Club Information

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Marana in Marana, AZ

Marana

Service Above Self      
A Peacebuilder Club

We meet In Person
Tuesdays at 7:00 AM
We are now meeting by ZOOM
see below for instructions
PO Box 91502
Tucson, AZ 85752
United States of America
District Site
Venue Map
Current Events
Marana Rotary Club Vrtual Meeting Information
 
Marana Rotary Club has gone to virtual meeting to be safe from the Virus
Visitors are always welcome to the Marana Rotary Club
Please text to 520-909-9162  with  your name by 5:00 PM Monday
A text will be returned explaining How to join our virtual meeting
Marana Rotary Club is using ZOOM and it very easy
Rotary Meeting May 11, 2021
 Rotary Club of Marana
Minutes of Meeting
5-11-2021
Submitted by Randy Brooks
Attending: John D., Harold, Joyce (Guest), Sulee, Lynne, Andy, Denise, Don, Richie, Laura, Dan C and Beckie.  Special guest and speaker Dot Santy
John let us know he will be receiving a new hip on the 19th of May.  Good luck, John. 
The club voted to move our meeting effective, June 1, 2021, to the Northwest Fire Department off of Ina.  The actual street address is: 5125 W Camino De Fuego, Tucson, AZ 85743.  Exit I-10 West at Ina Road.  Turn South over the Freeway and get in the Right lane.  Immediately after the Q Store turn right  …. It is at the light.  Just after the turn in the road and just before the trailer sales turn Left onto Camino De Fuego.  Go about a block and you will see a large building and tower.  Walk past the burned, railroad car to the main lobby. Say hi to Angellina and go down the hallway to your right to the second to last room on the right.  We will be there.  The club will provide coffee and pastries. As we go along we will refine the menu.  You’re going to like this site.  Call me if you get lost 520-403-4763.
Masks will be suggested but not mandatory …. Those with immunizations for Covid are suggested to attend.  We will make every attempt to have a hybrid meeting but it may be a challenge the first meeting. 
Fundraising – the 2nd Friday of June we will have an online poker tournament …. Dan C is arranging for this event the 11th of June.  Details coming – when the flier is sent please distribute to everyone and everyone on your various mailing lists. They can be anywhere and join in on the fun. Sulee is helping with the tournament.
John announced that in the next few weeks we will have a visitor from the La Jolla Club whom is traveling to Tucson on occasion and is interested in discussing with us Alzheimer’s disease.  She is asking for volunteers for a study. Details to come.
RI has asked that clubs in concert with one another or alone and attempt to find to help with the Covid situation in Brazil and India.  Randy and John have contacted people in Brazil to determine need and Randy via of Shirley Grace (a friend of the club) has reached out to India.  We may have up to 4 clubs and Jefferies Foundation willing to contribute to a few clubs and/or communities.  Research in process.
Happy Bucks:
Harold: Sad actually, wife’s hard drive crashed.  Joyce Z our Canadian friend is happy “spring is coming”, we skip that and go directly to summer.
Randy – neither happy nor; sad.  Skip him; Sulee, Jim is receiving massive amounts of chemo to attempt to strangle his cancer.  This will go on for 6 weeks.  Keep him in your thoughts.
Andy – Not good or bad.  Much like his friend Randy, Don J: Happy to be going back East tomorrow to see daughter, Grandson and old buddies, I mean really old buddy (96 years old).
Lynne entertained us with a joke and Denise said it was happy Tuesday.  She did not explain herself.
Richie did a cool ‘Staycation’ that had an indoor water park.  Dan had to leave because of a school bus accident.  The child struck by the bus was later found to be OK and the incident will be investigated.
John awoke to six deer at his water through this morning.  Now that is cool. Laura visit her mother’s grave at the VA cemetery in Phoenix.  Her mother is buried with her husband …. Whom by the way was a “Pharmacist mate” … that is what Hospital Corpsmen are called today? The change was made in 1948.  
Speaker: Dot Santy moved to Tucson many years ago to avoid cold winters, she bounced around and found her passion in helping children with few means to provide food, clothing and basic necessities for themselves. She started seeing homeless children and these events were an AWAKENING for her. Cindy Roust (Marana Community Services) and she started SOS – Success of Students – noticed that kids were hungry, could not afford to go on outings, they had no funds but Dot began asking for help.  She raised $12,000 on her first fundraising activity. 40% of children need free or reduced meals in the Marana Unified School District.  Her first year she raised 24,000.  In 2019 her group was able to provide holiday meals to 700 families.
SOS goal: is to establish a sustaining committee that wants to support these children by fundraising and donations to these children in need. Here are the groups working to support her wanting to raise enough for 700 backpacks:  Del Webb, Silverbell Mines, Cal Portland and Watermark as well as the Marana Police Department.
She stressed that children are innocent. The parents have found themselves in situation where they cannot help the children, Covid, economy, addiction, bad luck, lack of training …. Whatever.  The children face the consequences of these issues.
John discussed how many years ago our club supported immunizations for children via of the Marana Health Center … Sulee remains on the board  of MHC and will speak to the board to see if the need exists anymore for help.
If you would like to speak to Dot Santy she can be reached at dotsanty@gmail.com.
Dot left the meeting and Lynne suggested we pool funds and buy 30 backpacks stuffed with school supplies. The club at John’s direction voted to supply 30 bags at a cost of $900.00. –
We quickly did the 4 way test and hung up our cleats for the week.
Rotary Meeting April 27, 2021
 
 
Rotary Club of Marana Meeting April 27, 2021
 
 
This morning we took stock of our 2020-2021 Rotary Service Projects and are grateful to have had so many opportunities to touch lives.
           
