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See what the Rotary Club of Scottsdale is doing!

Press releases are submitted to various local publications. We never know if a publication will take action and print our information so please let us know if you see one. For more information, please contact Public Relations Chair, Dr. Honora Norton at pr@scottsdalerotary.org.
 
The Rotary Club of Scottsdale welcomed native Arizonian Steven Brophy, CEO of Aztec Land and Cattle Company, as its keynote speaker at recent Club's weekly luncheon meeting held at McCormick Ranch Golf Club.  When introducing Mr. Brophy, Rotarian Jim Bruner, noted that Steven is a vocal advocate, businessman, farmer and rancher, and is President/CEO of one of Arizona's largest landowners - Aztec Land and Cattle Company.  Aztec has a vested interest in development of transportation and commerce.  Mr. Brophy's family immigrated to US from Ireland in 1879. 
 
Per Mr. Brophy, following its formation by Eastern industrialists and Texan cowboys in 1884 and incorporation in early 1885, The Aztec Land and Cattle Company, Limited purchased a 1,000,000-acre tract of land in northern Arizona from the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad, imported approximately 32,000 head of cattle branded with the Hashknife brand from Texas, and commenced ranching operations in Arizona. The land, or part of the land, on which Snowflake and Taylor and even Heber now stand was once part of the vast holdings of the ranching company.   Land owned by the Aztec Land and Cattle Company stretches from Holbrook and Joseph City to the north, to Heber on the southwest and slightly south of Snowflake/Taylor. Its eastern border is mainly along state Route 77. Most of the property is in sections checker-boarded with federal Bureau of Land Management sections and State Land sections. A section is one square mile.
 
As of 2017, Aztec and its affiliates own approximately 240,000 acres in Navajo County, Arizona and 320,000 acres of minerals rights (some without surface ownership) in Navajo and Coconino Counties. Aztec is the second largest private landowner in Arizona and holds one of the few remaining large-scale tracts of rural private land available for development in the state. 
 
Aztec, with a partner, also owns the Apache Railway, a Class III short-line railroad running for 55 miles off the BNSF Railroad’s transcontinental mainline near Holbrook, Arizona. The Apache Railway serves much of Aztec’s land, providing access to both national and international markets, and has operated continuously since its incorporation in 1917.
 
During his talk, Mr. Brophy talked about impact of land surveys, US deed grants and land exchanges; mineral rights; water supplies; and, Aztec's impact on US forest service and Tonto National Forest. Per Mr. Brophy, 82% of Arizona land is public and 18% is private - concluding that Arizona is one of the most densely urbanized areas within the US because its strong link to Salt River Valley's Roosevelt Dam and its canals.
 
Also at the meeting, Club President, Don Loose welcomed new Rotarian Todd Armstrong to the Club.  Rotarian Laura Biever, provided an overview of the Club's upcoming community service wrap-a-thon project, during Arizona Cancer Foundation for Children's Childhood Cancer Awareness month.  Rotarians will wrap presents for 30 adopted families on Saturday, September 21 from 9am to noon, at Northern Trust's Conference Room (14634 Scottsdale Road/#100).  
  
 

The Rotary Club of Scottsdale welcomed Kroy Ekblaw, Director of the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, as its keynote speaker at the Club's weekly luncheon meeting held at McCormick Ranch Golf Club.  When introducing Kroy, Rotarian Scott Miller, stated that Mr. Ekblaw is in charge of the Preserve under Scottsdale's City Council direction. The McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission (city council appointed commissioners on 3 year terms) provides oversight and makes recommendations to the city council on Preserve issues.

The Preserve's purpose is to protect and preserve the desert - to leave it in as pristine a state for current and future generations, in perpetuity, as a natural refuge from the rigors of urban life.  The Preserve, which has 220 miles of trails and 12 trail heads within its current 30,580 plus acres (goal is 34,000 acres), is located in NE Scottsdale and includes the McDowell Mountains and the native desert of the north of Dynamite Blvd from Pima Road to 136th Street.
 
Mr. Ekblaw provided an overview of the Preserve's history, which started in 1990.  In 1994, the original preserve boundary was established and the McDowell Sonoran Preserve Commission was created.  In May 1995, with Prop 400, voters approved a tax increase of .2% to buy desert lands for the Preserve.  The 1998 Charter Amendment to protect and preserve lands and to expand the Preserve boundary was approved. In 2004 another sales tax increase of .15% was voter approved for additional land uses and to fund improvements.  The passage of Proposition 420 in November 2018 meant that projects in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve must now be approved by voters at a general or special election before moving forward.
 
Mr. Ekblaw provided an overview of the parks improvements over the years and the addition of many access points to spread the park's usage.  Many citizen working groups are involved to implement the citizen-driven plans originated over 25-30 years ago - hikers, equestrians, mountain bikers, trail runners, stewards, commissioners and volunteers collaborate together.  The McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, with 600 plus volunteers, provides flora and fauna research at no cost to the city and educational hikes, lectures and trail walks for tour groups, also provides trail maintenance, vegetation care and re-vegetation at no cost to the city.
 
During Mr. Ekblaw's talk, he addressed various topics related to the Preserve, such as, native plant and soil crust salvaging and recycling; education amphitheaters; ADA accessible trails; Preserve's annual budget and cost figures; the Preserve's fit with other regional spaces; the Preserve's relationship to Experience Scottsdale tourism efforts; canine safety days; and, even snow accumulation within the Preserve.
 

 

 
 
The Rotary Club of Scottsdale was elated to recently welcome a special visitor - 2015-16 Rotary International (RI) Youth Exchange Student Julius Obdeijn from Maastricht in the Netherlands.  Julius was in Scottsdale during his summer break from attending the Maastricht University.  Julius hopes to complete his Masters Degree in Arizona and has a goal to become a lawyer. When an exchange student, Julius attended Scottsdale's Chaparral High School. Former Club member and Rotarian Sara Crosby-Hartman and her husband, Davis Hartman, were honored to host Julius during his return visit to Scottsdale and served as Julius's host parents during part of his academic year at Chaparral.
 

RI Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time. Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students ages 15-19 are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries.   Exchange students unlock their true potential to:  develop lifelong leadership skills; learn a new language and culture; build lasting friendships with young people from around the world; and, become a global citizen.   

 

The Rotary Club of Scottsdale welcomed Andy Price, CEO of Grand Canyon Council for Scouts as its keynote speaker at the Club's weekly luncheon meeting held at McCormick Ranch Golf Club.  When introducing Mr. Price, Rotarian Matthew Hill noted that Andy, a Scottsdale resident, joined the Grand Canyon Council team in 2019. An Eagle Scout, Andy has been involved in Scouting for more than 30 years as a youth and adult. Prior to his arrival in Arizona, Andy served in various scouting executive positions in Dallas, TX, Amarillo, TX,  as well as, within the Northeast Georgia Council and Chattahoochee Council.
 
Andy stated that currently 2.2 million girls and boys participate in scouting programs, of which 38,000 are participating in Grand Canyon Council's varied programs.  There are five different camp sites within the Grand Canyon Council that handle the various day camps in which scouts participate in activities and learn without having to acquire camping equipment or commit to overnight stays.  Additionally, the resident camp programs are overnight programs which allow scouts and their families the ability to fully embrace their camp experience by spending the night at camp and immersing themselves in everything scouting programs have to offer.   
 
