TED FORSBERG started the meeting with a moment of silence for all the members of the Air Force who have not come home from tours of duty, and added a quote from Vince Lombardi. JEFF RONSTADT heads up the Pledge and Song Committee and began his “reign of terror” with video of an amazing a cappella rendition of “America the Beautiful”. JEFF is looking for volunteers to assist with the Pledge and Song going forward.
Newly minted President CHUCK SAWYER started his own reign by introducing past and new Board Members, and then presented Past President CLIFF BOWMAN with his Past President Badge and Theme Banner. Past President CLIFF then set a record for shortest Past President Minute ever.New member and Past President from Up North BRUCE ELLWEIN introduced our visitors and guests.
We had two Birthday Rotarians, both Past Presidents:
- JIM LUBINSKI urged new members to get in the picture and on the team (involved), and encouraged President CHUCK with quotes from Will Rogers (“Always drink upstream from the herd”) and Hopper from A Bug’s Life (“First rule of leadership - everything is your fault”).
- MARY MARTIN thanked RALPH PHILLIPS and Fair Wheel Bikes for helping with her new road bike.
VIC JAC
OBS introduced our latest new member KAREN PUTNAM. KAREN is a beach loving chocolate addict who treats Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and who has a husband who acts like one. In the interests of meeting the Four Way Test, KAREN noted that the introduction had in fact been written by said husband. Welcome KAREN!
OBS introduced our latest new member KAREN PUTNAM. KAREN is a beach loving chocolate addict who treats Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and who has a husband who acts like one. In the interests of meeting the Four Way Test, KAREN noted that the introduction had in fact been written by said husband. Welcome KAREN!
The Dynamic Duo of Paul Harris Presentations was back with four more recipients:
WOCKY REDSAR-WIERZBINSKI received her first Paul Harris. WOCKY has three advanced degrees, a long career in land development, and much experience with local community organizations.
MIKE SAGARA received his Paul Harris plus two. MIKE has been married for 47 years and served 25 years as communications director of the Red Cross.
MONTE CLAUSEN survived a brutal cross examination of his U of A basketball career stats, law career and recognition as “Most Eligible Bachelor” of his U of A class to receive his latest Paul Harris.
Past President CLIFF BOWMAN received his Paul Harris plus six. CLIFF is a 20 year Veteran of the Air Force who served four tours of duty in the Middle East and most recently one grueling tour of duty as RCOT President. Congratulations to all!
Our newest Sergeant at Arms BOBBY LARSON began by recognizing MARGARET HIGGINS for receiving the Inside Tucson Business 2018 award for Outstanding Outreach. MARGARET is the Executive Director of The Haven. The Haven provides gender-specific substance use services for women and their families in a safe, supportive environment free of judgment and stigma.For Announcements, we had the following:
- President CHUCK presented a Blue Badge to JAY GANDOLFI. JAY is the past head of Pharmacology at the U of A who enjoys the fellowship he has experienced so far in our Club.
- Past President ELLIE PATTERSON presented a Blue Badge to AIMEE GRAVES. AIMEE currently works at CARF International and she thanked ELLIE for her friendship and mentorship.
- BOBBY LARSON invited members who like to hike to join BRUCE RICHARDSON on a special RCOT hike in Aravaipa Canyon 9/21 – 9/23.
- President CHUCK invited everyone again to our club mixer at Topgolf.
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President CHUCK gave our program: “Toronto, the RI Convention and Our Club Goals for the Year Ahead” He reviewed incoming Rotary International President Barry Raisin’s major project to bring potable water to all of Haiti, and this year’s slogan: “Be the Inspiration”. President CHUCK outlined four goals for our Club this year:
- Increase engagement among existing members by providing greater value.
- Grow Club membership and increase diversity.
- Expand our reach through collaborations with other local clubs.
- Participate in international projects that focus more locally, particularly in Mexico.
President CHUCK noted that our club is the 63rd largest out of 35,000 clubs world-wide. He hopes to improve existing member experience by breaking down the club into smaller efforts such as work projects, fellowships and social events.President CHUCK signed a book for our lending library (“Hello Hello”) and adjourned with a quote from John Quincy Adams: “If Your Actions Inspire Others To Dream More, Learn More, Do More and Become More, You Are a Leader.”