  • Handbags of Hope
  • Oxygen Tanks for recipients in Nogales, Mex.
  • Adopt a Family for the Holidays
  • Air Purifiers for Special Needs Classrooms where kids have difficulty wearing masks
  • Uganda Women Empowerment; IT Training
  • Document Shredding and Electronics Recycling
  • Peace Garden
  • Rehabilitation of Assisted Living Home in Mexico devastated by the latest hurricane
  • Economic Development in Malam-Petel, Cameroon
 
 
Happy Bucks:
  • Harold had a lovely lunch with John and Sylvia Zwick and was very pleased with Sylvia’s rehabilitation progress. 
  • Joyce Zwick joined us from Canada and will be returning to AZ in June.  The region is enduring a drought, impacting farming.
  • Peter is happy.
  • Denise is looking forward to the upcoming chance of rain.
  • Andy is happy he received his 2nd vaccine, but lamenting Oregon is going into shut down with a surge in Covid numbers.  He commented that Oregon recorded its driest Spring on record since 1963.
  • Don is enjoying cool whether in Seattle.  He ran a successful ½ marathon over the weekend.
  • Laura was flummoxed that, while teaching a class remotely in the office next door, an office-mate had a health emergency, called an ambulance, paramedics entered, and paramedics left without Laura noticing a hint of something amiss.  Geez.  Happily, the health emergency resolved quickly.
  • Mary was taking pleasure in the saguaro blossoms and her latest tomato count.
  • Randy’s pleased his house is being painted and a closet built. 
  • Beckie delighted in granddaughter June’s 3rd birthday with a delightful birthday party by the zoo. 
  • Dan is doing a kitchen remodel and is very busy with developing a budget for the district. 
  • Lynne told us a joke she had to explain. 
  • Richie found new areas of his body that are susceptible to sunburn. 
  • John had a wonderful weekend with his son and grandsons camping and turkey hunting in Alpine.  A grandson proudly bagged his first Tom. 
 
Program
 
Laura introduced us to Cathy Lolwing, executive director of Felicia’s Farm.  Cathy moved to Tucson in 2010 with her husband who works with the Arizona Daily Star.  They have a 15 year old daughter and a rescue husky.  Cathy has been with Felicia’s Farm since responding to their ad 10 years ago, “work in sunshine… help feed people.”
 
Felicia’s Farm was created by David Cutler to honor the memory of his wife, Felicia Ann Cutler,  who died in 2009.  She was a compassionate woman whose vision was to “feed people and teach them to feed themselves”.  
 
A fitting legacy, David turned his backyard into Felicia’s Farm, and it has grown steadily since its humble beginnings.  Currently the farm produces 700 pounds of organically grown produce and, with 700 hundred chickens, up to 2000 eggs per week, all of which is distributed at no cost.
 
The Mission of Felicia’s Farm is “to lift lives in Tucson.”
 
In 2019 one in five people in Tucson lived with food insecurity. The highest poverty rate was found in individuals below age 18.   In South Tucson one out of two people had insufficient food.  Since then, with the pandemic, poverty and food insecurity has only worsened.
 
Felicia’s Farms distributes their produce and eggs to community groups who serve, for example, the homeless, fleeing battered women, families, and seniors. These groups include
  • Casa Maria that serves homeless
  • Casa San Juan that serves families
  • Lend a Hand that serves seniors
  • Estes Park senior housing
  • Pasqua Yaqui Services
 
Felicia’s Farm is also dedicated to environmental sustainability.  They grow flowers to ensure bees for pollination.  Cut flowers are then given to Senior Homes.  The farm is currently on a well but will be implementing technology that draws humidity from the air.
 
Felicia’s Farm administrative costs are only 5% of their budget.  The farm depends on the work of approximately 50 volunteers a week.  Volunteering is flexible and doesn’t require scheduling.  Show up and you will be put to work in the compost, making berms, painting, weeding, harvesting…  All the things. 
           
We thank Cathy for such an uplifting presentation and Felicia’s Farm for the heartfelt work it does in our communities. 
 
Submitted by Mary Straus
Rotary Meeting April 20, 2021
ROTARY CLUB OF MARANA
MINUTES – 4.20.2021
Submitted by Randy Brooks
Attending Zoom Meeting:
President John, Harold, Randy, Sulee, Joyce (Alberta visitor), Andy (Portland), Peter, Robert (Virginia), Denise, Laura, Richie, David, Beckie, Lynne, Dan C. (what a great turn out today)
The meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance by Denise.
We went immediately into discussion about Venue for the future meetings.  President John and others have been negotiating in good faith with a business called TOPS.  There has been a struggle with this company, first being encouraged to meet on Tuesdays and then stating their staff did not want us to come on Tuesday.  The Club considered moving to Thursday to accommodate TOPS.  Peter and Don discussed with the owner the pricing structure and some of the things we may need going down the road.  The owner countered with a letter to John indicating that she would authorize a three week trial period and complained the club kept trying to lower the price and were being unfair.  Although there were several reasons this venue was attractive, there were issues that made a few of us uncomfortable about a long term relationship. 
Part of the problem is that Mary would not be able to attend Thursday morning meetings and David H may have to leave the club.
Randy proposed that we withdraw our offer to meet at TOPS and after discussion the club voted to withdraw our offer and work to find another venue.
Shredding Project went perfectly, the people coming through were happy and seem grateful to be able to rid themselves of confidential papers.  Don J. did a great job of coordinating this event and with the help of John, Peter, Don, Harold, Beckie, the Dooling Family (5), Randy and Deb, Denise, Mary and anyone I missed (sorry) it went without a hitch and initial counting it appears we have a net of about $2.165.00
Don J. went by Nana’s and received a check for $200.00 for the screen we purchased to use at Nana’s Kitchen.
Dan C., is suggesting we meet at Coyote Trails School beginning July 1, where we can bring our own food, use their internet and hold face to face and virtual meetings for the future. Dan will return with more concrete information soon.
President John did a presentation about a project for seniors in San Carlos, Sonora, Mexico in cooperation with rotary D 4100.  This is or an “Old Peoples Home,” that was devastated in a hurricane many years ago. John also lost a boat he had stored in San Carlos during the storm.  The structure of the buildings were left intact but the inside was severely damaged.  This project at the “El Cobijo Old People Home,” will repair rooms, provide heat for the winter and provide air conditioning in the summer months.  Phase one of the project is nearly complete, Phase II will cost about 32,596.00 and Phase III will pay for additional rehabilitation and will cost $97,803.57.
The consumers of this home is homeless, elderly people.  The club voted to donate from our Club Foundation $2,000.00 for this project and Randy agreed with John that he will request our club supporting this next year as well.  Great presentation John, let’s move forward.
Another advantage of this project we can, once we are safe from the virus, travel to San Carlos and see the project and maybe pitch in as well with muscles.
This next week we will have a guest from Felicia’s Farm …. You do not want to miss this, another potential local project.
John and Dan are reaching out to the Town of Marana, Northwest Fire, and Marana Unified School district for membership and meeting location.  We hope good news arrives soon about a great meeting space.
Meeting adjourned.
 
