Mark called the meeting to order at 7:11 am with Beverly leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Roadrunner Elementary Book Update:
- Our club’s $500 donation plus matching funds = $1000 for new books!
- Over 300 books were purchased through Scholastic Books!
- Next steps - put stickers on all the books - coordinate with Josh aka “Sticker Man”; meet Roadrunner students to present books - coordinate with Kristina
Today’s Business: Tour de Cookie Committee Planning
- Looked at our master storyboard/flow chart for the event and determined areas to be developed as committees, with the following members taking on the various committees:
- Event Leader/Chairperson/Cookie King - Gregg
- Will oversee the event; main point of contact
- Permitting/Route - Mark
- Checking on Marana vs. Pima County permitting; Applying for permit(s); coordinating with Andrea @ Marana
- Sponsors/Cookie Booths - Bev & Mike
- Mike & Bev to attend the Marana Chamber of Commerce Morning Breakfast on November 4; both will have 30 seconds to give their best elevator speech on Rotary membership and the Tour de Cookie
- Sponsorship Tiers - $1000/$750/$500 and what each means
- Cookie Booths to receive clear guidelines in a “Letter of Agreement” specifying homemade or gourmet cookies (NO Oreos)
- Promotion (trifolds & emails) - Gregg & Bev
- Introductory letter to go out to all in the database; trifolds being designed for general Rotary information with a focus on the Tour de Cookie
- Registration - Gregg
- New website and domain for event; $55 early bird registration and $60 after January 1
- Insurance - John
- Making it safe and legal
Sticker Man - Josh
Mark concluded the meeting at 8:06 am, Our meeting ended with the 4 Way Test, as led by Josh.
After our meeting adjourned, several members had photos taken with some Vista students holding the American and Arizona flags our club had donated to the high school at the start of the school year.
The Marana Rotary Club meeting focused on welcoming new member Kristina Brewer as an official Rotarian and featuring a presentation by nature photographer Steve Thompson, MD.
Assistant Governor Alita Wiener conducted the induction ceremony, explaining Rotary's history and principles before welcoming Kristina as the newest member. Kristina is the principal of Roadrunner Elementary school.
Mike introduced guest speaker Steven Thompson, a Tucson-based nature photographer and retired academic endocrinologist, highlighting his work in capturing the beauty of the Sonoran Desert through his photographs.
Steve Thompson then delivered an engaging presentation about the Saguaro Forest, showcasing his nature photography of desert plants, animals, and the intricate relationships between bighorn sheep, saguaro cacti, and hummingbirds. He demonstrated his specialized photography techniques using macro and telephoto lenses to capture detailed images of desert wildlife, explaining how these species interact and the unique characteristics of the Sonoran Desert ecosystem. After the presentation, Mike proposed that Steve consider offering his photography services to the Marana Unified School District for educational purposes, which Steve welcomed.
Summary
Desert Photography and Saguaro Cacti
Steven presented as a nature photographer and discussed his equipment, including macro and telephoto lenses used to capture detailed images of desert plants and animals in the Saguaro Forest near Tucson. He explained the unique characteristics of saguaro cacti, including their water storage abilities and night-time photosynthesis process. Steven shared examples of his photography, including images of desert animals like rattlesnakes and honeybees, demonstrating how his specialized equipment allows him to capture detailed shots from a safe distance.
Desert Bighorn Sheep Identification
Steven discussed the behavior and characteristics of desert bighorn sheep, including their mating habits and how to determine a ram's age by examining hormone-related ridges on their horns. He explained the process of photographing and identifying bighorn sheep in the Sonoran Desert using high-resolution cameras and binoculars, demonstrating how to spot and count the sheep in various photos.
Saguaro Cactus Growth Process
Steven explained the growth process of saguaro cacti, noting that they grow from the top and produce approximately 100 aerials annually. He described the protective white cap on new growth and highlighted key features of cactus flowers, including multi-lobe stigma and stamens, explaining that cactus flowers are self-incompatible, requiring cross-pollination.
