He is also affiliated with Pima Heart & Vascular, Tucson where he is a Board member, Medical Director of Clinical Research, and Provider as an outstanding Heart Doctor.

 

Dr. Waggoner is board certified in Internal Medicine, General Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, Endovascular Medicine, and Vascular Medicine.

 

Dr. Waggoner spoke about numerous leading-edge innovations and associated clinical trials that are truly leading the medical profession worldwide in trans-catheter structural heart innovations.

 

His expertise and professional interests include trans-catheter aortic valve replacement, trans-catheter mitral valve repair, para-valvular leak repair, complex coronary interventions, carotid interventions, peripheral vascular interventions, and several other areas of specialization.

 

Club members and other guests asked numerous questions about the innovations and clinical trials that were highlighted.  

 

Six Dove Mountain Rotarians walked approximately 2.1 miles at Tangerine Sky Park on Sept 9, 2023. Also, relatives & family friends of Rotarians walked 2 to 2.5 miles in Naples, Italy and Hagerstown, Maryland. Ten volunteers raised more than $250 for the Community Food Bank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The club thanked Teree Bergman for her service as president for 2020-21, and she shared some thoughts about leading the club during the Zoom year. She thanked the members of the board of directors: president-elect, Fred Novick; treasurer, Jeff Penfil; secretary, Bill Christiansen; Rotary Foundation chair, Joe Hentges; membership chair, Aleta Wiener; service projects chair, Ralph Harding. Despite the limitations of the pandemic, the club was able to complete several service projects and engage in fund-raising events. Here is a summary of the year's activities:

 

Rex Scott is the newly elected District One Pima County Supervisor, elected in November, 2020 and started his new role in January, 2021. In this role, he is part of a five person board representing Pima County, part of the Executive & Legislative branches of the Pima County Government and having a budget of $2.2 BB next year. He has been married 27 years and retired as a career educator in July 2019, where he held numerous roles including assistant principal and principal. He also was a city councilman in Ohio. Rex spoke to the club about transitioning into his new role and some of his initial activities & current areas of focus. Much of his focus since taking office has been on constituent service and so far he has been working with the Health Department, Parks & Recreation, Development Services, and Transportation. He spoke about numerous key issues including roads, education, the Tucson Water rate increase request, Pima County development, and other items. Club members asked several questions about the roads, duplication of services between PIMA county and Tucson, and the rehiring of the County Administrator by the Supervisors.

 

Dennis Bergquist is an exemplary Rotarian from the Valle Verde Rotary Club and head of the Bergquist Foundation. Dennis presented a slide show highlighting the amazing accomplishments of “Rotary at Work”, the Bergquist Foundation, multiple District and Global Grants, and large donations to complete numerous projects in Mwongeti, Kenya. These include numerous infrastructure items and capabilities: Mwongeti’s Primary school, classrooms, a library (with 1600 books from Tucson), latrine, electricity, posho mill, Mwongeti’s Medical Clinic, water harvesting capabilities, improvements to village hygiene, a well with a solar powered water pumping system (supporting 6,000 residents), additional water kiosks, a village sign, and training to manage & maintain many capabilities.  Also, enhancements to the Mwongeti Medical Clinic included:  exam tables, a placenta pit & waste incinerator, generator, oxygen tank, vaccine refrigerator, pre-natal basic needs, birthing delivery table, lab, pharmacy, clinic security wall, reception room, health department licensure, maternal & child health improvements, ultrasound & Doppler equipment, a pediatric & men’s ward. These amazing accomplishments illustrate perfectly what it means to “Dare to Dream”.

 

Mark Johnson has extensive experience working on environmental issues, 40 years with water utilities, has constructed $ 3 BB in water resource infrastructure, has a BS Civil Engineering and is a Professional Engineer, has presented numerous papers and is the Tortolita Alliance newsletter author. He was appointed to the Marana Utilities Board in 2021 and is the President of the Tortolita Alliance. Mark highlighted numerous topics including: water basics, surface & ground water, Arizona Water laws, Federal Water Rights, and direct & indirect recharge. He also educated us about the 1980 Groundwater Management Act, the 1986 & 1994 acts on water storage, the Central Arizona Groundwater Replenishment District, the Arizona Water Banking Authority, the Central Arizona Project (CAP) Canal, and the Tucson Active Management Areas. A number of interesting facts were highlighted during his presentation: 36 percent of the water for Arizona comes from the Colorado River. Lake Mead is currently at 38% capacity and the overall water storage is currently at 43% capacity. 58 percent of Arizona is in exceptional drought, while 95 percent of Arizona is in severe drought. A 3.2 MM acre feet water imbalance is projected. There has been no expansion of agricultural water use. More information is available on a blog series titled: “Know Your H2O” and www.tortolitaalliance.com.