Shredding Event 04172021
PRESS RELEASE
Contact: Donald G. Jorgensen
         520-906-9148
donjorgensen@comcast.net
 
Marana Rotary Club Shredding Event Raises $2800 for Local Projects
Tucson, AZ, March 22, 2021 – The Rotary Club of Marana recently held a drive-through community shredding and electronics recycling fundraiser that raised over $2800 for humanitarian projects.  Over 70 donors participated in the three-hour COVID-safe event at the Harkins Theater in Marana.  
All proceeds from the community fundraiser will support the Marana Rotary Club’s local and global humanitarian projects.  Recent projects included the purchase of special air filters for Marana High School special needs classrooms, an adaptive playground for a local elementary school, health and education projects in Mexico and Cameroon. 
The Rotary Club of Marana is an open, non-partisan, non-political organization that believes in “service above self.” Membership provides community connection and participation in projects with men and women who act for a better world. The Rotary Club of Marana is proud to be designated a global “peacebuilder club.” www.maranarotary.org.
Rotary Meeting April 13, 2021
Rotary Club of Marana
 
                                                                            
 
Rotary Club of Marana Meeting; April 13, 2021
 
Club Business:
  • John directed us all to our website, commending our webmaster extroardaire, Harold Burtzloff.  Everything you could ever want to know about the Rotary Club of Marana can be found there. 
  • Continued discussion about our meeting structure and venue.  We are aiming to begin a hybrid model the first week of May.  The first 3 Tuesdays of a month will be hybrid, the 4th Tuesday will be remote, and any 5th Tuesday will be a social. 
  • Proposal/Request to participate in a Global Grant program for women in Uganda.  The grant project will include IT training for the women to increase their literacy, their hire-ability, and their linkage with the outside world.   Our Club voted to participate.    
  • There is another proposal to participate with a club in San Carlos to rehabilitate an assisted living home.  The home was devastated by the most recent hurricane and requires significant rehabilitation.  Additionally, the Rotary Club of San Carlos would like to expand the center’s capacity, possibly turning into a multi-year project.  The Club is enthusiastic about participating and the proposal will be taken to the board.
  • Shredding Fundraiser this Saturday!!  Arrive 7:30/7:45am.  Event between 9:00am and noon. 
  • Walk for Polio miles should be sent weekly to Sulee. 
  • Many expressed appreciation and commented on the success of the retreat our PE Randy facilitated on Saturday. 
 
Happy Bucks:
  • Don was happy to have seen friends in Scottsdale he hasn’t seen in over a year in Scottsdale
  • Mary is similarly happy she will be driving to Palm Springs to meet a dear friend. 
  • Peter is working hard.
  • Sulee has be awarded a training contract for 800 employees.  Congratulations!
  • Dan was lamenting that MUSD lost all internet access for 2 days and was just getting re-established.
  • Randy was pleased with the work accomplished at the Saturday Meeting.  He is also pleased to hear that Sulee’s husband is responding very well to chemotherapy.  
  • Harold also enjoyed the Saturday Meeting.  Additionally, he is looking forward to having a nice meal with former employees. 
  • John enjoyed one of his favorite pass-times; watching one of his many grandchildren compete in sports.  This weekend took him to a Lacrosse game regarding which he was surprised at the apparent aggression between teems.   
 
Our meeting closed reciting the 4-Way Test
 
 
Submitted by Mary Straus
Shelter Box Congratulations
Congratulations to The Rotary Club of Marana, recognized as a District 5500 ShelterBox HERO club with the donation of $1,000 and three year pledge.
 
ShelterBox, the leading international disaster relief charity, delivers humanitarian relief in the form of equipment and materials that bring shelter, warmth and dignity to people made homeless by natural or other disasters worldwide.  ShelterBox is respected for its integrity and impartiality, twice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize and often looked to by the United Nations Human Refugee Counsel to provide aid in the most difficult countries around the world. In 2012 ShelterBox became Rotary International's first Project Partner and only disaster relief charity. This agreement enables both organizations to collaborate more closely to bring relief and temporary shelter to survivors of disasters worldwide. The fundraising efforts by Rotarians make up a significant proportion of donations received by ShelterBox
Rotary Meeting April 06, 2021
                                                                            
 
 
