President MARK IRVIN welcomed Rotarians. Pledge and Song led by MITCH PISIK. GARY HIRSCH stepped in to play God Bless America while KHRIS DODGE is focusing on the Tucson Jazz Festival this week.
President MARK asked we take a moment of silence for AIMEE GRAVES’ mother who passed on 12/8/21. Our prayers and thoughts are with AIMEE and her family.
AWE was the focus of MITCH PISIK’S inspiration. He warmly reminded us to savor the awe around us: in each other, in nature and to spread our awe into our day, our week, and years to follow.
GARY OLSEN welcomed our guests, TJ and Pat Lopez from El Tour de Tucson and all our Student Scholars.
Our program speaker, Roger Pfeuffer, the founding board member of Friends of Tucson Birthplace (FOTB), received a spirited Rotary welcome. FOTB is focused on the recreation of Tucson’s Birthplace known as Tucson Origins Heritage Park. “Mission Garden’s primary mission is to preserve, transmit and revive the region’s rich agricultural heritage by growing garden plots representative of more than 4000 years of continuous cultivation in the Tucson Basin.” Rotarians are encouraged to visit the garden where the seasonal bounty can be sampled and over 72 variety of birds and various local animals abound and may be seen frolicking in any of the three functioning gardens.
GARY HIRSCH shared a history moment with a heartfelt thank you to TJ Juskiewicz and Pat Lopez for the collaboration extended to RCOT’s Ride to End Polio.
DARRELL STEWART, co-chair, was recognized and thanked for organizing an outstanding ride! Cycling to Serve stepped up to be the first presenting sponsor. The outdoor ride generated more than $12,000, and in addition to CHARLOTTE HARRIS’ indoor ride, raised over $500,000. In all, with Bill and Melinda Gates matching gifts, over $56 million has been raised since the inception of the Ride to End Polio. TJ and Pat presented GARY HIRSCH with a framed photo of his crossing the finish line to recognize his many efforts to make the Ride to End Polio a success. Thank you GARY!
GARY OLSEN read the winning ticket for the 50/50 raffle…congratulations NANCY BEVINS. Unfortunately, the King of Clubs was not drawn and we look forward to a winner at next week’s Raffle.
President MARK added another fine fish to his Fly-Fishing Fund Wall of Fame. NICOLE LOMBARDO’S nephew, Mac, caught a browning on the Madison River in Yellowstone.
GARY OLSEN announced there will be a blood drive on February 16th starting 10 a.m.–3 p.m. in the TCC lobby entrance to our Wednesday meeting. Look for sign up details shortly.
JO DECHATELET shared a proud Happy Jackson. Her son, Tom Brandhuber retired from the Air Force Reserve after 33 years of service. He continues to serve as Assistant Fire Chief.
ROGER HARWELL organized the 7th beer booth at the 4th Avenue Street Fair, raising $3,500 for the scholarship program. DAVE WHITE announced car show ticket sales also took place at the 4th Avenue Street Fair.
LYUDA EISENMAN introduced several RCOT scholar students from the University of Arizona. Each student shared their area of study, plans for the future and the positive impact the RCOT scholarship has made during their education.
President MARK thanked our virtual guests and all of the scholar students and reminded us what an impact a weekly donation can make to continue to help our students.
President MARK announced next week’s speakers will be Carlotta & Ray Flores of El Charro.
President MARK toasted and adjourned the meeting.
