Welcome back to the Tucson Convention Center this fantastic Wednesday afternoon!
Today’s lunch was a BBQ buffet. PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN rang the bell at 12:15p to start the meeting.
PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN called for a Moment of Silence for Ukraine. PRESIDENT MARK then spoke on DAN GUARE’s behalf to share that TOM WILLIS has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, there are cards being passed around giving our well wishes to TOM.
We were led in the pledge and song by GARY OLSEN. Today’s song was “Star Spangled Banner” with assistance on the keyboard from KHRIS DODGE.
The inspirational moment was given by MITCH PISIK. MITCH was well aligned with March Madness. MITCH is definitely a numbers guy who took a deep dive into the potential growth of our club – with numbers. He shared some excellent statistics of how many Tucsonans could become Rotarians. Ask, Invite and Educate.
PRESIDENT MARK introduced SERGEANT AT ARMS, KHRIS DODGE, who then introduced our guests with his usual gusto.
Today’s Program was introduced by KHRIS DODGE. The very talented violinist and blues artist, Heather Hardy along with her longtime musical partner Michael. Heather and Michael then played a few fabulous songs, we all enjoyed listening to and sharing the experience. The book “Family Dynamics: Embrace Your Sound” was signed by Heather and Michael for our Make Way for Books Library as we continue to support children’s literacy in Tucson.
There was no birthday celebrations this week, but PRESIDENT MARK still had a surprise and wanted to share a picture of long time member, LEE SHULTZ who would have been 87. 
PRESIDENT MARK introduced our newest member, BRANDI HAGA-BLACKMAN. BRANDI is with Rio Nuevo. Congratulations and welcome BRANDI!
Our History Moment was presented by CHARLOTTE HARRIS. She presented a history of the Rotary’s 100-year support of the Lawton Boy Scouts and the Triangle Y Camps.
CHUCK SAWYER stepped up to the podium to present the winner of our March Madness drive. The winner was presented with a coveted candy filled trophy. The two top teams were KURTIS DAWSON’S team ‘No Bull’ and VICKY JACOBS team “Vic-Tory’. The final score was 114 – 75 with the winner being VICK JACOBS. DOUG LOWELL and DAN GREER accepted the award for their team since the Team Leaders were both out of town. To wrap it all up, we had over 155 visitors and 20 new members! We are well on our way to getting back to pre-COVID membership numbers around 240/250 members. The Raffle and King of Clubs game presented by SERGEANT AT ARMS KHRIS DODGE. The King of Clubs card was not drawn.
Announcements:
PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN gave an update on #Irv’s Fly-Fishing Fund and showed a picture of JOE DANISZEWSKI along with other family members showing off their catches. Thank you to all those that have shared their pictures and donations.
PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN reminded everyone of the Time Capsule ceremony at Hotel Congress on 4/21 at 5:45p. Then continued sharing there is an upcoming Boys & Girls Club Work Project where the details will be announced soon.
KHRIS DODGE was back at the mic reminding everyone of the Triangle Y Camp work project on April 30th. Be sure to sign up on the website. Then made another announcement of the next RCOT Blood Drive on May 11th at the TCC from 10am-3p.
PAST PRESIDENT JEN HOFFMAN announced the Polio Puls Award for the year 2020-21. Congratulations to the club members.
BRUCE JACOBS announced Home Hospitality Week is coming and hosts are needed. Be sure to keep an eye out for the email to sign up.
JEANNE ZETAH announced the return of the Rotary Youth Exchange program. Hosts are needed! She received back up from PAST PRESIDENT JEN HOFFMAN who shared her experience of being a host family as life changing for her, her two boys and her husband. Do not hesitate to sign up to host these amazing youths, you won’t regret it.
PRESIDENT MARK IRVIN closed with a final thank you to all our members, guests, and virtual attendees. The scholarship cups are on the table if you’d like to donate and thanked the scholarship sustaining members. PRESIDENT MARK gave the final toast before ringing the bell to adjourn the meeting.
