ROTARY CLUB OF MARANA
MINUTES OF MEETING 2/14/17
Submitted by Secretary Randy Brooks
Attendance of 84.21% today.  Great job everyone.
 Completed the Pledge of Allegiance, Meditative Moment and a song provided by John Dooling.  Thanks, John.
Guests included: Joyce Zwick from British Columbia, RYLA student Johnathon Grove and his mother Tina Grove.
Peter Mack is celebrating his birthday, and John Zwick is celebrating 52 years as a Rotarian … WOW!
Eric reported that he was in a bike ride this weekend and that five people signed up for the Tour de Cookie.  Great job Eric and we are all sorry about the bee sting.
This next Sunday at 8:00 AM, Dan Contorno, is giving out fliers at Rillito Raceway advertising the Tour de Cookie.  If we have enough volunteers perhaps we could have two stations …. Maybe at the Loop Bike Store as well?
Maeve discussed how she and Denise have been shopping for the shut in’s that are provided food by the food bank.  The theory is that we will provide a birthday bag for these folks whenever possible to uplift spirits a little.  Thanks Maeve and Denise...
Maeve also asked for volunteers for the food bank on March 25 to help cook, I think, for donors to the organization. Maeve made it clear that this event is not a club project but she did ask for our help and indicated she would be using out shade tent at the event.
RYLA participant, Johnathan Grove, Marana High School Student reported he had a wonderful time at RYLA in January.  He discussed the speakers, and how one speaker jogged from San Francisco to New York ignoring his several physical limitations.  Another person gave a presentation on leadership … this was a woman from Russia and she spoke of leadership and commerce. He also discussed the fun and challenge of the zip line, rock climbing wall and a service project. At the service project they packed bags for children in need of a lift up.
Maeve told her usual joke: “This is a really dirty joke…. Three pigs rolled in the mud.” That’s it.  Sorry everyone.
 
Our second speaker was Jamie deZubeldia of Sun Apiaries and ReZonation Farm.  He discussed the science of having bee hives to produce honey and other products.  His company raises bees and also trains those interested in doing the same.  He has a deep respect for bees and is slightly fearful of them.
The business started in 1986 in Avra Valley.  They have trained over 300+ beekeepers since 2009. The goal of his work is to increase honey production to 25,000 pounds of product. He indicated that people whom do this for a hobby have less than 25 hives and those that do it for a business have greater than 100 hives. Pollination accounts for 33-50% of our food supply.  One hive can produce about 45# of honey.  This is very interesting:  They breed queen bees to insure they have a good “temperament” … who would think? He stated after the meeting that Africanized bees are very aggressive and native honey bees are not.  If you would like to reach Jamie: 520-603-1804, www.sunapiaries.com or ReZonationfarm.com.
 
Thank you Jamie.  Interesting discussion.