TED FORSBERG led us in the inspiration with a series of great quotes from Teddy Roosevelt, and LIZ McMAHON joined GARY HIRSCH to lead us in “God Bless America”. Thank you to TED, LIZ, and GARY.
The man with the golden voice JOHN STROBECK introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians, followed by everyone’s favorite Paul Harris Duo, Past President CHARLOTTE HARRIS and BOB LOGAN. Shockingly, BOB neglected to bring gifts for every recipient, but promised hours’ worth of shopping at the Dollar Store to make up for the oversight. In addition to their commitment to Rotary ideals, each was noted for other interests: Past President DON ROLLINGS has been working to preserve the Barrio Historico, BOBBY LARSON was noted for coaching 13 years at Catalina Foothills High School, MARGARET HIGGINS is a 16-year participant in El Tour de Tucson, TED FORSBERG is a Forest Service Volunteer, and Past President MARIANNE FREITAS is our third female president and first to co-chair the Car Show. DON ROLLINGS led the field with his 6th Paul Harris. Congratulations to everyone!SERGEANT AT ARMS FONDA INSLEY stood in capably for our missing Marine SA DALE BERG. Announcements included:
- President CLIFF congratulated us on our Presidential Citation (now get back to work!)
- President CLIFF reminded us of the Monthly Social Mixer – Trident II 1/25/18
- DIANA CANNON also reminded us to sign up on Clubrunner for the Replacement Social Mixer 1/31/18 at Brother John’s.
- Finally, WAYNE MEYER presented a Blue Badge to GARY OLSEN, who is quite possibly the most involved Red Badger ever. GARY thanked everyone for the blessings Rotary has brought him.
Past President SCOTT VAUGHAN introduced our speaker Past President DAVE GALLAHER. DAVE spoke eloquently about the rewards and heartbreak of the Rotary Youth Exchange. DAVE remembered past youth exchange members including, Reece, Martin Bikke, and his own daughter. We also heard wonderful Youth Exchange experiences from member JEN HOFFMAN’S husband, Sean Hoffman and Past President ROGER HARWELL. A huge thank you goes out to these and all families for supporting our youth exchange program. RYE fulfills Rotary ideals by connecting the world, literally.DAVE signed a book for the Reading Seed Library: “I am Going!” and President CLIFF closed the meeting with a toast to Rotary Youth Exchange.
