The Roadrunner Rag by Wendell Whitaker 3/2/06

Our warmest salutations and very best wishes to our President Ana & Clint Brechiesen, who were married on February 11, 2006. I doubt if this is a “first” as far as Civitan is concerned but certainly I suspect that it is uncommon that a President marries a Club Member during her term. We are all very happy for them and wish them many years of marital bliss.

Beer sales at the “24 Hours in the Old Pueblo” apparently were not spectacular but satisfactory. Brandon will be reporting on our earnings in the near future. I have heard that the money in the tip jar amounted to $200.00. Next year Brandon plans to seek a better location for the sales booth which this year was located somewhat on the fringe of the activities at the site. If you missed this extreme event you will certainly want to attend next year. These are extreme athletes who can ride a Mt. Bike for 24 hours throughout 17 miles of desert and boulders in the heat of the day and cold of the night! [At least one rider did a lap in the middle of the night ‘ah natural’].

We have had some outstanding speakers this year and Lee Powell is to be congratulated. She welcomes any suggestions you may have in regard to future speakers. Great speakers make a great Civitan club!

Carl reports that our member and his mom, Chastain, is at home and her usual feisty self. It is great news that she is on the mend and we are looking forward to seeing her in the near future. Carl is also hard at work on this years golf outing. Please save the date, May 13th @ Quail Canyon and start gathering your friends to play or donate prizes.

Dan Spahr continues to do a great job as “point man” for Roadrunner Civitan and his frequent e-mails are timely, interesting and much appreciated. Dan believes communications are very important to growing our member’s participation and to increase new membership.

Shayne Spude, who is Roadrunner Web Mistress, is to be congratulated on her work and in keeping the site current and interesting. Lookout for new and exciting effects.

Carina Groves, daughter of club member Mary Wilcox, did a spectacular job with her Dream Night Prom 2006. This event was her senior project at Desert Christian High School. Her vision was to provide a first class prom for kids who have suffered the ravages of terminal illnesses, either their own or a terminal illness in their families. Carina’s efforts garnered not only local newspaper, Arizona Daily Star; television, KGUN 9TV; but national television, CNN as well. Carina is President of the Desert Eagles Jr. Civitan Club of Desert Christian High School. Desert Eagles Jr. Civitan members were very supportive of Carina and helped host the event. All evening every participant was surrounded with loving friends. This is a program we Roadrunners intend to promote to Civitan International for many Civitan Clubs to do next spring.

Our next fund raiser will be at Chuy’s on Sunday, March 12th. [6910 E. Tanque Verde @ Wilmot - Tanque Verde/Pima just south of the traffic light at the intersection on the east side of the road]. This event will benefit TROT, Therapeutic Riding of Tucson, a non profit who entertains developmentally disabled children with horseback rides. Roadrunners are encouraged to bring deserts (uncut) and help with supervision etc. This event is sponsored by our Desert Eagles Jr. Civitan Club. Seatings for meals will be from 12 noon to 3pm and then from 4:30pm until 7pm. TV’s will be tuned onto the NCAA College Basketball pairings on CBS. Invite your friends and come on out for some great food, fellowship, and applaud your favorite college basketball teams who qualify for March Madness! Go Wildcats (UofA) and Bearcats (UofC)!

One of our newest members, Shea-Lynn Toumey, Executive Director of Project Amor, and her staff are planning an outreach activity. This service activity will encourage their families to join the new Project Amor Civitan Club. We hope to charter this South Tucson Club shortly. All Roadrunner Civitans who can help on this service project (date TBA) will be greatly appreciated. Many hands make the work light!

March 17th Roadrunners will attend the Catalina Players production of ‘You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown’. Our special price of $24.99 each includes dinner & the play. We need to make our reservation soon. Please let Ana know quickly if you will attend.