This week we returned to the Westward Look due to the Tucson Gem and Mineral Show at the TCC. PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN rang the bell to begin the meeting.
We were led in the pledge and song by JENNIFER HOFFMAN. The song for today was “My Country Tis of Thee”.
PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN reminded the members of the COVID Protocol. We will continue to do our best to keep members safe.
Then, PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN asked for a moment of silence for GERRY HALLOWELL’s wife Elinor who passed away on Saturday. No details at this time but we will keep the members posted. Please be sure to sign the cards circulating for Gerry.
Welcome back to KEN LIGHT after having hip replacement surgery.
The Inspirational Moment was given by HUGH THOMPSON.
We then broke for lunch and fellowship. After a short break for lunch, PRESIDENT MARK introduced the SERGEANT AT ARMS, KHRIS DODGE, who then introduced our guests and visiting Rotarians on this chilly Wednesday at The Westward Look Resort.
Today’s Program was introduced with a video about Russell True the White Stallion Ranch & True Ranch Hospitality; “Dude Ranching in Arizona”. Russell gave a very informative presentation on dude ranching in our area and the history of The White Stallion Ranch along with other ranches in the Tucson area. He told the story of how his family purchased the Ranch and his mother’s reason for staying was for the mountain views. Then Russell took a few questions from the audience. The book “Mr. Noisy at the Dude Ranch” was given to Russell True to sign for our Make Way for Books Library as we continue to support children’s literacy in Tucson. Thank you to Russell for coming to speak to us and inform us that ranching is still alive in Tucson.Next, we were introduced to our newest member and Blue Badge presentation: JOHN MCCALEB who was introduced by PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN. JOHN, as many of you may know, is a 
returning member and Past President who took a hiatus for a while but is happy to be back. JOHN then said a few words about his past membership and looking forward to being a part of this great Club again.
returning member and Past President who took a hiatus for a while but is happy to be back. JOHN then said a few words about his past membership and looking forward to being a part of this great Club again. Our History Moment was presented by BOB SHAFF. BOB gave a presentation showcasing CHARLOTTE HARRIS the 88th president. She exemplifies the Rotary spirit of Service Above Self and all its values. CHARLOTTE is a very special person and has been a tremendous asset to our club over the last 20 years. Her Past President Video was then shown and CHARLOTTE took a moment to share final thoughts as well as thank BOB SHAFF for all the efforts he’s put into this Past Presidents project; he’s worked hard and done a great job of capturing our history.
Next is the always anticipated Raffle and King of Clubs Game presented by SERGEANT AT ARMS KHRIS DODGE. MONTE CLAUSEN’S ticket was drawn but the King of Clubs was not, so better luck next week as the deck continues to get smaller!
Announcements:
PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN gave an update on #Irv’s Fly-Fishing Fund and showed a picture of CHUCK SAWYER and his son Bennett with a fish they recently caught. CHUCK thank you for your donation to the Fund.
PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN reminded everyone to wear their rodeo attire for the meetings on 2/16 and 2/23.
VICKIE JACOBS announced the Social Mixer on 2/9 at The Hotel Congress. Sign up on the website as soon as you can. Should be fun with live music and a bunch of fellowship!
KHRIS DODGE reminded everyone of the Blood Drive at the 2/16 meeting located at the TCC. There will be a sign-up sheet at the registration table.
SCOTT VAUGHAN presented DIANA MADARAS with her Blue Badge. DIANA MADARAS then gave a Happy Jackson about the upcoming event for the Tucson Wildlife Center benefit that is a dinner at La Paloma on March 6th. Please see DIANA for more information on this wonderful event. PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN updated the members on the Tucson Rodeo Beer Sales for the Catalina Rotary. There is still an opportunity to sign up.
BRUCE JACOBS gave a Happy Jackson about his wife being promoted to President of the newly formed Agave Title Agency. He is finally a ‘kept man’!
PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN closed with a final thank you to all our members, guests, and virtual attendees and congratulated JOHN MCCALEB on his return, and DIANA MADARAS on her blue badge. PRESIDENT MARK gave the final toast before ringing the bell to adjourn the meeting.