 
Rotary Club of Marana Meeting; April 6, 2021
 
 
Club Business
  • A Board Meeting is this evening at 5:30.  All welcome.
  • The Shredder Fundraising committee will be meeting this Thursday from 6:00pm to 8:00pm.  Don will invite us through Zoom.
  • President Elect Randy is holding a retreat at Mary’s house this Saturday, from 9:00am – 1:00pm.  He urges all to attend, as we will be establishing goals for next year.
  • Rotary Leadership Institute is being held remotely April 10, 24th, and May 8th.
  • We are invited to join other clubs to Clean Up at Camp Lauden on Mt Lemmon.  Event occurs  March 24th.
  • Dove Mountain is holding a training on hybrid meetings on April 15th.
  • The Rotary Club of Marana is one of 5 clubs that are Hero Clubs supporting Shelter Box.
  • The District-wide Walk for Polio has begun and will continue through May.  For every accumulative 100 miles walked, leadership will donate $100 to Polio Plus.  We are encouraged make donations as well.   Sulee will be coordinating our miles, so please send your records to her.  
  • Thanks to Beckie for setting us up with a payment system for our fundraisers. 
  • Harold celebrated his 49th Wedding Anniversary.
  • Becky is holding Tour de Cookie T-shirt bins and would like to get rid of them.  John will contact Dan for direction.
 
Happy Bucks
  • Harold is pleased with the warmer weather.  He also enjoyed a breakfast with John Zwick and reported he is well. 
  • Randy is happy friends from Washington are visiting with their Airstream.
  • Peter is very pleased he was awarded a contract to build cameras that will go to Mars’ Weather Station.  Congratulations, Peter.
  • Sulee is happy and looking forward to the first of the Missing In America Project Ceremony, since having to shelter at home .  The MIAP provides a full military burial for vets whose remains  were never claimed.  All are encouraged to attend one. 
  • Mary was super pleased with her Easter, emerging from sheltering-at-home gathering. 
  • Don enjoyed his Easter, gathered with loved ones.  Additionally, he woke this morning to a favorable review in The Daily Star of his book, ‘Three Worlds, One Voyage.  Congratulations, Don.
  • Beckie is proud of our women, Basketball Wildcats, who made it to the finals.  She is also relieved that her husband is better.  So much so that they went to lunch at Nana’s.
  • Andy shared that a close friend and colleague  died very unexpectedly.  He is staying in Portland currently for his 2nd vaccine shot.  While waiting, he bought himself a house there. 
  • Laura is sorely disappointed  in the Men Wildcats Basketball team.  However, she’s absolutely delighted our neighborhood’s infrastructure is being attended to.  Terribly ruined roads are being paved anew.
  • Denise felt blessed to have spent Easter with siblings.  She also is happy she was invited to a staff member’s wedding, as it’s being held in Acapulco,
  • Bob marveled at the identicalness of his 2 year-old twin granddaughters.  Even the parents are having difficulty differentiating between the two.  Bob is eagerly readying to put his boat in the water.
  • John had lovely Easter where all the grandchildren went upstairs to watch a Godzilla movie.  He is ecstatic that the NCAA tournament has begun (or is about to begin?.) The tournament is the highlight of John’s year.  
 
 
 
Submitted by Mary Straus
Rotary Meeting Mar 30, 2021
                                                                            
 
 
Rotary Club of Marana Meeting; March 30, 2021
 
 
Club Business
  • Youth Exchange Programs have been put on hold for another year.
  • Discussion about policy regarding youth.
  • RLI coming up again April 10,
  • Randy is holding a retreat on April 10.  Details to come.
  • It is the Centennial Anniversary for a few District5500 Clubs. Congratulations to Tucson Club, Globe Club, and one other!
  • Dove Mountain putting on a program on April 15th on how to run a hybrid meeting.  
  • District awards upcoming.  Board will discuss at board meeting a week from today.
  • Shredding Fundraising event update by Don.  He has a press release ready to go out.  Denise put together a hand out for the day that educates people about our club.  Task Force Committee meeting upcoming.  I will be held remotely.  The board will be considering a marketing budget.  Advertising avenues were discussed. 
 
 
Happy Bucks
  • David is grateful the arbitration that lasted 5 days, instead of the anticipated 2, is finally completed.
  • Richie is thrilled to be broadcasting from his new home.  Also enjoyed golfing with his father and brother for his father’s birthday.
  • Dan is excited anticipating this evening because it is Tuesday with Eva night!  Also happy all students are back in school.  Yesterday was the first day at 0 employees at MUSD were in quarantine.  In it’s heyday 70-80 were non-operational because of Covid
  • Laura is doing a happy dance for the women’s U of A basketball team; Final Four!  She waxed poetic.
  • Peter is at an observatory in Coconino National Forest, enjoying himself.  He receives his 2nd vaccine next Tuesday
  • Joyce’s is attending her last meeting in Arizona, leaving for Canada tomorrow.  We are all so happy Joyce has become part of our family.
  • Becky is happy their planned Alaska cruise is still.  Her husband, Karl, is out of hospital with a health seal of approval. 
  • Denise happy they made goal this month. She’s also looking forward to April’s Diamond Event, always enjoying it.    
  • Harold is pleased his 1076 Bonanza passed its annual airplane inspection. 
  • Don is kindda happy doing something he hasn’t done in over a year; doing a face-to-face presentation.  Mixed emotions. 
  • Randy watched the Women Cats play last night and is also awed by them.  He has just returned from a vacation in Hawaii, which he thoroughly enjoyed; it was a “hoot.”
  • John is also a huge fan of the women’s U of A basketball team.  Additionally he is proud of one of his grandsons who competed in swimming sectionals and got 4th place.  Quite an achievement when competing against 40 teams.  Congratulation Carter Dooling.
Submitted by Mary Straus
 
 
Rotary Meeting Mar 23, 2021
 
                                                                            
 
 
 
Rotary Club of Marana Meeting;  March 23, 2021
 
Recognition of the Mountain View Interact Club, sponsored by Dove Mountain Rotary. Mountain View Interact donated 200 pairs of socks to Youth On their Own and has a nice write-up in today’s newspaper.  Congratulations, Interactors!
 
