It is nearly impossible for this Mystery Editor to cover or capture the accolades, the gratitude, the inspiration, the education, the history, the humor and the challenge of this Rotary meeting at the beautiful Hacienda del Sol Resort. PRESIDENT JEN HOFFMAN again presided over our Covid-limited luncheon—limited only in number of Rotarians, but certainly not limited in our applause, laughter and enthusiasm.
Our recitation of The Pledge of Allegiance was surpassed by an incredible video rendition of our National Anthem sung by 7 yr.-old, Malea Emma—a must for another You Tube viewing.
JOE DANISZEWSKI, Chair of District 5500 Peace Committee, reminded us of Black History Month by quoting Abolitionist, Frederick Douglas: “Once you learn to read, you will be free forever.” Our Rotary Club of Tucson has funded and supported our literacy work with all families, helping all children in all neighborhoods. Reading promotes sharing imagination, emotions and different perspectives. We may all celebrate different things and look different, but we are the same. Thank you, JOE, for our weekly inspirational moment.
Our guests attending the meeting were John Lee and Steve Koeppen.
PP LARRY ADAMSON introduced Emily Anne Gullickson, founder and CEO of non-profit, “A For Arizona”. Emily Anne’s virtual presentation from Phoenix addressed our Arizona need for upgrading and broadening the quality of public education. I refer you to the Tucsotarian Feb. 17 issue for Emily Anne’s impressive bio. She designed, implemented, and facilitated first-of-their-kind initiatives and solutions to rapidly increase the number of low-income students attending Arizona’s top-performing public schools. Please check out www.aforarizona.org for more information. Emily Anne was appreciative of the help of our Rotarian and Arizona Corporation Commissioner, LEA MARQUEZ PETERSON.
New family member, SEAN HOFFMAN, NAU grad and owner of Southern Arizona Ice & Water, was introduced by PRESIDENT JEN. “A Rotary President’s success depends on the support and acceptance of their spouse.”
The History Moment was certainly more than a moment! PP JON WANG and PP BOB SHAFF featured PP ROGER HARWELL, 2005-06. From the dais, ROGER, using his 15 year old phone, received a rather unexpected call from Paul Harris, just to chat from heaven and be brought up to date on Rotary activities. Needless to say, ROGER and Paul had quite a lengthy “chat”. Wow, Paul was certainly impressed with all the accomplishments of the RCoT. Hopefully, that wasn’t a collect call!
Thank you, PP SCOTT VAUGHAN, for your always revealing and humorous presentation of the Paul Harris Fellows to JONATHAN ROTHSCHILD and STEVE PICKERING. Congratulations JONATHAN and STEVE!
Thank you, JIM WOOD, for mentoring youthful member PHIL ACEDO, UA grad and Sales Manager for Tucson Recycling and Waste Services, and presenting PHIL with his Blue Badge, a badge we haven’t worn for some time. PHIL, why don’t you start a Cooking Fellowship?
PRESIDENT JEN gave our toast, reminded us of the receptive scholarship cup, assured us she was still running, suggested rodeo garb for next week and announced PP and CHAIR JONI CONDIT’s plans for a great 15th TCCS. Damn, I forgot to put my name tag in the basket!
