The meeting was called to order promptly by President JENNIFER HOFFMAN with a full 48 Rotarians present. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by MELANIE HOFFMAN and a beautiful, inspirational video “God bless the USA” was presented and well received by all.
The Inspiration video was shown and acknowledged the achievement of one young man who went from “Mechanic to Doctor”.
President JEN introduced our guest speaker Julius Holt, the Commissioner of Tucson Youth Football and Spirit Federation. Mr. Holt, a true inspiration led us through his life growing up in Washington DC in an inner-city environment. He was never called by his name but was known as “Big Ray”.His childhood was that of a typical inner-city child, surrounded by poverty, but always in his mind was the dream to succeed. He recalled as each child was born into the family, his mom would wrap a drawer with blankets 
and that was their bassinet. As he grew up, he had his fair share of problems of all types, but he prevailed. He played all sports, except wrestling which was just too close for him! He was accepted to the University of Arizona as a student and arrived in Tucson 30+ years ago. His first experience in Tucson, was believe this or not, taking a shower. You see Julius never took a shower, only a bath. After he accidentally found how the “shower” worked, he just stayed and stayed to the point that the coaches had to come retrieve him from the shower. At that point in his life, he discovered he was never clean, but thought he always was, so the shower was his blessing in life at that time. He graduated from the University and stayed on as an employee for the University. Julius retired at 56 and became active with youth sports in Tucson leading him to the Commissioner position in his retirement and continues to move his life forward. As Commissioner, his job is not to teach the sport but to train youth in the areas of responsibility and accountability. Julius believes that perseverance is key to a successful life, he stated, “we are all responsible for ourselves”. Julius has amazing faith and a true belief in loving one another. “Always tell those how much you love them” as life has no guarantees. Julius Holt is truly an inspiration, a real person whose actions profoundly highlights his beliefs.
and that was their bassinet. As he grew up, he had his fair share of problems of all types, but he prevailed. He played all sports, except wrestling which was just too close for him! He was accepted to the University of Arizona as a student and arrived in Tucson 30+ years ago. His first experience in Tucson, was believe this or not, taking a shower. You see Julius never took a shower, only a bath. After he accidentally found how the “shower” worked, he just stayed and stayed to the point that the coaches had to come retrieve him from the shower. At that point in his life, he discovered he was never clean, but thought he always was, so the shower was his blessing in life at that time. He graduated from the University and stayed on as an employee for the University. Julius retired at 56 and became active with youth sports in Tucson leading him to the Commissioner position in his retirement and continues to move his life forward. As Commissioner, his job is not to teach the sport but to train youth in the areas of responsibility and accountability. Julius believes that perseverance is key to a successful life, he stated, “we are all responsible for ourselves”. Julius has amazing faith and a true belief in loving one another. “Always tell those how much you love them” as life has no guarantees. Julius Holt is truly an inspiration, a real person whose actions profoundly highlights his beliefs. The book “Little Football” was presented for signature to Julius by President JEN and will go into the Make Way for Books Library.
Wow, we had a great birthday celebration for all July Birthdays, however only JIM RONSTADT showed to the party. JIM revisited his history with Rotary and how thankful he is for the group. August Birthday Rotarians don’t miss your celebration next month!
President JEN presented a blue badge to MELANIE HOFFMAN. Congratulations MELANIE!JON DANISZEWSKI gave an update on selling car show tickets and the upcoming car show.
President JEN thanked everyone for attending the meeting and announced the next meeting date of July 22. A special thank you to Hacienda Del Sol and President JEN and staff for maintaining a safe environment for all ROTARIANS.
The meeting ended with a toast by President JEN.