To Support:   Rotary Club of Dove Mountain Service Projects -- Supporting Youth & Families in the Local Community and Beyond

 

 

 

 

Each Ticket has 18 chances to win ($3600 in prize money will be given out)

 

 

 

 

      Abby Rosen has been with the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona for more than seven years, and prior to that was a volunteer for two years. Abby lives in Catalina, Arizona with her family, children, and goats/other farm animals.

     

Abby spoke with us about the Community Food Banks current operation, those served in the community, services offered, and the significant assistance being provided.     

      John Lenzi has more than 30 years of experience in Higher Education. At Columbia University in NYC, he held a variety of administrative and academic administration positions including University Registrar. At the University of Massachusetts Amherst, he held several roles including University Registrar, member of the Academic Matters Council, General Education Council, Undergraduate Education Council, Committee on Admissions & Records, and Faculty Senate.
     John spoke to us about the Lifelong Learning in Retirement program at The Highlands of Dove Mountain.  It is an affiliate of the Road Scholar Institute Network, and offers lifelong learning opportunities to retirees, both residents and non-residents of the Highlands of Dove Mountain.

   Diane learned more about the Club Directors and their current roles & responsibilities, met the club’s newest members, and was updated on the club’s goals, activities, and collaborations.

     She spoke about the current pandemic, that no Rotarian should feel compelled to attend in-person during the pandemic, and highlighted some opportunities for guest speakers, attending other club meetings, and other opportunities.

    Our DG spoke about many new things put into place by the District to help us navigate, including significant leadership & Toastmaster training on D5500.org, 10 Zoom licenses, Quick Books Live, the region 26/27 virtual fundraising platforms available, and now having both a district treasurer & bookkeeper.

     Diane emphasized how Rotary is changing, how Rotarians must have unity, work with each other, think outside the box, and should “go for it” with any new and creative ideas.

     A few planned events were discussed, including a virtual Four-Way Test Contest in April, and the District Conference in Tubac being a hybrid event.

    Diane shared several messages from the RI President, including:

     Other suggestions included: wearing your Rotary garb daily to create opportunities to introduce Rotary to others, donating to the Rotary Foundation with Rotary Direct, and using the Brand Center for brochures / business cards / logo updates.

     In appreciation of the DG and Assistant DGs visit, our club donated $100 to Polio Plus.

 

DM Rotary Peacebuilder committee member David Eisenberg attended this ZOOM presentation & workshop, focused on achieving greater inner peace and learning how to manage interpersonal conflict better. The presentation is a combination of training and skill building and was presented by the Center for Community Dialogue and Training of Tucson for Rotary District 5500 on Saturday, November 7th. Especially during these difficult times, it may be worthwhile to review this excellent material.

 

 

 

 

The DM Rotary Club dedicated a new “peace pole” at Tangerine Sky Park in Marana on Friday, Oct. 30^th.

 

The pole has the phrase “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” in five languages: English, Spanish, Hebrew, Mandarin Chinese and Tohono O’odham, selected to represent people vital to this area of the world.

 

The selected location along interior walking paths within the park provides gorgeous views of the Tucson Mountains, the Tortolita’s, and the Catalina’s -- offering a meditative area for a peaceful thought for the 35,000 to 80,000 residents that walk thru that area each year.   

 

The dedication ceremony included Marana town officials, Rotary District 5500 leadership, club members, & other guests and speakers including:

 

 The 8-foot white pole is a recognized symbol for peace around the world.

 

 

     The program’s desired outcome is to significantly increase the living standards and quality of life for the community with several key areas of focus: healthcare, tourism, public safety, recreation, education, workforce development, community beautification, and infrastructure evolution.

     The Town employs several tools to achieve their goals, including a Job Creation Incentive Program, the Downtown Marana Reinvestment Fund, the Arizona Commerce Authority for statewide incentive packages, the Town of Marana’s economic development website https://www.maranaaz.gov/economic-development and www.selectmarana.com which promotes available town land assets.

     They also have numerous collaborations including Sun Corridor, the Arizona Commerce Authority, site selection consultants, real estate brokers, developers, The Pima Community College Small Business Development Center, and a variety of architects, builders, and engineers.

     Curt highlighted numerous projects currently in the economic development pipeline, many of which could only be spoken about in general terms, as they are not yet identified in the public domain.

