Welcome to 2022, a new calendar year begins as our Rotary years hits a halfway mark. I am excited about all the possibilities 2022 will bring to The Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke.
Our club is growing! Which is exactly what we had hoped for. But it does not come without challenges. We outgrew the board room at the Ranch, and the private dining room is now out of space. The board will be discussing our options at the board meeting on January 19th. The board meeting is open to all members. Watch your email for a zoom invitation.
The board is also closely monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 and variant situation. You will recall our club will adhere to the guidance provided by Rotary International and restrictions the venue we are meeting at puts in place. We will continue to provide zoom access to all Thursday meetings.
A sincere thank you to each of you who worked on community service projects during the holiday season. It warms my heart as I remember the faces of those we helped. From the kids in the back seat of the cars at the Impact Turkey Distribution, to the elder shut-ins who received Christmas baskets, we can be proud knowing we truly made a difference in people’s lives. That’s why we became Rotarians!
Please let me know if you have any thoughts or suggestions to make 2022 another wonderful year for The Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke.
Registration is now open. Seating will be limited so register early. Tables of 10 may be reserved for your group by calling Wendy Guyton at 520-404-5712.
SaddleBrooke Rotary will once again bring to our community a very interesting and enjoyable program featuring the artwork of Diana Madaras. This fundraising event will provide funding for youth and community charities which work hard to enhance the lives of children and others.
Description: Diana will bring much of her artwork. She has also invited other Tucson artists to join her. We will have door prizes, a raffle, and a live auction.
The name Diana Madaras has become synonymous with Tucson and her bold, colorful artwork recently earned her Tucson's vote for Best Visual Artist for the seventh time. Dozens of newspaper and magazine articles have been written about her and her work, and she has been featured on television shows produced by NBC, CBS, and PBS affiliates. She is president of the nonprofit Art for Animals Foundation, a charity she founded that has raised more than $200,000 to help abused, injured and orphaned animals.
Much in demand for commissioned artwork, Madaras has completed paintings for many of the major resorts in Tucson including the Hilton El Conquistador, Westin La Paloma, Loews Ventana Canyon, Canyon Ranch and Miraval.
She also has created eight paintings for the estate of the former President of Mexico.
Her art is featured at Tucson International Airport and has appeared on the covers of 12 magazines including Art Book of the West, The American Veterinary Hospital Journal, and Tucson Lifestyle Magazine.
Her book, The Colors of Tucson, gives the reader a unique tour of Tucson through her paintings from the last 27 years.
SaddleBrooke Rotarians and guests can look ahead to a fantastic line-up of programs in 2022. Here are some you will enjoy:
January 27, 2022
Wanda Bailey
A History and Legacy of Volunteerism
Our fellow Rotarian, Wanda Bailey, will be speaking about the history and unique legacy of volunteering in the United States. Wanda is particularly passionate about helping organizations identify and meet community needs through strategic engagement of the community by building organizational capacity to effectively work with community stakeholders and volunteers. Wanda’s expertise as a consultant is founded on the variety of organizations that she has worked with and the numerous roles that she has held, including: Executive Director of a large Volunteer Center/Hands on Network affiliate, Program Director of a large volunteer-driven senior services program, and Chief Service Officer for the second largest city in San Diego County. Wanda has done training, writing, and consulting for a variety of organizations to help them develop their volunteer programs, including the State of Minnesota. She is also the developer of standards of practice for a national volunteer management organization with over forty affiliates across the country.
February 3, 2022
Jeff Hotchkis, CEO Boy Scouts of America, Catalina Council
An Update on Scouting and Camp Lawton
Camp Lawton is located in the Santa Catalina Mountains, about 60 minutes from Tucson, where mountain biking and hiking trails are abundant.
February 10, 2022
Pinal County Sheriff Mark Lamb
Sheriff Mark Lamb returns to the SaddleBrooke Ranch to provide insights and updates on issues confronting our community.