Club Business
 
  • Don has been in communication with Kathleen Schnell, honorary member and faculty sponsor of our Interact Club at Tortolita middle school.  The club has been meeting periodically via zoom but resumes in class instruction and meetings this week. 
  • A report from the Rotary Club of Nogales includes pictures of some of the oxygen tanks and supplies purchased with our donation.  John reflected that we touch the lives of people we will never meet.  We are honored to have the opportunity.
  • Dan and John are aiming for a Poker Tournament Fundraiser in April.
 
Happy Bucks
  • Harold is just plain happy and considering getting his first haircut since the start of the pandemic. 
  • Dan warned those eager to get their first post-Covid haircut that he likely contracted Covid at his barber’s.  Dan, also, lamented that on his first excursion in his brand new truck, he broke down in the Salt River Valley.  No cheer here. 
  • Joyce and the Zwick family celebrated the completion of her mother’s and father’s  vaccinations with an outing that ended up in the emergency room.  Her mother fell and required stitches in her forehead.  Typical of Sylvia, “I don’t know what all the fuss is.”  Joyce will return home a week tomorrow.  She has mixed feelings about leaving.  She is sad to leave her mother and father, but eager to see her husband and dogs.
  • Denise received her first covid vaccine and is grateful she suffered only a slight headache for 2 days and a sore arm.
  • Don brought attention to the pain of the Boulder shootings.
  • Becky got her hair cut!!!!  Instead of celebrating with an outing with her husband as intended, she, like Joyce, ended up in the emergency room with her husband.  She has been worried about her husband since Thanksgiving and is relieved that he is finally getting the medical attention he’s been resisting.   
  • Laura’s delighting in the fragrance of her citrus trees that are in full bloom.
  • Sulee sat with her 15 year old puppy on her lap and reported life is good.
  • Andy was able to score his first vaccine in Oregon and will need to return there for his 2nd after 28 days. 
  • Peter had an allergic reaction to an antibiotic prescribed for an eye infection.  He is feeling a bit better today, for which he is grateful.  He is also in awe at the success of the 15 year old Miracle Glo he in found in his shed.  His trees have never looked happier. 
 
Program
In Celebration of Women’s History Month, Laura invited Jan Cleere to speak with us today.  Jan is an author and historian who writes about experiences of first settlers in the southwest territories.  She is particularly “fascinated with the hardships women faced in early settlements and forts in the western territories.”  Her newest book is titled Military Wives in Arizona Territory: A History of Women Who Shaped the Frontier.  In addition to books and magazine articles, the Arizona Daily Star publishes monthly articles by Jan that each introduce us to one of the women she has
 
Jan introduced us to a couple of remarkable women who were in Arizona in the 1600s; Julia Davis and Elizabeth Hutchin Smith.  Elizabeth was a black woman who at one time owned ½ of Wickenberg. Each story was a treat. 
 
We also, however, got a good taste of what it is like to research; to play hide and seek with sources, chasing rabbits into holes.  The journeys generally begin in one of the following:   
  • Primary Sources
  • Obituaries
  • Public records
  • Geneology Societies
  • Photographs
  • Archivists
  • Local historical museums
  • Local libraries
  • National Museum
  • Military Bases
 
 
One of Jan’s closing remarks was sharing that the more a historian finds primary sources, the more one realizes that what is told and taught in history is not accurate.
 
We are so pleased that Jan Cleere joined us today, inspiring each of us to connect to past times.
 
 
Submitted by Mary Straus,
 
 
Rotary Meeting March 16, 2021
Rotary Club of Marana Meeting; March 16, 2021
 
Today was a special day.  John had the honor of performing “the greatest pleasure of a presidency,”  installing Sulee Edwards into the family of the Rotary Club of Marana.  We all are so pleased Sulee has rejoined us, as we know her to be an outstanding Rotarian and humanitarian.  Sulee was appointed to serve on the Service Committee and to the Foundation Board. 
 
Today was also a special day because tomorrow is President John’s birthday.  A pitiful but heartfelt song was sung, and best wishes from all of us are with him. 
 
 
Club Business:
  • Lynne has sent our donation to the Rotary Club of Nogales.  Our donation will be combined with their District Grant and a donation from a Rotary Club in Canada to purchase oxygen tanks and equipment.  All will be donated to a hospital in Sonora that doesn’t have enough supplies to serve their Covid patients. 
  • All oars in the water and moving toward our Shredding Fundraiser, which we be held April 17th from 9:00am to 12:00pm at Harkins Theater.  Thank you to Sulee for designing a flier for the event.  Thanks to John who signed final contracts with Harkins.  Gratitude to RI for their timely support regarding insurance.  Much gratitude to Don for spearheading and coordinating the event.
  • March 22nd is World Water Day.  Rotary has spent over 51 million on water projects.   Our Club’s Global Grant projects in Cameroon have a water accessibility component to it.  A well and solar powered pump is allowing for irrigation and farming that wasn’t possible before.
  • Virtual tours of Rotary International in Evanston, Ill are  available on RI.org.
  • Lynne reminds us to pay dues.  Almost uniformly our attention to these details have wavered in the pandemic fog. 
 
Happy Bucks
  • Harold is happy for the rain.
  • Bob is pleased to be in Tucson for 2 weeks before he heads back East to Virginia.
  • Richie closed on his new house yesterday.  Congratulations!  He’s relieved life will take more orderly shape again.
  • Joyce was confused about where she was; the weather in Canada was 61 degrees in the last couple days, while it was only 59 here.   
  • Randy won’t be with us next week.  He will be in Hawaii!
  • Don is enjoying weather.  He had great hike in Saguaro West.
  • Mary is happy about Sulee’s membership. 
  • Beckie is grateful for the rain and the restoration of desert.
  • Denise is happy Sulee has joined us.  She also thanked our speaker for joining us.
  • Sulee is pleased to rejoin our club.  Also, she, like Don, went on a lovely hike this weekend that was restorative.
  • Andy is enjoying being back in the west and is patiently waiting for sun.
  • John basked in the glow of his birthday song.  He is also grateful Sulee has become a member. 
  • Lynne somehow angered a driver.  When the driver drove alongside her and promised to make her life miserable, she thanked him but let him know she wasn’t interested in a relationship.
 