During his talk, Andy addressed other scouting topics, such as: STEM Scouts (science, technology, engineering and mathematics); Grand Canyon Council's budget, operating losses, rebranding, new logo, staff reorganization, LDS and other faith community transitioning support, assessment of properties, culture change, strategic plan (looking to 2020 to grow scout numbers to 65,000), current issues, and operating principles.  
 
Andy closed his talk by sharing the benefits and pillars of scouting, which include character development, respect for self and others, sense of independence, leadership experience, values, education, and service to others.
 
John F. Rippinger, a spirited aviation enthusiast and acrobatic and formation pilot, known as "Ripper," recently was keynote speaker at a Rotary Club of Scottsdale luncheon meeting held at McCormick Ranch Golf Club.  Mr. Rippinger, who is a Scottsdale resident, is President and CVO of Scottsdale-based Rippinger Financial Group, Inc., a insurance and employee benefit firm he founded in 1984. 
 
During his introduction, Rotarian Gary Dorris stated that the Ripper has piloted his T-34 Mentor for 22 years with the Lima Lima Flight Team, which is the world's first six-aircraft civilian precision formation aerobatic team.  Lima Lima has performed in air shows from coast to coast and border to border, thrilling more than 100 million spectators with the beauty and the grace of their precision performances.  The Ripper has been flying for over 50 years both in fixed wing and balloons.   
 
The Ripper, participated with the TIGHAR (The International Group For Historic Aircraft Recovery) expedition team in the South Pacific to search for the lost plane of Amelia Earhart in 2017.  Ripper shared with the Rotarians and their guests insights into the search - noting that it's a mystery that's puzzled the world for more than 80 years: what happened to Amelia Earhart who along with her navigator, Fred Noonan, were on the second-to-last leg of their trip around the world when they disappeared on July 2, 1937 in the South Pacific?  
 
The Ripper shared several theories about what could have happened to Earhart and Noonan, including that their plane crashed somewhere over the ocean or that they were captured and taken prisoner by the Japanese. In 2017, that theory got a boost from a photo discovered in the National Archives that many thought showed Earhart and Noonan on a dock being taken prisoner.  In 2018, remains discovered on Nikumaroro Island in the South Pacific 80 years ago were forensically tested by researchers at the University of Tennessee, who concluded "they likely belonged to Earhart."   
 
The Ripper shared with the Rotarians his belief that the odds are at least 75% that Earhart landed on Nikumaroro Island and subsequently died there. He has been there looking for evidence and says the survival rate would have been extremely poor due to the tough jungle, deadly creatures, lack of food, and extremely deep waters (up to 15,000 feet deep right off shore).  The sand on the Island is actually hard enough to safely land a plane and the Island may have been their only hope to survive.
 
Additionally, the Ripper shared other theories - i.e. Earhart really did land the plane safely, but they died of natural causes on this remote uninhabited (at the time) island with no way to communicate with anyone.  He talked about National Geographic's diving down 15,000 feet with robots, etc. to search for the plane, which could easily have been swept out to sea due to very heavy winds.  National Geographic has scheduled a special TV program in October 2019 to go over their findings.
 
Sarah Porter, Director of John Kyl Center for Water Policy at The Morrison Institute, ASU, recently was keynote speaker at a Rotary Club of Scottsdale luncheon meeting held at McCormick Ranch Golf Club.  When introducing Porter, Rotarian Jerry Palmer stated that Porter is an attorney, with a Harvard University bachelor’s degree and juris doctor from Arizona State University (ranking third in her class). She clerked for federal appellate Judge William Canby and was a litigator for Brown & Bain; Coppersmith Gordon Schermer Owens & Nelson, PLC; and Osborn Maledon PA. She left her law career in 2006 for Audubon Arizona because she wanted to contribute to a collaborative effort to address Arizona’s natural resource challenges. She now dedicates that focus to the Kyl Center.
 
The Kyl Center, was named after retired U. S. Senator Jon Kyl in recognition of his statesmanship and continued leadership on water issues.  The Center was officially launched in 2014 after a $1 million gift from the Morrison family.  The Kyl Center is housed at Morrison Institute, which is part of the ASU College of Public Service and Community Solutions. 
 
Porter shared her broad understanding of both Arizona and regional water issues. Porter discussed the sources of Arizona's water, including the Colorado River, which serves 40 million people within six states and Mexico, as well as, 22 Native American tribes and 4.5 million agriculture acres. Other topics she covered were: water banking; The Sustainable Ground Water Management Act; 93-95% water reuse; Gila River restoration and reclamation projects; Roosevelt Dam's purpose; forest watersheds; water inflow variability and supply stability; Phoenix water demand (32% agriculture, 49% municipal, 8% industries and 11% tribal); and more. 
 
Porter stated that agriculture water demand is decreasing while population and economy show increases.  Home efficiencies are increasing thereby decreasing water usage (i.e. toilet retirements and green lawn removal). In closing, she talked about Arizona and California's water contingency planning; water shortage risks; volatility of Lake Mead; and, water costs and rights.    
 
 
The Rotary Club of Scottsdale is proud to announce that Rotarian and Club member Dale Gray has earned the prestigious Rotary International District 5495 2018-19 Humanitarian of the Year Award. This Distinguished Service Award is one of the District's highest service recognition awards and is given to one Rotarian annually who has demonstrated exemplary humanitarian service and volunteerism. RI District 5495 consists of 70 rotary clubs, 4 satellite clubs and 2,269 Rotarians.
 
Dale through a global network of volunteer leaders has dedicated his time and talent to tackle the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges.  Rotary International connects 1.2 million members from around the world.  Rotary work impacts lives at both the local and international levels. Dale serves as the Club's Rotary International Foundation chairperson. 
 
At a recent Rotary Club of Scottsdale luncheon meeting, Dale provided a June 2019 update of domestic and international projects and travels that he has been involved in while representing Rotary Club of Scottsdale:   
  • Rotary International global grant with $2,000 Rotary Club of Scottsdale (joint project with Navojoa Rotary Club) donation towards water filter projects that provided 1,200 people with clean water in Los Alamos Mexico. The filters provide 99.999% clean water with no moving parts, no power needed and it lasts 10 years.  Water testing equipment was acquired through a global grant.  Local Los Alamos water personnel were trained in water testing methodology.  The Los Alamos school where the filters were installed has children under the age of 10 that routinely are impacted by water borne diseases and the teachers and mothers requested more water filters for the school and homes.      
  • Rotary International global grant with $1,000 Rotary Club of Scottsdale (joint project with Rotary Club of Anthem) donation toward water distribution system in Sarayal a village located in central Nicaragua that will supply water to over 300 families.  
  • Rotary International global grant with $1,000 Rotary Club of Scottsdale (joint project with Phoenix Rotary 100) donation toward Tara Malek water project in Kenya.    
  • Through partnering with America Medical Response (AMR), an ambulance from Yuma Arizona was donated to Granados Sonora Mexico. The vehicle's keys have been accepted by Sonora Mexico's Governor Claudia Pavlovich and Guadalupe Amavizca, Mayor of Granados, Sonora, Mexico. The ambulance will be delivered soon by Rotary Club of Scottsdale Rotarians. The Club plans to continue the project with eventual delivery of 5 more ambulances.
  • A medical team with surgeons and medical staff from Mayo, HonorHealth, and Phoenix Childrens Hospitals along with Valley Anesthesia provided 25 free surgeries while sharing knowledge and training local surgeons in use of newly donated equipment valued at $150,000. This project was done in partnership with Project C.U.R.E., the Sonora Ministry of Health and several other Rotary Clubs to deliver over $800,000 in medical supplies to 6 hospitals in Sonora, Mexico.
Mr. Jerry Bien-Willner, Mayor of Paradise Valley, Arizona recently was keynote speaker at a Rotary Club of Scottsdale luncheon meeting held at McCormick Ranch Golf Club.  When introducing the Mayor, Rotarian Rachel Sacco stated that the Mayor Jerry is serving as the 18th Mayor of the Town of Paradise Valley; is the town's 3rd directly-elected Mayor; and, is serving his 2nd term as a member of the Town Council and his 1st term as Mayor. 
 
