Scenes from Sahuarita: Schultz heads up Rotary

Mark Schultz was installed June 23 as president of the Sahuarita Rotary Club for the coming year. The installation was conducted by Dick Roberts, outgoing president, with Schultz’s wife, Yvette, affixing the official president’s pin to her husband’s shirt.

Now living in Tucson, the Schultzes are former residents of Sahuarita. They have two sons, Bailey, 11, and Presley, 3. Schultz works in sales and advertising for the Green Valley News.

The Sahuarita Rotary Club was chartered in 2003 and has 11 members, including Bill Grantham, secretary; Elsie Hopper, treasurer; Jack Robison, international; Art Berry, membership; and Tim Dugan, sergeant-at-arms.

During the past year, Schultz was in charge of club membership. He says that while the Sahuarita Rotary may be smaller than some other clubs, there is an advantage because “everyone has to play different roles, and we are all learning all the time. The members are knowledgeable and supportive of each other.”

Rotary International is an organization of service clubs from all over the world. It is a secular organization open to all, regardless of race, color, creed or political preference. Its purpose is to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace throughout the world.

Speaking of his plans for the coming year, Schultz cites Rotary’s motto, “Service above Self,” saying that the Sahuarita Rotary “works to find ways to give back to the local community.” One event of particular significance is the annual Turtle Race at Sahuarita Lake each November.

This entertaining event is one of the club’s most important fundraisers. The Turtle Race has, over the years, enabled the club to help organizations such as the Anza Trail School library, Great Expectations Academy, Sahuarita Christian Academy, the Naco orphanage in Mexico, Hands of a Friend, the Community Food Bank of Green Valley and the Salvation Army.

Another area of continuing interest to Schultz will be increasing the membership of the Sahuarita Rotary. “We would like to make the community more aware of Rotary’s purpose and the worthwhile and fun activities in which we participate. Anyone who would like to make a contribution to the community and have a good time while doing so is welcome.”

The Sahuarita Rotary Club meets on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. for socializing as well as to organize work on the club’s service goals. Anyone with a need can be invited to address the club, with the board of directors then making a decision on the entities it is able to help.

Clearly, the Sahuarita Rotary Club and its newly installed president will continue the valuable work that has been done since its inception in 2003 and thereby fulfill another of Rotary International’s mottos, “They profit most who serve best.”

Flag Day celebration

Mayor Lynne Skelton, the Sahuarita Elks and the Sahuarita Police Explorer Cadets celebrated Flag Day with a flag-raising ceremony at Anamax Park.

The June 14 ceremony began at 3 p.m., with the Explorer Scouts taking charge of the colors. Skelton read an official proclamation in recognition of the event, and the Explorer Scouts proudly raised the flag.

Next was a Flag Day picnic, followed by games and family fun. A favorite topic of conversation throughout the event was the history of the American flag, stories featuring the flag, and flag protocol.

All in all, a great time was had by all at a very special celebration.

Anamax summer camp

Space is still available for campers in Session III of Anamax summer camp, to be held Monday, July 13, through Friday, July 31, for $210.

The camp is at Anamax Recreation Center, 17501 S. Camino de las Quintas. All children ages 6 through 12 are welcome weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kids make new friends while participating in a variety of entertaining and educational opportunities such as team sports, field trips, music, indoor and outdoor games, and arts and crafts.

Daily camp activities are organized and supervised by Tamara Storm Riddle, who has more than eight years of experience in aquatics, sports, outdoor recreation and physical education.

To register for Session III, visit online at www.ci.sahuarita.az.us or go to Anamax Recreation Center in person. For additional information, call (520) 625-2731.

Sahuarita resident Jeannie Applegate is a freelance writer. Contact her at wordwizard@cox.net with information about local happenings, including school honors, competitions and activities, special events such as birthdays and anniversaries, and achievements and activities of Sahuarita residents.