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 Oct 13,2020
Rotary Club of Marana
 
                                                                            
 
 
Rotary Club of Marana Meeting; October 13, 2020
 
After morning greetings and pledging our allegiance, President John began with Announcements:
  • Don’t forget to check out our Facebook page.  Like it and share it! 
  • From Deb Haddock;  a 4-Way-Test Speech Contest is scheduled to be held in person April 10, 2021 at Christ Church United Methodist, subject to change secondary to Covid restrictions.  A $25 non-refundable fee for entry.  John will get more specifics.
  • Board Meeting approved doing a peace forum, aimed for April, but dependent on covid status.
  • International peace day Sept 1st worldwide 
  • The Board is offering a Matching Program.  Members who donate to either Polio Plus or the Annual fund will receive matching Paul Harris points up to 500.  This is a generous and wonderful opportunity for those working toward their first or any Paul Harris.
  • Board Meeting this evening at 5:00 at John’s office.  Welcome to all.
 
Happy Bucks
  • Harold breakfasted with John Zwick
  • Randy had another wonderful weekend with son and buddy Bert.  He played on a boat in Lake Mead and attending a socially responsible wedding of Bert’s daughter.  He’s putting petal to the medal  directly following our meeting, in his Prius Muscle Car Wearing his pedal, to make it home in time for the board meeting this evening. 
  • Joyce was wishing for 100 weather as she begins the long winter in Canada.
  • Mary’s been busy getting out the vote.
  • Andy made us jealous with tails of a long hike along a stream amongst fall colors in Utah.  While strolling he identified multiple trout species which are awaiting his return following this meeting. 
  • Laura is thankful for her church book club.  It’s heartening and critical to  her mental health to be responsibly distanced with people sharing thoughtful conversation.  She highly recommended her current read; The Disaster of Chernobyl.  Bob recommended The Great Influenza. 
  • Don has been getting back in shape.  He will be running a ½ marathon on Sunday to raise money for Shelter Box. 
  • Peter is delighted he filled out a ballot for first time!  He’s also excited he’ll be returning to Oklahoma next week for the 1st time in 31 years.  Peter originally came to the states to attend University in Oklahoma.   
  • Becky’s granddaughter June is healthy and her husband tired.  Becky spoke with Denise who is working excessively and eager to get back to the club, hopefully after the new year. Her family members are healthy and happy. 
  • Bob remains in Tucson while his Virginia home has collected 48 inches of rain. 
  • Carl is having fun playing with the market right now.  He’s also grateful his family is all healthy
 
Program:
Randy introduced us Amy Graves, who he knows from Rotary related travels to Yuma.   He describes Amy as a Rotarian who is intelligent, thoughtful, and committed.  Amy is currently the Chair of Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE), which is a 3 year commitment.  She provided us with an overview of the administration of RYE. 
 
After the departure of Cindy Harrison who almost single-handedly ran the program for over a decade, PDG Kirk put a pause on RYE for the District be able to thoughtfully re-organize.  The District has developed a sustainable Committee model for continued success with RYE.  Under Amy are a Systems Administrator, Youth Protection Officer, Outbound Placement Officer, Compliance Officer, and a ROTEX Coordinator.
 
A new website, with all information and forms, and a new data-base system are making participation in RYE much easier for clubs.  All RYE related youth activities are centralized through the district.  Clubs are responsible for finding, vetting, and training host families, providing a counselor for the youth, engaging youth in Rotary activities, and reporting as required.  If a club would like to participate but isn’t able to host a student, it can support another club who is able to host.  The cost is $3000 per student. 
 
Inbound and outbound Rotary Youth spend 10 to 11 months with 3 different families in their host towns.  They attend the local high school for one academic year.  The RYE Committee has a 3-year framework for each student.  Year 1 is the application process.  Year 2 is the exchange experience.  Year 3 is a re-entry process.  In years 1 and 3, the RYE committee engages the youth in meaningful activities, preparing them for being ambassadors and, following, for being leaders in peace and service.
 
We are grateful to Amy for her commitment to the RYE program, a fundamental means through which Rotary promotes peace worldwide. 
 
Submitted by Mary Straus, October 25, 2020
 
 
Rotary Meeting Oct 6, 2020
Rotary Club of Marana
Meeting Minutes 0700-0800 10/06/2020
Submitted by Randy Brooks
Attending:  John Dooling, Randy B., Harold, Richie, Mary, Dan, Peter, Bob B., Beckie, Dave H, Don, Laura, Carl and our guest Andy Swarthout.
Meeting Opened by John Dooling asking Richie Benner to lead us in the Pledge. 
The club, especially Harold and John thanked Mary in her efforts of taking and submitting minutes for the club.
We have not found the young person requesting to be an exchange student and so that will be on hold for a while.
Air purifiers discussed by Richie. He has purchased the machines and is in the process of creating stickers to place on the machines.  Not really any opportunity for the club to attend a ceremony for the giving of the gift.  These air purifiers are for the disabled class rooms at MUSD and we are all proud of the decision to make them a reality in order to assist these young people.
A general discussion ensued regarding the need for us, as a club, to do better with advertising ourselves and letting our community know the good works we provide.
Peace Poles: Dove Mountain has also decided to provide Peace Poles for the Marana Area.  They will have one or more at a park near Dove Mountain area and ours will be at the library on Silverbell and Cortaro and hopefully at the Veteran’s Cemetery in Marana.  Mary suggested we have a half day seminar when the pole are erected.  Peter will be checking with the VA regarding the pole at the cemetery.
Happy Bucks: Beckie, hoping to cool off this week, Dan Contorno was happy he found cool weather and a serene environment at Reservation Lake.  Observed Elk, brown trout (he missed catching them), cows and bulls.  Richie has been golfing and had a good front 9 and refused to discuss the back 9. Laura, has been bingeing on ”Schitt’s Creek” episodes.  David H. had a family weekend, Andrew is loving his home Utah, Don said his grandson registered to vote yesterday he also mentioned he is going to New York for his grandson’s first birthday. Don’t worry Don, none of us will rat you out. Peter was traveling for three weeks in Washington, DC, missed the heat and had difficulty obtaining food.  He has not been feeling well and is sleeping 13 hours a day.  Get better soon, Peter. Not sure what my notes are saying for Bob. I had written “annual checkup.  Battery dead.” Go back and get it charged, Bob, Geez. Harold had a medical review as well.  Mary had a little break from her daughter while Lilly visited her father.  Mary also enjoyed a robust game of “Cards against Humanity.” Randy is heading up to Las Vegas to visit with his son and friend Bert.   Carl is hoping the weather improves.  Our fearless leader, John, “went up north” for Turkey hunting and was skunked. He slept on the ground, and it felt great, that is until he realized it took several hours to stand in the morning.
PRESENTATION – Mary Straus
She gave us an update on the global grant we are providing to Malam Petel, Cameroon, Africa. Mary and Randy traveled to Cameroon to provide a community assessment for the project.  Our project, again, located in Malam Petel is in the extreme north of the country.   The project is to provide Economic Development, Women’s empowerment as well as food, latrines, school supplies, millet bank (like a food bank), tailoring and embroidering, and cattle for nutrition (milk and eventually meat). Also a large portion of this project is a grinding mill, water well and a garden.  We hope these efforts will provide income for several of the villagers’, food for children, better hygiene. Those engaged in the project include the Women ’s council, village government of the village, Bouba (Chief), The Rotary Club of Malam Petel and the Rotary Club of Marana. Don’t forget clubs in Tucson that signed on to help.
In spite of Covid in the village, the cattle have been purchased, two latrines completed, nut and millet grinders purchased, solar well and irrigation completed for the garden, fruit trees planted and gardening tools purchased. Fencing has been put in place. 
Mary wanted to thank the Rotary Club of Marana for the support, and Randy for his help. We  want to thank Mary, Randy, Don, Bob and the club for all the assistance of money and time.  Phil Silvers, PRID helped with measuring success monitors and we all discussed pride in the club and made a few jokes about the assessment trip and Boko Haram. 
Thank you, Mary.  Great presentation.
 
