The YMCA celebrated its 174^th birthday last week. But as well-known and as venerable an institution as the Y has become, it is not just the “swim and gym” many remember growing up.  Its original mission of service for all remains as fundamental as ever, but the Y has become a vibrant organization deeply engaged in meeting the needs of the communities it serves.  As a cause-driven organization, the Y has three areas of focus:  Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.  Through Youth Development the Y nurtures the potential of every child and teen by supporting their unique youth development journey through holistic programming. From cradle to career, the Y provides all youth with the tools and resources they need to succeed in life. Through Healthy Living we aim to improve the nation’s health and well-being by providing programs and activities that promote wellness, reduce risk for disease and help others reclaim their health. Finally, through Social Responsibility we know that when we work together, we move individuals, families and communities forward. The Y responds to society’s most pressing needs by developing innovative, community-based solutions to help those in need to reach their full potential. These programs and everything else the Y does are in service of making us—our Ys and our communities—better.

 

 

Kurtis Dawson joined the YMCA of Southern Arizona as President and CEO at the beginning of 2017 after 15 years at the YMCA of Grays Harbor in Hoquiam, Washington, southwest of Seattle. Kurtis served at all levels, working his way up through the ranks to become CEO/Executive Director in 2008. That broad experience has given him a hands-on understanding of all aspects of running a successful YMCA.  He played a central role in helping the YMCA of Grays Harbor grow and prosper, surpassing previous budgetary and fundraising goals in the process.  At the YMCA of Southern Arizona, Kurtis has engaged his volunteers and staff in developing a strategic direction of One Y, Strengthening Relationships, and Standard of Excellence.  Kurtis is no stranger to Rotary; he is a past President of the Rotary Club in Aberdeen, Washington and was chosen Rotarian of the year 2 times. Kurtis is an avid Seattle Seahawks fan, but since coming to Tucson, he has also become an active Wildcat basketball fan. Family is extremely important to Kurtis; he is a devoted husband and father. In their free time, Kurtis, his wife Sasha, and their 4 daughters enjoy creating culinary masterpieces to share with family and friends.

Meet David Ivers, Arizona Theatre Company's Artistic Director. David will talk about what the ‘new’ ATC is doing,  its future and how ATC is investing in the communities we serve so stories on the stages resonate and reflect our citizenry, the people we serve.  He will talk about the new 2018/2019 season, Scene in America and how all of the productions will incorporate innovative and educational community outreach programs here in Southern Arizona and across the State.

 

The mission of this charity is to motivate and inspire students to achieve higher goals in the academic and personal behavior with the opportunity to learn to fly an airplane. This program introduces students to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) career fields.  More than 30,000 children in Tucson have been served since its inception and 1,000 children per year now participate in this program which they would like to expand.  A $20K grant would allow 200-300 students to participate in the program.  They expect to sell 500 car show tickets and provide at least 14 volunteers the day of show. 

 

The Pima County Fairgrounds is currently managed, operated and maintained by the Southwestern Fair Commission, Inc. (SWFC), a private non-profit corporation, and has done so since 1975.  In addition to its oversight of the Fairgrounds, SWFC is responsible for producing the annual Pima County Fair, traditionally held in April each year.  Fair attendance has doubled in size in the past 10 years from approximately 150,000 to almost 350,000 attendees in 2017. 

  

Jenny will speak about the importance of early reading experiences to set children up for success in learning. She will discuss the science of brain development and how the early childhood years are connected to a child’s future academic outcomes and success.  Jenny will draw on recent research to illuminate the educational landscape and highlight how effective language and literacy experiences and interventions in the early years help to build the architecture of a child’s brain and can ultimately work to help close the achievement/opportunity gap.

 

This program will provide an in depth look at the current facilities at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base that are serving the community of Armed Forces youth and their families who have Base access.  This review will include an overview of the existing and somewhat antiquated 1960 vintage building that serves as the main youth facility on the Base. 

 

 

Judy McDermott is a veteran of professional golf management. She is the executive director of the Tucson Conquistadores Inc., the nonprofit civic group known for supporting youth athletes and athletic programs through professional golf.

 

REMINDER:  There will be NO LUNCH MEETING ON FEBRUARY 7^th due to the Gem Show.  This is a DARK day, so no need to do a make up.  Our next scheduled lunch meeting will be on 2/14/18 at the DoubleTree.  Please contact the Rotary office if you have any questions.

 

Thank you.

Colonel Scott C. Campbell is the Commander of the 355th Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz. He is responsible for one of the largest installations and flying operations in the United States Air Force, with more than 7,500 Airmen, 3,000 civilians, and more than 100 aircraft. He is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping a wing comprised of 20 squadrons, two of which are fighter squadrons. The wing provides A-10C aircraft for close air support and forward air control, combat support, and medical forces for combatant commander requirements worldwide. The 355th Fighter Wing is also responsible for training A-10C pilots for the entire Total Force and is the Air Combat Command executive agent for Intermediate Range Nuclear Forces and Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty compliance.
 

Jim Murphy, a twenty year Member of the Rotary Club of Tucson and Chair of the 11th Annual Tucson Classics Car Show, will report on the Goals for the Show, thank those who made it a success and be involved in distributing the net proceeds of the Show to the five nonprofit beneficiaries.