Announcements: Ray said this would be our last meeting at the bowling center. Next week we will be meeting at Gila Regional Medical Center (GRMC) in the conference room. The meeting
will start at noon sharp so we can be finished by 12:45 in time to have board meetings since we have the room from11:30 to 1:30. He advised to get there early for lunch to avoid the employee lunchtime. You can either eat in the cafeteria before the meeting or get your food and take it to the conference room. Be sure to tell the cashier you’re with Rotary in order to get the employee discount for lunch. Ray also reminded us of the club board meeting on the second Tuesday of each month and the Foundation board meeting on the third Tuesday of each month, which will each now begin at 12:45. Mark Richard reminded everyone of the opening reception for the polio fundraiser on September 27.

 

Happy Dollars: Art Thorn had happy dollars for eternal youth. He watched Venus Williams, age 45, win her doubles match and do her signature twirl, so there is hope for us all. Rosie Hicks
had one for Max and one for her for their upcoming trip to Oaxaca.

 

Ray introduced Iris Nolasco, executive director of The Commons: Center for Food Security and Sustainability. Since she was just with us a month or so ago, she thought we could just have more of an organic conversation about what’s been going on recently at The Commons and answer some more questions. She said they had recently changed their mission statement to include three pillars of: immediate— food distribution; intermediate—skills building and training; and long term—helping people change habits, have more income security, food security, healthier recipes, etc. They are having an onsite gala fundraiser on September 27 from 6-10 pm, which gives everyone a chance to explore the gardens and see what they have been doing. There will be food, a silent auction, and a jazz band. They’ve had eleven youth conservation corps members onsite since the beginning of June working on various projects. The youth have put in an edible labyrinth that anyone can walk through at any time. She mentioned that their expenses have almost doubled since they lost their ability to purchase food wholesale from Roadrunner. They are looking for other wholesale suppliers. This may have some effect on their deliveries to schools. When asked about trends concerning food insecurity, Ms. Nolasco said they weren’t affected by federal changes directly since they don’t receive federal funding. However, they were affected indirectly by a “trickle down” effect such
as anyone who was getting WIC and school lunches and no longer does, will increase their numbers. State funding has helped a lot. Last year they were serving about 800 families per month through their distribution channels and currently are up to1200 families per month. Tom Bates thanked Iris for all the work she does for The Commons.

 

After a question and answer period, Ray brought up some club business that needed to be addressed. This item was the committee chairs: the board recommended that Dorothy Moore
remain as sergeant-at-arms. Art Thorn so moved; Maggie seconded and motion passed. Next, at-large board members: the board recommended Tom Bates and Jim Callender. Motion was
made to elect by Maggie, Art seconded and motion passed. Committee chairs: Maggie Callaway, chair of membership. Motion to approve by Art, seconded by Tom and motion passed. Peter Falley, Foundation Chair, motion to approve by Maggie, seconded by Mark and motion carried. Tom Bates, chair of service projects, motion to approve by Jerry, seconded by Mark and motion carried. Ray Goellner, chair of club administration, motion to approve by
Art, seconded by Mark and motion carried. Art Thorn, Public Image Chair, motion to approve by Tom, seconded by Mark and motion carried. Ray said the youth service committee currently has no chair and will be left vacant.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 12:50 pm.