PRESIDENT BRUCE JACOBS started off the meeting by inviting LUKE SMITH to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance and started us singing “You’re a Grand Ole Flag” accompanied by the talented KHRIS DODGE…..it takes me back to the 4th grade.
PRESIDENT BRUCE announced that cards were being circulated for the passing of treasured member EMERY BARKER’S family.
JIM GARRETT inspired us and doesn’t want us to crash on our bicycles. Keep pedaling and moving forward, it’s ok if you go off path but don’t forget your helmet.
Sergeant at Arms KHRIS DODGE introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians… wow, what a great crowd we had.
PRESIDENT BRUCE introduced our keynote speaker: Today’s program featured Helen Gomez, the Executive Director of Ben’s Bells. She shared with us the story of Ben’s Bells; how it got started with an unexpected tragedy and the acts of kindness that helped the founder Jeannette Maré through her grief. Ben’s Bells is now providing kindness nationwide where tragedy strikes, helping people to remember there is kindness in the world. They also help to promote kindness around our community especially in schools with their “Be Kind” murals in which students can help by making the tiles. What a treasure Ben’s Bells is to Tucson and around the globe as well.We celebrated two birthdays today; JO DECHATELET and LEE OLITZKY. Happy Birthday to you both!
Then CHARLOTTE HARRIS presented JO DECHATELET’s son, Ryan Lustek with a Paul Harris. Congratulations Ryan!
JOE DANISZEWSKI presented JASON FLAX with his Blue Badge. Congratulations going from Red to Blue!
Then our very own PE MARGARET HIGGINS introduced PP MARK IRVIN to introduce our newest FOUR WAY TEST AWARD RECIPIENT. Congratulations to Jana Westerbeke! She does so much for our community and is very deserving of this special award.
SAA KHRIS DODGE announced the winner of the raffle, (not the 50/50) and the winner was…. Jennifer, one of the team members at TCC, congratulations.
DON ROLLINGS then introduced two Rotaractors and then auctioned off a painting by a fellow Rotaractor, Ava Shepphard. A beautiful piece of art called “Sea Fog”. It went to the highest bidder - LYUDA EISENMAN.
Lots of announcements that PRESIDENT BRUCE SHARED:
President Bruce’s Miles for Memories has hiked 1,864.9 miles so far. Don’t forget to sign up for the Whiskey and the Wine Fellowships. May 17th will be UA-AD Dave Heeke, everyone must register on the website for this meeting and last the COA is June 24th at Omni Tucson National Resort. BRUCE RICHARDSON announced the next hike on 5/6/23.
Next meeting we will be updated on Rio Nuevo by Fletcher McCusker, hope to see you there!
President BRUCE then ended the meeting with a toast!