 
 
 
Rotary Meeting Sept 29, 2020
Rotary Club of Marana
 
                                                                            
 
 
Rotary Club of Marana Meeting; September 29th
 
Guests
We welcomed two guests to our meeting today.  Andy Swarthout, a Rotarian with the Presidio Rotary Club, was Randy’s guest.  Andy is checking out different club cultures, and we hope to see him again.  Mary invited Dr. Daniel Twelker to join us.  Dan is an Optometrist and has a PhD in Vision Science.  He has come to talk with us about his work with Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity International.
 
Announcements
  • PDG Ellie is facilitating a district focus on Peace.  We have accepted the invitation to participate.  Randy will chair the Peace Committee and Mary will serve with him.
  • John thanks Richie for his excellent work maintaining our Facebook page.  He will be  investing some money to upgrade our presence in the community.
  • John also expressed gratitude to Harold from himself and from the district.  Harold has painstakingly managed our ClubRunner for years and has been volunteering his services to other clubs and the district.  Thanks for your service, Harold!
  • World Polio Day October 28th.
  • A youth has contacted our club with interest in Rotary Youth Exchange.  John will follow up.
  • The board has voted to become a Shelter Box Bronze Sponsor.  We have earmarked $1000 donation to Shelter Box for each of the next 3 years.
  • Reminder to members to follow-up with guests regarding Membership.
  • Richie has been partnering with the Special Education Program at Marana High School to assess needs.  As the school is nearing in-class reintegration, safety risk poses unique challenges for kids with special needs.  Because some of these kids can’t and/or can’t reliably wear masks, additional safety methods have been considered.  Air purifiers are known to decrease risk, and the Special Education Program raised enough money to buy two.  Our club will purchase 2 more machines and 4 replacement filters that will be needed for each of the machines in 6 months’ time.  Thanks to Richie for keeping a pulse on our educators’ and kids’ needs in this time of COVID.
 
Program:
Dr. Daniel Twelker is a practitioner, a professor, and a researcher in Optometry and Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona.  In addition to his career he is an avid bicyclist, traveler, and advocate for local musicians.  Dan also is a humanitarian and devotes significant time ensuring that underserved people worldwide are afforded the same optical care others receive.  In this capacity, he is currently the President of Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity International (VOSH International). 
 
1 billion persons world-wide develop unnecessary blindness due to lack of eye care.  Things that lead to blindness include unaddressed glasses correction, cataracts, corneal opacities, diabetic retinopathy, and trachoma.  VOSH began in 1972 as a group of volunteers who believed that all people deserve the level of eye care normally afforded only to people of means.  VOSH members traveled for a week at a time to various communities to provide cost-free clinics and eye-glasses, serving approximately 500 people each day.  Over time and with VOSH membership growth, the places and numbers of people served expanded.  Dan’s first clinic participation was in the Philippines in 1989.  Other places VOSH has served include; Oakland and Alameda Counties in Ca, Honduras, Mexico, South Africa, Vietnam, Kenya, Haiti, Nicaragua. 
 
VOSH consists of local VOSH Chapters and VOSH International.  The Rotary Club of Saddlebrook and Rotario Pitic, for example, coordinate with our local chapter of VOSH to provide clinics in Hermosillo.  Aside from being Optometrists and Ophthalmologists  with a shared vision of volunteering their time and skills to serve, however, local chapters and international are separate entities.   
 
VOSH International has divested energy from running to clinics.  Instead, it has invested itself in the development of self-sustaining eye care in underserved communities worldwide and in instilling the value of service in young optometrist and Ophthalmologists   Toward this end, VOSH have developed unique programs.   
 
One is dedicated to Student Involvement.  VOSH encourages students to join or start VOSH Chapters in their schools.  VI offers mentorships and internships and have a Chapter of the Month program.
 
The VOSH Fellowship Program develops leaders.  Graduates of the fellowship will be able to  advise on the global challenge of preventable blindness.  This includes the ability to foster the development of future leaders to meet the challenges of vision needs worldwide and to be able to consult with governmental agencies, educational, private, or public institutions, and the media on issues related to the mission and vision of VOSH/International.
 
VOSH Corp, Ambassador and Mentorship programs provide short and long-term teaching and training of educators in vision care programs around the world.  They also provide mentorship to VOSH groups abroad.
 
VOSH International also has a disaster relief program.  It sends volunteers to sites of devastation from natural disasters to meet immediate vision needs.
 
We thank Dan for providing us a thoughtful and inspiring presentation on VOSH.  As fellow pursuers in service-above-self, VOSH lightens our hearts. 
 
Submitted by Mary Straus, October 5, 2020
 
 
 
Rotary Meeting Sept 22, 2020
Rotary Club of Marana Meeting Minutes
9.22.2020
President John Dooling
Scribe: Randy Brooks
Attending: Joyce Zwick (Canada), Harold, Randy Beckie, John, Don, Peter, Mary, Laura, Dave, Richie, Carl and special guest Melanie Larson.
We were informed the Xavier has resigned from the club.  President John is speaking with Xavier about whether we will return to Nana’s Kitchen or find a new place to meet after the virus allows us to congregate.
Joyce reports she has been in quarantine since returning to Canada and let us know the fines and sanctions are very still for those not complying with COVID 19 mandates from the government.
Happy Bucks: Beckie is sad, missing her granddaughter. Don J., happy that an old friend Melanie is visiting and that his book about his trip to Antarctica is nearly complete. Mary is happy about how the project is going in Cameroon and very sad about the loss to America Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Peter is in Washington, DC working on a telescope, he is happy that the Chinese government finally paid his invoice, attend a vigil for RBG in Washington, and purchased a hungry man a dinner.  You are awesome, Peter. Laura is happy that Jennifer Tersigni, Fundraising Executive and member of the board for Mobile Meals is attending and very sad about RBG. “You can disagree without being disagreeable.” RBG.  David claims he saw a drop of rain at his house this morning, the group seems to think it was a neighbor’s sprinkler.  He has been going out early in the day riding bikes.  Go David. Our guest Melanie said she appreciates all that Rotary does and thank Peter for his efforts at the Supreme Court and for feeding a hungry man.  She encourages to remain optimistic in this time of upheaval. Richie “my toe is healing up” and feels Christmas in the air.  He thanked Laura for her work on obtaining quality speakers. Carl says the stock market is a roll coaster at this time and is excited he is going to Albuquerque to visit his mother.
Mary gave a very brief review of Malam Patel, project and will provide a more through update next week.
Randy reports he will be gone much of June next year, as well as all of July, August and half of September. He wanted to let the club know he discussed this with the board and reported to them that several club presidents have offered to step up and facilitate the meetings in his absence.  The board approved of the plan.
At this weekly meeting Randy brought up the issue to the general membership, telling them if any were uncomfortable with his trip (he will be joining the meetings via of Zoom if possible) he would resign as President elect. He will attend meeting on Zoom as well as board meetings.  The club voted and approved and his leading the club from a distance next summer and support past presidents’ in assisting next summer.
Laura introduce Jennifer Tersigni, Board member of Mobile Meals of S. Arizona and a Fundraising Consultant. Off the bat she thanked Rotary for a scholarship to college and the fact she was on a Group Study Exchange (GSE) to Thailand (arranged by Randy and the District).  As a result of her GSE experience she became a lover of travel.  She sees beauty in life and she lives to serve others. Encourages us all to remain positive.
Mobile Meals was started in 1970.  It was started to be an assist to “shut ins” and has grown and grown. She states that COVID has strained operations with older vulnerable volunteers leaving for safety reasons and yet she has recruited replacements for those leaving. The cost of meals is $1.00 to $10.00 per meal.  They are prepared mostly at local health facilities and taken, still warm to the beneficiaries.  They do not provide meals in NW Tucson, but all of the rest of Tucson is covered, as well as Sahurita and Green Valley.  Parts of Marana are now being served. The Mobile Meals are looking for a CEO. Their budget is about $850,000 per year. 5 FTE staff and one part time dietician. They have 280 Volunteers and 33 routes in Tucson and need 35 volunteers each day.
They provide services to elderly, infirmed, and anyone that need their services they are always seeking volunteers in interested call 520.622.1600 or visit mobilemealssoaz.org.  You can reach Jennifer at jennifer@mobilemealssoaz.org.
Thank you Jennifer for a very interesting presentation
Respectfully submitted: Randy
 
