MEETING MINUTES 5-16-17
Submitted by Randy Brooks, Secretary
5-16-17
Meeting called to order by President Mary Straus. She also led the pledge.
President Elect Jo Holt gave a thought for the day ….. From Mr. Rogers
Attendance dipped below 80% attendance today for the first time in several months.  Must be summer. Harold our resident greeter was not in attendance today ….. We were all concerned but we learned he is OK ….. A minor medical problem so Harold know we were thinking about you.
Visitors:  Richie Benner, Boy Scouts of America, will be inducted next week.
                Lori Malagone, Executive Director Arizona Youth Partnership, will be inducted next Tuesday.
                Bob Bishop, CEO, Aerial Productions Intl., Inc., guest today and officially submitted his application for membership.
                Carolyn Gorst, Education Manager, Junior Achievement of Arizona.
The club expressed sadness regarding our guest and soon to be new member, Richie Benner, in regards to the loss of his niece in a swimming accident.  Our thoughts are with you and your family Richie.
Mary discussed that Rotarian Ray Naylor is advocating for the Civil Discourse initiative and it’s National Institute. This was founded after the terrible shooting in Tucson of politicians’, civilians and, children, January 8, 2011Two of the members are past presidents George Bush and Bill ClintonCivility can exist between all of us.  Rotary proves that daily.
We had not one but two jokes today from Maeve and Lynne.  Sadly I did not write them down …. One was about a duck bill and the other referenced pasta.  Sorry.  Xavier provided levity during Happy Bucks John Dooling won and then lost the drawing.  We then acknowledged Xavier’s Mother for her abilities as chef for our club meetings.
Carolyn Gorst, Manager Education for Junior Achievement of Arizona presented at the invitation of Joseph Farr, Bank of the West. Here’s the news: Founded in 1919 as a response to the industrial revolution to help young men and women learn about financial literacy. Students working in that era were able to make money but made poor financial decisions (remind you of any other youth). Here are the stats: 30% of students do not graduate from high school, Arizona ranks near the bottom of graduation rates. Of the students in school and attending Junior Achievement 56% qualify for HUD housing assistance.  Young adults from 21-15 years of age have the dubious recognition of filing bankruptcy at the highest rate of all persons. Traditionally children receive one semester of training about money in Economics.  Now the fun started: we did an experiential exercise geared for third graders.  It was fun and the team of Mary, Lori, Tony and Randy were the clear winners. Each work group was asked to form a business, decide location and pay rent, utilities, taxes, advertising, purchase goods and services, supplies, learn about credit.  Again this is geared for 3rd graders so most of us were severely challenged.  It was fun.  Carolyn asked if members would be interested in volunteering for this organization.  Deferred to President Elect Joe Holt.  One day in the spring or for a week at the high school each year.  Not a huge commitment and perhaps possible.  Joseph Farr and Jo Holt may pursue. Carolyn: 520-792-2319 carolyng@jaaz.org.
Do not miss the meeting next week where we will be inducting two new members to our Rotary family. Lori and Richie.