THE ROADRUNNER RAG, August, 2007, by, Dr. Wendell Whitaker, very retired

Kathy, Carl, Shayne, and Zippy attended the recent Civitan International Convention in Orlando, where Kathy was installed as the new Governor of the Heart of the West District. We are all very proud of her accomplishments. Carl participated in the annual Research Center Golf tournament, which raised more than $300,000! Zippy already has reserved a stateroom for next year’s International Convention Cruise, which sails from NYC to Nova Scotia in June 2008. Mark Eisenger, Las Vegas, will be running for International President-Elect. HotW District intends to support him to the max. Having attended the International Convention Cruise (Mayflower) in the past, I can testify to their quality and fun. I would encourage all Roadrunners who can make the trip to do so. I am certain you will find it very encouraging and worthwhile. (WW)

Kathy’s year as Club President is drawing to a close. She has done her usual superlative job. The annual installation of new Roadrunner Club Officers will be taking place soon – time and location to be announced.

One of our biggest fundraisers, the Desert Thunder Rodeo, is scheduled for October 13-14. Please participate if you can – it is always a blast and a busy time. Some have observed the rodeo crowd, in part at least, seems to enjoy the adult beverages as much as they do the rodeo!

Our speakers continue to be excellent, thanks to Program Director Dan Spahr. Ramon Gaanderse, Director of the Metro Pima Alliance, brought us up to date at our last meeting regarding Proposition 200, “The Taxpayers Water Bill of Rights” aka ‘The John Kromko Initiative’. This will be on the November 6th ballot, having to do with garbage fees on the water bill and cutting off all building permits once Tucson reaches 140,000 acre feet of water usage. An issue many think is ill advised and may have many unintended consequences down the road. John Kromko will be our speaker September 19th. Sandra Froman, immediate past president of the NRA will be our speaker on September 5th. Also on Sept. 5th we will “recruit” new members, please be thinking of guest you want to invite! Carol West, retiring Ward 2 City Councilwoman will be our presenter on October 3rd. Mayor Bob Walkup has been invited to be our speaker on October 17th.

Recently, in Las Vegas, Kathy took over as Governor of the Heart of the West District. Zippy, Carl, Shayne & Anna were in attendance to witness the event.

Roadrunner’s next Board of Directors meeting (open to everyone) will be held Thursday, August 23rd at Theresa and Wendell’s home on River Road (skinny dipping optional).

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.” The same could be said for Roadrunner Civitan, each member could invite guests to increase of numbers.