 
 
Rotary Meeting Sept 15, 2020
Rotary Club of Marana
 
                                                                            
 
Rotary Club of Marana Meeting; September 15, 2020
 
Guests 
We were very happy Joyce Zwick joined us from her home in Canada.  Joyce traveled back home after spending significant time here supporting her parents.  We miss her father, John, and look forward to his rejoining us. We were also pleased that Carol Buuck joined us again.  We’ve enjoyed her thoughtful contributions to our meetings and hope to continue to see her.  We also welcomed Mike Lange, a retired Tucson native, U of A Law School grad, former Pima County prosecutor, and Laura’s bleacher-mate at the U of A basketball games.  For 6 years Mike has Chaired the Board of Interfaith Community Services.
 
Announcements
  • The Bylaws have been accepted and changes made.  Thanks again to Don and Harold.
  • World polio day October 24th.
  • The continent of Africa was declared polio free in the last 1 ½ weeks.  A remarkable achievement.  Countries have to have three consecutive years with no new polio cases to be declared Polio Free.
  • John urged membership to take advantage of the Rotary Magazine we all receive.  It offers a wide range of relevant topics that are integral in Rotary.
 
Happy Bucks
  • Harold  is marveling at his new computer
  • Randy’s leg is healing, though slllowwwly , from an epic fall.  He will be welcoming his wife home soon and is pleased that the quality of meals in his home will increase.
  • Carol says she is happy to be with us again, and we’re happy for that. 
  • Don and his wife made the trek back to Tucson from Seattle.  They drove through smoke and haze and didn’t see sun until they reached Quartzite.   Our hearts are with those in Washington, Oregon, and California devasted by fires. 
  • Laura was pleased as punch that she is now a great aunt.  Her niece and husband welcome Brigit Eloise, named in part after Eloise, Laura’s mother. 
  • Richie is scratching his head that he was somehow able to break his toe simply getting into his fridge.  He muses that old-age onset is to blame.  Richie is by far the youngest member of our club. 
  • Lynne was gleeful the  Patriots won and Tom Brady lost.  Lynne also sees the light at the end of the tunnel, as the last tax deadline approaches.
  • Joyce is back home in Canada, quarantining for 2 weeks.  While the fires seem to dutifully halt at the border, smoke has been responsible for the closure of schools on the Vancouver Islands due to poor air quality and lack of ventilation. 
  • Bob was self-congratulatory that he has met his weight goal having lost 20 lbs.  I can’t imagine where Bob had 20 lbs. to lose, but congratulations!  He and his wife a starting a new garage project.  Always busy. 
  • Becky was counting her lucky starts that she sold her home in Utah.  The home is in an area that is preparing for evacuation.  Becky was also happy to watch football again; cheering for the Packers, Saints, and Arizona
  • Carl has been busy with a trip to Texas to fetch his daughter’s belongings for her move home to Tucson.   He has the sense that things are zooming by at the speed of light time but is taking solace in the fact of everyone’s health and in his life stabilizing. 
  • John beamed proudly that he took two of his grandsons out dove hunting for the first time, passing on this generational tradition.
 
Program
Mike Lange was invited by Laura to provide a program for us today on Interfaith Community Services (ICS), their services, and how things have or have not changed in the pandemic. 
 
Interfaith Community Services is a multi-faith agency.  Temples, Mosques, and Christian Churches form an extensive network dedicated to serving their own members in need and the Tucson area community at large.  Additionally, ICS partners with other agencies, such as Catholic Charities and Mobile Meals, so the needs of the individual or family are met holistically.  The general mission of ICS is to help individuals and families stabilize and improve their lives.
 
ICS has a staff of 22 and over 1000 volunteers serving 30,000 to 40,000 people a year.  From its humble beginnings with a $3000 budget, 40 years later ICS runs approximately an $8,000,000 dollar budget.  As its budget increases ICS is afforded the ability to provide more and more robust services in the areas that it addresses.  It has chosen this strategic ‘deepening of services’ over expanding the types of programs it provides.
 
The pandemic has created unique conditions to ICS, some of them assets and some requiring creative problem solving.  A majority of the 1000 volunteers who were serving people in the community were traditionally elderly.  With the elderly being particularly vulnerable to Covid, much of this work force was forced to relinquish their service.  As the needs of the community have increased in the Covid and economic environments, ICS initially had concerns about being able to provide services uninterrupted to all who needed them.  As happens in communities, however, the need was filled.  Young people came out of the woodwork to step in and services didn’t skip a beat.  The ICS Food Bank is a service that required reworking with the pandemic.  For the safety of the volunteers and those they serve and to increase its ability to serve more, ICS shifted to a drive in and pick up service.  Previously folks were able to shop for their grocery selections, which may be more ideal, but will have to wait till safer times.  Other evidence of a community stepping up in times of need is in that ICS has received an increase in donations and grant monies.  Federal, state and city governments have contributed more monies to community serving agencies during the pandemic; grants and foundations have been generous; and private donations have increased.  Our club donated money to ICS in July, knowing it to be a good steward of the community and the monies it receives. 
 
The Core Services ICS provides are:
  • Financial assistance for housing and utilities to bridge during crisis periods
  • Food Bank
  • Workforce Development
    • Resume Development
    • Interview Coaching
  • Women/mother economic development
    • Self-sufficiency program for women with children who had to leave college because for financial reasons
    • Single mom scholarships 
  • Senior Care
    • compassionate calling
    • transportation
    • mobile meals facilitation
 
 
We are grateful that ICS is creating such meaningful opportunity and change in our community and thank Mike Lange for coming to talk with us. 
 
