Marana Rotary Weekly Meeting Round-Up
After the Pledge of Allegiance and in harmony with our guest speaker from the Tucson Wildlife Center, we opened the meeting with a one-verse, rousing rendition of “Old McDonald” featuring the owl. Fair to say, it was a hoot.
President Benner announced that Carl Maes has been approved by the board for membership, and general members can weigh in as well by sending their comments to him or Randy Brooks. In other general announcements, President Benner noted the following:
- District’s Membership Symposium is August 3, 2019.
- Cruise for a Cause is in October (Randy Brooks says it was the “best conference” he’s attended – great meetings and fulfilling work day with local children in Mexico).
- Assistant Governor candidates are needed.
- The Rotary Foundation has extended the deadline for online training until August 9. Follow the link on the District’s website.
- A Reid Park Zoo representative will be the featured speaker at the July 16 meeting.
- John D is subbing for a vacationing President Benner on July 23.
- No meeting on July 30 since it is the fifth Tuesday of the month, however there was expressed interest in a social event of some type.
Member Rachel Cheeseman let us know that the United Way is launching a matching platform where folks can find volunteer opportunities and log their time giving back to our communities. Contact Rachel for more information.
After fellowship and a hearty breakfast, “Happy Bucks” for:
- “A good breakfast”. (John)
- “Just happy”. (Dan)
- “Our guest speaker” and good week at the office. (Denise)
- “Very happy to find my lip” because he accidentally shaved off his mustache. (Randy)
- “Daughter graduated from college” and has accepted a “Teach for America” position in Texas. (Carl)
- “Wife improving every day and will be home soon.” (Harold)
- “Saw family, baby niece started walking, and tech migration at work is done!” Plus a big shout out to Madison WI friend who organized a really successful collection of baby clothes for needy families. (Rachel)
Lynne, flying solo, told a joke in harmony with our “wildlife/animal” theme. Denise “won” the raffle.
Guest Speaker Angeline Fahey, education coordinator for the Tucson Wildlife Center, delivered a fascinating talk about her organization that rehabilitates injured and abandoned wildlife – everything from pack rats to bobcats to coyotes to raptors, and even Gila monsters (yikes!).
Tucson Wildlife Center is the only wildlife hospital in Southern Arizona with two full-time veterinarians. The center only treats injured, ill, or orphaned wildlife. It’s funded 100% by donations, and licensed by Arizona Game and Fish. Its mascots in sanctuary are appropriately a pair of wildcats, Wilbur and Wilma.
Tucson Wildlife Center sends trained staff and volunteers to assess and locate injured or abandoned wildlife, which are humanely trapped and transported to TWC for treatment and rehabilitation. About 80 percent of the animals injured or orphaned are because of human activity, and up to 80 percent of the wildlife brought to TWC treated and released back into the wild. Poisons, traps, glue traps, and electrocution pose some of the greatest threats to wildlife, Ms. Fahey explained.
Dislocated “babies” and other orphaned young require special care because the wildlife rehabilitation specialists want to prevent imprinting. TWC uses puppets, “snuggle pets” with battery-operated heartbeat, and “Ghillie” suits to avoid imprinting.
Ms. Fahey also disabused us of the myth that you cannot touch baby birds. If you find one on the ground, she suggested that you put it back in the nest. You can even construct a nest using a small container with holes in the bottom and grass and rehang the “nest” near the old one. The parents will likely return. At the fledging stage, parents are still caring for the young, so if the fledgling appears healthy, leave it alone.
When you encounter an injured animal, confine your pets and call TWC for advise. Don’t feed the injured animal, and try transfer to box with holes. A simple “fix” to help wildlife from escape pools includes the “frog log”. For quail nesting in flower pots, use a t-shirt to create a “ramp” for the hatchlings to get out of the pot.
Tucson Wildlife Center can be reached by calling 520-290-9453. Its website is: TucsonWildlife.com
After Ms. Fahey’s informative talk, we signed off with the Four Way Test.
-- Submitted by Laura Clymer, secretary