Posted by Ed Mystery on May 02, 2019
The meeting began with PRESIDENT CHUCK introducing PAT ZUMBUSCH, who provided a very inspirational message which was followed by JEANNE FLOWER with the pledge and song.  Visiting Rotarians and guests were introduced to the Club by new member ANDY KIEL. One of our special guests was Rachel James, a Rotary scholar.
 
PRESIDENT CHUCK celebrated the birthdays of NINA TRASOFF, former Broadway dancer and local TV star, PRODIP DUTTA, who supports micro loans for women in India, and GENE CASAGRANDE, whose family may have the Guinness Book of Records for most dentists (17) in one family.
 
PRESIDENT CHUCK shared that we will have a replacement mixer on May 29, 2019, location to be determined. No lunch meeting on May 29th, 2019.
 
PRESIDENT CHUCK then introduced MARGARET HIGGINS who began the presentation of the Rotary 4 Way Test award.  She shared the background of the award which recognizes a community member who has exemplified the four-way test.  MARGARET then introduced MARK IRVIN, who shared with the Club that this year’s awardee is Ali Farhang.  MARK shared the many community resources and events that Ali has initiated and has helped. Ali continues, for example, with the Arizona Bowl and as pro bono counsel to the Boys and Girls Club.  Ali introduced his family who was present. He offered special thanks to the Club for the recognition through the award. He shared how important he has found to surround himself with good people.
 
BOBBY LARSON, Sargent of Arms, introduced Natasha Ray, Sunset Rotary, regarding the goal of Rotary District 5500 becoming the El Tour de Tucson event sponsor. JIM WOOD introduced BROOKE FAWCETT, who was receiving her blue badge. ROGER HARWELL reported the results of the most recent beer sales at the 4th Ave Street Fair.  We sold $27,000 worth of beer with a net to the Club of $7100.
 
PRESIDENT CHUCK introduced DR. WAYNE PEATE, who is a very active volunteer with JTED. WAYNE introduced Patti Greenleaf, Executive Director of JTED and Abel Vasquez, Director of JTED Technology.
 
Abel discussed the resources and capabilities of JTED. He related the impact of JTED on the graduation rates; JTED is 98% versus a community rate of 76%.  He communicated that the legacy of the RCOT support of the new JTED learning center will be experienced by the many students who graduate.
 
Patti Greenleaf reported that JTED is its own educational district but up to now did not offer the required academic classes. In partnership with TUSD, the new RCOT learning center will be able to offer the necessary academics and thus students will graduate from JTED.
 
PRESIDENT CHUCK closed the meeting with a quote and toast.
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