 
Submitted by Mary Straus,
 
 
 
 
 
Rotary Meeting Sept 8, 2020
 
                                                                           
 
Rotary Club of Marana Meeting; September 8, 2020
 
Guests:  We welcomed two distinguished guests today.  Rick Chimblo, a Rotarian for over 20 years, is currently a member of the Oro Valley Club.  He is a Major Donor to The Rotary Foundation and an honorary member of the Rotary Club of Dima, Spain. Carol Buuck was Don’s guest.  They met through Don’s wife who worked alongside Carol serving folks with visual and hearing impairment, Carol as a special education teacher.  Currently, Carol is the Program Coordinator for the Marana Food Bank.  We look forward to joining with her and her team in future service projects. 
 
Announcements:
 
  • A required periodic review of the club by-laws is completed.  Thanks to Don and Harold for handling this task and proposing changes.  Members have 2 weeks to comment on their suggestions after which the changes will be implemented.
  • Tour de Cookie March 6; All Hands on Deck
  • The Board approved full funding of the Peace Poles
  • Interact Liaison – we will have a team of liaisons to the Tortalita Interact Club.  John, Randy, and Don have volunteered.  Many thanks to each of you
Happy Buck Highlights:
  • Bob smiled ear to ear waxing romantic about the boat ride he and his wife took on their lake over the weekend.
  • Don, not to be out done, spoke of his kayaking adventures on the Puget Sound.
  • Peter is hard at work in Flagstaff playing with telescopes. 
  • Harold took on the task of updating his wife’s recipe collection, only to find that the word processing program in which it was originally written is no longer compatible with any of today’s programs.  How old are you guys? ; )
  • Carol has been grateful for the use of the Jorgensen’s swimming pool while they’re away kayaking on the Puget Sound. 
  • Becky surprised us with a first; she’s happy to be in the Tucson heat.  She explained it is preferable to the wind and snow she is used to in Utah at this time.  Becky was also happy that her daughter had errands that lasted long enough for her to be able to spend a whole day with her granddaughter.     
  • Richie was doing a happy dance for the cooking and cleaning he did over the 3-day weekend.  ?  Whatever gets you goin…  actually, it was in  preparation for a visit from the in-laws, which he’s looking forward to. 
  • John and Mary are both experiencing what it takes to help their children/grandchildren be successful with online learning.  It requires technology, is mentally demanding, and time consuming.   A great many families don’t have the resources needed nor the luxury of time or added support to help educate their children; employment and basic needs taking precedence.   There will be ripples felt in education and economic equality for years to come, as the pandemic continues to rain havoc.  Maybe we can put our heads together to figure out a way to help.  
Program
In addition to his distinguished career as a Rotarian, Rick is a retired geophysicist and has been married for over 35 years to a woman who is his match in passion for adventure and service.  They have 3 children together and 5 grandchildren.  Rick was invited to talk with us about the El Jute service project he and his club are implementing with support from our club and many others
 
The Oro Valley Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Gualan, Guatemala partnered together in a successful application for a Global Grant in Rotary’s International Avenues of Service.  The grant is for a project focusing on RI's Hygiene and Sanitation Area of Focus in El Jute, Guatemala.
 
The seeds for this project were planted in April 2017  when Rick and his wife visited the town of El Jute, Guatemala where indigenous peoples live.  The town consists of 1900 residents, approximately 325 families.  80% of indigenous populations in Guatemala live in poverty, 40% of those in extreme poverty.  El Jute is correspondingly representative.   Rick began talking with families and town leadership, getting a feel for their strengths and needs and wants.  Evident in this community assessment were competing needs; malnutrition, illiteracy, sanitation, disease, poverty.  A committee of townspeople and Rotarians was formed.  With all factors considered, the committee prioritized sanitation and hygiene above the others.  In El Jute water is harvested from mountain streams, but it is not filtered.  There are a few toilets and septic tanks exist.  However, in the existing toilets, flushing isn’t thorough because there isn’t adequate water pressure.  There is high frequency of disease, such as viral meningitis and typhoid, in the community, as well as high rates of infant mortality.  Poor water sanitation and hygiene also impact student retention. In the school, there are no wash basins and too few toilets.  100% attendance in kindergarten drops to 13% attendance by the 6th grade.  The Water Sanitation and Hygiene Committee got to work  and will continue to provide oversight throughout the project.
 
There are 3 parts to the El Jute Water Sanitation and Hygiene project:
  • Separate male and female bathrooms will be built.  Each will have multiple toilets and wash basins.  Each are wheel-chair accessible.  All will be capable of thorough flushing and hand washing with the installation of a water tank above the plumbing system. 
  • 520 portable filter systems, 500 of them purchased with grant monies, will be given to the community.  The systems are made by a local company whose goal is for all Guatemalans to have water by end of 2020.  Teachers and families with students will receive a filter first, after which they will be distributed to other community members.  
  • Teachers will receive training on a Hygiene Program for kids.  The program will become part of their basic curricula. 
Rick made El Jute, the people, and the project come alive for us, and we felt proud to have contributed to such a consequential endeavor.  Congratulations to the Oro Valley Rotary Club!
 
 
Submitted by Mary Straus September 9, 2020
 
 
Rotary Meeting Sept 1, 2020
Rotary Club of Marana
 
                                                                            
 
 
Rotary Club of Marana Meeting; September 1, 2020
 
President John opened the meeting by asking the two newest citizens of the United States to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  He then, on this September day, evoked the poignancy of the song September in the context of the climate of today:
 
say, do you remember?
dancin’ in September
never was a cloudy day
 
Guest:  We were all heartened to welcome Eleana Acosta Zavala to our meeting today.  Eleana is a Marana Club sponsored Youth Exchange Graduate of 2005-2006 and beloved  daughter of John and Cindy Doolinig and Randy Brooks and Deb Hume. 
 
Announcements:
  • PDG Ellie sent congratulations to all of D5500 for hitting a record of giving to The Rotary Foundation in the 2019-20 year.   She expressed particular gratitude to Randy Brooks who Chaired the District Rotary Foundation Committee.
  • Board Meeting this evening at 5:00 pm at John’s office.
  • El Tour de Tucson us been postponed until April
  • Tour de Cookie will be on March 6, 2021.  The date was chosen after Dan’s work researching the dates of other community events.
  • Dove Mountain has welcomed 4 new members to its club in the first two months of the year.  Congratulations!!
  • Update on service projects:  Neither Habitat for Humanity nor Youth on Their Own have responded to Randy’s efforts to reach them.  Don spoke with the Marana Food Bank and received an update on recent restructuring.  The Food Bank of Southern Arizona has eliminated the ED position from smaller sights, centralizing the administration.  Marana Food Bank is now a satellite site.  MFB is not currently in need of any support with services.  However, they plan to broaden their community impact in the future by partnering with MHC and Marana Unified to open a GED teaching site.  There might be need for computers at that time, and they will stay in touch.
 