Mayor Jerry is a native Arizonian and attended Scottsdale public schools through high school.  Mayor Jerry graduated with honors from Claremont McKenna College.  He earned his law degree from University of Arizona.  Mayor Jerry practiced law full-time with a preeminent national litigation firm taking a leading role in many high-stakes cases of national significance.  Mayor Jerry and his wife moved to Paradise Valley from New York City so they could raise their family here.  Currently, he is active in the business community as an investor and entrepreneur and maintains a law practice with a national firm with offices in Phoenix.
 
As a Mayor and as a member of the Paradise Valley Town Council and Planning Commission, Jerry has supported Paradise Valley’s unique residential character. He also has been a key voice on important issues such as public safety, fiscal responsibility, resort and residential development, and governmental transparency and accountability.
 
During his talk, Mayor Jerry addressed various topics, such as: Paradise Valley's founding in 1961; Paradise Valley's residential and resort community life styles; Paradise Valley's revenue sources - resort bed sales tax, construction sales tax and state shared revenues; Paradise Valley's police and community policing; citizen volunteer groups; technology usage, such as, photo radar; tourism industry; Town of Paradise Valley's Public Safety Foundation, Inc. which was established to help support the town's safety effort; and more. 
 
Mayor Jerry addressed Rotarian questions about new construction projects in Paradise Valley and traffic issues.  In closing, Mayor Jerry stated he looks forward to completion of a town sponsored traffic study and further advanced technology implementations that will address various village needs.
 
During the meeting, Tom Winkelman, sponsored by Rotarian Dr. Len Kawecki, was welcomed as the Rotary Club's newest member. 
 
Click here to see Scottsdale Independent Press Release 
 

 

Click here to see Scottsdale Independent Press Release 
 
Rotary Club of Scottsdale members and guests were inspired by representatives of Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona (BIAAZ) at a recent luncheon meeting held at McCormick Ranch Golf Club.  Rotarian Alex Cimochowski introduced Carrie Collins-Fadell who serves as Executive Director of BIAAZ.  Ms Collins-Fadell and her team work to ensure the efforts of all professionals who work with survivors of brain injury are successful when the patients finish rehabilitation or medical treatment and begin to live the rest of their lives.
 
As part of Ms. Collins-Fadell's talk, she introduced Jim Ledgewood who shared his personal story.  Mr Ledgewood completed his bachelor's degree in architecture, moved to Arizona to pursue his first job, settle down and purchase a home.  His dream was shattered when he was struck by a random bullet.  He told the Rotarians how he worked diligently to rebuild his life.  Blind and deaf on his left side, he continued to struggle with the remnants of a traumatic brain injury. It took seven years before Mr. Ledgewood finally received the appropriate diagnosis from a neuropsychologist and began rebuilding his life with help from BIAAZ.  Now  Mr. Ledgewood is involved in public advocacy, speaking on behalf of victims of crime and involved with a support group that helps him and others along their lifetime journey of recovery.
 
In closing, Ms. Collins-Fadell shared information and answered questions about the 35-year old organization's mission, the traumatic and non-traumatic causes of brain injuries, the organization's storytelling mask art projects, as well as, how her organization supports, educates, advocates and prevents brain injuries.   
 
The Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona website is BIAAZ.org or anyone can call the info line 602-508-8024. 
 
For more information about the Rotary Club of Scottsdale - see www.scottsdalerotary.org or call 480-945-6158.
 

 

Rotary Club of Scottsdale has announced that Don Loose will serve as 2019-20 Club President.  Don Loose founded Loose Law Group, P.C. (formerly Loose, Brown & Hobkirk, P.C.) in 1982 and practices in the areas of business law, trial practice, and estate planning; and authored two books, “Arizona Laws 101: A Handbook for Non-Lawyers” and “Estate Planning in Arizona: What you Need to Know.”  
 
The Rotary Club of Scottsdale, founded in 1954 is a charitable organization with members dedicated to serving their community and fostering fellowship among Scottsdale's professional community.  The celebrated Club has a prestigious member roster, a vibrant calendar of guest speakers and strong participation in service projects both in Valley and across the world.  The Rotary Club of Scottsdale is carrying forward the traditions and values that were first founded by Rotary International over 114 years ago. 
 
The 2019-20 Rotary Club of Scottsdale Board officers include: Don Loose, President; Christopher West,  President Elect;  John Campbell, Vice President; Richard Signeski, Secretary; and Dale Gray, Treasurer.  The Club's 2019-20 board of directors include: Dave Pastor, Barry Kaplan, Gary Chontos, Ann Lyter, Larry Krueger and Joe Cusack.  Kent Hammond, will serve as the Club's Foundation Board President.
 

Astronaut's Gift to Rotary Club of Scottsdale Presented to Club President

Navy Captain Ronald Evans, NASA astronaut, made his first and only flight into space as Command Module Pilot aboard Apollo 17 in 1972, the last manned mission to the Moon with Commander Eugene Cerman and Lunar Module Pilot Harrison Schmitt.   Evans holds the record of most time spent in lunar orbit and the last person to orbit the moon alone.   In April 1976, Evans retired from the U.S. Navy as Captain and retired from NASA in March 1977.  After moving to Scottsdale, Evans joined the Rotary Club of Scottsdale in 1986.

While a Rotarian, Evans presented the Club with his bolo tie he had taken into space and orbited the moon while on Apollo 17 mission.  The bolo tie has been passed to various Rotary Club of Scottsdale presidents until it reached Club President Bob Jackson.  Jackson passed it on to Max Rumbaugh during his 2015-16 Club President term.  Jackson, Rumbaugh and Rotarian Ken Brown collaborated to have the bolo tie mounted for display.  The bolo tie is an invaluable gift to the Club.  The intent is for each Club President to receive it and display it in his/her work area or office; and, then pass it along to the next Club President. Mary Blank, was honored to receive the historical memorabilia and looks forward to displaying it through her term as Club President.  For more information about Rotary Club of Scottsdale - see www.scottsdalerotary.org  

Rotarians Ken Brown, Bob Jackson and Max Rumbaugh presented former NASA Astronaut Ronald Evan's Bolo tie to Club President, Mary Blank

Rotarians Asking Golfers to Join in Golfing for Scholarships on October 17th
 
The Rotary Club of Scottsdale's Golf Committee is again preparing for the Club's major educational scholarship fundraiser  - The Annual Ed Adler Memorial Golf Tournament.  This year's event will be held October 17, 2016 at Scottsdale's McCormick Ranch Golf Club.  Join Rotarians for an exciting day of lunch, dinner, tournament golf with prizes, putting contest, silent auction, raffles and the event's sports celebrity speaker. The event starts at noon with 12:30pm golfing shotgun start at McCormick Ranch Golf Club.  Guests and non-golfers are invited to join the golfers at the 6pm dinner. See www.scottsdalerotary.org for entry forms, fee information and sponsorship opportunities.  
 
