Posted by Ed Mystery on Jul 25, 2025
At Noon PRESIDENT DOT Rang the Bell and stated we'll be back in 15.  Enjoy your lunch!
 
Rotarians kicked off the afternoon with fellowship and a fabulous buffet. Once plates were full and spirits high, we jumped into the program!
 
KEVIN BARKER led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and our National Anthem.
 
We held a Moment of Silence for DON ROLLINGS’ beloved wife, Nan, with cards passed in her honor.
 
KHRIS DODGE brought some soul to the stage with a special moment that hit all the right notes for the inspiration.
 
SAA DAN KALM welcomed our in-person guests and gave a virtual shout out to past member Wayne Peate tuning in from afar as a virtual viewer of the meeting.
 
MARK IRVIN satisfied our sweet tooth as this week’s Cookie Monster sponsor—thanks, MARK!
 
Nancy Kluge, CEO of Reid Park Zoo, took us on a journey through “60 Wild Years at Reid Park Zoo.”  Nancy gave us some history of the zoo. Did you know that Gene Reid initially started it as a Prairie Dog Town back in 1965? He worked with the city council to get funding to help make it what it is today. Another interesting tidbit shared was that our very own JIM RONSTADT was involved in getting more animals placed at the zoo which had almost 600,000 visitors last year.
 
Reid Park Zoo continues to expand and will be debuting a Pathway to Asia soon and then will focus on Expedition Africa. Get your family and take a trip to the zoo, it is worth it.
 
Also mark your calendars for the zoo’s annual fund raiser “ZOOson”  which takes place on 10/3/25.
 Nancy signed the book “Zoo”, which will go to Make Way for Books, supporting children’s literacy.
 
We’re thrilled to,welcome two new members:

 - AUTUMN HUFAULT, introduced by VIC JACOBS and,

 - WINSTON WELCH, introduced by CHUCK SAWYER.
 
Sergeant-at-Arms DAN KALM kept us in line and grinning.

 Raffle: Member KEVIN BARKER won $90.00, congratulations but unfortunately the King of Clubs remains in the deck!

 Recognition: Hats off to MICHAEL GUYMON for a job well done with the Chamber!
 
PRESIDENT DOT led the announcement express:
 - Flood Relief: Donate via Rotary site, link is in the Tucsotarian
 - Red Badge Selfies: Snap 'em!
 - Senegal Project: Get involved!
 - Readers’ Choice: Sign up at check-in
 - All July, Aug 6 and 13th lunch meetings are here in the Turquoise-Crystal Ballrooms, Parking Lot B.
 
Catalina Rotary Club invited us to their upcoming event "Denim & Diamonds" 10/30 at Skyline Country Club, tickets are $50.00 and it helps raise money for sending kids to camp.
 
We had a Happy Jackson from member NANCY BEVINS reminding all to purchase their blue Rotary service shirts and hats.
 
JEANNE ZETAH brought the Car Show ticket news, let’s keep those ticket sales going and congrats to those of you who already qualify for the drawing and the appreciation dinner!
 
Congrats to JASON GRABOSCH, this year’s Golf Fellowship trophy winner, presented by BRUCE TUNZE!
 
Help fund our UA and Pima CC Scholars—scan the QR code on the blue cups at each table to donate to the scholarship fund. Every bit helps a future leader.
 
Coming Up Next Week: July 30; Marie Fordney, Children’s Advocacy Center of Southern Arizona. Same time, same place: Turquoise-Crystal Ballrooms.
 
KHRIS DODGE closed the meeting with a heartfelt toast. Here's to another week of fellowship, service, and community impact!
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