Happy Bucks Highlights:
  • Many of us were grateful for the hints of cooler weather of late, though disheartened by the lack of rain this year.
  • Richie has been enjoying his morning bike ride.  He also enjoyed a family trip to Apple Annie’s and was hoping to pawn off, errr share, the bounty of apples he acquired while picking.   
  • Lynne returned picking up where she left off, gracing us with a joke. 
  • Becky was glowing in having met her work objective for the month on the 1st day of the month.  She also rightfully bragged about her daughter’s move to the Pima County Community College where she is Director of their certification program for Veterinary Practice Assistance.
  • While doing yard work, Peter followed a trail of cholla that led under his car.  He opened the hood of the car to find  a family of pack rats homesteading in his engine.  Industrious and destructive little creatures.
  • Bob is getting a workout doing  a lot of babysitting of granddaughters, 19-month old twins.  Complicating his grandparenting, one of his family members is experiencing a mental health crisis.  We are grateful to Bob for sharing this with us.  One in twenty-five Americans suffer Serious Mental Illness.  In addition to the individual, families are greatly impacted.  Are hearts are with Bob and his family. 
  • Don has been blackberry picking in and around Seattle.  While having the privilege of enjoying delicious blackberry pie, he objected to the blood-letting demanded by the thorns of the blackberry bushes. 
  • Harold gleamed telling us of getting to play in the airplane of a friend who installed the newest GPS technology. 
  • Dan is busy navigating parent urgency to get kids back to school.  The district is caught between a rock and a hard place weighing the needs of family against health risk.  Currently, Pima County has not cleared Gov. Ducey’s benchmarks, based on case numbers, testing positivity, and hospital use that are needed to reopen schools to in-person learning.
  • Randy joined us from Las Vegas, where he has spent a wonderful weekend with son, boating on Lake Mead, and visiting best friend, Bert.  He’ll be on the move, hopping in his car directly after the meeting to make it on time for this eveining’s board meeting.
 
President John introduced us to Eleana Acosta Zavala and to the power of Youth Exchange:
 
Eleana, from Lima, Peru, is a beloved Youth Exchange daughter to John and his wife and to Randy and his wife. The close bonds with Eleana have extended into all of her family members; her parents and her brother and sister.  The Doolings, Brooks, and Acostas have traveled back and forth between Peru and the States and have shared significant family events and travels together. 
 
Eleana, herself, is a remarkable young woman.  Following her exchange, she graduated from the U of A.  While there, she was an officer in the Rotaract Club, competed in synchronized swimming, and read all of Harry Potter in English and Spanish.  She returned to Lima for medical school and graduated first in her class of 200.  Eleana did internships in Texas and at Harvard,  where she continues to be involved in research with the Harvard School of Public Health.  Additionally Eleana is working with the Pima County Covid Response Development team.  She is waiting to sit for the Medical Board of Examiners exam, after which she will practice medicine here in Tucson.  Eleana married a Tucson man, with ceremonies both here and in Peru.  She  plans to reside here for the foreseeable future.  
 
       imageimage
 
 
Eleana gave us a flavor for the activities she engaged in while on her exchange.  Most impressive of all were the relationships she developed from these activites with the other Exchange Students who came to D5500 from other countries that same year…
 
  
image
 
 
  • Tanguy from France is now a teacher and has 2 kids, 
  • Ani from Argentina has a degree in Agricultural sciences and now runs 3 dairy farms in Argentina
  • Camila from Brazil currently lives in LA but works remotely in a Brazilian startup
  • Daniel from the US currently lives in California and works for Google/Amazon
  • Zoe from New Zealand has a young girl and works in interior design. 
  • Eli from Italy has a young boy and works in the hospitality industry as hotel manager. 
  • Ela from Germany has 3 kids, is a homemaker and is currently travelling EU with her fam in an RV
  • Matt from New Zealand is an Air Force pilot, he decided to paint the exterior of his home during COVID quarantine because he was bored. 
  • Fabi from Italy is a lawyer, just had a baby boy a couple of months ago. 
  • Daniel from Ecuador works in IT in Ecuador
  • Shona from South Africa works as an elite sports trainer with high performance athletes in SA. 
 
Eleana continues relationships with each of her Exchange brothers and sisters.  A very impressive group.  These youth and their relationships speak to the core value of Rotary Youth Exchange: PEACE.  Understanding and Goodwill between peoples in the world contribute greatly to a world of Peace, and these young people spread these values exponentially when they return to their countries of origin. 
 
Host families of Youth Exchange students benefit equally.  Many families have become extended in far-away countries bourgeoning mutual respect, care, and joy.    
 
Submitted by Mary Straus, September 8, 2020
Rotary Meeting Aug 25, 2020
Rotary Club of Marana Minutes
8/25/2020
Submitted by Randy Brooks
Attending: President John, Dave H., Richie B., Don J., Bob B., Peter M., Mary Straus, Beckie P., Randy B., Harold B., Joyce (Guest from Canada and daughter to John Zwick), Laura C., Carl M.
Again today we discussed and did updates on projects, but first we say a resounding rendition of Happy Birthday for Carl. Whom seemed to be quite relived when it was over. 
So in the order they were discussed:
  • Guatemala project approved, John found in the notes of a January meeting that the funds ($1,000) was approved during a club meeting.Way to go John that took some detective work.
  • Someone recommended we have a representative from the post office attend and tell us what’s cooking with the ballot issue.
  • Active discussion of RYLA (Mary volunteered to coordinate this)
  • Discussion of Rotary Youth Exchange program.We asked for someone to be the Youth Exchange Officer for the Club.Randy agreed to be the counselor.No takers yet for YEO. Please consider this position.Several members, John, Mary and Randy all touted the wonder of exchange. David, whom has been a host parent, did not share his opinion.
  • We need a coordinator for the ROTARACT program in Kathleen’s class. This is an easy joy, simply attending a class once a month and arranging for one club member to present once a month about Rotary and their occupation (or former occupation).
  • Randy Called and left a message with Linda Hampton at the Marana Food Bank about the clubs desire to provide food delivery for shut-ins.There has been no response from Linda.Don Jorgensen has a friend that works at the food bank and will call her about our inquiry.
  • We discussed the El Tour de Tucson being postponed until April 10 and how that may or may not affect our Tour de Cookie.Carl is looking into the date and expectations and the club requests that Dan discuss the best date for the club ride (April kept coming up). She also stated a “hold the date” mailer may be prudent. It was suggested that Dan also ask his wife to check into her bike club to help determine the best date for them to cooperate. We are hoping riders might use a date for a “warm up” to the El Tour.
  • Mary S., brought up how the guy that sells Peace Poles indicated that they do not do sign language.Someone else said they are sure they did so at the Oro Valley Club.Mary will look into it.Also she is requesting two poles for the Marana Site and Peter said that would be nice for the Veteran’s Cemetery as well.Marana is a sure thing, with the Veteran’s Cemetery indicated “interest”.Peter is going out to visit them to get clarification.
Whew, that seemed like a lot, but wait, wait there is more.  Happy Bucks:
Peter discussed the smoke off Table Mountain where he was working this week.  We then started talking about fires generally and then Peter congratulated Don J. on his recognition by the US President for his volunteer work with Shelter Box.  Yeah Don.
Randy is happy he is going to see his son, and his friend, Bert later in the week in Las Vegas. Randy will be calling into the Board meeting next Tuesday as well as the for the Morning meeting.
Harold had visit from his granddaughter.
Don discussed the surprise that he received an award from the White House. He has also begun attending Rotary Leadership Academy.  Congratulations.
Bob from Virginia: Want to come back to Tucson to see all of us…. Come on Bob.
Beckie: June Visited (I assume this is a grandchild and not dementia visiting) She discussed her work, and that the pressure is not like it was once when she was younger.  
Laura says, “I’m fine.”  Then she went on to discuss work and COVID 19 precautions at the U of A. Concern that the students may act out over the Labor Day weekend.
Richie, He is adjusting to his new job and seemed happy.  Sister had a gender reveal and it’s a  ………………………GIRL.  He bought a bike and has been riding to the store without incidents. He found a Ben’s Bell and now has three.
Carl took last Friday off for his birthday.  He discussed his daughter moving to Tucson from Texas and seemed quite pleased.
Joyce (remember, John Zwicks daughter) arrived July 6 and expressed interest on how Canadians and USA handle the pandemic differently.  She did not elaborate. States the heat here is a little over the top. Her father is doing well and mother is vising from the rehab center five times a week.
John D, shared childhood memories.  Unfortunately with my own memory issues I can’t remember what he said.  Sorry John.
Mary S., Thanked Joyce for visiting and looking after her family.
E
Rotary Meeting Aug 11, 2020
Rotary Club of Marana
 
                                                                            
:
Attending: John, Harold, Beckie, Peter, Laura, Don, Bob, Lynne, Dan, Dave, Carl, guest speaker Wayne Wheeler of the Pima County Library.
Absent: Mary, Randy, Dave, Richie
 
Announcements
Still looking for a youth-liaison officer – working with Interact Club, getting word out and finding a RYLA nomination.
 
