Rotary Club of Marana
Twelve of our members attended today's meeting along with guest speaker T Van Hook and former Illinoisian and former Rotarian John Johnson.
President Tony rang the bell and led us in the pledge. With precious few thoughts and with none to be shared publicly, Randy Brooks saved the day with a brief rendition of one of his favorite songs. Showing the depth of his empathy, earned over decades counseling the unfortunate, Randy's "If Your Worthless and You Know It Clap Your Hands" submission left us all speechless.(eyes blinking mouth agape)
Pantano Rotary is having a mixer this Thursday at BJ's on Broadway. All are welcomed to attend.
Next week we have a speaker from Mobile Meals AND MCAT Student of the Month.
We will be having a Hospitality Room, shared with the Oro Valley Club Friday evening of the District conference. Thanks John for stepping up. You're welcome, John.
District has asked that we assist with the Four Way Test Contest for High School Students. It has been many years since our club participated but sounds like all those in attendance think it is a good idea. Our Interact students, being in 8th grade, are too young to participate.
Maeve gave more info regards Tour De Tucson aide station. Location will again be Moore and Camino de la Oeste. Harold and John Z have setup with Denise in charge of food. We will have Burma Shave signs again and all workers plan to meet at 7AM at MacDonalds the morning of the race for breakfast.
Mary Straus updated Cameroon assessment trip. Phil Silvers, Tucson Rotarian Renowned and former RI Director, believes Cameroon project is well within reason when it comes to potential danger. Cameroon is NOT on the Rotary "Do Not Travel" list. There are still some serious reservations among members, but all will welcome Randy and Mary back mid September with open arms.
Happy Bucks
Everybody happy. Mary got a dollar from her financial adviser (Maeve) so she was REALLY happy. Even "T" Van Hook (former Marana Rotarian)was $5 happy and she donated $200 to the Cameroon Assessment Travel Budget. Thanks "T". "T" also won and lost with the 9 of Diamonds.
Joke Off
Maeve gave us the old "UR a Pe un" bathroom joke while Lynne came in with a Little Mary joke. (Wonder if Little Mary knows Dirty Ernie). Well, Mary's mind went right to the gutter when the teacher asked what organ grows by a factor of ten when stimulated. Long story short the answer is your pupils and Mary will be disappointed on her wedding night.
Not to be denied, John (me) entered with "Anyone heard about the smallest zoo in the world?" "Only has one animal and it is a dog" It's a real Shitzu."
Now that's funny.
"T" has been CEO of Habitat for Humanity (HH) for over four years. HH and Rotary International have had a working relationship for thirty years. The intent of HH is to break the cycle of poverty. While new homes get all the pres HH actually renovates over 100 homes every year. There are over 55,000 homes not up to code in Tucson.
New homes are sold not given to recipients at very very low interest rates. Sales price is based on appraisal. Recipients (all inhabitants over age 18) must donate 250 hours towards the home construction and there are 9 months of basic consumer ed classes that are mandatory.
One third of HH's revenue comes from their thrift Habistore located at 835 W Grant. Money is also raised via the sale of the homes.