President JEN HOFFMAN called the meeting to order with 50 Rotarians attending. Opening featured the pledge and song America the Beautiful introduced by MARIANNE FREITAS, sung by fellow Rotarians, followed by an inspirational story on a Texas School Bus Driver who treated all of the kids as his second family. The lunch featured a juicy chicken dish with a delicious sauce and some healthy vegetables.
JEN opened the meeting welcoming Andrew O’Sullivan, a financial advisor in town who is checking out our remarkable club.
VICKIE JACOBS, Real Estate Sales, an avid Yoga participant, introduced Stefanie Boe, the Engagement Lead from Bayer Crop Science housed at the new Bayer agricultural greenhouse facility in Marana, Arizona. Stefanie’s program was entitled, “Growing Corn Under the Glass in the Desert” gave us an update on the facility which just opened and is growing corn. Their goal is to accomplish sustainable innovation growing crops under glass. She was coming live from the facility but unfortunately due to COVID-19 restrictions, was unable to give us a virtual tour around the facility. One of the highlights of the presentation was how Bayer can grow more corn in less acreage, thus saving valuable water resources.
A Birthday celebration featured both VICKIE JACOBS and ROB LAMASTER. VIC mentioned how Tucson continues to welcome new residents and that is helping her business and ROB was actually celebrating his real birthday that day.
BOB LOGAN returned as the MC of Paul Harris recipients to “an amazing round of applause.” NOT REALLY! BOB mentioned the entire continent of Africa is now Polio free. MARY MARTIN, plus 5 and JEFF RONSTADT also a plus 5. Paul Harris recipients were honored in a way only BOB can honor Paul Harris recipients. Notable is MARY’s career in radio and now owners along with her husband, DOUG of Good News Communications. JEFF was notably introduced by way of his great, great grandfather, Frederick, who came over from Germany and introduced his son, who later became a blacksmith and the rest is history. JEFF is teaching BOB how to properly sip bourbon (perfect) and play golf (not well).GARY OLSEN, Sergeant at Arms announcements were rather large today. BOB LOGAN introduced new officer nominations. Voting will take place in November. BRUCE JACOBS introduced replacement mixer at Three Canyon Brewery, an outdoor location on Sabino Canyon Rd. taking place on10/28/20. Sign up on the website under “Upcoming Events”. Max 60 people.
CHAR HARRIS talked about Polio statistics on how the efforts are going. World Polio day is October 24 and indoor rides will take place on several days featuring stationary bikes or special ride on the Loop. Here are riders who will take part in the ride: Jo DeChatelet, Charlotte Harris, Gary Hirsch, Kandy Hirsch, Jen Hoffman, Dot Kret, Bobby Larson, Ellie Patterson, Steve Pickering and Hugh Thompson.
BRUCE TUNZE presented a blue badge to DAN KALM, State Farm 30-year veteran, and an eagle scout.
JOE DANISZEWSKI, 21,430 car tickets have been sold, more than half sold on-line - (71% of goal). JOE talked a little about recipient JTED and how important the car show has been to helping charities throughout Tucson over the years.
JEANNE ZETAH, Car Auction update. 221 items received, 148 have been bided on (57 Rotarians) on with over $15,000 pledged to date. Auction shuts off Friday at 8 pm. DANIELLE followed up featuring some of the auction items that have been donated by Rotarians and encouraged one to bid.
Finally, HUGH THOMPSON closed with a “Rotarian Historical Moment” on a 1997 Medical Evaluation trip organized by Rotarian past and present District Governors to Vladivostok town, Russia’s only warm water port. After a 22 hour flight, they were greeted by Rotarians to help the town through their medical crisis. 14 medical facilities were visited. One individual needed additional assistance that only a special medical expert could help save the life of an accident victim. Tucson medial group organized by Hugh and Rotary was able to bring this child to Tucson and performed a successful surgery. A wonderful email was shared by JEN with the group thanking Rotary about her recovery and how thankful she was to Rotary.And finally, JEN made a few announcements, especially next week there is no lunch meeting due to the Car Show event going on this Saturday at The Gregory School. Some cars, selling tickets, music and food (bring your own) will be taking place prior to the drawing of the winner of the Corvette and other fabulous prizes. Meeting was ended by President JEN thanking "Rotarians for always giving back".
