PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS started off the meeting with more bad- I mean DAD jokes and introduced FAH SAETAN who lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and “My Country tis of Thee” accompanied by our very own KHRIS DODGE on the piano.
MITCH PISIK inspired us as always. And then, Sergeant at Arms DAN KALM, introduced our guests. Glad to have so many visit our club!
We had a meeting sponsor today!! ALAN SCHROPE and Camp Bow Wow sponsored our meeting. Wow, what a fun place for pooches… sign me up! Thank you ALAN SCHROPE for your generosity and for moving back to Tucson for RCOT!!TOM STRASBURG introduced our keynote speaker:
Today’s program featured Dr. Gabriel Trujillo, Superintendent of TUSD. He started off by reminding us that the public school system is the last, greatest hope for unleashing the power of literacy, civic engagement and community. 80% of TUSD schools have an A or B Rating. And, TUSD is home to the largest populations of gifted and talented students, special needs students and largest career and technical education programs in the state. He talked about the vision for the district and what opportunities came out of the pandemic and also the freedom of return to local governments and the end of the desegregation court order. They are focused on building a robust school to work pipeline and stronger and safer classrooms. Dr. Trujillo is working toward a bright future for TUSD.
We celebrated three birthdays today; DON REIGGER whose first car was a 1963 Super Sport that he purchased for a Benjamin… he was lucky enough to drive that car for 3 weeks before its untimely demise. ROB LAMASTER who at 9 years old attended a football game in Texas that got interrupted by a tornado… wow, I am blown away by that one. Finally, we recognized MARK IRVIN, and did you know… he is an accomplished horseman and almost shoed horses for a living.
You know it’s a good meeting when we introduce new members and today we did! BRUCE TUNZE introduced SHAWN TACEY as our newest member and went on to present him with his blue badge. Welcome to the Greatest Rotary Club in the World.SAA DAN KALM announced the winner of the raffle, (not the 50/50). Congratulations to the winner.
We have two “famous” Rotarians! Marcy Euler was recognized as the “Face of Philanthropy” and MICHAEL GUYMON was awarded Public Policy Leader of the Year! Congratulations!
Lots of announcements that PRESIDENT MARGARET shared:
Please save the date on your calendar for PAT LENNON’s Celebration of Life 10/26 at Vivace from 1:30-4:30pm.
The books members donated for PRES MARGARET’S silent auction basket was the big ticket item at the D5500 conference raising $260.00!
Exciting news John Hewko the General Secretary of RI will be presenting for our meeting on 11/15, please sign up (this is normally a dark day, so we get a bonus meeting with a fantastic presenter--Thanks to GARY HIRSCH for arranging this.)
ALAN ROGERS invited our club cyclists to 2 different rides on the Huckleberry Loop 11/4 and 11/11.
JEANNE ZETAH updated us on ticket sales, and deadlines for RYE and RYLA.
MARCY EULER says sign up to VOLUNTEER for the car show. It really is easy -JUST DO IT!
A Happy Jackson for CHRIS KIM who invited us to the Salvation Army Bell Ringing kickoff party/luncheon 11/10 at the DoubleTree.
Remember next week there will be no meeting. We will see you at the CAR SHOW!!
And MITCH PISIK sent us off with a toast.