Program
 
Today we welcomed Karen Rorke from Watermark Retirement Communities, who spoke with us about aging and elder care.  Karen became an employee with Watermark after experiencing her mother’s aging with Alzheimer’s.  Her mother’s fear, anger, and anxiety were often not listened to or given proper attention.  Because of these experiences, Karen was inspired to become involved with elder care.
 
20 years ago, elder care was revolutionized away from skilled nursing facilities toward a continuum of community care.  Watermark is exemplary of another shift that is occurring in community-based elder care.  What can typically occur is a placement when an individual isn’t able to meet their needs independently.  The placement is, generally, a reaction to the client’s dysfunction.  The care is focused on management of the clients symptoms.  The emerging perspective in care is proactive, anticipatory and collaborative with the individual.  In this perspective, choices regarding living are centered around the resident’s and family’s interests, needs, and choices.  It supports the resident to “thrive, not just survive.” 
 
Ideally, there is a continuum of living options in one community.  For example, Watermark offers short-term care living, independent living, enhanced assisted living, and memory care all in one campus.  In such a community, residents can access more support as the need arises, disrupting their quality of life as little as possible.  Communities that offer adjunct activities and create community with the residents also support the vitality in the individual. 
 
We thank Karen for inspiring us to be proactive advocates in our own aging and in the aging of our family members. 
 
 
Submitted by Mary Straus,
 
 
Rotary Meeting March 9, 2021
Rotary Club of Marana Meeting Minutes
 
 
 
We were saddened to hear of the passing of a long-time, vital Rotary Club of Marana club member, David Lightfoot.  David left our club approximately 6 years ago after he retired and moved to Phoenix.  He is remembered affectionately and with respect.  Our hearts are with his family.
 
Today we were honored with the presence of our District Governor.  Thank you DG Diane for visiting and keeping us connected to the District.
 
Club Business:
  • Randy brought forward a tri-club, tri-country service project to consider.  A subsequent motion was made and passed.  We are joining a club in Sonora, Mex. and one in Canada in the purchase of much needed oxygen tanks and tubes that will be donated to a hospital in Sonora. 
  • DG Diane recommended observing the Youth 4-Way Test Speech Contest which will be virtual.
  • Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) will be held virtually April 10th and 24th and May 8th.  Diane encouraged new and old to attend; even graduates of old will be refreshed and learn of changes.
  • DG Diane’s District Conference will be held virtually on June 4th and 5th.
  • Michael Drake is starting a new District 5500, Eco Club.  Environment has become Rotary International’s 7th Avenue of Service.
  • A/V needs discussed in anticipation of hybrid meetings.  DG Diane and Joe Hentges are meeting to research and will make recommendations to the District.  Diane did recommend Microphone and Headset for people having difficulty hearing. 
  • Don has successfully organized our Paper Shredding and Electronics Recycling Fundraiser.  It will be held Saturday April 17th from 9am to noon at Harkins Theater.   A Shreddit truck and Urban Miners will be there.  We will charge $20/car with up to 3 boxes plus $10 additional per box and for electronics.  Becky will process fees.  Suelee will design marketing material.  Don has reached out to interact club for support.  Many thanks to Don for initiating and organizing this event. 
 
Happy Bucks
  • Harold is happily post-vaccine and is staying safe following all rules.
  • Randy’s two-week, post-vaccine period has passed, and he can now party hardy.  He thanked club for being brutally honest about his performance last week, when technology failed him.  We are hoping he will come back for an encore.
  • Suelee is happy to be with us. 
  • Joyce has had her 1st covid shot and will be returning home on March 31st.  While we’re sorry for her to leave, she can’t wait to be with her husband and animals. 
  • Laura had an oral argument on her police PTSD case and was pleased with how it went despite being unsure of the outcome.
  • Don is one week outside his first covid shot.  He is  also very relieved his good friend had a successful triple bypass during the week. 
  • Richie’s obsessive tendencies are being tested while his house is in disarray getting ready for the big move.
  • Beckie and Karl had their 2nd shot.  Becky can hardly wait to run to the salon and chop off her locks.
  • Denise had an unnerving experience yesterday.  What she thought might be a stroke; sudden sight loss and nausea, turned out to be an optical migraine.  Thank goodness.
  • Mary’s very happy Suelee has rejoined our club. 
  • Peter  has had a scare with his mother who tripped while carrying her groceries in her home town of Mancester.  He is hearing good news of her recovery but is not liking being so far across the pond from her.   
  • Andrew meandered southward from Oregon to Utah and is now back in AZ.  He scoring first vaccine in Utah and will be looking for a place to score his second here.
  • Dan shared that a friend died tragically after he hit a pole while on a bicycle ride.  He asked us to keep the man’s family in our thoughts and hearts.
  • Dave is excited that his daughter joined the school tennis team and has her first match this Saturday.
  • Diane was pleased to report on a successful first virtual RYLA.  The kids loved it and didn’t want to leave at its conclusion. 
  • As we have discussion of our A/V needs, John remembers being in awe of overhead projectors.  He is also in awe that he is turning 72 on the 13th, in just a few days.
 
Program
 
Laura introduced us to the community outreach team from Northwest Fire Department.  Laura sang their praises in her interactions with them as her mother aged.
 
