ur “Rotarian of the Day” today is Don den Daas, our president. Don was born March 17, 1949 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and was raised in California.
He joined Southside in 1986 and has served as international director, vocational director, foundation trustee and club secretary. He is a Paul Harris Fellow, Southside Star and Rotary Benefactor.

Don is married to Judy (also a Paul Harris Fellow), an eighth grade teacher in the Jenks School system. They have been married for 37 years and have two children: David, an architect who resides in New Jersey, and Katie, a news producer who lives in Oklahoma City.

Don spent three years in the Army. After his enlistment, Don completed his education at Colorado State University, receiving a BSBA degree. Currently, he is president of Edge Technologies, a company that sells, installs and maintains traditional telephone systems as well as PC- and IP- based communications systems.

Don, you are doing a terrific job as our president, even if you do need a stool to see over the podium.

This Week’s Program

Ron Petersen

ur speaker today is Ron Petersen, Sr., our district governor. Born in Goodland, Kansas, Ron grew up in Dodge City after spending the first seven years of his life on a wheat farm. It’s said that his radio career began then, when his mother, Ruth, started working at a Dodge City radio station. After many successful years in Dodge City, Ron’s mother and stepfather purchased KDMO in Carthage, Missouri in 1962. When he was 16, Ron became a DJ, and worked his way through the ranks up to management and ownership.

It was while he was attending electronics school in Kansas City that he met and married his wife, Louise. She often says, “He doesn’t have a profession – he has a disease!”

Ron has filed management positions in Carthage, Joplin, and the Columbus, Missouri market. His strong integrity speaks to his character and sense of fairness. His is active and respected in the community. He’s on the hospital board, the PR committee for The Ronald McDonald House of the Four States, and Past President of the Missouri Broadcasters Association. Even through all that, he and Louise managed to raise 5 children all who are responsible and good citizens (at least that’s what they tell them).

In June 2005, Ron Jr. joined the radio business, making three generations of Petersens in the audio media. Their FM station, Mike 95.1 FM, is the only locally owned & operated FM commercial station left in the Joplin Metro area.

Radio isn’t all Ron has a love for. He has made quite a name for himself as a notable winemaker and “outdoor chef.” Although his passion is radio, what he most enjoys is family – big family dinners, pool parties, family stories, and grandchildren – 16 so far. In 1977, Ron found another passion in his life when he joined the Carthage Rotary Club.

He has served as director, sergeant-at-arms, and as president 1997-1998. He was awarded the Rotary International 4 Avenues of Service Citation in 1998, Rotarian of the Year of the Carthage Club in 1998, and Rotary International Presidential Citation 1997-1998. Ron, Louise and son Ron Jr., take pride in being Paul Harris Fellows. Ron and Louise are also Level 2 Major Donors to the Rotary Foundation.

Ron has the Rotary passion serving District 6110 as assistant governor 2003-2007 and then district governor 2008-2009. His Rotary goals include an opportunity one day to serve as a GSE Team Leader. He also believes in keeping Rotary strong through “giving Rotary away” by bringing new members into his club. Quoting an article he read in the Rotarian Magazine, “Rotary wasn’t given to you to keep. Rotary was given to you to give away.”

Ron, the Rotary Club of Southside Tulsa welcomes you today!

Southsider Quick Notes

Last week…
- The ROD last week was Michelle Pierce and we had a great presentation about tornado safety from Frank Mitchell.

- Happy birthday to Dolly Dixon and Donna Petty!

- Keith James announced that there will be a long-range committee meeting on Sept. 9 at Ti Amo’s at 5:30 p.m. They’ll be developing a five-year plan for the club, so if you’d like to be in on it, be there!

- Tom Wilson made a very pretty poster that shows how many of us have given to Rotary International. We’re going for 100 percent of our members giving $100 this year!

- The board approved $4400 for a vehicle for Engineers in Action, a group that provides both projects and logistical support for Engineers Without Borders groups in Bolivia.

- Bob Winters’ sports report covered the strengths and weaknesses of OU and OSU

• OSU had a great offense last year, but a poor defense. This year, their strengths include their quarterback, running backs, wide receivers, tight ends, and the offensive line. Their weaknesses? The linebackers and the defensive backs. The kicking game is a big question mark. The defense MUST improve this year, and Bob predicts they’ll go 8-4.
• OU’s quarterback Sam Bradford rocked it last year, and he’ll be back this year. OU has numerous strengths, including their quarterback, offensive line, wide receivers, running backs, tight ends, and defensive line. Like OSU, though, their weaknesses are the linebackers and defensive backs. Kicking game and special teams are big question marks. They’re ranked #4 in the country, but Bob doesn’t think they’ll go all the way.

- And just so everybody knows, the deadline for getting something into the newsletter is 5 p.m. on Monday.