Rotary Club of Marana
                                                                          
 
President Benner called us to order, and we were led in the Pledge by visiting Spokane (WA) Rotarian Stephen Joswick, who is a longtime member, bicyclist enthusiast, and recently retired mortgage broker. Stephen is visiting Tucson-area Rotary clubs because he’s considering moving down to Arizona. Our club members seized upon Stephen’s biking interest and immediately regaled him with stories about our wonderful and successful Tour de Cookie.
 
But our regular meetRichie Benner welcomes new member Carl Maes, while John Dooling looks oning was really about inducting Carl Maes into the Marana Rotary. After his induction ceremony, Carl mentioned that Rotary reminds him “how to be a better person, how to help people.” Carl, who has his PhD. in optical sciences, is a financial advisor with Edward Jones. He and his wife, Patricia, have been married for 27 years, and they have three children. Carl is also a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. Carl said that through Rotary he is looking forward to advocating for folks who don’t have a voice.
Before Carl’s induction, President Benner ran down some important announcements, including:
  • The club’s board discussed purchasing more our club’s mini-banners which are used as gifts to visitors, promotion, and friendship. We have the money; just need to review the design and order.
  • The Oro Valley Rotary has asked if we want to join with them on a community service project to benefit the food bank.
  • On August 29 at 11:15 a.m., the Rotary of Saddlebrook is hosting a lunch (free) at 1 Clubhouse Drive in Saddlebrook.
  • Sept. 15 is the District Awards application deadline.
  • Nov. 23 is the El Tour de Tucson, and we’ve been confirmed for our booth.
On a more somber note, John Dooling mentioned that GAP Ministries, which provides care for foster teens and other vulnerable communities, desperately needs to raise $500,000 this month.
 
After fellowship and breakfast, we had happy bucks, including a few tepid happy bucks, for the following:
  • “Our visitor and newest member” (Dan, John, and Tony)
  • “Former employee capped off successful career and was inducted into the National Manufactured Housing Hall of Fame” (Harold)
  • For “family, being alive, health, and friendship” (Carl)
  • For fellow “Spokanite” Stephen, new member Carl (Randy, but he’s also worried about attendance so a tepid happy buck)
  • “Happy” (Becky)
  • “Carl joining us because he’s a financial advisor with ethics” (Mary)
  • “Taking minutes, start of academic year across the city” (Laura)
  • ‘Happy’? about Broadway construction  & membership month (Richie)
Lynne’s joke aimed at our visitor from Washington. “What is a Seattle Seahawk’s fan’s favorite wine?” Answer: “We can’t beat the Arizona Cardinals.”
 
Our Tour de Cookie date has been set for March 7, 2020! Dan thought the start from the Rillito Race Track worked well. General discussion was to have the route focus a bit more along the Loop which runs into Marana. We hope to cross-promote Tour de Cookie at the Tour de Tucson in November.
 
-- Submitted by Laura Clymer, secretary