The meeting started with lots of good food to include Chef’s salad fixings, BBQ Chicken and/or Brisket sandwiches. PRESIDENT MARGARET called the meeting to order and new member CHUSHI MWEWA led us in the Pledge and song, “My Country Tis of Thee.”
We had a moment of silence to remember our past member, DAN CHAMBERS who passed away. PRESIDENT MARGARET noted MARIANNE FREITAS fell and broke her pelvis…again. DAVID PASHKOW had neck surgery. Cards were passed throughout the meeting so that members could wish them well.
CHRIS EDWARDS offered the inspiration with a few thoughts on focusing on who you are becoming, not who you’ve been. If you can’t figure out your purpose in life, find your passion and that will lead you to your purpose.
SAA DAN KALM introduced lots of guests! Then, PRESIDENT MARGARET shared a letter that UA President Robbins sent to the club thanking us for our support and his honorary membership.
DIANA MADARAS introduced our speaker, Dr. Roberta Diaz Brinton who is the Director of University of Arizona’s Center for Innovation of Brain Science. Dr. Brinton started with the fact that there is not a single known cure for a single Neurodegenerative disease and that’s why she took on her position at the U of A. She specifically discussed some of the research she is completing in relation to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and ALS. They have found that women undergoing hormone therapy for menopause have a decreased risk for all four of these diseases. They are now studying the relationship for breast health and neurogenerative diseases to find a successful treatment for both. She noted that if you’re on Statins that you also have a lower risk for the four diseases. Dr. Brinton noted that philanthropy is the launch pad for her research and they keep the research going through tax money. For more information specific to research she is conducting on treatment for Alzheimer’s, visit ReGenBrain.org.JOE PENNINGTON was celebrating his birthday. Did you know that JOE helped end the water wars in Tucson and helped elect Mayor Bob Walkup? JOE has been a member of our club for 37 years. DREW VACTOR was also celebrating his birthday. He built his first RV when he was 12 years old before he and his parents moved to Tucson. He’s been a member for 38 years.
AIMEE GRAVES introduced our new member, JAMAL GIVENS. JAMAL grew up as an AramcoBrat in Saudi Arabia. He has two kids and will be a great addition to the RCOT. PRESIDENT MARGARET introduced our other new member, PAM WALTON-ROSS. PAM found an affinity to Rotary through our Car Show and is participating in our club in many ways.
CHARLOTTE HARRIS presented GEORGE LARSEN (member for 15 years) with his Paul Harris Award +1. DARRELL STEWART (9 year member) received his Paul Harris Award +5 and said of Rotary International, “They do good stuff.”JENN HOFFMAN won the Raffle however she didn’t win the big pot so there will be more money for next week.
PRESIDENT MARGARET let us know that many of the announcements are now found as a printed piece on our tables as well as on the website and in the bulletin. U of A Football Coach Brent Brennan will be speaking at our March 27th meeting. Watch for an email to sign up. The RCOT Board approved the Club’s support of the Forgotten Children. MITCH PISIK offered an inspirational talk about our March Madness membership drive. DIANA MADARAS announced the service project winners for January and February. SANDRA JOHNSON let us know that she is taking nominations for the 4 Way Test and Orville McPherson Awards. BRITTANY BATTLE had a Happy Jackson to let us know about the Fast Pitch Event that will be held at the Fox Theatre on March 26th. Finally, PRESIDENT MARGARET reminded us that there will be no meeting next Wednesday and there is an organized, private tour of San Xavier Mission being coordinated for that same day.
CHRIS EDWARDS toasted to be wonderful as usual and we were adjourned.