Ken Brown, Chair of the event, states: "The Golf Committee started planning the fundraiser event immediately after its October 2015 event. Since its inception, all proceeds from the event are directed towards the Club's Foundation in which every cent earned at the golf outing is awarded in scholarships to local graduating high school students. In June of 2016, close to $80,000 in scholarships were awarded to deserving students.  All golfers attending the 2016 Tournament will have an incredible day - the Club looks forward to the community's support.  Corporate teams are welcomed."
 
Golf Tournament Chair, Ken Brown, getting ready to kickoff 2015 Golf Tournament
 
Rotarian Carroll Huntress. in tight competition during the 2015 putting contest
 
Golf Tournament Chair, Ken Brown, preparing for 2016 Rotary Golf Tournament
 
Rotarian Dave Pastor, ready to tee-off at 2015 Golf Tournament
Rotarians Learn About Local Real Estate's Recovery
 
Rotarian Scott Miller introduced Mark Stapp to Rotary Club of Scottsdale members and guests at the Club's luncheon meeting held at Scottsdale's McCormick.  Stapp is Executive Director of the Master of Real Estate Development Program and Fred E. Taylor Professor in Real Estate at W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. In Stapp's talk about "something happened on the way to recovery," he described how millennials will drive the future of Phoenix housing market. Millennials would be buying homes if they could,” he said. “With low wages and school debt, they are pushing those types of decisions to later in life.”
 
Stepp talked about housing-market trends, real estate demographics and the impact of iphone applications on the psychographic actions within the real estate market.  Per Stapp, the emerging popularity of apartment living is part of a significant shift in lifestyle among Millennials and Baby Boomers alike. These are populations who want to socialize as it's harder to socialize when one lives in very low-density, suburban environments.
 
For more information about Rotary Club of Scottsdale's programs, membership and projects - see www.scottsdalerotary.org
 
Rotarian Scott Miller introducing Mark Stapp to Rotary meeting attendees
 
Stapp post-talk - answering questions
 
Stapp making about point about area's real estate recovery
 
Rotary Club Learns About Bridging Mexico's and Arizona's Cultures
 
At a meeting held at Scottsdale McCormick's Lakeside Ballroom, Rotarian John Thornton, introduced to Rotary Club of Scottsdale members and guests, Marcos Garay, Executive Director of Arizona-Mexico Commission.  In his statement when appointing Garay, Governor Doug Ducey noted: “Strengthening Arizona’s relationship with our largest trade partner, Mexico, is an important priority for my administration; with his extensive experience and expertise, Marcos will help us take Arizona’s relationship with Mexico to new levels.”
 
Garay's role at AMC is to connect Mexico to Arizona businesses.  Garay talked about the many ways businesses can take advantage of opportunities across the border and shared what makes Mexico such an attractive market - its proximity to Arizona; Mexico is predicted to be the 7th largest economy by 2050; stability of Mexico's currency; Mexico's GDP growth; Mexico's business economy already surpasses $1.3 trillion; Mexico has a huge consumer base of 118 million people with a median age of 27; Mexico's growing middle class and affluent upper class with money to invest;  Mexico's young and increasingly skilled workforce; and, Mexico's rapid truck and near shoring opportunities.
 
Garay encouraged Rotarians to participate in Mexico/US humanitarian international projects.  The Rotary Club is already supporting and has plans to complete several water-related, educational and entrepreneurial joint Mexico/US Rotary International projects. 
 
At the meeting, the Club welcomed its newest member, Barry Kaplan. For more information about the Club - see www.scottsdalerotary.org.
 
Marcos Garay (AMC Executive Director), Mary Blank (Club President) and John Thornton (Past Club President) greeting Rotarians and their guests.
 
Barry Kaplan with Past Club President, Jeanette Griswold, accepting his Rotarian new member packet.
 
Scottsdale Rotary Welcomes Youth Exchange Student Home
 
Rotary Club of Scottsdale welcomed home Rotary International Youth Exchange (RYE) student Cooper Newnam.  Cooper studied abroad in Netherlands during the 2015-2016 school year.  Rotary Youth Exchange was an opportunity of a lifetime for Cooper.  He joined more than 8,000 students who participated in the program last year. By sharing his own culture and embracing a new one, Cooper helped to foster global understanding, learned a great deal about himself and the country of Netherlands in the process. Cooper, who graduated in 2015 from Scottsdale's Chaparral High School, seized the opportunities to travel overseas to an exciting new country, to go to school and make friends, to learn a new language (Dutch) and to meet fellow exchange students from around the world. Cooper, while in the RYE program, did get the chance to travel to many of the big cities of Europe.  Being a Rotary exchange student truly changed Cooper's life. The Club extends deep gratitude to Cooper's parents, Gregory and Luetta Newnam. for sharing their son within the wide world of Rotary Youth Exchange. 
 
Cooper shared with the Rotarians and guests, the significance of his Rotary Blazer. The Rotary Club of Scottsdale gave Cooper his blazer to show himself off as an exchange student. The Rotary Blazer is a type of ‘uniform’ for formal occasions and RYE student speaking engagements.    Cooper kept up the Rotary tradition to adorn his blazer with pins and patches he traded with other RYE students or picked up in places he visited as evidence of his RYE experiences.  
 
Cooper along with Rotarians and their guests attended a luncheon held at the Lakeside Ballroom of Scottsdale's McCormick.  The luncheon speaker was Rotarian, City of Scottsdale Councilperson, Virginia Korte.  Korte updated attendees on status of City of Scottsdale's City Manager replacement,  the City's annual budget, downtown Scottsdale's vibrancy, tourism and other projects going on within the City of Scottsdale.  For more information about Rotary Club of Scottsdale's programs, membership and projects see www.scottsdalerotary.org
 
Cooper Newnam, Scottsdale Rotary's RYE student explaining significance of his blazer
 
Cooper Newnam, Scottsdale Rotary RYE student with Club President Mary Blank
 
Rotarian, Virginia Korte, providing Rotarians and guests with a City of Scottsdale update
 
Rotary Club Saddened by Loss of Fellow Rotarian COL Park Shaw
 
Rotary Club of Scottsdale members spend part of its recent luncheon gathering remembering WWII Veteran COL Park Shaw, who passed away July 29, 2016. Members and guests shared deep sadness and heavy hearts while remembering their dear friend and fellow Rotarian.  Col Park Shaw, was an active Rotarian with perfect attendance for the past 42 years.  COL Shaw served as 1984-85 Rotary Club of Scottsdale Club President. The Club placed on its website's homepage (www.scottsdalerotary.org) a link to its "We Salute You - Col Park" photo album/slideshow.    
 
