September 9, 2009 - Lunch

Another Wednesday, another lunch meeting. Setting up for the meeting were Mick Ennis, Chuck Hoch, Herb Engdahl and John Voss.

Greeters were Max Wyatt and Bill Rintelmann. “Just Bob” Hutson gave the invocation. Some – clearly not all – sang the club song. We were led in the national anthem “The Star Spangled Banner.” We gave the Pledge.



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Ticket winners were Herb Engdahl (who once caught a 120 lbs tuna) and Wayne Knops (who has 15 grandchildren).

Nancy Carpenter reported on wellness of Betty Neal, Ron Ireland and Bill Chester. Ron was with us, looking well.

Guests: Sara Fassil – student at Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, learning about our community; Jim Shepard who has his check and application in for membership; Greg Slazer and Bob McBreen’s wife.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Next week our program will be about the new Museum of Musical Instruments that will open at Tatum and Mayo roads.

Pres. Dave is seeking some volunteers to work with other volunteers from other community groups to help identify and provide solutions to children that exhibit “risky behavior.”

Dr. Janet Miller announced that the Black Mountain Elementary School will celebrate Patriot Day on Friday 9/11. An invitation is offered to all who have served as military or civil services to be guests for a catered lunch. Those attending are encouraged to wear service uniform.

Pancakes: Jim Keller announced that lots of volunteers are needed for 10/3 pancake breakfast and lunch – people to set up, cook, clean, tear down, all kinds of things. Need lots of help, contact Jim at 218-766-2162 or Brain Kunkel at 515- 9999. Brian told us that tickets had been mailed to each member. We need to return them or be billed for their costs – so sell, return or eat the expense. JJ DeVito, in charge of pre-sales, is also looking for volunteers – sign up or contact him at 5575-9019.

Phylliss Henry announced the flea market sale this weekend and asked all able-bodied to help set up the yard on Friday.

A salute to Veterans will be held this Friday 9/11 in Carefree from 2 – 5 PM. There will be a concert and a quilt.


PROGRAM

Mick Ennis, a retired NYC fire fighter of 20+ years introduced our guests from the Scottsdale Fire Department.

Chief Willie McDonald spoke first. The Chief came to our area four years ago as an experienced fireman. He took on the challenge of creating the current department for the City of Scottsdale. However, he did not need to reinvent the wheel – about 90% of the staff worked for Rural Metro prior to the new department. They are seasoned, skilled men. Chief McDonald has focused on making the fire department more efficient using technology and politics. Key to improved performance is “Automatic Aid” – a consortium of local cities and towns who send whatever vehicle is closest to a fire/emergency to it without regard for the “jurisdiction.” He has also worked to have fire houses located more rationally given data on population density, penetration of sprinkler systems and other variables that influence probability of fire. Chief McDonald is especially proud of the new fire station that has the highest “green” (environmental) rating in the country, as well as being a functional and attractive building. Rapid response – getting there in 4 minuets or less – is what enables firemen to win more. Once a fire passes the “flash point,” temperatures escalate - making the fight more dangerous, difficult and damaging. In a time period, Scottsdale has lost $9 million in property value to fire, but saved $52 million in collateral damage.

Captain Jason D’Eliso spoke next about plans for a 9/11 celebration. It will be one of the first in the country to add the concept of a “good deed” day of service to the established concept of a day of remembrance. It will be held at the Civic Center Mall. There will be memorial services, remembrance cards of those who perished, a national unity flag as well as 50 state flags displayed, and booths of community services.

Also accompanying these gentlemen was Tom Brock who has been very involved with developing the plans for 9/11.

Best question went to Hans Thiele, who noted that insurance companies benefited from better fire service, so why weren’t they contributing to the cost of maintaining a fire fighting system.