During this meeting, members engaged in Happy Bucks and their love for Rotary. Incoming AG Aleta Wiener joined as a guest and told us about her priorities for the next few years.
During this meeting, members engaged in Happy Bucks and their love for Rotary. Incoming AG Aleta Wiener joined as a guest and told us about her priorities for the next few years.
Location: Northwest Fire District Training Center and Zoom
Attendees: Andrea De La Cruz, Harold Burtzloff, Bob Bishop, Laura Clymer, Mark Goligoski, Dan Contorno, Beckie Penman
Guest: Greg Hansen, AG Barbara Barr, Incoming AG Aleta Wiener
Happy Bucks and Favorite Part of Rotary:
- Harold shared his happiness about receiving new business cards and expressed appreciation for the camaraderie within the club. He reflected on his 57 years of memories, including time with the Kansas club (which wasn’t very active) and now being involved with the Rotary Club in Marana.
- Dan introduced guest Greg Hansen, whose company, Promotion Outfitters, has supported the club for many years during Tour de Cookie. Dan emphasized the power of Rotary connections, highlighting a partnership with a club in Zimbabwe and the satisfaction of knowing donations are used meaningfully.
- Greg Hansen said he was happy to meet everyone and looks forward to participating in Rotary and contributing to both the club and the broader community.
- Mark shared that he spent the evening with his kids, since they couldn’t be together on Father’s Day. He mentioned seeing a Falcon in the sky, which he found especially exciting. This marks his fifth year in Marana and his third year in Rotary. He’s enjoyed getting to know members both locally and at the District level, describing the group as “small but mighty.”
- Barbara noted she has served as an Assistant Governor (AG) since 2022. She’s very happy her husband is well enough and she can go out to visit clubs. Her favorite Rotary memories are tied to service projects and attending the District 5500 Conference, especially enjoying the hospitality rooms which she’s happy to report will be returning at the next conference in Tubac.
- Aleta, the new AG from the Dove Mountain club, expressed her excitement about working with the Marana club for the next three years. She joined Rotary in 2001, transferring from Connecticut. She initially joined the Casas Adobes Club in Tucson. Her fondest Rotary memory is ringing the Salvation Army bell with her late husband, a veteran this was a heartwarming introduction to Rotary.
- Bob shared that his new grandbaby is doing well and he’s enjoying the pleasant 85-degree weather. He reflected on his early Rotary experience, where he learned about Rotary’s global reach. Notably, he was selected to teach a course on "compassionate capitalism" to five Russians as part of an exchange.
- Laura said she has a lot to be grateful for, though the upcoming 108-degree weather is a bit much. Hopefully a sign that monsoon season is coming. She mentioned how Rotary gets her out of the legal silo and connects her with people from diverse professions. These interactions have helped her think more broadly and recognize the impact Rotary has on both local and global levels.
- Beckie is excited about her upcoming trip to Cannon Beach (with temps in the 60s) and Salem, Oregon (in the 80s). She successfully removed a bird’s nest from her front door. She appreciates the intimacy of the small group, where everyone can get to know each other, unlike larger clubs. She values the club's ability to define its own identity and is grateful for the flexibility of Zoom meetings, which helps balance family responsibilities.
- Andrea shared that she had a great weekend celebrating Father’s Day. She expressed how meaningful it has been to witness Rotary’s impact, noting that the first time she truly experienced it was at the Rotary International Conference in Singapore. Meeting Rotarians from around the world was inspiring, and the work being done by clubs globally left a lasting impression.
Announcements:
- Francesco Arezzo of Italy selected to be 2025-26 Rotary International President. The Board conducted a special session following the unexpected resignation of RI President-elect Mário César Martins de Camargo on 8 June. Based on RI code and policies, the Board selected the new president-elect from a pool of candidates who were considered by the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International in August 2023.
Guests:
AG Barbara Barr introduced Incoming AG Aleta Wiener. Aleta told the club about her experience with Rotary and priorities as an incoming AG.