In 2006, COL Shaw was inducted into the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame - this award was presented by Governor Napolitano.  Col Shaw was inducted into the Infantry Officer Candidate School Hall of Fame in 1991 (an honor bestowed upon only 1% of it’s graduates). Colonel Shaw graduated from Kentucky Military Institute in 1942, the summer after Pearl Harbor, and immediately enlisted in the Army. At 19 years old, he was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant, infantry, at Ft. Benning, Georgia. He served extensively in the Southwest Pacific during World War II and participated in the initial assault wave on Luzon, Philippines, in 1945 and in the initial occupation of Hokkaido, Japan. Following the war, Colonel Shaw served as member of the General Staff at the 6th Army Headquarters at the Presidio in San Francisco.
 
Additionally, at the meeting held at Scottsdale's McCormick Lakeside Ballroom, members and guests learned about Four Peaks Brewing Company from one of its founders, Jim Scussel. Scussel talked about his 20 years spent in the craft brewing industry.  Four Peaks is the 49th largest craft brewer in the US with over 80.000 barrels produced annually.  Scussel stated that food, beer quality, ambiance and service have been the key aspects of Four Peak's growth. The Tempe, Arizona-based craft brewery was recently purchased by Anheuser-Busch.  As part of this sale, Four Peaks expects to complete its plan to be a fully national craft brewer by 2019.  
 
For more information about Rotary Club of Scottsdale's meetings, programs and membership see www.scottsdalerotary.org. 
 
 
Col Park Shaw seated at his last Rotary Club meeting on June 27, 2016
 
Jim Scussel, updating Club members and guests about Four Peaks Brewing Company
COGS Updates Rotary Club of Scottsdale about City Land Use  
 
Rotarian Christopher West introduced Sonnie Kirtley, Board of Directors Chair of Coalition of Greater Scottsdale (COGS) to Rotary Club of Scottsdale members and guests.  The meeting was held at Scottsdale McCormick's Lakeside Ballroom.  Ms Kirley talked about COGS's mission: Consistent land use planning and protecting quality of life within City of Scottsdale.   Per COGS statements, Scottsdale citizens deserve the respect of city planners and investment developers. Development should be fully open and accountable to the citizens. Citizens expect preservation of a predictable quality of life not compromised by changes to land use designations or design standards that are inappropriate with, or incompatible to, surrounding areas. 
COGS encourages zoning attorneys and project representatives to conference with the COGS at pre-application stage.  Ms Kirley discussed examples of poor plans by builders, such as, putting misfits like tall buildings in mainly residential areas. Per each example, COGS researched the plans, took photos, etc. and then presented the case to the City of Scottsdale's Planning Commission and City Counsel.   
For more information about Rotary Club of Scottsdale's programs, meetings and projects - see www.scottsdalerotary.org
 
Rotary Club President, Mary Blank, Sonnie Kirley COGS's Board Chair and Rotarian and Program Chair, Christopher West, greeting members at  Club's luncheon meeting.
Rotary Club of Scottsdale Supports City Parks
 
Rotary Club of Scottsdale manages two parks for the City of Scottsdale - Rotary Park (7959 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, AZ) and Papago Rotary Park (7316 E. Garfield Street, Scottsdale, AZ) .  The Club's Community Service Project team, led by Rotarian Kevin Bollinger, met with City of Scottsdale Facilities Supervisor to design and plan Papago Rotary Park's revitalization.  The following was recently completed:  Post/Chains along the street - City of Scottsdale staff cut the posts down and capped them; Picnic table - The old concrete table was removed and replaced by the City; Playground - The City replaced the playground. Shelter - The City constructed a shelter covering; Perimeter Fence - The City rebuilt the fence using plastic slats; and, The Rotary Club purchased and the City installed a Rotary bike rack. The vast majority of the Papago Rotary Park renovation project was funded through City of Scottsdale Parks and Recreation budget.  Since September 2015, the Club, via its Foundation, donated close to $2,800 towards park renovation projects.  Part of the funding, included a $1,000 matching 2015-16 grant from Rotary International District 5510.  The Club members appreciate the investment the City of Scottsdale has made to completely revitalize Papago Rotary Park.
 
Rotary Club of Scottsdale members believe that biking is a great form of transportation and a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle.  To support local bikers, the Rotarians, for the past two years have donated and installed new bike racks for residents and visitors to use at Scottsdale's Papago and Scottsdale Rotary Parks. The stylish blue bike rack with Rotary International's Rotary wheel logo, is an eye-catching, functional piece of street art.  It welcomes people on bikes and provides them a secure, convenient place to park.  The Rotary Club of Scottsdale uses the Scottsdale Rotary Park for outdoor socials held in April and September annually.  Rotary High School Interact Clubs use the parks for community service projects and socials.  The Rotarians sponsor Barker Keystone, Chaparral, Scottsdale Preparatory and Coronado High School Interact Clubs - as well as, Scottsdale's Sister Cities Youth Committee. 
 
For more information about Rotary Club of Scottsdale - see www.scottsdalerotary.org.
 
Papago Rotary Park Renovations - Play area and Bike Rack
 
 
 
 
Rotary Club Attendees are Motivated to "Build a Better Self."  
 
Rotarian Dr. Art DeCabooter introduced Coach John Avianantos to Rotary Club of Scottsdale Rotarians and guests at a luncheon meeting held at Scottsdale McCormick's Lakeside Ballroom.  A full time faculty member since 1966, John has served as Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at both Phoenix College and Scottsdale Community College. In his 10 years as Head Football Coach at SCC, he never had a losing season. His teams won four conference championships and played in two bowl games. John was voted the Coach of the Year in the Arizona Community College Athletic Conference four times and selected as Coach of the Year by the Arizona Republic once. John has gained popularity in the speaking business (over 1,500 presentations) because of his inspirational, entertaining, and compelling programs.
 
Coach John Avianantos annually speaks to all the Club's Youth Salute nominated high school students and their parents and guests.  John's talk is always fun, fast paced and loaded with cutting edge concepts that the students could apply immediately to make a lasting effect his/her self image and confidence.  The Rotary Club appreciates John's support of the Club's youth programs and welcomed the opportunity to experience the coach's remarks about motivation and development of a great attitude for wellness and "building a better you."  Using his personal experiences, John presented inspiring original stories with powerful messages that conveyed to the audience that each person has the control to affect his/her outcomes in a positive way. The audience left the program with renewed confidence, new found enthusiasm, and a belief that they control their own destiny and personal capacities. 
 
At the meeting, Club President, Mary Blank, acknowledged Rotarian Warren Searles, for his 45 years of membership within the Club.  Warren's father R. D. Searles served as 1955-56 Club President and was a Charter Club Member.  To learn more about Rotary Club of Scottsdale meetings, membership and programs - see www.scottsdalerotary.org.  
 
Coach John Avianantos sharing insights to becoming a better you.
 
Warren Searles, celebrating 45 years of Rotary Club of Scottsdale membership.
 
