Posted by Ed Mystery on Jun 15, 2023
Rumored Billy Joel’s music teacher STU GOLDMAN let his fingers fly over the piano, serenading us while we grabbed Mexican food and seats.  That guy can play!
 
Cheerful BRUCE JACOBS rang the bell and a guy from the German city of Ron, weirdly named JEFF (RONSTADT) enthusiastically led us in the pledge and a resounding “My Country ‘Tis of Thee”!
 
Last name pronunciation merit badge creator JOE DANISZEWSKI showed off waterfalls in Watkins Glen State Park somewhere in that odd speaking northeasterly region of our nation. Forgetting the world for a few minutes to wonder at nature’s beauty, inspires us!
 
Entertainment expert KHRIS DODGE introduced guests, Joe Erceg, Amanda Giroux, Don Graham and Grace Condon.
 
Cheerful BRUCE dived into the Car Show Survey Results, highlighted here:
 
75% support car show (it’s worth it)
70% volunteer multiple shifts over days or day of (awesome!)
60% want it to continue
82% found participation built / strengthened friendships
 
Noteworthy:
Purpose of the car show was / is a single event fundraiser to raise philanthropic money from other people rather than members cutting checks.
 
Biggest current challenge: car show team member burn-out and not having enough other members step up to take over roles.
 
Some on-the-spot member brainstorming mediating by BRUCE brought great ideas:
 
Add “Rotary” to the Tucson Classics Car Show name to build association, reputation, and attract like-minded folk as members.
 
Volunteer beneficiaries and volunteer - invite more outside philanthropic groups to take over less “sexy” jobs before / during / after event so our much better looking club can enjoy the more fun tasks of the event.  Less effort and more fun!
 
Four roles need current mentees shadowing to take over: event sales, sponsorships, equipment, signs, raffle drawing (someone can’t count).
 
Cheery BRUCE then acknowledged ancient member (1977) CHRIS MONSON, who spent decades re-submitting plans for Rocking K to become master at it, but way more importantly expanded our saguaro studded parks!
 
Ladies SHERM award winning man MITCH PISIK celebrated getting old with a touchingly brief speech.
 
That guy with the wrong name from the German city of Ron, JEFF, also celebrated getting old.  He looks nothing like his baby picture from 2006, but apparently has wisened with age to note success comes from great relationships, not stuff!
 
Former Metropolitan Pima Alliance leader graduated to the Tucson Metro Chamber CARRIE GILCHRIST accepted a Certificate to Corporate Designated Member from BRUCE.
 
Charming CHAR HARRIS presented grateful GRACIE QUIROZ MARUM with her blue badge, but more importantly not one, but two wine glasses from some previous Rotary function!
 
Sergeant at Arms but actually quite dodgey KRIS, did the raffle and for the umpteenth time I did not win!  JEN walked away with cash and $700 are “in the pot” to entice us all to buy tickets! 
 
Announcements by BRUCE, MARCY EULER & KHRIS:
June 17th – Marshall Gulch Hike
June 21st – Open Mic / Mix & Mingle Meeting
June 24th – COA at Omni (MARGARET HIGGINS takes the gavel) Sign up!
July 12th – Tour PCC Automotive Tech Center
June / July schedule details online
 
Happy Jacksons:
 
JIM MURPHY’s son-in-law married up but is no slouch.  From vet to  firefighter, Tony Donaldson serves saving lives.  All honor to him and first responders of all stripes!
 
GARY OLSEN’s daughter is leaving the nest and looking to build her own.  If anyone has suitable for rent, please touch base with GARY.
 
Cheerful BRUCE toasted and rang the gong.  Full and happy, we adjourned another great meeting!
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