Randy is still in Washington; his wedding anniversary on August 8.
Carl has a birthday and anniversary coming up later this month.
 
John said there is no progress on where we will be meeting in person and when we will be meeting in person again.
 
Former Marana Rotary member Maeve Johnson says “hello”.
 
Peace Pole Project – Peter reported that he spoke with Nicole at Az Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Marana, she is interested. Peter hopes to meet with her soon.
 
Happy Bucks
Harold – staying close to home, lunch with friends at airport a couple of times a week.
Peter – Spectrograph left for China yesterday, big deal.
Lynne – “I got nothing.”
Bob – Seeing the grandkids watching them take their first step and hear first word, “Oreo”.
Carl – Thankful for family and health and good to be here with you.
Beckie – Pretty normal here. Daughter’s roof getting repaired.
Don – Up in Seattle, fun playing with 9-month-old grandchild, daughter and son-in-law visiting for the week.
Dan – MUSD policy requires admin to wear masks. Great vacation in Idaho, west Yellowstone.
Dave – School is going well for the first week. No complaints.
 
Wayne Wheeler, guest speaker
 
Wayne is a native Tucsonan who has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from NAU, received his MLS (Master of Library Science) degree from the UA, and a second Master's degree in International Relations from Salve Regina University in Newport, RI.  He has worked in public and college libraries in Arizona and Pennsylvania carrying out a wide-range of responsibilities including grant-writing and grant-reviewing, and has lobbied local and federal elected officials for increased library funding. He has been with the Pima County Public Library System since April 2012, and has been the Grants and Nonprofits Librarian at the Joel D Valdez Main Library in downtown Tucson since March of 2018. In his spare time, Wayne enjoys singing, traveling, rodeo, and baseball.
 
Wayne said he used to be at the Wheeler Taft Abbott Branch Library out here. His first job was at the Nogales Library. He then spent time in Pennsylvania working at various libraries.
 
At the Pima County Library, Wayne is the non-profits and grants librarian. He assists non-profits to find grants. The non-profits database used to be available via on-site access only, but with COVID-19 the library has extended off-site access. Pima County has 26 libraries and uses a shared book system among the branches.
 
Libraries have changed a lot from what they used to be, Wayne said. Libraries now offer electronic downloading music, streaming videos, and books. People are accessing content online using more than ever. Online licensing fees from publishers are more expensive than purchasing physical books, which is why “electronic” formats of books are limited to being checked out “one” at a time.
 
Pima County Library’s values are: Education – we learn and teach every day; Service – we make an effort to serve everyone; Passion – we love what we do.
 
Library Services are M-F, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Open for computer access, too. Returned items are set aside for 3 days before being put back in publication.
 
Services available in the open buildings include:
  • Pick up items on hold
  • Copy/fax/print/scan
  • Return items – use the book drop
  • WiFi access – use in the parking lot (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
  • Computer use
  • Restrooms and drinking fountains
  • Payphone
Phone and Online Services include:
  • Online content (databases, eMaterials, news, blogs, etc.)
  • Foundation database – a place to find foundations who fund various grants, etc.
  • Services such as, the Infoline (520-791-4010) and the “Ask a Librarian” email
    • Will research questions from patrons
  • Get a library card
Despite the challenging times, it was great learning about all the ways the libraries are continuing to serve its county patrons. Wayne can be reached at: Wayne.wheeler@pima.gov (520-594-5655).
 
 
 
Rotary Meeting Aug 4, 2020
Rotary Club of Marana
 
                                                                            
 
Rotary Club of Marana Meeting; 8/4/2020
 
This morning we were pleased to welcome Jamsheed Mehta, Manager of the Town of Marana, our town.  Jamsheed earned a degree in Civil Engineering before moving with his wife and mother from Karachi to Kansas where he earned his master’s degree in Urban Planning.  He began his career in transportation and infrastructure and has expanded into city leadership.  We’re appreciative that he joined us today.
 
Announcements: 
  • District 5500 is hosting a Happy Hour on Friday, August 7 from 5:00 to 6:30pm.  Register on the District website, rotaryd5500.org.
  • The Catalina Rotary Club is hosting a program called Racial Justice: It’s Personal.  The program will be held during their club meeting on Friday, August 7, from 12:00 to 1:30pm.  Contact information is on their website catalinarotary.org  
  • A reminder to consider Paul Harris Fellowship and general contributions to The Rotary Foundation (TRF), so that we can continue to do good works in our local and international communities. 
Happy Bucks Highlights:
  • Richie is beginning a new career today, as his 2-year old son begins his career in the world of words and colors and numbers. 
  • Becky, Don, and Bob are all delighting in their grandchildren.  Bob and Don are looking forward to visits from their respective grandsons. 
  • John reminds everyone to Vote in the Primaries today, if you haven’t already done so by mail.  We are grateful to his wife, Cindy, who woke at the early hour of 4:00am  to (wo)man a polling station. 
  • Laura has a BFF visiting during her staycation.  Not only is she enjoying his company, but also his talents with house repair projects. 
 
 
Our program today was provided by Jamsheed Mehta who has been with the Town of Marana for 6 years, 3 as the Town Manager.  He approaches his position with a vision for Marana that is people and culture-centered, growth-oriented, sustainable, and accessible. 
 
