Rotary Club – November 2023

Ron Lenz, president of the SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary Club, welcomes Chris Dettmann as a new club member.

SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary Membership Continues to Increase

Frank Shipton

Recent continuing interest in SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary (SSR) membership has resulted in a 20% increase in member numbers as more people discover what drives this small yet active service-oriented club. Our club members have found ways to “give back” to those in need throughout the Copper Corridor communities. Our activities include but are not limited to, actively supporting the Tri-Community Food Bank, the Golden Goose Thrift Shop, and the Triangle YMCA Ranch Camp, as well as assisting the organization of the City of Tucson warehouse where donated goods are stored for homeless veterans of Tucson.

We meet at 8 a.m. on the first and third Thursdays of every month in the Cactus Room at the MountainView Clubhouse.

For more information, contact Frank Shipton at 805-279-2966 or [email protected].

And we have fun!

SSR in Action

Frank Shipton

Once again, the members of SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary (SSR) are supporting the needs of the homeless in Tucson. With monies received from a recent grant, the SSR purchased and will provide new underwear for homeless women in Tucson, supporting the Sister Jose Women’s Center.

Additionally, SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary proudly donated to the Make-A-Wish Arizona Foundation supporting that organization’s ability to enable another child with a critical illness to make their wish come true.

Monster Bash—What a Bash!

Wanda Bailey

What is better than a great party? A party with a purpose!

More than 100 residents from SaddleBrooke, SaddleBrooke Ranch, Oro Valley, Oracle, Tucson, and beyond gathered in the ballroom at the MountainView clubhouse in SaddleBrooke on Oct. 20 for a Monster Bash party hosted by the Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke. The purpose of the party was to raise funds to serve the communities of the Copper Corridor and beyond. Of course, another reason for the party was to simply have fun!

Attendees feasted on Suck-U-Lent Greenery with Garish Garnishes, a Frightfully Fantastic Filet Feast with Monstrously Mashed Potatoes, Should’ve Swam Swifter Salmon with Wickedly Wild Rice, and Fungus Is Among Us Stuffed Portabella with Ghostly Ricotta and No Choke Hearts. There were spooky cocktails, too! Of course, no meal would be complete without the drop-dead delicious dessert of Sticky Adams Apple with clouds of cream.

Guests also enjoyed the costume contest. The prize for best couple costume went to SaddleBrooke residents Bill and Diane Demeroutis. The spookiest costume was awarded to SaddleBrooke Preserve resident Tim Morsani. The best individual costume was awarded to Lydia Strickland of SaddleBrooke Ranch. The evening capped off with dancing to one of Tucson’s favorite bands, Day Job.

All of the attendees remarked about how fun the event was and hoped there would be another one next year. One guest stated that the decorations, photo booth, music, and overall festive vibe created a truly memorable evening.

Thanks to all of the members of the Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke for hosting a wonderful event. Special thanks to Club President John Oszust (SaddleBrooke Ranch) and event Co-Chairs Dan Chambers (Oro Valley) and Mollie Hunter (SaddleBrooke Ranch). Most of all, special thanks to the Event Sponsor: La Posada Pusch Ridge at Oro Valley, Co-Sponsors: Oro Ford and Filthy Pirate Coffee, and Business Sponsors: Home Instead, Oro Valley Dental, OCD Professional Car Detailing, and Rotarian Harvey Smith.

What is Rotary? Rotary International is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, and leaders who volunteer their skills and resources to solve issues and address community needs. The Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke has 60-plus members from the SaddleBrooke Ranch, SaddleBrooke, Oracle, and Oro Valley areas. This local club has recently won awards from Rotary District 5500, which represents 65 Rotary Clubs in Southern Arizona, for member attraction, member retention and engagement, and for having fun!

The club meets at the SaddleBrooke Ranch House Grill on Thursdays at 11 a.m. All are welcome! For more information, check out saddlebrookerotary.com or contact the club’s membership chair Diane Demeroutis at
[email protected].