February 17, 2022
Lanny Leach
Florence wild horse and burro training
Lanny Leach
Lanny Leach is a nationally known horseman and clinician starting off his horsemanship career at the age of 2 when he rode along on his father's cattle drives. At the age of 12 he started working for his first paying client who recognized his horse training abilities. As a young man he worked cattle on his own ranch or did custom cattle work from 1976 to 1992. Lanny worked or managed cattle on large spreads from 2,800 acres to 20,000 which included starting horses and training them for cattle work and hay wagon team work.
With the growth in membership our committees are anxious to include all members in active committees. There is a lot going on today. All members are expected to serve and invited to join and become active in one of our many committees. Upcoming meetings include:
Public Image, Chairperson Barbara Barr January 13th after the regular meeting for
Fore for Kids 2022, Dan Watson, Chairman January 20th after the meeting and Dan's House
Membership, Wendy Guyton, Chairperson
Amigos, Monica Oszust, Chairperson
Community Services, Bre Zientarski, Chairperson
Youth Services, Elaine Terry, Chairperson
Grants, Joe Guyton, Chairperson
International Services, Bill Demeroutis, Chairperson
Interact, Stephen Argentati, Coordinator
Diana Madaras Special Fundraising Event, Wendy Guyton, Chairperson
The Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke made a major donation of books to the Mountain Vista Elementary School in Oracle.
Over 700 new age-appropriate books were delivered by Rotarians to Mountain Vista for their upcoming Summer Youth Program.
Pictured above (l to r) Crystal Nehmeyer, Superintendent of Schools, Liese Razzeto, Shanon Soule, Principal, Harvey Smith and Elaine Terry, Chair of Youth Services Committee. Not pictured was Don Terry.
Saddlebrooke Rotary members partnered with the Oracle Community Center to purchase, assemble and distribute 25 baskets to Home Alone seniors in the Oracle area.
Baskets were assembled by Members of Oracle community center, OWN and a member from Home Alert who evaluated the needs of the home bound seniors.
The baskets contained:
Apples Oranges Mugs Hot chocolate Popcorn Knitted slipper socks Soap Lotion Lip balm Dish towels Ghiradelli chocolate
Barbara Barr, Linda Howard and Diane Demeroutis made cookies. Bill Demeroutis did double duty as a Club member and also a Board member of the Oracle Community Center. Bill and Liese Razzeto shopped with $400.00 donated by the SaddleBrooke Rotary Club Foundation for the goodies.
At the Annual Meeting of The Rotary Club of Saddlebrooke Bill Demeroutis was elected as the President Nominee. His term of office will be for 1 year beginning July 1, 2023.
L to R Neil Deppe, Linda Howard, Dianne Fulkerson, Bill Demeroutis, John Howard, Barbara Treick, Monica Oszust, Ed Treick, Barbara Barr, John Oszust
Not shown at other cemeteries
Joyce Johnson, Linda Bradner
Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 2,500 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea and abroad.
Wreaths Across America coordinates wreathÂ-laying ceremonies at more than 2,500 locations across the United States, at sea and abroad.
We understand we have Veterans Day in the fall and Memorial Day in the spring, but our service members sacrifice their time and safety every single day of the year to preserve our freedoms.
In many homes, there is an empty seat for one who is serving or one who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. There is no better time to express our appreciation than during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
Saddlebrooke Rotary Club Pays Tribute
Many members and their families joined the national effort to place wreaths on the graves of our veterans. The club funded 100 wreaths and many members made monetary donations as well as giving of their time.
What can we say? 64 members and guests gathered together to enjoy each others company and celebrate the holidays. President, Liese Razzeto gave special recognition to the spouses and significant others who provide so much support to the work of Saddlebrooke Rotary.
Liese also thanked Wendy and Joe Guyton and Diane Demeroutis for the great job they did in putting together this year's event.
And we send our special thanks to the chef, staff, and servers at HOA1. The food and service was terrific! Thank you.
We were all surprised when Santa dropped by. He is a very busy person at this time of year and he was most generous with his time.
After dinner Chuck Moses provided entertainment for dancing. Chuck did a fantastic job and many members and guests enjoyed dancing to his music.
