President MARK IRVIN called the meeting to order at 12 noon indoor at our downtown location at the Tucson Convention Center. Seemed to be a good turnout to learn more about the upcoming Tucson Rodeo Parade and the Museum. Many of the attendees were dressed in western attire in honor of the 97th anniversary year of this event.
President MARK kicked off the formal part of the meeting by mentioning the annual Blood Drive was taking place outside in the venue lobby and asked MITCH PISIK to share an inspirational thought. MITCH began by telling a story of a young 17 year-old MARK IRVIN and his grandmother, who asked MARK to write down “how people will most remember you?” This exercise caused MARK to think about his life and has certainly led to MARK leading a life of inspiring and leading our community in so many ways. Thank you MARK IRVIN for leading the Rotary Club of Tucson to a year of positive memories and successes.
A special note that our new streaming video package covered the entire meeting on the Rotary Club of Tucson, YouTube Channel, with a 3-camera shoot including the opening of the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of GOD Bless America led by VICKIE JACOBS. President MARK asked for a “Moment of Silence” for past President, ARNIE JACOBSEN’S daughter, who passed away recently from cancer.
The lunch featured a comfortable portion of beef smothered in gravy atop mash potatoes and vegetables. As always, the TCC banquet staff were attentive to the hungry Rotarians.
After the introduction by KHRIS DODGE of a large contingency of guests attending today’s meeting including a visiting Rotarian from Ohio, Rotarian and Past President JIM RONSTADT, all dressed in western attire, introduced today’s program on the upcoming historical Annual Rodeo Parade and Museum. Herb Wagner and Stan Martin shared the full history of the parade and how the wagons come to life in the Parade Museum. The parade started in 1925 and is still going strong with just a short delay in 2021 due to the COVID Pandemic. Watch the parade in person or live on KOLD-TV, Thursday, February 24. Today’s speakers signed an appropriate book “B is for Buckaroo” for our Make Way For Book’s Library.Today’s Birthdays featured Tim Puntenney (2/22), and Robert O-Brien (2/11). Happy Birthday!
Past President CHAR HARRIS shared today’s Historical Moment mentioning and showing pictures from the origins of the Tucson Rodeo and how Tucson Rotary with its recent 100th Anniversary also celebrated the Rodeo by also dressing up and having events (parties) together.
Running short of time a very quick Raffle was held and still did not produce the King of Clubs, the winning card. The balance today started at over $3000. A western Bolo tie owned by Past President DON SHROPSHIRE and a set of basketball tickets were auctioned off.
Sergeant of Arms: ANNOUNCEMENTS
MARK IRVIN - #Irv’s Fly-Fishing Fund – HUGH THOMPSON
MARK IRVIN – Rodeo Attire for 2/23 Meeting; River Clean-up March 5
MARK IRVIN – Visit to JTED – Exclusive Open House - Tuesday, March 8 @ 4:00 p.m.
MARGARET HIGGINS – 4 Way Test and Orville McPherson Awards – Submit your nominees
Next meeting February 23 will feature KURTIS DAWSON from the YMCA. The Meeting was adjourned with President MARK mentioning March membership drive coming up and a toast wishing the Rodeo and Rodeo Parade much success.