Joining us were Veronica, who has been with District for 20 years, Tom, who has been with the District for 18 years, and Amy, a newcomer from Oregon since 2017.
Tom Krike for 18 years
 
The Team spoke with us about home safety…
Safety for Older Adults; Fire and Fall Prevention. 
 
Smoke Alarm Safety
  • There should be at least one alarm installed in a main hallway, and, ideally, one in each bedroom.
  • Alarms should be tested one time per month.
  • Alarms should be replaced every 10 years.
  • Individuals with hearing impairment might consider a Strobe Alarm.
  • Carbon Monoxide alarms should also be installed;  one outside each sleeping area.  There are some alarms that have dual, smoke and carbon dioxide, detection.
  • There is new technology with alarms that will differentiate between cooking burn smoke and fire smoke.
  • There are ADA compliant alarms that have strobes and a vibrating pad that goes under your pillow.
 
Electrical Safety
  • Space heaters need to be placed at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn.  Don’t run heaters for more than 2 hours.  The heat can conduct to the outlet and become a fire hazard.  .
  • Extension Cords should only be used on a temporary basis and not with big appliances.
  • Surge Protectors protect from surges from electrical storms.  Arc Protectors protect against electrical surges that occur from arcs in home. 
  • Never Run extension cords under rugs or mats.  They are a tripping hazard, and insulation breaks down when repeatedly stomped on creating fire hazard.
 
Fall Prevention
Falling is not a normal part of aging.  What’s causing them?
  • Improve lighting inside and outside our homes
  • Get yearly eye exams.
  • Exercise regularly to build strength and maintain coordination.  Do it with friends.
  • Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.  Install grab bars.
  • Clean spilled liquids immediately.
  • Know our physical limits!
  • Know your medications and side effects.  Talk with your doctor and pharmacist.
 
Home Escape Plan
  • Plan 2 home escape plans and practice them.
  • Make sure windows and doors open easily.
  • Have necessary items near your bed; glasses, medications, ambulatory devices, flashlight and whistle.  These items can make a sudden escape successful. 
 
Many thanks to the Northwest Fire Department for the important information and for its concern and advocacy in our community.
 
 
Submitted by Mary Straus,
Rotary Meeting Mar 2, 2021
                                                                            
 
 
 
Rotary Club of Marana Meeting
 
The Meeting began with some wonderful news.  Suelee Edwards submitted her application for membership to our club.  Suelee has been a valued member in years past, and are very pleased she will be joining us again. 
 
Laura refused to sing the Star Spangled Banner for us, but she did produce a beautiful photo of our American flag to which we pledged our allegiance. 
 
With no members’ birthdays or anniversaries to celebrate, we dug a little deeper into the community and wished John Michael Straus, Mary’s brother, a happy birthday.
 
Club Business:
  • As we begin to ready for in-person meetings, there was discussion of our audio-visual system.  We will sell our current screen at Nana’s to Nana’s. Bob has a projector and screen that we can use. 
  • Venue follow-up:  Laura is following-up with YMCA and John is following up on Copper Kettle.
  • The District Conference, on June 4 and 5, will be virtual. 
  • Another Rotary Leadership Institute will take place in April and May.
  • Denise is our latest Paul Harris recipient.  This is her 2nd Paul Harris, and we are grateful for her dedication to TRF.
  • Shout out to Richie for keeping our Facebook account relevant. 
  • Thanks to Randy Brooks for reaching out to former Youth Exchange Students for testimonials.  They will be posted on our website.
  • Fundraiser Paper Shredding and Electronics Recycle date is set for April 17.  The location is almost determined.  Thanks to Don for his diligent work on this event.  Beckie has offered to market the event.
  • We were awarded the District Share the Love Grant for $500.  This grant will contribute to a bench that will be placed in our Peace Garden at Marana Crossroads. 
 
Happy Bucks:
  • Harold is happy and enjoying life.  He’s had his second vaccine and suffered no side-effects.   
  • Randy is pleased the side-effects from his 2nd vaccine have cleared.
  • Richie also experienced symptoms from his 2nd vaccine.  He was very please, despite the symptoms, that his family closed on a new home.  Congratulations!  John offered his truck but not his muscles.
  • Mary’s starting to see clients in person again and visited with friends for first time in months.
  • Joyce is happily taking care of her parents.
  • Suelee’s husband has been diagnosed and is treating his cancer.  Suelee is pleased that he appears to be a poster child for chemo, with very few side-effects.  Our hearts are with Suelee and her husband.
  • Andrew is happy the sun has visited Oregon, where he’s visiting, for the last 3 days. 
  • Bob is still in Oklahoma, getting his 2nd vaccine this week.  He will be back in Arizona for 2 weeks before he returns again to Virginia.
  • Becky is looking forward to coming out of her cocoon toward the end of the month, after she and her husband have been fully vaccinated.  Becky also remarked on the sad state of the saguaros.  Many of us have never seen them so thirsty. 
  • John is expanding a water catchment area that serves the local wildlife.  He has a camera that has caught quite an impressive parade visiting his watering hole: javelina, bobcats, racoons, coyotes, and, most recently, a fox.
  • Denise is excited that she finally was called to sign up for the vaccine.
  • Laura is excited that her sister and brother-in-law decided to stay an extra week.
  • Dan was a bit he wasn’t able to go to his cabin due to snowfall.  He is very please, however, that he has started a weekly BBQ tradition in the family.  His first BBQ was a hit with only himself and his granddaughter attending.  He shall persevere. 
  • Peter’s eight day project in Flagstaff has extended to 2 weeks and counting.  He’s been getting exercise running up and down scaffolding.  He took a side trip to the Grand Canyon which he really enjoyed.
  • John is pleased he’s getting his second vaccine today.
 
We had a special treat to close our meeting.  Randy performed for us, as he gets ready for the District Conference.  We are eager to hear more of his beautiful singing and his strumming.  Thank you, Randy.
 