We wish Happy Holidays to all. To view all of our photos from this wonderful party go to our website. Here are 2 links for you to use.
1. Check out our website. It is full of great pictures and info of all our activities. It also includes meeting information and much more. To go the the website click here: https://saddlebrookerotary.com/
2. To view Christmas Party 2021 photos click here:
In January 2020 members of The Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke were hard at work preparing for the annual Fore For Kids Annual Charity Golf Event to be held in April of that year. This critical fundraiser had been held every year since 1998. Yes critical, because in the 21 years this important Rotary event raised over $1/2 million for local community charities serving youth.
The Fore for Kids Annual Charity Golf Tournament has become an important event in the community and is also fun for all, Rotarians, golfers, and guests.
Registration Volunteers Prepare for the golfers arrival
Tournament Chairman, Gordon Wainwright and his daughter, Connie Mander
John and Monica Oszust, Liese Razzeto and Connie Mander
If you would like information on how Rotary may fit into your life and schedule please contact: Wendy Guyton, Membership Chair, 520-404-5712 or by email wguyton17@gmail.com
Saddlebrooke Rotarians took to their bikes in support of the El Tour de Tucson and Rotary's Ride to End Polio. This year over 6,500 competed in the El Tour de Tucson. Thanks to the support of our members we raised over $16,000 (after the Gates Foundation match).
Our riders this year were:
John Oszust, John rode in the 102 mile event.
Monica Oszust rode in the Saddlebrooke Ranch 29 mile loop.
Liese Razzeto, Liese rode in the 57 mile event.
Bill and Diane Demeroutis, Bill and Diane rode in the Saddlebrooke Ranch 29 mile loop.
Doug May and Eric Erickson, These guys rode a tandem bike in the Saddlebrooke Ranch 29 mile loop.
SaddleBrooke Rotarians pitched in this year to help decorate the Vistas at HOA1. Those helping had a great time doing our small part to recognize the many veterans we have in the Saddlebrooke communities.
L to R Dave and Linda Daubers, Elaine Terry, Linda Chase, Monica Oszust, Liese Razzeto, and in front Leslie Hawkins
L to R Sheila Tuhy, Elaine Terry, Monica Oszust, Linda Chase, Chris Millar
Sunday, October 24 at 1 PM at the Oracle Community Learning Gardens Members gathered for the Dedication of the Rotary Peace Pole. We were joined by Past District Governor of District 5500, Ellie Patterson and Peace Initiative Chairman Joe Daniszewski .
As Rotarians, we refuse to accept conflict as a way of life. Through our service projects and community outreach, we are taking action to address the underlying causes of conflict.
Sometimes, it’s just a matter of using the right words. A Peace Pole is a monument declaring the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in the language of the country in which it is planted and usually several other languages. Peace Poles were created in 1955 in Japan by Masahisa Goi, in wake of the destruction wrought by World War II and the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Devastated by the repercussions of war, Goi wished to spread a message of peace worldwide.
Veterans Service organization dedicated to bettering the lives of those who serve and have served our country in the Armed Forces.
Member of the Executive Board
Southern Arizona Veterans and First Responders Living Memorial
- Present
Education
A group of community leaders dedicated to designing and constructing a highly meaningful, privately funded living memorial to honor past, present and future members of the US Military and all First Responders. This memorial will be a solemn place of reflection, education and remembrance for all citizens.
SaddleBrooke Rotary sent 7 delegates to the 2021 District 5500 Conference. The Casino del Sol was the venue for this year's conference and what a beautiful setting it was. Photos from the event can be found in our photo album on this website. Check our website for more to come on the conference.
Rotary is definitely a worldwide family. Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay presented a check for $1500 to the Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke today to support the Rotary Global Grant service project we are doing in partnership with Nogales Rotary Club. Filtered drinking water for kids in 24 schools in Nogales! Rotarians at work again!
Above John Oszust, International Chair of the Rotary Club of Hanalei Bay, Hawaii and an Amigo of the Rotary Club of Saddlebrooke presents a check for $1,500 to Bill Demeroutis, International Chair of the Rotary Club of Saddlebrooke and Liese Razzeto President.