Saguaro Cacti Pollination Process
Steven discussed the pollination process of saguaro cacti, highlighting the role of native pollinators such as bees, white-winged doves, and hummingbirds like the Broad-tailed Hummingbird. He explained how these pollinators help transfer pollen between cacti, contributing to genetic diversity. Steven also mentioned the ocotillo plant and its relationship with hummingbirds, noting that ocotillos are self-incompatible and rely on pollinators for cross-pollination.
Hummingbird-Saguaro Mutualism Photography
Steven presented photographs and discussed the mutualistic relationship between hummingbirds and saguaro cacti, explaining how hummingbirds collect nectar while transferring pollen. He shared techniques for wildlife photography, including waiting patiently for the right moment and using backlit conditions to enhance images. Steven also showed photos of other wildlife, including cardinals and a desert lizard basking on rocks.
Steven presented a detailed explanation of how hummingbirds display color through structural features rather than pigments, demonstrating with photographs how the birds can control light reflection to show different colors depending on their orientation. He discussed his photography techniques using fast shutter speeds and specialized equipment to capture hummingbirds and other wildlife in natural settings.
The meeting focused on a presentation by Amanda Wiggins, CEO of the Marana Chamber of Commerce, about the organization's role and programs. Amanda shared her personal background, the Chamber's growth to over 800 members, and its mission to promote a thriving community through connected business leadership. She detailed various programs, including the Ambassadors, the Business and Principal Exchange, Dine and Discover Marana, Impact Marana, and the health education scholarship. She also described several networking and information events, such as Marana Mornings, 4th Tuesday Mixers, Marana Insights, and the annual State of the Town. Mark and other members discussed ways the Rotary Club could collaborate with the Chamber, such as promoting events in the Chamber's weekly e-news. The group also briefly touched on membership trends and the importance of maintaining strong connections with local entities like the school district and the Marana Health Center.
Collaboration
- Rotary Club of Marana: RSVP for the CTE Ambassador Day at the Ritz-Carlton on Thursday via the provided link.
- Rotary Club of Marana: Consider options for collaborating with the Community Coalition for Prosperity at the business meeting on the 27th.
- Rotary Club of Marana: Utilize the Marana Chamber's weekly e-news to highlight club activities and events.
- Rotary Club of Marana: Attend and participate in Marana Chamber events, especially Marana Insights, to strengthen community connections.
Club Updates and Leadership Program
Mark discussed updates about club members, including Christina Brewer's application for membership and her work on a doctorate. He shared information about a leadership program involving school district representatives and community members, highlighting its benefits and collaborative opportunities. The group briefly touched on the importance of collaboration and the potential for their club to be the first Rotary Public Society associated with CC4P.
Career Fair Community Presentation
Mark discussed upcoming opportunities for community members to visit a career fair at the Ritz, where they can see student presentations and ask questions about different programs. He clarified that the event runs from 1:00 to 2:00 PM and features about 40 different program stations, including auto shop programs at Marana and Mountain View. Mark then introduced Amanda Wiggins, CEO of the Marana Chamber of Commerce, who began her presentation by sharing her background and explaining how community relationships built through chamber programs have benefited the school district.
Marana Community Programs Overview
Amanda discussed the Dine and Discover Marana program, which is entering its fourth year and involves visiting restaurants while completing a card to earn free merchandise, with over 300 participants last summer. She also explained the Impact Marana leadership program, a 7-month immersive experience that takes participants through different community sectors, and mentioned the health education scholarship program that awarded $11,000 in scholarships last year. The discussion concluded with a brief mention of Marana mornings events held monthly at the Tucson premium outlet.
She described various monthly programs offered by the Marana Chamber, including a networking event with 100 attendees where each person gets 30 seconds to speak, Marana Mornings mixers held on the 4th Tuesday, Marana Insights sessions on the 4th Thursday featuring town officials and community partners, and business connection luncheons occurring every other month. She highlighted the upcoming business connection luncheon on the 20th featuring a speaker from the Southern Arizona Leadership Council, and mentioned that the annual State of the Town event will be the 50th anniversary celebration at the Ritz Carlton, likely scheduled for the Thursday before Easter.