 
 
Submitted by Mary Straus,
 
 
Rotarm Meetinf Feb 23, 2021
ROTARY CLUB OF MARANA, AZ
MEETING MINUTES 02/24/21 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM via Zoom
Submitted by Randy Brooks
The club participated in a robust, yet fragmented pledge. 
Attending Today: John D., President; Joyce Zwick (guest from Canada); Randy, Laura, Sulee (Guest and potential member); Lynne, Don, Denise, Mary, Dan, Richie, David, Andy and Karl. We have another guest Dan Streeter, Superintendent of the Marana Unified School District attending – welcome Dr. Dan Streeter.
The Rotary Convention has been cancelled for in person attendance.  It will again this year be a virtual event.  Perhaps a few of us can attend the event next year in Houston. 
There will be a Rotary District 5500 Conference in June in Tubac, Arizona.  Hope it actually happens …. Our governor and her team deserve a break in having an in person event.
President John is quite proud of our club, we are the only or one of a very few that have 100% registration with My Rotary.  Way to go everyone.
We have written several former Rotary Youth Exchange students asking that they send a photo from their youth exchange and only a few have responded so far. Jeanne from France and Eleana from Peru are two that have responded.  We hope we receive more and that Richie is able to post their photos and comments on our Facebook page.
Denise won a contest for her jewelry store in the amount of $500.00 which she in turn donated to the Rotary Club of Marana.  Thank you so much Denise.
Discussion but no resolution to the issue of used electronics. 
The shredding day is in our future in April, 17, 9 AM to noon.  Don Jorgensen sent out a request for volunteers and asking to help with specific tasks.  Anyone with graphic and marketing ability please help.  Those able to shred please volunteer.  Those that can register people and collect funds please help.  We lost the ability to hold the Tour de Cookie this year and these small fundraising projects are extremely important. I know the event is in my calendar and I will help, I heard Mary volunteer and several others nodded your heads.  Please e-mail Don and tell him what you can do: donjorgensen@comcast.net. Thanks.
Happy Bucks
Joyce Zwick: John, her father and our club member (95 years old), had his second COVID shot.
Laura: has visitors (sister and family) and is enjoying the socially distant time with them.  Sounds like a weird statement. “Come on over but don’t touch me and stay outside.” LOL
Randy told a bad joke about COVID and its side effects.  You would have had to been there. Let everyone know that Deb is doing well with the new knee. Two Hips, two knees, spinal cord and wrist.  What could be next?
Harold has his second COVID vaccine and visited with George Rigney, a former member whom lost his spouse recently.
Sulee: Our newest potential member (in waiting period).  Her husband has serious health issues and was having procedures on Tuesday AM.  However the schedule has changed and so Sulee now can join our club.  Great news for us.  Those of you that don’t know, Sulee was a member several years ago and in my opinion welcome back.
Don – happy that he participated in RYLA. 40 youth attended that seemed engaged.  Thanks Don.
Beckie – happy that she was able to go to a park with her extended family.  Feels sort of normal again (not quite yet Beckie – but better).
Dan C. – His latest binge watch on TB is “Songs that Changed Music.” He commented that playing guitar is complicated.  Randy agreed and then confessed that he doesn’t know how to play either.
Mary: received second COVID vaccine and had a slight sore arm, in spite of the joke, this writer, made about her. She misses Laura and cocktails in the evening (because of Laura’s guests).  She was reassured they will begin again.
Denise is very happy that her employees agreed to donate to the club and that Dr. Streeter is here to visit today.
Lynne: Not happy, software issues that will be fixed soon.  She told a joke about tomatoes not being a sweet fruit, and how most of us do not have tomato smoothies.  Yea, you sure? Tomato, Lemon, spices, celery, and vodka that some have in the AM.  That’s really close.
Andy: Apologized for being late, he is in Portland, Oregon where up to 350,0K00 have been without power.  He has had internment power.  Stay warm Andy.
Karl: Happy family visited
Richie: received his second injection had some symptoms but is doing better now.
David: Has enjoyed his children doing the study at home and is a little sad they will be going back in person.  You’re a great dad, David.
 
Introduction of Dr. Dan Streeter by Laura:
Dan (we use first names in Rotary, Dan) Superintendent of Marana Unified School District – MUSD). As CEO he is in charge of day to day operations and tons of employees. Previously was Superintendent at Humboldt and the HR director. He has a PhD in Education Leadership and strongly feels personalized learning is the key to success for our children. He is happy he gets his second vaccine next week. Married for 21 years, two sons from the union, enjoys biking.  One son is a senior at Mountain View High School. The other son is younger and in class. 
MUSD has 12,000 students, covers 500 square miles, 1,800 employees and 700 teachers. He believes in collaborative partnerships. MUSD is rated high in US News and World Report, Blue Ribbon Schools, considered electronically advanced and engages in “code to the future.” A coding process for counselors in all schools. He discussed Advanced Placement Program only 1,000 in the world. The school has been hybrid, open, closed, open closed …. Sounds a little crazy making. The staff have been cleaning, cleaning and cleaning, tedious but important. 
Literacy needs are being met, learning critical thinking and graduates are ready to contribute to society. “Identify what is right with children and engage their strengths … not weaknesses.”
Great presentation Dr. Dan.  Come back again.
Meeting adjourned.
A reminder: mistakes made, and I know there are many …. Disregard.  Thanks have a good week.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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MCAT Student Of The Month 

MCAT - Marana Career & Technical High School is an optional opportunity for Marana High School and Mountain View High School students to learn and earn academic credit in a non-traditional educational setting. 

The Marana Rotary Club has been honoring students from MCAT for over 21 years. 

Below are Students for Rotary Year July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020

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Alexis Falcon              Nov
 
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Matt G                        March
 
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