Rotarians Gary Dorris, Mary Blank, Dr Jan Gehler and Dr. Art DeCabooter with John Avianantos, keynote speaker, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
 
Rotarians Get Arizona State Lottery Update from its New Executive Director
 
Rotarian Christopher West, introduced Gregory R. Edgar, Executive Director of the Arizona State Lottery, to Rotary Club of Scottsdale members and guests at a luncheon meeting held at Scottsdale McCormick Lakeside Ballroom. Prior to his appointment by Governor Ducey to the Arizona Lottery, Edgar's professional background included being owner/founder of Edgar Strategic Communications - a consultancy that focused on delivering effective communications strategy and positive media positioning.  As COO, Senior Communications Strategist and Senior Event Producer at Gordon C. James Public Relations, Edgar spent 20 years directing client communication campaigns; collaborating to develop relevant media pitches; producing client events; and, creating grassroots issue campaigns.  Edgar contributed his talents to clients including The American Islamic Forum for Democracy; American Solutions; Arizona Public Service; A.T. Still University; Carl’s Jr.-Arizona; The Coalition Provisional Authority; Intel; the Pat Tillman Foundation; Masterfoods USA (M&M/Mars); the Presidential Inaugural Committee; the Republican National Committee; The U.S. Department of State; The White House and many more.
 
Edgar told the audience that over the past 35 years a lot of Arizona Lottery money has gone to the winners, to lottery retailers, and to state programs. Edgar shared information about the use of lottery ticket sales proceeds.  Nearly $3.4 million per week funds a variety of State of Arizona programs - education, human health and services, environment and economic/business development.  A few of the State of Arizona programs impacted are:  health programs, including teen-pregnancy prevention; disease prevention; women, infants and children food program; public transportation; Arizona Game and Fish Commission Heritage Fund; Arizona Competes job-training fund; court advocate program for abused and neglected children; homeless and foster care services within Department of Economic Security; and gambling-addiction programs.
 
For more information about Rotary Club of Scottsdale upcoming speakers, projects and membership - see www.scottsdalerotary.org. The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.  The Rotary Foundation helps fund humanitarian activities, from local service projects to global initiatives.  The Rotary Club of Scottsdale Foundation supports: local youth through scholarships; local parks through community service projects; water, micro-credit and entrepreneurial via the Club's international projects; and, much more.
 
Rotarian Christopher West introduced Arizona State Lottery Executive Director, Gregory Edgar to Rotarians and guests.
 
Gregory Edgar answered questions about the Arizona Lottery.
ADOT Spokesman Responds to Rotarian Questions About Arizona Highway Projects
 
Rotarian Jim Bruner, introduced Doug Nintzel, Spokeman and Public Information Officer of the AZ Department of Transportation (ADOT), to Rotarians and their guests at recent Rotary Club of Scottsdale luncheon meeting held at the McCormick Scottsdale Lakeside Ballroom.  Nintzel has held his position at ADOT since 1996 after being a reporter and newscaster for KTAR for 13 years.  Attendees could sense that Nintzel enjoys communicating directly with the citizens and providing a realistic view and response to questions about ADOT projects.    
 
Arizona has more than 6,800 miles of state highways, including more than 200 miles of urban freeways in the Valley of the Sun with continual and incredible growth within Phoenix area. After giving an update of metro-Phoenix highway projects, Nintzel reminded the attendees of the importance to be prepared for emergencies especially during summer heat and Northern Arizona's winter cold.  Along with the usual car trouble calls, the rising temperatures will bring in waves of stranded drivers with cars that are not well equipped to handle the heat. If you do experience car failure, you may be on the side of the road for some time. Make sure you have a water supply that you keep well-stocked in your car. It's also recommended that you keep a first-aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, non-perishable food, boots & outerwear, an extra phone charger and a whistle.
 
Max Rumbaugh, introduced to the attendees several new Corporate-level Rotarian club members from Arizona Trust & Bank and Jackson/Roskelley Wealth Advisors, Inc.  Max congratulated four Rotarians for their perfect Rotary meeting attendance: Retired US Army Col Park Shaw - 41 years, David Arriola -20 yrs, Jason Brock - 16  yrs, and Lance Davidson – 5 yrs.  Rotarian, John Burgess was acknowledged for completing new member assignments to earn his "Blue" Rotary ID badge.  For information about Rotary Club of Scottsdale programs, projects and membership - see www.scottsdalerotary.org
 
Doug Nintzel, ADOT Public Information Officer answering questions about Arizona highway projects
 
L-R: Steven Mountjoy, Debra Brough, Megan Angner, Kristin Sendek and Brett Angner (with Club President Max Rumbaugh at podium) - welcomed as new Corporate-level Rotarians.
AZ Board of Regents President Addresses Rotary Club
 
At a meeting held at Scottsdale McCormick Lakeside Ballroom, Rotarian Jim Bruner introduced, to the Rotary Club of Scottsdale, Eileen Klein, President of Arizona Board of Regents.  Klein provided Rotarians and their guests with an update of her work to help the state universities become forces for Arizona's overall improvement.  Klein oversees the $4 billion Arizona public university system and works with university presidents to achieve ambitious goals that address degree production, research activity, instruction delivery and financing of the university system.   
 
Klein spoke about how she along with university presidents examine issues that affect our universities and our state.  Much time is spent on in depth review of topics to educate the public and policy makers on pivotal education issues, while celebrating Arizona public universities' contributions, including student success, research, innovation, technology transfer and more.   Eileen Klein’s vision for her tenure at the helm of the Arizona Board of Regents centers on pushing the Board’s function beyond what it is best known for – setting university tuition rates – into making the university system a driver for improving the state’s economy.
 
Eileen Klein, AZ Board of Regents President, highlighting financing issues of state's university system
 
Eileen Klein, AZ Board of Regents President, with Rotarians Max Rumbaugh and Jim Bruner
 
Eileen Klein
 
Rotary Club of Scottsdale Receives Top Award at Rotary Conference of Clubs
 
Rotary Club of Scottsdale, Club President, Max Rumbaugh, was honored to accept for the Club, Rotary International's  2015-16 Gold Club Achievement Award. The award was presented by Rotary's District Governor Sherry Mischel, at Rotary International's 2015-16 District 5510 Conference of Clubs, held at Scottsdale's Chaparral Suites.  To earn the award, the Club met and/or exceeded Rotary International's expected participation within categories of membership, Rotary International Foundation support, leadership, assembly/conference attendance, community service, public relations and youth service.    
 
Several Club members were acknowledged as 2015-16 leaders/volunteers within Rotary International District 5510 - John Thornton, served as an Assistant Governor, Dr. Honora Norton, served as Peace Scholar Chair and Max Rumbaugh and Charles Kester assisted with membership growth.  Mary Blank, incoming 2016-17 Club President was inaugurated by 2016-17 Rotary District Governor Tonya Watson. Additionally, Club member/Rotarian Roger Rohr, presented to conference attendees an overview of the Club's international water project being implemented in Mexico and other countries.
 
The keynote speaker, from Evergreen Colorado, at the Conference was Gregg Podd, VP of Rotary International.  Gregg serves with 19 other Board of Director members who represent 1.2 million members within 36,000 clubs from more than 200 countries and geographical areas. Rotarians contribute their time, energy and passion to sustainable, long-term projects in local communities across the globe. Projects focus on important issues like peace and conflict resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy and economic and community development.  Among the many topics Gregg addressed, he spoke about the future needs of Rotary International and its Clubs - to be proactive, to set demanding goals, to develop productive partnerships and relationships and to grow Rotary's spirit through member positive attitudes and actions.  
 