The meeting focused on a presentation by Jane Shurtleff about the Prosperity Initiative and the Community Coalition for Prosperity (CC4P). Jane explained that Pima County has a poverty rate of 13.8%, with 17.8% of children living below the poverty line, and that the initiative aims to break cycles of generational poverty through 13 evidence-based policies across housing, health, education, and workforce development. She described CC4P as a collaborative effort involving government, nonprofits, businesses, and people with lived experience, and highlighted recent progress such as investments in affordable housing, food bank support, and early childhood education scholarships. Jane encouraged the Rotary club to get involved by joining CC4P as a member or participating in its working groups.
Kristina, a principal at Roadrunner Elementary, shared her school's literacy efforts, including a book vending machine funded by a district grant, and the club discussed providing additional funding for books. The group also touched on the challenges of student attendance and the role of schools as social service agencies. Other topics included a brief discussion about the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) and the club's ongoing youth exchange efforts.
Next steps
Kristina
Collaboration
September 29, 2026
Several club members and Guest enjoyed an evening of games and camaraderie at the Dooling home on Tuesday evening, September 29.
Ellen quickly learned how to roll the dice and win at Right-Left-Center. She maximized her rolls of the three dice and took the pot! Mike was a come-from-behind winner in the dice game Greed (also known as Hot Dice). He took advice from several people around the table until he figured out how to strategize in a way that truly matched the name of the game.
Everyone enjoyed homemade cookies and a few other snacks.
This meeting was a celebration of Logan McLeod being named the first Rotary Star student of the school year at MCAT. Logan was introduced as the top choice from the electives department and the overall Rotary Star student, noting that Logan is set to graduate in December with just three more classes remaining. Logan shared his educational journey, explaining that he transferred from Marana High School to MCAT due to academic challenges and altercations, seeking a better environment to graduate sooner. When asked about his favorite aspects of MCAT, Logan highlighted the supportive teachers and collaborative classroom environment, particularly enjoying the Walking for Wellness elective class. Logan expressed plans to pursue a career in plumbing with his father or become a truck driver, and shared that his brother also graduated from MCAT and is working with their father's plumbing business. The conversation ended with teachers praising Logan's personal growth, commitment, and leadership qualities, and Mark presented Logan with gift cards as tokens of congratulations.
Club members also met representatives from the Romanian Friendship Exchange, Lucien and David Oniceanu.
After the MCAT meeting the club members went to the Marana Food Bank to Volunteer.
Today’s meeting was held at the Family Resource Center of Marana
- located at the MUSD Early Learning and Resource Center, 7651 N Oldfather Road in Tucson
- The Center’s mission is helping families learn how to help themselves!
- Open Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 3:30, by appointment; families can call (520) 616-3013
- Staff members provide support services, community resources, and information with respect and dignity
- A food pantry and clothing bank/boutque relying solely on community donations and grants
- Backpack drive and holiday community support
- Community Collaboration to provide additional support and services
Our Club presented the FRC Coordinator, Jackie Corona, with a donation of brand-new shoes to be distributed in our community through the Center.
District Conference - September 18 & 19 - Tubac Convention Center
- This year’s theme: “How Has Rotary Impacted You”
- Cindy & Bob will be presenting!!
Guest Speakers/Upcoming Meetings
- September 22 - MCAT Student - 7:15 am @ MCAT; Our Romanian Rotarians will be joining us!
- September 29 - 5th Tuesday Social - Game Night!! :)
- October 6 - Business Meeting @ Vista - Cindy & Mike will co-host - Mark will be celebrating his 30th anniversary!! Woot Woot!
