June 24, 2009 - Lunch

Hans Thiele, Bob Hesselgesser and Jim Shaw greeted us as we entered the space set up for us by Bob McBreen, John Skarda, Ralph Pipp, and Herb Engdahl. Look for lucky drawing winners Ed Knight and Joe DeVito to welcome you next Wednesday.





President Dave Bell called us to order and invited Fr. Steven Dart to offer the Invocation. Rich Saunders then directed our singing of The National Anthem accompanied by Lloyd Meyer. The Pledge of Allegiance followed.

Guests
Our guests (and their hosts) included Pete Fredriksen (Dave Bell), Scott Bennion (Fr. Dart), Kiwanis Scholarship recipient Jeff Gilbert (Bruce Lukowiak) and Wayne Fulcher (Lloyd Meyer and Bill Rintelmann).

Wellness Report
Lou Snodgrass asked us to keep Nancy Totten in our prayers and gave thanks for Blaine Keith’s presence.

Announcements
Bronze Key Award
Jacquie Goodspeed received the Bronze Key in recognition of her sponsoring a recent new member.

Board Highlights
President Dave Bell reported on the Board’s approval of a plan by which to allocate monies anticipated being received from the Scully Trust.

The Club will receive 55% of the gift and will use it to increase the number of our scholarship recipients as well as the dollar amount of their scholarships. Additional money will be directed to our Funds Request and Science Fair Committees to expand the scope of their excellent work in the community.

The remaining 45% of the funds will be divided up between three non-profits in our community:

The Foothills Food Bank proposes using their 10% of the anticipated gift to create a scholarship for a local collegiate social work student to work part-time at the Food Bank and to purchase a cargo van for the pick-up and transportation of food items.

The Caring Corps will direct their 20% of the gift toward the purchase of two (2) new vans to transport clients and to invest in their capacity to meet the needs of their 400+ clients and equal number of volunteers through the next decade.

The Foothills Community Foundation anticipates utilizing 15% of the gift funds to address a variety of community needs at the soon-to-be-completed Holland Community Center including addiciton intervention, networking, and educational enrichment.

Golf Tournament
Bob Kroyer asked all golfers to put the Monday, September 21, Carefree Kiwanis Golf Tournament on the calendar. The annual event to be held once again at Desert Forest Country Club welcomes donations of gifts for a silent auction as well as tee sponsors. Please contact Bob Kroyer or Howard Dicke to participate or contribute.

New Key Club
President Bell announced a new Key Club to be sponsored by the Desert Ridge Club at the new Crescent View College Preparatory High School in the Paradise Valley School District.

Aktion Club In Formation
Aktion Club is a Kiwanis Club for special needs young adults 21 years of age and up. Kathy Haugner is offering leadership to get this new club up and running. The Community Center at the new YMCA/ PVCC campus is targetted as the meeting place. See Kathy if interested in contributing to this effort.

Southwest District Convention
See President Bell if interested in attending the August 21-22 SW District Convention in Laughlin, NV.

Guest Speaker
Russ Rosenquist introduced our guest speaker, Taser International’s Paige Carter. Ms. Carter heads the Citizen Sales division of Taser. The Scottsdale company began in the early 90s when a friend of the founders was killed in a road rage incident, prompting the Smith brothers to seek a non-lethal option for self-defense.

“Yes,” our guest announced, “citizens can own a Taser” with the same range and power as law enforcement models. She then made an informative presentation touting the superiority of the product to alternative non-lethal weapons such as pepper spray and stun guns (The Taser is the only one effectively employed from a distance of up to 15’), the cost ($350 - $1,000 models), the effect of being “tased” (“Indescribable pain.” She knows, having experienced it as part of her training), how it works (Incapacitates the nervous system for 5 – 30 seconds at a time), and its legality (Legal in 43 states, including Arizona, where no permit is needed to carry one but an identity background check must be done before the weapon is operable).

Ms. Carter closed with a demonstration of a citizen’s model by taking aim at a laser- directed target ten feet away and then firing the twin-barbed probes packing 50,000 volts into the bullseye. There being no other volunteers, the meeting was adjourned at 1:30 p.m.

June 17, 2009 - Lunch

Another beautiful day in our community. We sang our club song and then “America the Beautiful.” We gave the Pledge. Ted Dimon led the invocation. Our greeters were Hans Thiele and Heb Hayde. Our ticket winners were Kevin Wilson and Bob Hesselgesser. Our House Committee had their names missed by the reporter.





Lou Snodgrass reported that Ray Arnold was suffering from Valley Fever, and a card was passed among us for signatures. We were pleased to have Blaine Keith among us for lunch.

Guests

Nancy Carpenter had Justin and Nick who served as honor guard last week. Bill Rintelmann and Lloyd Meyer had Past Mayor of Carefree Wayne Fulcher as a guest with the announcement that he would be joining our membership. Pam DiPietro, Director of the Foothills Foodbank and Resouce Center, was the guest “Just” Bob Hutson. And Cheri Morrison, former waitress at our lunches and former Marine, was the guest of Blaine Keith – she is interning with Glenn Hanf.