    Marana is a town of approximately 42,000 residents, a 43% growth rate since 2010.  Population growth is expected to continue here for the foreseeable future.  Marana began developing its budget for the coming fiscal year in October of last year.  Marana revenue is derived from sales tax and, with anticipated growth, forecast was rosy and a corresponding optimistic budget created.  COVID-19, however, brought an abrupt halt to the anticipated revenue.  As people’s discretionary monies became much more restricted and cultural events had to be cancelled, Marana was obliged to refigure the budget with a more somber forecast of revenue.  It has made difficult decisions.  All vacant positions are currently frozen.  There is no equipment replacement or repairs in the municipal’s departments; e.g., parks and rec, police.   Capital projects, such as road improvement, have been put on hold. 
   Despite the current environment, there has been modest tax revenue growth continuing.   Low interest rates have supported home sales, and two to three thousand  homes have been constructed in this year.  Development in Marana is not speculative, so the construction represents a 2000 to 3000  growth in population.  Retail sales are also stabilizing; hotel occupancy has returned to 75%, and restaurants are recovering.  Future economic growth is very encouraging, as 3 significant industries will be setting up shop in Marana.  PVB Fabrication, which produces metals, will create at least 50 jobs.  Luke Automotive Dealership, with anticipated sales beginning in 1 year, will be the first dealership in Marana.  JD Russell, a landscape supply and accessory company, will be Headquartering in Marana.  The future looks bright.
    Marana is a unique jurisdiction in that it has three distinct growth regions that are geographically isolated from each other by expansive swaths of desert, and/or freeway, and/or building.  Despite the spread, Marana would like to create a city center that is pedestrian-oriented with dining, shopping, and culture/art.  An area has been identified for development of the center.  However, the identified land is already entitled to developers.   As such, Marana is working to encourage the entitled developers’ interest in its vision.  Marana is incentivizing developers by offering lighting and broadened sidewalks, amongst other things. 
    Residential development and population growth, while currently slowed, is anticipated to boom.  In the northwest of Marana 26,000 single-family resident homes (SFRs) are planned for development.  3,100 of those have been built to date.  Cascada is a planned community across from the premium outlet mall that is also planned.  Residents will begin moving into Cascada once Gladden Farms and Dove Mountain are saturated.  Currently there is no water to the Cascada area.  Marana is partnering with Oro Valley and Metro Water in a water pipe project that is taking CAP water from recharge basins just north of the airport to Cascada.  The water pipe project should complete in 2023-24.  Marana additionally has a 40-year vision of development along the Twin Peaks Corridor.  Our little town will be not so little before long.
    Freeway development and interchanges are of particular concern as Marana continues to flourish.  Because Marana is divided by the freeway, day to day driving very frequently involves freeway use or crossing.  Marana will work closely with the RTA to make it aware of the unique challenges and needs of the Marana Community as it grows. 
    We thank Jamsheed for painting a picture for us of Marana’s landscape, its population growth, economic growth, and development.  We look forward to bumping into one another one evening while strolling  in the city center.
 
Submitted my Mary Straus
 
 
 

 
Rotary Meeting July 28, 2020
Rotary Club of Marana
 
                                                                            
 
 
Rotary Club of Marana Meeting; July 28, 2020
 
Today’s meeting opened with a beautiful, bucolic photograph of our American flag taken by our own Laura in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  We welcomed two guests today.  It was nice to re-welcome Janet Pipes.  Janet is a friend of Bob and previous speaker on fiduciary elder abuse.  We were also pleased to welcome Jill Jorden Spitz who joined us at Laura’s invitation.  Of the 14 members and guests present at today’s meeting, and their represented children and grandchildren, three were CDO high school alumni, three current CDO attendees (children and grandchildren) and one a bitter Marana High School alum.  Despite rivalry, a well-represented home-grown group. 
 
Announcements:
  • Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) applications are now being accepted.  Mary will put forward a student from… CDO, who has demonstrated exemplary leadership and kindness in her community. 
  • The District Governor visit has been moved.  Diane Ventura Goodyear will be visiting the board on the eve of Nov. 30th and the club the following morning, Dec. 1st. 
  • President John made a pitch for contributions to the Arizona Vocational Fund.  We have put forward quite a number of vocational students for this scholarship program, contributing to significant changes in the lives of individuals and families.  Please consider donating to this 100% tax deductible charitable foundation.
  • Rotary International insurance has announced that it is excluding disease and copywrite infringement from its coverage.  The endless reaches of COVID. 
  • Mary will obtain a photo of the bank account holding our Global Grant monies, while all is put on hold due to COVID
Happy Bucks Highlights
  • Dan has returned from an ‘amazing’ trip to Henry Lake, Idaho, where he was struck by the beauty of this part of the U.S.  As evidence, he shared with us an awesome photo of a visiting moose who peacefully walked into the lake and swam away after Dan’s friend came a bit too close for its comfort. 
  • Don and Richie will both be attending Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) this year.  I believe Richie will become a graduate.  Don also shared that he is putting in an application for the Arizona Redistricting Commission.  We need thoughtful people to contribute to that conversation and process, so thanks to Don.
  • Dave and Mary’s children are all enrolled to begin the new school year online.  A new era in education.
 
Our Program today was provided by Jill Jorden Spitz, Chief Editor of the Arizona Daily Star newspaper.  Laura, a former journalist herself, introduced Jill, speaking to her ‘perfect temperament’ for such a position, being both grounded and impeccably ethical.  Jill is also a native Tucsonan and cares deeply for her community. 
 
        The Arizona Daily Star is an award-winning newspaper dedicated to investigative reporting, not simply news coverage.  COVID-19 has had far-reaching impact on the Daily Star’s functioning; from how staff are working, to morale, to revenue.  COVID has not, however, impacted the quantity or quality of reporting done by journalists and editors.
    One hundred percent of the Arizona Daily Star tasks are being done remotely.  Business meetings have moved to Microsoft teams, journalist interviews, when can’t be done electronically, are done with distancing and masks, and photographers are using longer lenses to achieve greater distancing.  There are advantages and disadvantages to the remote model.  Jill’s office open-door policy allowed for spontaneous and meaningful conversations between her and all staff.  Neither these conversations nor organic exchanges of ideas between journalists are able to take place currently.   Without those mechanisms, both reporting and staff morale have been negatively impacted to some degree.  However, most journalists have enjoyed the efficient use of time and productivity afforded by the remote work.  When circumstances allow for a return to brick and mortar, the Star will likely implement a combined workplace model, with a shared work-space environment used in combination with remote work. 
    Just prior to COVID, The Star had put their massive, 220,000 sqft, building, up for sale.  Its home had once housed itself, the Tucson Citizen, and a printing press. The Citizen has been defunct since 1990 when it vacated.  Additionally, a reluctant, budgetary imposed decision was made to stop operation of the printing press in 2018 and move printing to Phoenix.   Sixty people lost their jobs with the close of the press, which had been particularly welcoming to people with hearing impairment where other employment opportunities aren’t.  The Star’s felt loss was represented in Jill’s deportment. 
    Needless to say, COVID has had substantial impact on The Star’s revenue.  When stay-at-home orders first went into place, there was an 80% loss of revenue from advertisers.  Revenue loss has become less dire since then but continues to be off by 20%.  All staff were furloughed or took salary cuts.  Additionally, The Star has been forced to consider creative means of generating income.  75% of revenue is from the newspaper’s printed product.  While circulation is strong, printed circulation continues to decrease while digital increases.  To compensate for income loss, the newspaper has implemented some programs.  It is beginning to apply for grants, and it is offering Sponsored Content.  All sponsored content must meet strong standards to ensure that it presents journalism in-line with the views of the sponsor by that does not support the sponsor.  Other income generators that are being considered are events and marketing skills.  Skills that might be offered include research writing and photography.  Investigative reporting, with its research, documents, and lawyer vetting, is by far the biggest cost in reporting.  The Star is dedicated to maintaining enough revenue to continue to produce this important work.
    Another development in the COVID environment is increased negativity toward media.  In the past few years resentment toward the press has ramped up, but since COVID, the negativity has gotten much uglier.  Not only are there the more typical cries of ‘fake news’, but additionally measures like trolling of commentators and reprehensible memes about reporters have taken a toll on journalists’ mental health.  We are grateful the Arizona Daily Star journalists continue to persevere and serve us under these conditions. 
    Many thanks to Jill Jorden Spitz for allowing us insight into the life of the Arizona Daily Star and of the staff and journalists who provide us with a basic and necessary ingredient to Democracy; free press. 
 
Submitted by Mary Straus
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rotary Meeting July 21, 2020
Rotary Club of Marana
 
                                                                            
 
 
 Meeting; July 21, 2020
 
Today was a pleasant meeting of fellowship.  We missed some members but kept them present by telling stories behind their backs (see what happens…).
 