Another fun event with The Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke partnering with Oracle Community Center!
A special thank you to Wendy Guyton, Linda Howard, Liese Razzeto, Bill Demeroutis, Diane Demeroutis for making delicious chili, cornbread muffins, salad and cookies! We had a wonderful turn out of other Rotarians to help with set up, serving lunch, eating & visiting with Oracle community members and clean up! Fun seeing the commercial stove and kitchen our club donated in action!
SaddleBrooke Rotarians joined with the Tri Community Food Bank to assemble and deliver 300 blankets. The Tri Community Food Bank provided the funding while the Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke members assembled and delivered the blankets to be given to clients of the Food Bank.
Members participating included: Bre Zientarski, Eric Zientarski, Barbara Barr and family members, Joe Guyton, Chris Millar, Harvey Smith, and Bill Demeroutis.
At our regular meeting on Thursday, September 30, 2021 members of the Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke welcomed 5 new members. The induction ceremony was led by Membership Chairperson, Wendy Guyton. The new members include: John and Linda Howard of Saddlebrooke HOA2, Linda Chase of Saddlebrooke Ranch, and Dave and Linda Daubers also from Saddlebrooke Ranch.
Shown above (l to r) Wendy Guyton, Membership Chair, Patsy Ticknor (Mentor), Linda Chase (New Member), Barbara Barra (Mentor), Linda Daubers (New Member), Dave Daubers (New Member), Bill Demeroutis (Mentor), Linda Howard (New Member), John Howard (New Member), and Harvey Smith (Mentor).
This induction brings the total number of new member inductions since the 1st of June to 9. Congratulations to all!!
Saddlebrooke Rotary Club is proud to announce our latest partnership focusing on Disease Prevention. On Saturday, October 2, 2021 we joined with the Integrated Wellness Network at Mountainview Country Club to host a very interesting and informative presentation by Dr. Allan A. Anderson the current director of the Toole Family Memory Center and the Banner Alzheimer's Institute in Tucson. Dr. Anderson topic was the introduction of the PACT (Preventing Alzheimer's and Cognitive Training study).
On Monday, October 5, 2021 Rotarians joined the Oracle Community Center to host a Night Out at Oracle Community Center. We set up a display of hundreds of books that were for children in the community. Elaine Terry, Chairperson of the Youth Services Committee was joined by Patsy Ticknor, Joe Dylewski, Chris Millar, Wendy and Joe Guyton, Roger Bailey, Linda Chase, Don Terry, and Eric Zientarski. Hot dogs and snacks were provided by the OCC. The event was a lot of fun and served to bring together the Oracle community.
Members of Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke joined together on Saturday, September 18, to help beautify Golder Ranch Road. This has been an annual service project of the club for many years. Always a great fellowship event and a great service to the Catalina community. We would like to thanks the following volunteers for making this project a success again this year:
On Saturday, August 28th, Saddlebrooke Rotary members worked side by side with Oracle Community Center board members at the Oracle Community Center Toy Drive. Our mission was to assist the OCC with this worthwhile event by unloading trucks of donated (by Dollar General) toys at OCC in Oracle. 685 E American Ave, Oracle, AZ 85623. Members of Saddlebrooke Rotary also made cash donations totalling $650.00.
Members of our International Service Committee attended a paella fundraiser of The Rotary Club Nogales Industrial. Fun for all. Those participating were President, Liese Razzeto, Committee Chairman, Bill Demeroutis, and Committee Member Mark Miller.
Five members of the Rotary Club of Saddlebrooke were honored by District Governor, Hank Huisking, with Paul Harris Fellowships. Also present were Club President, Liese Razzeto and Assistant District Governor Marc Snow. Paul Harris Fellows are recognized by Rotary International for outstanding service and financial support for the Rotary Foundation. Those receiving awards were John Ruland, Paul Herr, Chris Millar, Dan Watson, and Mark Miller. Congratulations !!
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