Marana Rotary Club
May 23, 2023 weekly meeting
The Zoom-only meeting kicks off with the pledge of allegiance at 7:04AM.
Announcements:
Denise Green (formerly Denise Coronado) of MCAT has been informed that three of our members (Laura, Cathy and Andrea) will be attending the upcoming graduation ceremonies.
Cathy’s first meeting as President will be July 11 as there will be no meeting on the July 4 holiday.
June 23- Cathy’s induction ceremony will be held at Laura’s home beginning at 6PM, dinner to follow at 6:30 and ceremonies to begin around 7PM.
July 25- Don’s induction ceremony at the Gaslight Theatre (Eastside location).
Oct. 5 and 6- District 5500 Conference at Casino del Sol. Reminder that we will be hosting a reception for Don on the 5th.
Dan and Heather will be celebrating their 23rd wedding anniversary; Heather will be on the road for her continental charity bike ride, Dan will likely be golfing or fishing.
As discussed in our last meeting, the NW Fire District facility will be closed for major repairs beginning Aug 1 likely through the end of the year. Beginning in June, we need to consider alternative locations or combinations of in-person and Zoom only meetings for this period. Andrea will investigate the Marana Town Hall conference room, Beckie the Chamber conference rooms, and Andy suggested that we consider Tohono Chul Parks facilities. Technological (Zoom capability) and logistical challenges need to be considered. Laura suggested that the outgoing and incoming boards coordinate a working meeting to discuss alternatives. Peter emphasized the need for continued Zoom access (hybrid meetings) for those members who are out of town.
Harold had circulated to members the financials for the Foundation and Club and informed the meeting that both were in excellent financial standings.
Laura and Bob reported that Maria Altamorano, one of our Vocational Scholarship recipients, had sent an email describing that she had recently passed six required exams for her Dental Hygienist Certification, a goal she has had for the past 7 years, and that she had accepted a position in Marana for practice. Laura suggested that, as Maria’s story is inspiring, Bob include her in the Guest Speaker program.
Bob pointed out that we do not have a speaker for the June 6 meeting and Laura suggested that, instead, we leave that meeting open for planning purposes given that there are many upcoming topics to discuss.
Happy Bucks (Laura asked that each person include their favorite ice cream as we are entering the summer season)
Laura- Baskin Robbins Pralines and Cream. She was happy to be tackling yardwork projects and noted the therapeutic effects of mindless tasks following the close of her teaching semester.
Dan- peppermint and chocolate chip. Dan will be dropping Heather for the start of her bike ride this Thursday in San Diego which will finish Aug 6 in Wilmington, N. Carolina
Cathy- Ben & Jerry’s New York Super Fudge Chunk. Cathy was happy to be in her new job and to have survived two graduations and two birthdays this month.
Mary- chocolate mint chip with a brownie on the side. Mary was happy that her daughter graduated and that she was able to participate in her and her friends’ festivities while dealing Texas Hold ‘em poker.
Mark- anything from Ben & Jerry’s, but especially Stephen Colbert “Chunky Monkey” flavor. Mark had a busy month with lots of graduations and Marana Honor’s Night festivities.
Andy- Blue Bunny mint chocolate chip. Happily preparing to catch fish with his fly rod.
Andrea- Talento Pistacio Gelato. She is looking forward to the 3-day weekend with nothing to do except chill out after a very busy wedding month.
Mary- anything Ben & Jerry’s, pointed out that Talento ice creams’ were on sale locally at Fry’s.
Peter- chocolate chip and strawberry. Peter shared an image of him enjoying an ice cream cone in Heidelberg, Germany. Peter is currently working at the Naval Observatory in Flagstaff, AZ, and will be travelling back and forth between Egypt and Munich until late July.
Beckie- has not eaten ice cream in some time, but Carl enjoys copious amounts of COSTCO Vanilla some evenings. She does like Wendy’s Frosties, though. She recently shared a wonderful week with her daughters and is looking forward to their 53rd wedding anniversary coming up on June 1.
Bob- hardly ever consumes ice cream but favors Brahm’s (OK Brand) Butter Pecan. Bob will be spending another 2 weeks in Oklahoma enjoying family before heading on to Virginia.
Harold- Ben & Jerry’s Butter Pecan. Harold once toured the Ben & Jerry’s factory tasting room on an RV trip. He is looking forward to only two more weeks of physical therapy, after which he will undergo the second knee replacement.
Adjournment
Laura let the group adjourn early at 7:50 with the Four-Way Test
Yours,
Andy Swarthout (any errors are mine and mine alone!)