- October 13 - Amanda Wiggins - Chamber of Commerce @ Vista
- October 20 - Photographer - @ Vista
Cindy called the meeting to order at 7:15 am with Beverly leading the group in the Pledge of Allegiance. (Mark, Josh, and our guest speaker, Adam Ostmeyer, were called out for an emergency at the high school - we are all sending positive thoughts to all involved)
Today’s Guest Speaker: Don Jorgensen
- Participated in this year’s Zone Institute - a yearly, week-long conference
- The Rotary International Zone Institute: the regional leadership development and strategic planning engine of Rotary International. It bridges the gap between individual local districts and the global headquarters, serving as the essential training ground for the organization’s highest regional officers.
- There are 34 zones with approximately 15 districts on each zone
- Marana is in District 5500 and Zone 26 (along with zone 27, we are a combined 30 districts)
- Next year’s president will be Larry Lunsford - (July 1, 2027)
- Don spoke about our shoe drive - collected 600 shoes!! AND a monetary donation from the Peoria Rotary of $2500 - Wow!!
- Our group took a photo with some of the donated shoes and check
Updates & New Business:
ShelterBox
Some background info:
Founded: Established in 2000 in Helston, Cornwall, UK, by Tom Henderson, a Rotarian and former Royal Navy search-and-rescue diver. Has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 3 times! It is Rotary’s official partner for disaster relief.
Mission: To ensure that no family is left without emergency shelter after a disaster.
Reach: Has helped over 3 million people across roughly 100 countries over its 25-year history.
- Our club received a “Thank You” read by Cindy
- Marana is a Bronze Hero Club, donating $1000 each of the last 3 years
- Rotarians are in Nepal and 15 other countries right now, providing aid
Meals at Hope
- Cindy provided an update - it is $9000 for 30,000 meals to be packaged
- All supplies are provided and delivered - gloves, hairnets, boxes, etc.
- We are coordinating an event for March 20 - location TBD - maybe Mt. View HS - good central location - will need all hands (literally) on deck!
- These meals will stay local and support our community!
- Kristina mentioned that MUSD has 2 mobile units that deliver meals when there are long breaks, holidays…maybe connect
District Conference - September 18 & 19 - Tubac Convention Center
- This year’s theme, “How Has Rotary Impacted You”
- Cindy & Bob will be presenting!!
Guest Speakers/Upcoming Meetings
- September 15 - Meet In Person - @ Vista
- September 22 - MCAT Student - 7:15 am @ MCAT
- September 29 - 5th Tuesday Social - Game Night!! :)
- October 6 - Business Meeting @ Vista - Cindy & Mike will co-host - Mark will be celebrating his 30th anniversary!! Woot Woot!
- October 13 - Amanda Wiggins - Chamber of Commerce @ Vista
- October 20 - Photographer - @ Vista
Happy Buck$:
Bob - getting his steps in!! Anxious to be back to Arizona, through Oklahoma, in time for the Rotary Conference
John: Card night tonight… basically just a way to donate to his friends! Might start bidding baby tortoises…
Kristina: Excited about a new reading program at Roadrunner, every student that needs support has an adult to work with! So awesome!
Bev: Her son in Chicago started his “dream job” today as a Federal Corrections Officer! Be safe, Zaine! (Bev’s dad was a Chicago police officer, and her 2 nephews are the Fire Chief and Lieutenant…she’s used to it…)
Cindy: Spent time in Senoita for the rodeo - her grandson is enjoying bull riding - she is glad that he did not get hurt!
Harold: Spent time with his grandkids, added more smoke detectors to the ONE that was wired…they pair up automatically - how fun!
Gregg: The sulcata tortoises, all 36 of them, took a family trip to Pinetop! Must take care of those babies! (Did you know they are the 3rd largest tortoise in the world? Want one…there is a strict application process, so…)
Mike: With the cooler temperatures, getting on more hiking and biking; having cataract surgery today - hope all goes well!
Next Steps:
Cindy - Meals at Hope, logistics, mobile delivery vehicles
Cindy & Mike - plan October 6 meeting
Order books for Roadrunner!
Cindy concluded the meeting at 8:04 am, Our meeting ended with the 4 Way Test, as led by Harold
Mark Goligoski
Cindy Dooling
President, Rotary Club of Marana, 2025–2026
Marana, AZ 85743
United States of America