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Executives & Directors
President
 
Immediate Past President
 
Secretary
 
Treasurer
 
Director - Sergeant at Arms
 
Director
 
Director
 
Director
 
Chair - Service Projects
 
Chair - Programs
 
Chair - Club District Foundation Grants
 
Chair - Public Image
 
Co-Chair - Club Membership
 
Co-Chair - Club Membership
 
Co-Chair - Club Rotary Foundation
 
Co-Chair - Club Rotary Foundation
 
Co-Chair - Interact Club of Apache Junction High School
 
Co-Chair - Interact Club of Apache Junction High School
 
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Russell Hampton
National Awards Services Inc.
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Club Information
Welcome to our Club!
Superstition Mountain
Service Above Self
We meet Wednesdays at 12:10 PM
Gold Canyon Golf Resort
6100 S. Kings Ranch Road
Gold Canyon, AZ  85118
United States
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Stories
GUESTS AND VISITORS
Visitors today were Diane Dungan, Anjah Goss, Dave Webb and Bill Sherman.  Visiting Rotarians were Bill Everitt from the Port Arthur, Ontario Rotary Club and Jim Ryan from the Sioux Falls, SD Rotary Club.  Club guests were potential member Debbie Jusko and our speaker Dennis Lusk.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CLUB BUSINESS
  • President Matt Ruppert presented Art Hergatt with a Paul Harris Fellow “plus two” pin. Rotarians are designated a Paul Harris Fellow to recognize a person whose life demonstrates shared purpose with the objectives and missions of the Rotary Foundation to build a world of understanding and peace. Our thanks and appreciation go to Art for his efforts.
  • Mike Cowan reminded everyone that the Rodeo is coming up 2/26-28. This is one of our club’s biggest fundraisers. Mike passed around a sign-up sheet, requesting that those who volunteered last year be given the first chance to claim their spots. Next week, he will open up the volunteer positions to all.
  • Bob Benjamin announced the 10-day countdown to the Lost Dutchman Marathon. Our club has been very active in the annual event, managing the 8K race. Staffing our part of the race requires about 30 volunteers. There are still a few positions open, if you would like to help out. All volunteers need to see Bob for a parking pass and a volunteer shirt.
  • Jim Erickson explained a proposed merger between our district, #5510, and district #5490. The district has struggled for several years to grow membership to the desired level. We have been holding at about 1100 members. By merging, clubs will be better able to focus on service rather than membership.
    District leaders have met and hashed out the details. The proposal has gone out to the clubs for consideration. If the clubs approve the merger, it will go to the Rotary International board meeting in April. Assuming RI approves the merger, our districts will combine as of July 1, 2017.
  • Gene Anderson sent a letter stating that he is resigning his membership in our club. The Andersons are moving to Peoria and will join Rotary there. “I will truly miss the unique experience that is our club. The life of the club is so vibrant, it catches you off guard and surprises newcomers how much fun and fellowship we share.”
SPEAKER

Mike Dungan introduced our guest speaker, Dennis Lusk. Dennis and his wife Susie recently participated in a cultural exchange tour in Cuba and had many photos to share. Dennis had been fascinated with Cuba since high school and had always wanted to visit. When the opportunity presented itself, he jumped on it…and dragged Susie with him. Apparently she did have a wonderful time once they arrived on the island.

 

A unique aspect of Dennis’ presentation was the improvised pointer – the laser sight on a stripped pistol.

 

Dennis took us on a virtual tour of Cuba, from the airport, to the taxis, to the hotel, and to many historic and scenic destinations. Clearly, one of the highlights was the taxis, as they were all vintage classic cars. The car that took them from the airport to the hotel was a ’58 Chevy. “It had the original engine…smoked like a crop duster, but it was original!” Classic car lovers should look, but not touch, though, as parts are very hard to get in Cuba, and mechanics will use whatever they can get to keep the cars running. Lurking under the hood of that gorgeous ’54 Cadillac may be a Toyota motor.

 

Dennis was also impressed with the native Cubans. “The main takeaway I had from this trip was how hardworking these people are. They will bust their butts for dang near nothing.” He also commented that they were very nice and very friendly – although they are often working a hustle. Most are also fluent in English; the better to hustle tourists with.

 

One thing that has changed since Cuba’s relationship with the USA has evolved is that it is no longer a criminal offense to use American dollars in Cuba. “You’re supposed to exchange your money, but it’s no longer criminal.” The government wants you to use CUC, which is currency specifically for American tourists. But the best way to buy CUC is to exchange your American dollars for Canadian currency or Euros, and then purchase CUC, because there is a tax on exchanging American dollars, so your money won’t go as far.

 

Cuba is frantically trying to upgrade old Havana, expecting a huge influx of tourists. Cruise lines will soon begin docking in Havana harbor, swelling the tide of tourists. Many of the historic buildings have been gutted, keeping the original facade while rehabilitating the interior. Other structures have been left partially intact, with a single wall, cornerstone, or stairway remaining in place as a reminder of its historic significance.

 

The slideshow ended with an auction of a Cuban cigar and a bottle of Santiago de Cuba rum. Both would be illegal to sell in the United States, but it is legal to donate them for a charitable cause. Doug Evans won the bid for the rum at $55. The reserve was not met on the cigar, but Dennis had another buyer already lined up, so it was all good.

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
MEMBER BIRTHDAYS
Ed Shockley - February 5
Aaron McDermid - February 14
Sharon Stinard - February 15
WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES
None this month
DATE JOINED THIS CLUB ANNIVERSARIES
Julian Easter - February 10 - 4 years
Jared Gibbs - February 18 - 1 year
Bryant Powell - February 24 - 7 years
 
 
 
 
 
member
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UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
February 10 - Paula Blessman - Days for Girls International
 
February 17 - John Iannarelli - National Football League Security
 
February 24 - Donna Nelson - Aurora Place
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                         
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
reservations are reservations
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