PRESIDENT DOT KRET started the meeting and welcomed new member PAT RANDLES to the stage for the Pledge and song. PAT did a nice job with the Pledge. Then, PRESIDENT DOT introduced a special guest to sing the “Star Spangled Banner”, Gabby Giffords. Gabby really did a great job and has a strong voice! Then, DOT introduced Kim Olsen the Director of Friends of Aphasia. Aphasia is a neurological disorder caused by brain damage, usually in the left hemisphere, that impairs language expression and comprehension. It affects speaking, writing, and understanding spoken or written language, often following a stroke, head injury, or brain tumor. Aphasia affects language, not intelligence. The Friends of Aphasia meet twice a week to work on getting better.We had a moment of silence for past member WALT ROBERSON who passed away. We had another moment of silence for CONRAD PLIMPTON who passed away on 4/19. No services have been announced yet and the Rotary Club of Tucson sent flowers. Finally, MONTE CLAUSEN fell and broke 5 ribs. Ouch! Get well soon, MONTE!
GORDY SIEWERT offered the inspiration after returning from a quick vacation to Mexico. He was quoting Jimmy Buffet with “If we can laugh we will all go insane,” “Wrinkles only go where smiles have been,” and “Changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes…” Don’t wait for an inspirational moment, any moment can be pretty great too.
DAN KALM introduced our guests. Then, DOT introduced our cookie sponsor. DAVID LOVITT, who has been a board member for Make Way for Books, was the cookie sponsor and introduced Mark Acuna who is the new Director for Make Way for Books.ALAN ROG
ERS introduced PAT RANDLES as our newest member. PAT has a wife and two kids. He graduated from Rincon High School and University of Arizona with an Accounting degree. PAT spent 17 years as a loan officer and is currently a realtor with Long Realty. Welcome PAT!
ERS introduced PAT RANDLES as our newest member. PAT has a wife and two kids. He graduated from Rincon High School and University of Arizona with an Accounting degree. PAT spent 17 years as a loan officer and is currently a realtor with Long Realty. Welcome PAT!VICKIE JACOBS introduced JOANNE ZICH, owner of Trinity Diamonds and presented her with her Blue Badge. Congrats JOANNE!
DAN KALM offered the raffle and CARY BENJAMIN was the winner though he didn’t win the big pot.
PRESIDENT ELECT BOBBY LARSON had some big news to announce. MARCY EULER will be our President for the 2027–2028 year. She is honored and terrified. She’ll do great!PRESIDENT DOT had some announcements:
She noted the Event/Projects and reminded us to find them online too.
Home Hospitality will be from May 26th to May 31st. We need hosts. Let the Rotary office know if you would like to host.
May 20th our speaker will be the UA Women’s Basketball Coach, Becky Burke. We’re looking for sponsors and everyone will need to sign up for this meeting.
JONATHAN WALKUP let us know nominations for the Orville McPherson Award and Four Way Test award are now open. Send him your nominations.
BRITTANY BATTLE reminded us to use our connections to spread the good word for Rotary…and let her know if you’d like to be on the Marketing Committee.
JEANNE ZETAH – updated us on Car Show ticket Sales. We’ve sold 3,007 tickets and are at 10% of our goal.
DOT showed a video of the Event at the TCC. It was a great time!
Then, we had a Mix and Mingle round table discussion. Each person at the table answered three questions:
Who are you?
What do you do?
What do you like about Rotary?
Next week Paul Creasman will be speaking about Archaeology. I’ve heard him and he’s like a modern-day Indiana Jones.
GORDY SIEWERT offered the toast “Find our own Paradise” and we were on our way.
