Marana Rotary Club
June 6, 2023 weekly meeting
The Hybrid meeting kicks off with the pledge of allegiance at 7:04AM.
Announcements:
Laura noted Harold’s recent birthday on June 1 where he turned a spritely 86 years old, Happy Birthday Harold!!
Bob Bishop will be celebrating his birthday on June 26!
Beckie and Carl celebrated their 53rd anniversary also on June 1!
Don and Kathy returned this past Wednesday from the RI Convention in Australia last Wednesday still feeling quite jet-lagged. They reported on the convention having had lower attendance than previous years (approx.. 14,000 attendees) with surprisingly fewer attendees from Africa and Asia. Attendees from India had increased. Approximately 40 attended from our District. At the House of Friendship, there were fewer vendors. Don and Kathy also visited Sidney and New Zealand during their two-week journey and reported having a fabulous time.
Laura apologized for sounding like a broken record…….but reminded all of the upcoming installation ceremonies for Cathy (6PM, Laura’s house, June 23) and Don (Gaslight Theatre, Eastside, 9AM-1PM, June 25).
Beckie announced that Long Realty is seeking support for a diaper drive, underway until June 16th. Since Long Realty was a sponsor and supporter of our Tour de Cookie event, Beckie suggested that we support this initiative. Donations can be delivered to any Long Realty location, brought to our meeting for delivery by Beckie, or ordered on-line for delivery directly to Beckie at:
9919 N Crook Ln.
Tucson 85742
The event is being co-sponsored by the Dove Mountain Rotary Club.
Bob Bishop mentioned that he has an update for the Kilimanjaro bathroom project in Tanzania which will be placed on the upcoming Board meeting agenda.
The Board meeting will be set for this coming weekend, time and day TBD.
Happy Bucks
Mary recalled an amazing trip to Bali one week ago, enjoying the fantastic snorkeling
Don and Cathy were happy, already having shared their Australian experiences
Harold happily commented on the cool birthday card he had received from the club
Beckie had a visit from her daughter and son-in-law from Salt Lake; noting that, unfortunately, her son-in-law was sick the entire visit, but having a wonderful time with her daughter
Cathy lamented that she forgot her purse so had no happy bucks on hand. (Harold reminded everyone that contributions can be made on-line!!). Cathy was looking forward to a trip to Mexico with family.
Laura described the amazing sunrise this morning, having arisen early to enjoy.
Bob was launching his and Linda’s journey from OKC to Virginia immediately following today’s meeting.
Randy was reporting in from his remote refuge in northeastern Washington where the temps were cool and jackets were necessary. It was entertaining to observe Randy juggle cell phone and laptop while trying to participate in the meeting. Attendees were treated to various views of Randy’s ear.
Andy was just happy that rains have finally stopped in southern Utah.
Meeting Location Discussion
The remainder of the meeting was dedicated to discussion around solutions to the need for a new meeting location while the Fire District building is undergoing construction beginning August through year-end. Ideas suggested included:
- Various combinations of in-person, hybrid and Zoom only formats.
- Any locations north of I-10 and Cortaro Farms Rd should be ruled out as Cathy’s new work location is on the far east side of town.
- Harold prefers at least two in-person meetings per month.
- The group seems to be leaning towards two Zoom/hybrid and two in-person per month.
- We need to consider the IT capabilities wherever we consider for both hybrid and guest speaker internet needs.
- Laura said the Holiday Inn, I-10 and Cortaro, has a meeting room available for $150/event; note that we currently pay $157/month. Laura will follow up to determine price break possibilities.
- Laura also suggested that we consider meeting in-person for breakfast 1X/month as a possibility.
- Cathy pointed out that, since today’s attendance is quite light, we post this discussion in the minutes so that those not present can weigh in on the discussion.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:55AM with the Four-Way Test
Yours,
Andy Swarthout (any errors are mine and mine alone!)