President Dave Bell reported that at the last Board meeting, an expenditure (maybe $2,000) was approved for the school back-pack program. We have participated in this joint program with the Soroptimists for years – we do the money and they do the work.

The next Board meeting is this coming Tuesday at 8 AM in the community room of the Harris Bank at the Pedregal. It is open to all to attend.

CCUSD – issues now – will be considered by a discussion group this Saturday 9:30 AM at Desert Foothills Church. CCUSD Supervisor Debbie Burdick will be present. All are welcome. For more information contact Dick Stewart at 488-9659.

Herb Hayde solicited another volunteer for an Interclub meeting with Daisy Mountain – our last chance this year to complete the inner circle. Nancy Carpenter answered his call.

New member George Buehler was inducted today. He is sponsored by Jacquie Goodspeed and Ralph Pipp. His areas of interest are Youth (Key Clubs), Science Fairs and Funds Requests. He grew up in Boston and graduated from Harvard. He was a real estate investor. He has three daughter – two grown and a 15 year old adopted from China. He is very knowledgeable and passionate about wine. He also cares about books and money management.

PROGRAM

Speaker (and member) Dr. Seth Jorgensen was introduced by Ralph Pipp, who briefly explained the topic of sleep apnea was a sleep disorder where one stopped breathing.

Dr. Seth Jorgensen acknowledged a personal bias in this disease since he personally suffers from it. It is the most undiagnosed disease even though 24% of men and 9 % of women suffer from it. Basically, for a variety of reasons, people stop breathing while sleeping because a breath passage closes. These “episodes” can occur hundreds – even thousands – of times each night. Cases have been recorded where the breathing stops for over 6.5 minutes.

The most serious result of sleep apnea is sudden death syndrome – all others pale compared to this. Obviously loss of cognition can also occur. The most common complaint is tiredness throughout the day. (This is dangerous if one is driving – say a “semi” – and naps off at a light. This can happen.) Snoring, high blood pressure and stroke, minor headaches and erectile dysfunction can result.

The procedures to eliminate or at least improve this condition are not usually discussed over lunch and are not reported here. Do your own homework if you really care.

The cases that are diagnosed often happen because the sleep partner “rats out” the possible sufferer. So a significantly higher percentage of men than women get screened and diagnosed.

Perhaps the most actionable part of awareness of this issue – given our average age – is to watch our grandchildren. Kids who hyper act – then crash and sleep – should be checked.

For more information, please contact Seth at 488-9735.

Thanks to Photographer Elaine Adrian and Reporter Michael Moore for making this issue of the Sundial a reality.

June 10, 2009 - Lunch

With temperatures a bit below average, we received a warm welcome from our friendly greeters Bob Hesselgesser and Dave Dennison. Max Link and crew efficiently prepared our meeting room and Bob Hutson, complete with his patriotic red shoes, gave his thoughtful invocation. Our musical selections were handled by Lloyd Meyer and Richard Saunders.




Click on the photos above to enlarge or download.



In recognition of Flag Day, Boy Scout Troop 603 served as color guard and then performed a flag folding ceremony with commentary.

Gail Thiele and Herb Hayde were the lucky drawing winners and will handle the greeter duties next week.

Wellness Report – Nancy Carpenter filled in for Lou Snodgrass, who is having some oral surgery. She reported that Don Parks is continuing his chemo and Ray Arnold is hospitalized with pneumonia. Blaine Keith is experiencing some complications from diabetes and Gale Totten’s wife is hospitalized.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Award – The A.G. Terry Shaffer Award from Kiwanis International recognizes special people dedicated to serving Key Clubs in our community. Our Club chose to make this award to Manny and Peggy Gonzales, in recognition of their outstanding service to Key Clubs sponsored by our Club.

New Member Induction – Kathy Haugner inducted someone that is certainly no stranger to our Club. She is Jennifer Phillips who joined Key Club at CCUSD and then Circle K at U of A, holding leadership positions in both. She received one of our scholarships and graduated from U of A with high honors, and is now headed to Law School at USC. Along the way she also found time to become the SW District Governor of Circle K.

Board Meeting – A special Board meeting was recently held to discuss a draft of an Investment Policy for the Foundation, which covered responsibilities for both the Board and the Investment Committee. At the meeting, it was also noted that the Scully gift is progressing through the various legal steps before the funds are disbursed.

PROGRAM – The program was presented by Dr. Marge Ebeling who explained the mission of the WellCare Foundation, which she founded ten years ago. She has recruited a team of medical professionals who donate their time and skills to provide healthcare services to local working single moms and their children who don’t qualify for governmental assistance. These are moms whose income is above the limit to receive free governmental healthcare but not enough for them to afford to purchase health insurance.

Dr. Ebeling pointed out that there are 175,000 single moms is Maricopa County and that one out of four children is without healthcare insurance. WellCare treats the whole person of single moms that qualify for their free services, including their physical, mental and emotional status. They have been quite successful in helping their clients make lifestyle changes to get and stay well.