Announcements:
  • Jill Jorden-Spitz, Senior Editor of the Daily Star, will be our speaker next week, the 28th.
  • Jamsheed Mehta, Town Manager for the Town of Marana, will be our speaker on Aug. 4th. 
 
Service Project Update:
Marana’s Town Manager and Mayor would like us to place a Peace Pole prominently in the area of the municipal building complex.  We will wait until a time when gatherings are safe so the pole can be dedicated with a ceremony.  Landscaping around the Peace Pole will be discussed at a later date.  Suggestion was made to include a Rotary Peace Scholar as a speaker at the ceremony, and a suggestion was made to invite the Marana Chamber.  Speakers and invitations for the ceremony will be confirmed at a later date. 
 
 
A wide range of topics emerged from our Happy Bucks:
  • Don is in Seattle and had a beautiful view of the comet over the Puget Sound.  Many of us expressed envy because of our prohibitive cloud cover.  Peter dashed any hopes that may’ve been for seeing the comet in the coming days; heavy rains are in the direct forecast.  Bad comet timing, but bring on the rains!
  • Despite contending with Phoenix rush hour, Peter spend a lovely few hours in Flagstaff, scoping the site where he will be installing a new telescope for the Navy.
  • With his normal cheer, Bob lamented 97 degree weather at his home in Virginia.  He also told us the story of his step-daughter’s family suffering COVID after attending a social event.  After treating COVID prevention as if it were prevention of Anthrax exposure, Bob and his wife are trying to make wise decisions about caring for their grandchildren, who may or may not be carriers, while their parents endure and recover.  Our hearts go out to all.
  • Harold has taken advantage of sheltering at home to sort through 31 years’ worth of collected papers and things.  Things included boxes never opened.  He also took his first venture outside of home to one of his local restaurants.  Beside enjoying getting out and eating, he was heartened by seeing and saying hello to familiar people.   A good reminder to all of us that connection to others is important. 
  • Becky beamed telling us that she is busy daily with work until the afternoon when June knocks on the door for Grandma time.  I don’t think Becky could be a prouder grandmother.  She and her husband have been doing driving tours of new housing developments to stave off the weariness of sheltering at home.
  • Laura shared with as a video of black sludge and debris running down a local wash; by-products of the fires that devastated over 95,000 acres.  She also weaved together moments from others’ stories to wander down her own memory lane:  Laura spent 15 years in Flagstaff where Peter had just been.  There, as a reporter, she was privy to unrevealed information about a scientist there tasked to trace Anthrax (Bob mentioned Anthrax).  One of Laura’s pastimes while living in Flagstaff was, like Becky, driving to see new houses being built.  When, after 15 years, Laura left Flagstaff, she, like Harold, found unopened boxes that she had to contend with. 
  • Dave took some time off to go to Pinetop, lakeside, with his kids.  There they all hiked and frolicked and, generally, had a wonderful time.  Now, he’s back at work. 
  • John took his three 14-yr old grandsons, none of which are siblings, to Mt. Graham to camp and fish.  The fishing was horrible and John suffered the night cold after he  sacrificed  his sleeping bag to one of his grandsons.  However, a great adventure and a nice reprieve. 
 
With time left before adjourning, we digressed into pet stories, some too tragic to tell.  Upshot, don’t ever entrust your pets to John or Randy. 
 
 
Submitted by Mary Straus
 
 

 
 
Rotary Meeting July 14, 2020
 MINUTES OF ROTARY CLUB OF MARANA MEETING
7-14-2020
Submitted by Randy B, who is filling in for Mary Straus …… please don’t be to judgmental or you will be the next scribe.
Attending: John D., Don, Mary Bob Laura, Dan, Peter, Harold, Beckie, Richie, Carl and our special guest Brian Clymer (brother of Laura and presenter today). Welcome Brian.
Randy gave an overview of our club member’s suggestions for being engaged in our community. He and John will speak soon because Randy is leaving for a three week trip to his cabin in the northwestern US where it is so remote very little phone connection is available.  Sorry my friends.
Happy bucks …. I am sure I missed a few of you but gave it a college try:
Dan, going to Idaho for a week fishing; for some reason Harold celebrating the quarantine (this might have been misunderstood by me). Randy going to Washington, will socially distance but attending a funeral and wedding. Bob is happy he is now $65.00 in the hole for happy bucks and is bobbing on the lake.  Makes me wonder how deep the rest of us are.  I will match Bob. Don is happy that he is leaving Thursday for Seattle, and overjoyed that he has completed the first draft of his book.  It is about his last vacation a few weeks ago to Antarctica, Wondering if it is possible for him to relax.  Mary was on the meeting as she was driving to San Diego to have a few days with friends … cool you can Zoom while zooming down the road.  Laura is happy she is busy at work, please note her brother (whom she works with) was in attendance today. Lynne is excited that taxes are to be completed tomorrow.  Said she was happy but while smiling was simultaneously sobbing in her granola. Peter was happy that he was on Mount Lemmon checking out the telescopes. Gave us a peek at how is looks up there.  Most of the damage noticed was on the far side of the mountain. Beckie, happy her daughter is selling to her partner Jackpot Veterinary Clinic.  They seem to be exploring different specialties. Richie, working on projects around the house and sees “too happy” that he has a new mattress. Carl only person wearing a tie, says his family is good. John took his teenage grandchildren fishing and seemed quite excited.  He is the only one allowed to bait his hook.
Guest Speaker: Brian Clymer, Esq., Attorney at Law.  Brian is received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia and later came to his senses and attended the U of A law school He is a wildcat through and through. He is noted for writing for the handbook of workman’s disability for the AZ Bar Association …… I know this wording is probably wrong ….. However, let’s us celebrate my attempt to be nearly accurate. He is on the Board of Directors of Legal Aid as well as a mentor to others and again, our own Lynne’s brother. 
Brain started by indicating the Social Security was developed to provide economic security to all of us in our golden years (I for one am not seeing the gold). Social Security Disability developed in 1950 for those whom have paid into the system could be paid in part by the contributions made by the employee while they were working. It is not SSI …. Which is for economically challenged folks.
To be eligible for Social Security Disability they must; prove the inability to work for 12 months or, I assume be terminal, they must show medical records showing demonstrating the disability 3-4 months before the agency makes a decision. 75% of the claims will be denied. They may include the necessity of the claimant to see an Agency physician. The claimant with then wait another three or so months for a determination.  Again the denial rate is about 90%. They are able to ask for a hearing that will take about a year.  Average monthly payout is $1,237.74, a surviving spouse will receive $1194.01 and dependent children about $886.49.
The process over the years has appeared to become more adversarial.  Remember this is not an entitlement program.  Those filing must have exhaustive documentation, letters from family are often ignored.
Brian offer to see a friend of a member for no fee for an assessment.
Thank you Brian, great presentation.  Now about your sister ………..
 
 
 
 
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John Dooling
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Randy Brooks
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Lynne Himmer
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Harold Burtzloff
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Richie Benner
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Richie Benner
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Don Jorgensen
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Robert Bishop
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John Dooling
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Richie Benner
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Mary Straus
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Harold Burtzloff

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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

Alexas Rowe              Sept
 
Jayden Dempsey       Oct
 
Alexis Falcon              Nov
 
Matthew Fedrick       Dec
 
Matt G                        March
 
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