polio participating in the Outdoor Ride and the Indoor Ride. Over 100 Rotarians rode for our outdoor Ride To End Polio event in either the 104 mile, 75 mile, 55 mile, 40 mile and the Fun Ride. The Indoor Ride event found over 200 Rotarians pedaling for minutes instead of miles and working up a sweat in their fundraising efforts. Rotarians came from 13 states, Canada, India and the Philippines to join forces in our fight against polio and ride the distance. As of Saturday afternoon over 7.6 million dollars had been raised along with the match from Bill and Melinda Gates, three fourths of the way to our goal. When we make our goal, this ride will have raised $20 million in 6 years to fund the fight to end this devastating disease and close the door on polio forever.
We are thankful that everyone enjoyed a safe ride and a successful one. Yes, this Thanksgiving week there is much to be thankful for. I’m thankful I’m a Rotarian, aren’t you?
Stay connected with our Rotaract Club from the University of Arizona. See what they are up to and their involvement in helping the community. Click on the links below:
Biography - Betty Stauffer
new little to nothing about Ben’s Bells prior to our program. I’ve heard people speak about it and certainly seen the “kind” stickers on automobiles throughout Tucson. So it came as a surprise to me to hear Jeannette Mare’s story about the death of her child and the difficult time she went though following that terrible time. So when you cap that story off with what has become a huge success story, based completely on the concept of “being kind”, it is pretty amazing! It speaks to the resiliency of the human spirit and what an amazing person Jeanette Mare is when you stop and consider the fact that Ben’s Bells has grown from a personal tragedy into an organization that is providing good to people throughout the Tucson community. What a great story!
It was a fantastic day, this past Saturday, to be on a bike and riding in the 33rd El Tour de Tucson with over 7000 other riders. There was no wind, no rain, no sleet- nothing but beautiful sunshine the entire day. Over 300 Rotarians rode in the Rotary International District 5500 Ride to End Polio participating in the Outdoor Ride and the Indoor Ride. Over 100 Rotarians rode for our outdoor Ride To End Polio event in either the 104 mile, 75 mile, 55 mile, 40 mile and the Fun Ride. The Indoor Ride event found over 200 Rotarians pedaling for minutes instead of miles and working up a sweat in their fundraising efforts. Rotarians came from 13 states, Canada, India and the Philippines to join forces in our fight against polio and ride the distance. As of Saturday afternoon over 7.6 million dollars had been raised along with the match from Bill and Melinda Gates, three fourths of the way to our goal. When we make our goal, this ride will have raised $20 million in 6 years to fund the fight to end this devastating disease and close the door on polio forever.
