President CHUCK opened out meeting, and KATHY KITAGAWA offered a brief reflection on the topic of grace which was adapted from one she gave at a recent Town Hall. DAVID PASHKOW led us in the pledge, song, and opening joke accompanied by GARY HIRSCH on piano. (The song was another rousing version of “God Bless America” and the joke was vegetarian.)
BROOKE FAWCETT introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians, and we had two Birthday Rotarians: Past President and Car Show Chair MARIANNE FREITAS gave President CHUCK a University of Oregon blanket that originally belonged to her father, thanked her sponsor ELLIE PATTERSON, and quoted Charles Shultz on the value of friendship. Happy Birthday MARIANNE! JOHN HEIMBAUGH thanked his sponsor GARY GETHMANN and mentor BOBBY LARSON, and followed with a story of escaping the Mob’s influence with the help of the Columbian Cartel (out of the fat and into the fire?) Happy Birthday JOHN!
President Elect BOB LOGAN joined Past President CHARLOTTE HARRIS in presenting Paul Harris Fellowships to the following members:
TOM MCQUILLEN received two Paul Harris awards for his lovely daughters Ella and Aerin. Ella studies Architecture at Cal Poly, and Aerin is a student and soccer player at University High School. ROB LAMASTER works with the Southern Arizona Make a Wish Foundation and believes Rotary is a great way to support projects around the world while doing good at home. JAMES STUDWELL is an attorney with Healy and Studwell and proud parent along with his wife Ginni to a daughter Susanna who works with the Corcoran Group and son Grant, a student at the U of A. JAMES enjoys Rotary for its worldwide focus on fighting disease, sustainable humanitarian projects, and education; and its local support of child literacy and deserving non-profits.Sergeant at Arms BOBBY LARSON recognized two of our members for recent accomplishments: SCOTT ERHSAM’s firm Home Instead received a Copper Cactus award for best small business place of work. DIANA CANNON announced that the Humane Society received one for Best Large non-profit place of work.
We had the following announcements:
- President CHUCK reviewed our upcoming Holiday Schedule which is also on the website.
- President CHUCK invited everyone to participate in Salvation Army Bell Ringing Dec. 15th.
- BOBBY LARSON directed everyone to the Car Show Banner to sign and celebrate.
- FONDA INSLEY reminded us of the Holiday Mixer on Thurs. 12/20 at The Playground.
- ROBERT O’BRIEN noted that our last chance to buy Arizona Bowl tickets that will add to the Car Show is fast approaching.
- Past President ROGER HARWELL asked for 4th Ave. Beer Booth Volunteers to sell beer to benefit the scholarship fund.
- Past President DON ROLLINGS made a Blue Badge Presentation for SCOTT ERHSAM.
- Past President JON WANG noted that SCHUY LININGER has moved into Sunrise Senior Living at First and River and would greatly appreciate visitors.
Past President SCOTT VAUGHN introduced our speaker, Lisa Atkins - Board President of the Central Arizona Project. Lisa is a Tucson High attendee, U of A graduate, and her father helped start the Old Pueblo Rotary Club. She reviewed the history of the 336-mile Central Arizona Project, a network of aqueducts and canals that makes life, industry and agriculture possible in our state. The CAP is celebrating its 50th anniversary and faces challenges due to the prolonged drought in the west. Although Arizona is a “junior user” in the agreement, Lisa went through some of the strides Arizona has made in water conservation and noted that no one will be without water if allocations are cut.Ms. Atkins signed a book for our Lending Library: “Animal Ark” and President Chuck closed out meeting with a toast to all those who work to provide drinkable water to our state.
