President CHUCK rang open our meeting, and AIMEE GRAVES gave a lovely Irish poem as the inspiration. We then had a moment of silence to mark the passing of Former Rotarian MARIAN ABRAM. She was a member from 2012-2014.
Past President BOB SHAFF led us in the Pledge and Song, a video of a flash mob brass band playing “God Bless America” in Colorado. It was great to see TED FORSBERG back among us as well! Welcome back TED!
New Member MARCY EULER introduced our Guests and Visiting Rotarians, followed by two extremely distinguished Birthday Rotarians:
Past President and Car Show Chair JON WANG was reported to have been born in a Baptist Temple, leading to multiple self-imposed fines by President CHUCK (it was a Buddhist Temple that had been converted to a hospital.) JON spoke about how truly rewarding service becomes, such when he received an email from a Rotary official he hosted during the Ride to End Polio.
Past President LARRY ADAMSON represents the current generation of 156 years of Adamson family Rotary participation along with his brother HAL. In addition to starting our Rotary Foundation, LARRY served as a Commander in the Naval Reserve. LARRY appreciates the fact that in Rotary, everyone steps up.
Sergeant at Arms BOBBY LARSON recognized WAYNE PEATE for receiving the Wayne Peate Health and Safety Award in support of Tucson Firefighters. We had the following announcements, all with a decidedly alcohol related theme (something about the coming St. Patrick’s Day holiday?):Past President BOB SHAFF spoke about efforts he is leading to improve the member experience in our Rotary Club, including expansion of President CHUCK’s “something you might not know” to lead us into more fellowship groups and more member stories like the one about EMERY BARKER’s office and the Rillito River. Keep up the good work BOB!
President CHUCK reminded us of the Replacement Mixer on 3/27 and Home Hospitality during the week of 4/14. We are in need of hosts for the week. Please contact the office if you would like to host an event.
BRETT STEIN announced the Fine Beer Fellowship at Tap & Bottle on 4/12 from 5 to 7 pm.
BOB WEBB noted there are only a few spots left for the Wine Tasting Event at Jonathan’s Cork next Friday.
Past President JON WANG announced a meeting of the History Team after today’s meeting.
Past President ROGER HARWELL is looking for a few shifts of volunteers to sell beer at the Fourth Avenue Festival to support Scholarships.
JULIE PAULSON offered a Happy Jackson in honor of the Gregory School Wine and Entertainment Festival on 3/30 from 11am to 6 pm.
Our favorite Irishman ROBERT O’BRIEN introduced our program featuring the Maguire Academy of Irish Dance (including several of ROBERT’S talented daughters). The Academy is led by Darren Maguire, who has won Irish dancing championships too numerous to name as well as participating as a member of Riverdance. Several of Mr. Maguire’s current dancers will compete in the national championships and then hopefully the world championships after. Mr. Maguire signed a book for our lending library: “Quiet”.President CHUCK closed the meeting with a traditional Gaelic blessing: “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face; the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