 
Club President, Max Rumbaugh receives Rotary's Gold Achievement Award from District Governor, Sherry Mischel
 
Rotarian, Roger Rohr provided attendees with overview of club's international water project.
 
Incoming Club President, Mary Blank accepting the 2016-17 Rotary theme banner - Rotary Serving Humanity from District Governor, Tonya Watson
 
Rotary International VP, Gregg Podd and wife, Pam, acknowledging Rotarian Dr. Honora Norton for her support of Rotary's International Peace Scholar program.
 
Cindy McCain Talks to Rotary Club About Sex Trafficking
 
Mary Blank, Rotary Club of Scottsdale Club President-elect, introduced Cindy Hensley McCain to over 100 Rotarians and guests at a luncheon meeting held in the Lakeside Ballroom of The McCormick Scottsdale.  Cindy serves as co-chair of the Arizona Governor's Council on human trafficking and on the McCain Institute’s Human Trafficking Advisory Council. She is dedicated to efforts to reduce human trafficking in Arizona, throughout the United States and around the world, as well as, she works to improve the lives of victims of human trafficking. Through the ASU - McCain Institute for International Leadership, which she and her husband Senator John McCain founded,  several partnerships have been formed with anti-trafficking organizations working on solving various aspects of the problem. Cindy's focus is on the women and children enslaved in the commercial sex industry here in the United States, especially in her home state of Arizona. "Kids are being systematically moved around the country for purposes of sex," she explained.  
 
Cindy has been working on humanitarian issues for a long time. She had an experience in a shop in Calcutta, India, some years back. She saw human trafficking, but at the time didn't realize what it was. When shopping in Bangladesh, she heard a rumbling coming from below the floor. She asked about what she saw and the shop owner said, "It's just my family living down there."  She looked through the floor slats and saw dozens and dozens of sets of little girl eyes. She did not know that trafficking was predominantly little girls at the time. She walked away afraid to do anything. And so ever since then, she has been working on this issue and trying to combat it, and making sure that people understand what it is and not make the same mistake she did.
To find out more about Rotary Club membership, project and upcoming programs, such as, May 30 - Eileen Klein, President Arizona Board of Regents, June 6 Doug Nintzel, ADOT spokesperson and June 20th Gregory Edgar, Director Arizona Lottery - see www.scottsdalerotary.org.
 
Photos: Cindy McCain addressing Club members and guests and/or answering questions.
Rotary Club of Scottsdale Recognizes Local Youth
 
Rotary Club of Scottsdale held its annual Youth Recognition Day to honor students, parents, and advisors.  The luncheon was held at the Scottsdale McCormick Lakeside Ballroom.  During 2015-16, the Club awarded close to $75,000 from the Club's Foundation in scholarships, national leadership councils, and leadership academies and allocation of funds to support its youth exchange program. The following student awardees were acknowledged:

  • Youth Salute: Jaywon Kim (Scottsdale Preparatory Academy), Nicolas Basch (Desert Mountain High School), Emily Wood (Xavier College Preparatory), Alexis Scott (Desert Mountain High School), and alternate Alexandria Murray (Xavier College Preparatory). Youth Salute recognizes outstanding high school juniors and involves them in seminars and workshops specifically designed to further develop their already formidable leadership skills.

  • Scholarships:  Bob & Louise McCall - Visual Arts: Adam Montoya (Desert Mountain High School); Norval O. Tyler - Science & Technology: Daisy Barrera (Coronado High School), Alonz Hollis (Coronado High School); President's Award - Vocational Trade: Lawrence Lessig (Arcadia High School); Athletics: Megan Reniewicki (Arcadia High School), Lily Sandblom (Desert Mountain High School); Business:  Alec Faubion (Desert Mountain High School),  Elizabeth Munoz (Coronado High School); Performing Art: Renee Rule (Desert Mountain High School), Jeremy Yampolsky (Desert Mountain High School); Science & Technology: Morgan Freed (Desert Mountain High School) and Colin Lewin (Desert Mountain High School); Vocational Trade: Lauren Anderson (Desert Mountain High School), Anju Bhujel (Arcadia High School). Through the Club's Foundation, it awards annual scholarships to outstanding graduating seniors attending Scottsdale Unified School District high schools. Scholarships will be paid directly to the institution on the winner's behalf.  

  • Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RLYA): Julius Objeijn (Chaparral High School), Leah Randolff (Arcadia High School), Alexandra DeWeese (Pinnacle Peak High School), Ashley Norman (Desert Mountain High School), Nataly Cano (Coronado High School), Alma Atassi (Veritas High School), Rachel Zoneraich (Scottsdale Preparatory Academy), Nadia Sawaf (Veritas High School).  Guided by Rotary's Youth Services philosophy regarding youth, the RYLA Camp is structured to challenge the students to discuss problems confronting today's youth and to give participating adults the opportunity to listen to their suggestions and devise methods and activities for resolving their concerns.

The Rotary Club of Scottsdale sponsors the Barker Keystone Interact Club (Beethoven Felix - Teen Development Specialist); Chaparral High School Interact Club (Keri Board - Guidance Counselor); Coronado High School (Steven Conrady - teacher); Scottsdale Preparatory Academy Interact Club (Diane Sterner - College Counselor).  Rotary Interact Clubs give students ages 12-18 the chance to make a real difference while having fun. Every Rotary Interact Club carries out many service projects a year to help their school or community and/or promote international understanding.
 
The Rotary Club of Scottsdale sponsors Rotary Youth Exchange Students each year: two in-bound (2015-16 Julius/Netherlands and Leah/Germany; 2016-17 Gijs/Netherlands and Pei-Lin/Taiwan) and out-bound students (2015-16 Annie/Belgium and Cooper/Netherlands; 2016-17 Alexandra/Netherlands and Ashley/Taiwan). Youth Exchange is a study-abroad opportunity for young people who spend a full school year as an international student hosted by local Rotary clubs.  Additionally, the Rotary Club of Scottsdale offers adult vocational scholarships via The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona.  Two vocational scholarships totaling $4,750 were awarded to two adults to attend East Valley Medical College to pursue lab tech studies.  
 
Upcoming Rotary Club of Scottsdale luncheon meeting speakers include: on May 16, Cindy McCain and on May 23, Eileen Klein, President of the Arizona Board of Regents.  
 
Photo:  Youth Salute students (Alexis Scott, Nicolas Basch and Jaywon Kim) being introduced by Rotarians Mike Savastio and Wendy Wentz (Club's Youth Services Director)
 
Photo:  Steve Gallager, Max and Wendy (Youth Services Director)
Rotarians Enjoy Day at Park
 
Members and guests of the Rotary Club of Scottsdale enjoyed a Rotary Day at the Park.  Member, Carroll Huntress, Rotarian and owner of Scottsdale's Sugar Bowl, provided all the food, while Rotarian  Ken Brown and friend of Club, Rob Adler barbequed brats. At the event, a tree donated by Rotarian Gary Dorris was planted at the park in honor of his grandson, Brady.   Planting a tree is a long-lasting opportunity to honor someone and improve the quality and beauty of a Scottsdale City Park.  Scottsdale Rotary Park is an eight acre oasis in the heart of Gainey Ranch. The park was built by members of the Rotary Club of Scottsdale and then donated to the City of Scottsdale. The park features lighted walking paths, a children's playground, rotary-themed bike rack, a greenbelt, picnic ramadas, barbeque grills, a restroom facility and the world's first plaza designed in the shape of the Rotary symbol.  Rotary Plaza is located at 7959 E. Doubletree Ranch Road, Scottsdale, AZ.  This is approximately one mile south of Shea Blvd. and one mile east of Scottsdale Road, on the north side of Doubletree Ranch Road at Gainey Ranch Road. 
 
