Eric Moore, pictured with Co-Pres. Christy Manning, Sarah Van Bourgondien, and John Stewart
"Birds don't need us - we need them," was a surprising statement, coming from a man who makes his living from selling birdseed (among other things). However, Eric Moore, an avid birder for 55 years, and the owner of "The Loookout" (formerly Jay's Bird Barn), is indeed the recognized bird specialist in Prescott. It was a real treat to have him share his knowledge and experience about birds with us at our meeting last Wednesday.
The point Eric was making is that birds are extremely resourceful in being able to find the seed they need to exist. If you put out feeders to attract them to your backyard, so you can view and enjoy them, they will happily eat from your feeders — if you have the kind of food the species of birds found in your neighborhood want to eat. However, Eric pointed out that different species of birds are found in different parts of Prescott, and that birds are very picky about what they are willing to eat. Consequently, if you purchase a bag of generic birdseed, you may find most of the seed on the ground. The birds pick out what they want, and they kick out and discard the rest. Eric specalizes in selling birdseed preferred by the bird species living in your neighborhood. His special blends of birdseed are mixed and bagged by the disabled individuals living and working in our community's Y.E.I. Industries.
Eric is celebrating 20 years of being in business here in Prescott, beginning in a 575-square foot "garage," in the back of Watters Garden Center, then moving to leased space next to Safeway on Willow Creek; and they are now in their own spacious location at 1230 Willow Creek Road. In 2016 they added a Hallmark Gold Crown department to their store. In that location you will find all kinds of wild bird products, as well as Vortex and Swarovski optics, and a wide variety of unique gifts.
Our Rotary International Directors
Wyn Spiller, Our RI Director
There are 34 regional Zones in Rotary, with 17 Directors — each representing a pair of Rotary Zones. Here in Arizona, we are in Rotary Zone 26, which is paired with Zone 27. Together, we are "The Big West Zones," consisting of 30 Rotary Districts in the western US & Canada, including Hawaii. Wyn Spiller currently represents our two zones on the Rotary Board of Directors.
We were fortunate to have Wyn with us for our entire District Conference this weekend. As the keynote speaker for the Governor's Dinner, which concluded the conference on Saturday evening, she delivered — without any notes, prompts or podium — one of the finest, and most remarkable, messages we have ever heard at any District Conference. Thank you, Director Wyn Spiller, for the wisdom and inspiration you shared with us this weekend!
CLUB SERVICE
Colonel Russ Davis' Retirement
The retirement from the U.S. Air Force of our club's President-Elect, Col. Russell Davis, after 34 years of exemplary service, was cetainly our biggest story this week. The most-impressive retirement ceremony was held at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, where Russ' last assignment has been to direct the Air Force ROTC Program. A good number of our Sunup Rotary members were in attendance at this event.
Major General Troy L. Endicott presented to Russ, accompanied by his family, one of the many awards and special recognitions he received during the ceremony.
A specially-crafted shadow box, depicting some of his many accomplishments, was also presented to Russ.
A particularly touching part of the ceremony was Russ' presentations to the members of his family, in appreciation for their support of his Air Force career, and the immense amount of time he had to be away from home, fulfilling his assignments.
Some of our Rotarians with Russ at the reception, which followed the ceremony
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Marsha's Community Service Reminders:
Kirkland Steakhouse fundraiser for the Yarnell blankets and fans project is this Tuesday, May 5th, from 4:30 - 7:30. Address is 8995 Iron Springs Road.
Pancakes on the Patio breakfast fundraiser. Be there at Doc's BBQ by 6:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 9th. We will be serving from 8:00 - 11:00 a.m.
All-Vets Memorial Cleanup: Saturday, May 16, at 8:30 a.m. John Stewart is the project coordinator.
Teddy Bear Clinic on May 29th, from 10:00 - 2:00 at Exceptional Healthcare. Help children who have an upcoming hospital visit/stay to feel supported.
DISTRICT NEWS
District Conference Snapshots
Probably the most impressive news from the conference was the Thursday night Foundation Dinner, which raised total commitments of $7 million for The Rotary Foundation.
Our Sunup Rotary Gift Basket for the silent auction, which helped to underwrite some of the conference expenses, including being able to have some of our youth program participants at the conference. (Thanks, Sarah, for putting this basket together for our club.)
The Saturday morning presentation by representatives of the Interact, RYLA and Rotary Youth Exchange programs is always one of the inspiring highlights of the conference.
Kayla Mudge was presented the new Emerging Young Leaders Award by DG Jim Schmidt. Kayla is the Coordinator of the Interact Crutches 4 Africa and Interact Ambassadors Program.
You could count on Todd Clancy to find the Iron Lung Lager Beer, the sale of which supports Rotary's Polio Eradication Initiative.
This property is protected by husband with gun and wife with P.M.S.
Guess which one is home.
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I enjoy a glass of wine each night for its health benefits.
The other glasses are for my witty comebacks and flawless dance moves.
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Mirror, mirror on the wall...
What the hell HAPPENED?!
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Insanity does not run in my family.
It strolls through, taking its time, getting to know everyone personally.
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I married my wife for her looks...
But not the ones she's giving me lately.
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3 deadly terms used by women:
#1: Fine — This is the word women use to end an argument when she knows she is right, and you need to shut up.
#2: Nothing — Means something, and you need to be worried.
#3: Go Ahead — This is a dare, not permission. Do not do it.
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