WELCOME Rotarians announced PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS this Wednesday’s meeting. PRESIDENT MARGARET rang the bell at 12p to officially get the meeting started then made the announcement to get some food from the buffet; we will have fellowship and lunch for about 15 minutes before the presentation from Dieter & Netzin Steklis from the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences at the University of Arizona.
After some great fellowship time and delicious food, PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS started the meeting. We were led in the pledge and song by new member DARRELL BIRKHIMER. Today’s song was “My Country tis of Thee’ with some help from KHRIS DODGE on the keyboard.
After the pledge and song, PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS then shared that member ALAN SCHROPE has been diagnosed with Sick Sinus Syndrome, we wish him a speedy recovery and cards are being passed around for all to sign.
The inspirational moment was given by CHRIS EDWARDS who spoke about leadership. Managing is tactical, leadership is strategic.
SERGEANT AT ARMS DAN KALM came to the mic for Introductions of Guests. Welcome all Rotarians and guests. It’s wonderful to see so many guests.
PRESIDENT MARGARET next called DIANA MADARAS to the podium to introduce our program for today with, Dieter & Neitzen Steklis; Professors from the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences at the University of Arizona. Dieter and Netzin will speak of their time in Rwanda working on gorilla conservation. When Dian Fossey was murdered in 1985, Deiter and Netzin were called upon to step in and take over the research and conservation work that Dian left behind. Another interesting fact is though Dian was murdered two years prior, her cabin was still the same, never cleaned up from the tragic event that had happened, both Deiter and Netzin cleaned out the cabin with heavy hearts and got right to work continuing Dian’s amazing work with the mountain gorillas for the next 13 years before they were forced to flee for their lives from Rebels. They now reside in Tucson and today we are going to hear about the behind-the-scenes human stories that you can’t read about in published research. Dieter and Netzin have great energy about them when they present together. They started at the Karisoke Camp which Dian built as a research camp or rather a research center. Dian Fossey discovered during her research that each gorilla has individuality. She figured out that each gorilla has a unique personality and even have their own ‘fingerprint’ as a nose print that she was able to identify each gorilla by. Gorillas are truly gentle giants and unless threatened, will not harm you though they are very curious. Unlike Chimpanzees that are very aggressive and volatile. If Dian did not do this conservation work, we may never have this research or knowledge of these amazing primates. Netzin began going through all of Dian’s notes and got to know Dian very well over the years. They continued to share personal stories of the time in Rwanda, their experiences with the gorillas and how not only poaching but growth can seriously affect the gorilla population. It was fascinating to hear about all the work that Dian started but Dieter and Netzin continued for a total of 55 years.After Dieter and Netzin’s presentation the book “Good Night Gorilla” was signed by both Dieter and Netzin for our Make Way for Books Library as we continue to support children’s literacy in Tucson.
There were two Rotary Birthdays again this week. Happy birthday to: HUGH THOMPSON, 8/13, and PHIL GUTT, 8/27. A very happy birthday to both of you!
Next was a new member introduction given by MITCH PISIK. Welcome DARRELL BIRKHIMER! DARRELL is the Corporate Active Member from Trico Electric Cooperative.
The Raffle and King of Clubs game presented by SERGEANT AT ARMS DAN KALM. The King of Clubs card was not drawn. Better luck to all club members next meeting.
Rotary Announcements:
PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS began today’s announcements. We will continue to have a buffet for lunch, please be sure to arrive early for food and fellowship. The Conference of Clubs will be held on Oct. 6-7, 2023, at the Casino Del Sol. On behalf of NINA TRASOFF, she needs volunteers for the Public Relations Committee, if you are interested in joining, please see NINA or DORINNA to sign up.
DAN KALM announced the replacement mixer on 8/30/203 at Brother John’s from 5:30p-7:30p. Please join us for some great fellowship and register on Clubrunner. Fun fact: Wednesday’s ARE Whiskey Nights at Brother John’s. We hope to see you there.
BRUCE RICHARDSON and the Hiking Fellowship will have another hike 9/2/2023 to Mt. Wrightson. If you plan on going, please let BRUCE know.
DAN KALM was back at the mic to announce our 2nd Wednesday tour at the Tucson Gem and Mineral Museum on 9/13, for more information contact BRUCE JACOBS. Tickets are $15 each, there will be lunch afterwards at Café a la Cart.
PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS next gave the queue to play the Tucson Classics Car Show radio and TV commercials.
JEANNE ZETAH gave a car show update on the current fundraising and ticket selling efforts, gave thanks to all the members who have been selling Car Show Tickets at events and to all members who are keeping up the great work of getting out there and selling tickets.
PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS closed by thanking all our members, guests, and virtual attendees for being here today. CHRIS EDWARDS gave the final toast before PRESIDENT MARGARET HIGGINS rang the bell to adjourn the meeting.