Rotarians and their guests met Fire Chief Tom Shannon and Shift 610A crew at the Park.  Everyone had to the opportunity to view two fully equipped City of Scottsdale fire trucks and emergency equipment used on those trucks.   Scottsdale Fire Department is a core member of the Phoenix Regional Dispatch and Deployment system commonly known as automatic aid.  This system ensures that the closest available appropriate resource responds to calls for service regardless of municipal jurisdiction and that an orderly and reliable incident command system is utilized.
 
Upcoming Rotary Club of Scottsdale luncheon meeting speakers include: on May 16, Cindy McCain Wife of Senator John McCain, Blue Star Mom, Business Owner and Humanitarian and on May 23, Eileen Klein, President of the Arizona Board of Regents. 
  
Picture: Dorris family at Scottsdale Rotary Park tree planting
 
Picture: Rotarians viewing Scottsdale Fire Department trucks and equipment
Rotarians Receive HonorHealth Research Institute Update
 
Rotary Club of Scottsdale Rotarians and guests welcomed Dr. Mark Slater.  Dr Slater, the Vice President of Research at HonorHealth, shared with Rotarians and their guests how the HonoraHealth Research Institute accelerates precision-medicine therapies for cancer and cardiovascular disease through early-phase clinical research.  Dr. Slater has previously served on the medical-school faculty at the University of California, San Diego; has held leadership positions at Sharp HealthCare and the Veterans Administration Medical Center in San Diego; and has developed medical research data and consulting businesses.  The essence of medical research at HonorHealth Research Institute is this: Innovative treatments, pharmaceuticals or medical devices that hold the promise of better treatment for diseases.  Dr Slater was introduced to the attendees by Rotarian, Gary Baker, CEO, HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center.  The meeting was held at The McCormick Scottsdale's Lakeside Ballroom.
 
The Club is preparing for its annual signature community event - its Service Above Self Community Award Dinner.  The event starts at 5:15pm on April 25, 2016 at McCormick Ranch Golf Club - West Lawn Pavilion.  This is the 3rd year, the Club will recognize local citizens and a community non-profit for achieving service above self volunteerism and have effected positive change within the community.  City of Scottsdale Mayor Jim Lane will present the 2016 Awards to Circle the City (Non-profit Award introduced by Rotarian Jeanette Griswold), to Dr. Honora Norton (Individual Award introduced by Rotarian Claudia Sawaf-Arnold), to Dr. Art DeCabooter (Lifetime Achievement Award introduced by Rotarian Jim Bruner) and Col Park Shaw (Lifetime Achievement Military Award introduced by Rotarian Chris Holm).  Keynote speaker will be Nick Lowery, NFL Hall of Famer. Deadline for reservations is April 18, 2016. 
 
Picture:  Dr. Mark Slater responding to questions about HonorHealth's Research Institute.
 
Picture:  Club President, Max Rumbaugh, and from HonorHealth Rotarian Gary Baker and Dr. Mark Slater - greeting members and guests at recent Rotary Club of Scottsdale meeting.
Rotary Clubs Award 2016 Youth Leadership Awards
 
The Rotary Club of Scottsdale and Scottsdale Airpark Rotary Clubs annually collaborate to hold their 2016 Scottsdale Youth Salute to applaud the positive accomplishments of local young men and women.  Youth Salute recognizes outstanding high school seniors and involves them in seminars and workshops specifically designed to further develop their already formidable leadership skills.  Nominations for Scottsdale's Youth Salute candidates are requested during a student's junior year. Students are nominated not only on grades, but also on leadership in school activities, religious organizations, or activities in their community.
 
Each student is asked to complete an application and answer three out of four essay questions. The two Rotary Clubs review the essays; interview each student; and then select twelve students to compete on award night by answering an "on the spot question."  Of the twelve selected students, four students are selected to attend  "Town Meeting on Tomorrow" to be held mid-October 2016 in St. Louis. Youth leaders with diverse backgrounds from across the nation gather in St. Louis at Washington University to participate in the Youth Salute Programs, sponsored by the National Council on Youth Leadership. “Town Meeting on Tomorrow” inspires youth to service, excellence and outstanding performance by reinforcing active leadership as the key to meeting tomorrow's needs.  The 2016 finanlist judges were:
 
This year the Rotary Clubs received 67 Youth Salute leadership nominations from eleven Scottsdale high schools. The Youth Salute Award ceremonies were held April 7th, at Scottsdale Community College.   Rotarians Mike Savastio, Sara Hartman-Crosby and Mary Blank with support from Roger Rohr and Dr. Honora Norton helped organize the evening's activities. Coach John Avianantos spoke to the all the nominated students and their parents and guests. Coach John is a nationally renown speaker and Scottsdale Community College athletic director and head football coach. Coach John's talk was fun, fast paced and loaded with cutting edge concepts that the students could apply immediately to make a lasting effect his/her self image and confidence.
 
As part of the Award Night program award certificates were given to all Youth Salute nominees.  The four 2016 Scottsdale Youth Salute Award Winners selected to go to the 2016 Town Meeting on Tomorrow in St. Louis were announced: from Scottsdale Preparatory Academy, Jaywon Kim; from Desert Mountain High School, Nicholas Basch;  from Xavier College Preparatory, Emily Wood; and, from Desert Mountain High School,  Alexis Scott.  Alexandria Murray, from Xavier College Preparatory was named alternate in case one of the four winners is unable to attend.  In addition to the these winners, the finalists included: from Arcadia High School, Camryn Lizik; from BASIS High School, Julia Gaumond; from Chaparral High School, Kendrick Nguyen and Anna Lee Cook; from Desert Mountain High School, Alexis Hocken; from Phoenix Country Day School, Sam Lett; and, from Saguaro High School, Meredith Huls.  2015 Youth Salute Winners, Cole Dady and Jason Greenfield, both from Phoenix Country Day School, as well as, Rotarian Lou Lou Durant shared their experiences as past award winners.
 
The Rotary Clubs extended thank you to the applicants, parents, high school counselors, interviewers, award judges (Max Rumbaugh, Rotary Club of Scottsdale, Club President; Dr. Nigel Drummond, Airpark Rotary, Club President; Dr. Jan Gehler, Rotarian and President of Scottsdale Community College; and, Mary Blank, Rotary Club of Scottsdale, Club President-elect), and to Chaparral High School and Scottsdale Community College for hosting the Youth Salute events.
 
For more information about Rotary Club of Scottsdale's upcoming speakers, projects, programs, and meeting dates/locations - go to www.scottsdalerotary.org.  Visitors to club meetings are always welcome - call 480-945-6158.