     The Town of Marana’s Economic Development Strategic Plan creates a supportive climate for business and identifies specific needed infrastructure investments. It strives to expand in four target sectors: IT, Business Services, Advanced Manufacturing, and Logistics & Distribution. In addition, it works with the Education sector (Pima County Community College and K-12) to create the workforce needed for the future by developing new curriculums and certifications for Career & Technical education. The plan has divided the Town into activity centers: Downtown, the Airport, Tangerine Rd @ 1-10, the Tangerine Rd corridor, Heritage, the Transportation Logistics Zone, and Dove Mountain.

     Due to time constraints, Curt was not able to cover the Residential part of his presentation.  However, club members & attendees asked many questions and were quite impressed with the significant level of the Town’s economic development activities under way, in spite of the pandemic.

     Fonda Insley of the Tucson Sunrise Rotary Club and employed by a large senior living community, redirected her career after 28 years of media / television to senior care, after learning about and managing her parents care as a sole sibling. In addition, Fonda spent 7 months studying for a related senior care certification.
     Fonda provided an overview of the differences between Assisted Living, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, and Independent Living Communities. Also covered were financial considerations, models of care, and how to make an educated selection. Her presentation was put together solely to share beneficial information with others. She emphasized that no one senior living care model or location works for everyone. Our club members asked many questions. In addition, it was noted that DM Rotary club member Aleta Wiener has significant knowledge & expertise on Assisted Living Insurance.

 

Click here to view or print this very informative presentation.                                                   

       Heidi Epstein, Trustee and Monica Coenraads, Executive Director of the Rett Syndrome Research Trust spoke about their organization, the impact of Rett syndrome & recent research findings, and the trust’s fundraising activities. Both Heidi and Monica are parents of daughters with Rett syndrome, and Heidi’s daughter Hannah is our club President Teree Bergman’s granddaughter.

      Rett syndrome is a rare genetic neurological disorder effecting one in ten thousand children, primarily girls, and effects most aspects of the child’s life and necessitating 24/7 care. More than 15,000 families in the US and 350,000 families worldwide have been effected by this disorder.

       Although there is not yet a cure, research has come pretty far, in part thanks to the Research Trust’s initiatives. A specific gene has been identified as the root cause, and the disease has been found not to be neurodegenerative and potentially reversible when the appropriate treatment has been established. Animal models have closely matched the human version of the disease, and current research is focused on correcting the root cause. An upcoming gene-therapy human clinical trial by Novartis will be the first to address the root cause, and there is other gene-editing research underway. Using gene therapy, it is currently practical that a single gene disorder like Rett syndrome can be targeted.

      The Rett Syndrome Research Trust is the most lucrative Rett syndrome fundraiser in the world, having raised $ 70 MM since starting their operation in 2008. Although they raised more than $ 1.5 MM last year, their current fundraising activities are being somewhat impaired by the pandemic. Many donors are Rett syndrome effected families and their networks.

       Joyce Sanford, President of the Southern Arizona Golden Retriever Rescue and author of two books, spoke to us about their organization, operation, accomplishments, and fundraising activities.

      The Southern Arizona Golden Retriever Rescue, established in 2011 exclusively for Golden Retriever rescue & servicing Southern Arizona from South of Casa Grande to the Mexico border, has placed 400 dogs for adoption since starting operation. Their “foster based” and not-for-profit operation is comprised of 100 percent volunteers and takes in dogs regardless of their prior situation and age. Their network of dedicated volunteers check local shelters daily, respond to requests to take in dogs, work on items such as medical, vaccination, and behavioral issues as needed, sometimes foster dogs prior to adoption, effectively match dogs to adopting homes, and fully support owners after adoption. They also meet-and-greet at Pets Mart, operate a book club about dogs, and conduct educational events like snake training.

      Their fundraising events have included an event at the Oro Valley Community Center in March, an annual Golden Retriever calendar for sale, a 30 day Barnes & Noble fundraiser wrapping Christmas presents, and an annual picnic at Reid Park in November. They have had to be creative & sometimes operate virtually during the pandemic with their fundraising.

      Club President Teree Bergman has been a long-time volunteer & foster parent at the Southern Arizona Golden Retriever Rescue and has been a loving, caring owner of several Golden Retrievers. Our Rotary club, full of dog lovers, found Joyce’s talk very enjoyable and informative & greatly appreciate the work being done by this group of volunteers.    

 

Guests: Our Sept 10 ZOOM club meeting welcomed one guest, Mary Pat Straw who is Teree Bergman’s neighbor and a fellow dog lover.