WellCare utilizes donated space for their clinics in the Valley and, as a non-profit organization, depends on corporate and individual donations as well as grants and fund raisers.

Next Meeting – The program will be Dr. Seth Jorgensen speaking on Sleep Apnea.

Thank you to Photographer Joe Devito and Reporter Howard Dicke for this issue of the Sundial.

June 3, 2009 - Lunch

On behalf of all of us Kiwanians of Carefree, a warm thanks to the house committee for setting up our meeting room and equipment, as well as to Hans Thiele and Dave Dennison for welcoming us at the door. Dave Dennison, in fact, will be greeting us again next week along with Bob Hesselgesser as they were the lucky ticket winners this week. Our appreciation also goes out to Richard Saunders and Lloyd Meyers for assisting us in singing God Bless America, and to Jim Shaw for his invocation.



Click on the photos above to enlarge or download


WELLNESS REPORT:
Lou Snodgrass was happy to report that everyone continues to be well (two weeks in a row now – let’s keep it going!)

GUESTS:
Our guests today included soon to be official member, George Buehler, sponsored by Jacquie Goodspeed, as well as John Miller, a Kiwanian transplant from Houston, TX, sponsored by Jon Loffmann.

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Flag Day, June 14th
President Dave asked everyone to wear red, white and blue to next week’s luncheon to celebrate Flag Day (one week early).

YMCA – Child Watch
The board approved the recommendation of the YMCA to be the sponsor of “Child Watch,” an onsite childcare facility. Kiwanis will also be providing equipment to the Teen Center.

Flea Market
Kirk Wilson enthusiastically thanked the 50 volunteers who helped with last week’s Flea Market, including those new and soon-to-be-new members. He also gave a special thanks to Mick Ennis and Ray Arnold for their ongoing, marvelous job in attending the parking lot. Phyllis Henry reported a total income of $15,401, which included $825 for a scooter donated by Joe DeVito, $500 for a hot tub donated by The Haugner’s, and $463 in costume jewelry. President Dave reported that an additional $1,500 will be added to that amount thanks to Andy Tobias selling a car that had been donated to Kiwanis.

Interclub:
Bud Hover indicated several meeting sites and times for Interclub. Please contact him at 480-471-7218 for further information.

33rd Annual Golf Tournament
Bob Kroyer indicated new golf sign up sheet and sponsor sheets had been printed and are available through Howard Dicke. President Dave added that a special board will be displayed at the tournament in honor of Bill Scully, who dedicated so much of his time and effort to the success of past tournaments.

Anthem Kiwanis Club
A new Kiwanis club is being formed in Anthem called the Young Professionals. See Dave Bell or Andy Tobias for further information.

Thank You
A “thank you” letter was received from Desert Sun Elementary School for the copier donated to them by Kiwanis Flea Market.

Kiwanis Organization
An email was distributed to all members from President Dave Bell last week concerning Kiwanis Foundation tax status. Kiwanis is a foundation, all tax reports have been filed to the IRS, and any donations that you have made to the Foundation are tax deductible. If you would like a copy of the letter, please see Dave Bell.

PROGRAM
Our guest speaker today was Bob Fox who, along with his wife Sam, operate Wild at Heart, Inc. (WAH), an all-volunteer organization dedicated to the conservation and preservation of Arizona’s native wildlife. Bob brought with him a few members his “family” including: “Roja” a Red-Tailed Hawk; “Falina” a Southern or Mexican Spotted Owl; “Murray” a Western Screech Owl; and “Hoot” a Burrowing Owl. Each of which are permanent residents of WAH due to a disability that would not allow them to be released without harm.

A non-profit 501(c) 3, WAH rescues and rehabilitates injured and/or orphaned birds of prey, relocates displaced raptors, provides public education, and habitat enhancement programs. One such program is the award-winning Burrowing Owl Project, conceived by WAH in 1993, and recognized as one of the most successful conservation and habitat restoration programs anywhere, installing over 4,500 artificial owl burrows statewide..

WAH is a strong proponent of education, taking their non-releasable raptors to schools and other events, and providing innovative opportunities for community involvement especially designed for special needs students and for youths under the age of eighteen.

In addition to the Burrowing Owl Project, WAH is involved with an Endangered Species Recovery Program, Foster Parenting, Corporate Team Building/Community Service and Eagle Scout Projects.

One of Bob and Sam’s desires is to create a rehabilitation/captive breeding center where people can go to sit and relax while learning, experiencing and enjoying the desert wildlife and all it has to offer.

WAH is always looking for volunteers and/or donations as they do not receive any government funding for their work. Donations are tax-deductible and 100% goes to the care of Arizona’s magnificent birds of prey. For more information log on to their website at http://www.mirror-pole.com/ (then select While at Heart). They are located at 31840 N. 45th Street in Cave Creek, and are available for rescue 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They can be reached at 480-595-5047 or by email at foxowl@fastq.com.

Many thanks to photographer Alan Haugner and reporter Janie French for contributing to this issue of the Sundial.