Dove Mountain Rotarians visited Imago Dei Middle School on Sept 7^th to present school officials with a check to cover the cost of materials for sewing 10,000 masks for the THREAD (Together for Hope, Resiliency, Empowerment And Development) project. The donated funds are from the Dove Mountain Rotary Charitable Fund and a matching grant from District 5500. The club members who attended, President Teree Bergman, President-Elect Fred Novick, and Service Projects Chair Ralph Harding, got a guided tour of the school from Cameron Taylor, Head of the School, and Renee Downing, Development Officer. The Rotarians also met Susan Gamble, who devised and supervises the THREAD project, Kitt Bret Harte, and some of the THREAD project participants picking up materials for sewing masks.
 

Our tour of the three-story school in downtown Tucson, included the Grade 5-8 classrooms, science lab, library, Graduate & Family Resource Center, Family Pantry, and an outdoor Aquaponics system & garden.

The school leaders and THREAD project participants were enthusiastic about the THREAD project and were especially grateful for the funding provided.  The THREAD project is a part of a larger relationship between our club and the school. When the students return to campus, there will be opportunities for club members to mentor students.

 

      Cameron Taylor, Head of the Imago Dei Middle School, spoke to our club about the school, the community it serves, its’ operation & special services provided, and about the THREAD project.
      In operation for 14 years, Imago Dei is a private, tuition free G5-8 downtown Tucson middle school serving low-income families exclusively. Most students enter classes well behind with their families struggling, and an average family size of 5 with family income of $17k or less. A 5^th grade student may enter the school with math skills at the kindergarten level or below. The school’s mission is to break the cycle of poverty thru education and to strengthen families, changing the students’ whole life trajectory. 
      The schools operation includes 10 hour school days & classes on Saturdays, year-round study, and 20 student class sizes with 2 teachers per classroom. Supplementary services are also provided for the students & families including student meals, a family pantry, programming & workshops, GED studies, tax preparation, & student support after graduation. Imago Dei has an impressive track record, having graduated 183 students - more than 97 percent of the students enrolled, with many continuing their education beyond the secondary level.
      The THREAD project supported by our club-sponsored district grant & charitable fund is helping to sustain 23 severely under-employed and economically disadvantaged parents. By providing materials for sewing 10,000 masks, skill training and employment has been enabled during the pandemic. To date, two participants have landed positions with local garment makers. So far, more than 17,836 masks have been sewn with a payout of over $62,426. The THREAD project is a part of a larger relationship between our club and the school.

 

 

Guests: Our Sept 3 ZOOM club meeting welcomed one guest, Mandy McKaskie, from the travel industry.

Wade shared a comprehensive 55 minute presentation with our club and guests involving the history, organization, guiding principles, and interesting facts about Rotary International. This information was well received by veterans and new Rotarians alike. Wade gave our club a homework assignment: Prepare a short ‘elevator speech’ that when asked “What is Rotary?” will attract new members into the Rotary organization.  
      A special thanks to Joe Hentges from the entire club and guests, for arranging this excellent speaker and interesting presentation.

 

Guests: The guests attending our Aug 27 ZOOM club meeting this week included District Governor Diane Ventura-Goodyear, Past District Governor Michael Drake of the Tucson Sunset Rotary Club, and Judy Lindsey of the Valle Verde Rotary Club.  

 

     Joe Daniszewski is a motivational speaker, relationship coach, executive Scout leader, Tucson Rotary club member, and the Rotary District 5500 Peace Committee Chairperson.
    Joe shared some background information about the worldwide Peace Pole project, originated in Japan by Masahisa Goi to spread a message of peace worldwide. This action was in wake of the destruction by World War II and the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He outlined how “May Peace Prevail on Earth” is such a powerful message, and informed us that many of the 18 district clubs have launched one or multiple peace poles. He spoke about the opportunity to become a “Peace Builder” Rotary club by planning a year of projects that promote peace. He also shared the key role that Rotary International had in founding the United Nations. Joe suggested a memorial launch ceremony for each peace pole involving the host Rotary club, other service clubs, community leaders, and students. He informed us of the District Peace conference cancelled last April 4^th due to the pandemic, but which would be rescheduled next Spring, and may be a ZOOM event and having excellent speakers already lined up.

 

Guests: Our club welcomed a guest Dana Reynolds, who owns a resume preparation business and has been a long-time resident and business owner in Northwest Tucson.

At its July 16 meeting, Dove Mountain Rotarians recognized immediate past president, Jeff Penfil for his outstanding leadership during a difficult time. During the meeting held via Zoom, each member recognized at least one of Jeff’s contributions to the club. He led our small club to keep it vibrant and accomplish significant results, in spite of the obstacles presented by the current Covid-19 pandemic. Through his leadership, positive energy, and can-do approach, Jeff has been a source of stability & inspiration for our club throughout the year. His leadership and dedication to the Club is evident in the successful completion of these accomplishments: