Home Page | Rotary Club of Marana Dove Mountain

Welcome to the Dove Mountain Rotary Club!

Service Above Self

We meet In Person

Thursdays at 5:15 PM

Highlands Clubhouse

4949 Heritage Club Blvd
Marana, AZ 85658
United States of America

We meet In Person or Online (check the Clubs calendar on this website for details).

District Site

Venue Map

Teree Bergman

Welcome to the Dove Mountain Rotary Club! We are people of action who are committed to making our community and our world better places. If you would like to visit our club or join in one of our activities, email:

Teree Bergman.

Oct 22nd Speaker Curt Woody - Town of Marana Economic Development

Curt Woody, the Director of Economic Development for the Town of Marana for the last 8 years, provided our club an overview of many facets of the Town’s year 2020 economic development activities, including business attraction, retention, expansion, recruitment, and creation/incubation.

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.

Oct 15th Vocational Talks & Member Spotlights by DM Rotary's Newest Members

Club members Prudy Abeln & David Eisenberg provided vocational talks & member spotlights to help the club get to know our newest club members better.

Vocational Talk: Prudy Abeln

Prudy was raised in the Minneapolis area and attended Colorado College where she attained degrees in Political Science & Education. She also later received an MBA from the University of Utah’s executive program. Much of her professional career was in Banking-mortgage origination with her last industry position at Wells Fargo. Prudy and her husband later purchased and operated a Bed & Breakfast (Dreamcatcher B&B) in Taos, NM for 9 years. She has contributed greatly to Rotary and has performed other significant volunteering activities, throughout her life. Prudy and her family have also lived in Colorado, New Mexico, and Europe where her children attended International School. Prudy and her husband John have been married 43 years, have 4 children and 11 grandchildren.

Member Spotlight: Prudy Abeln

Can you provide a brief summary of your Rotary experiences: I joined Rotary in 1999 in Parker, CO. I was immediately recruited for the International Committee which led me to getting very involved in Youth Exchange. We have hosted 14 exchange students for 3-5 months of their year as well as I served as the District Youth Exchange Chair for 3 years and on the District Committee for 8 years. In 2009 we moved to Taos, NM where I became a member of the Taos-Milagro Rotary Club. I have also served as Club President (2008-2009 in Parker, CO), as Asst. Governor in District 5520 New Mexico, Lieutenant Governor in D5520, and D5520 Awards Chair. I’ve been Club Rotarian of the Year 3 times, and received one District Governor’s Award for Outstanding Service in D5450 Colorado when I served as Youth Exchange Chair.

Why did you become a Rotarian? My father was a Rotarian, and the bank branch manager at Wells Fargo invited me to attend when we lived in Colorado. I have been a lifelong volunteer for many different organizations, and the idea of a service organization appealed to me.

Tell us about a dream for the future that is important to you. I pray for greater peace in the world.

Who is the person you admire most, and why? Ruth Bader Ginsberg, for all she did through her persistence and intelligence, to improve women’s rights and equality for all.

Tell us of a moment in your life that taught you a valuable lesson. When my mother was dying of cancer, I attended a religious retreat. During that experience, we went through the stations-of-the-cross. At one of the stations, there was a reading that said, “Lord, if I could say something to change your plan, I would not speak.” It strengthened my personal faith in a power greater than myself.

What is your favorite quote? “Everything in moderation”…one of those things my father often said.

What is a latest book you read that you would recommend to others? Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Share one positive aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic that you can think of. I’ve sorted through lots of things that I have carried with me for most of my life – old photos, letters from old boyfriends, school notebooks with important information that I was SURE I’d use later in life!, etc. Also, I’ve learned how to stay in touch with friends and family through Zoom and other Internet applications.

What message would you have for other Rotarians? Find something you are passionate about, and find a way to make an impact either in your community or throughout the world. You will get so much more out of the experience than what you put in. The greatest gift you can give yourself is serving others.

Vocational Talk: David Eisenberg

David is a 3^rd generation Philadelphian, and was also educated in the Philadelphia area. He highlighted his HS Rotary Interact Club experience and especially his live-in volunteer work at a summer camp for impaired/handicapped children as amazing life experiences. David developed an interest in Human Services as he grew up. He spent his junior year in college at a UK university and has an uncle he visited often that is an expatriate in Paris. These strong connections to the UK and France helped him to develop strong interests in language & culture. This also brought him to have hosted 3 international students. He has had diverse professional careers, having completed the police academy in CA and becoming a police officer near the US/Mexico border. In addition, he attained his PhD degree & studied to receive a clinical social work license, to run a mental health facility in CA. He then evolved to perform clinical social work for those with high-pressure jobs and addressing police social work emergencies. David feels a strong commitment to public service.

Member Spotlight: David Eisenberg

Can you provide a brief summary of your Rotary experiences: I was in an Interact Club while in high school. This is my first time in Rotary.

Why did you become a Rotarian? I just retired and wanted to form friendships locally and make a contribution to my community.

Tell us about a dream for the future that is important to you. I really want to be able to travel extensively both in the US and Western Europe. I am continuing my studies in French and want to spend some serious time in France before I leave this mortal orb.

Who is the person you admire most, and why? Without hesitation my father Warren. He directly imbued me with a moral compass, taught me how to correctly treat people, and served as a model for doing ethical business and serving others.

Tell us of a moment in your life that taught you a valuable lesson. When I was 29 I tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate a 4 year old who had just drowned. It taught me about death and the importance of protecting others and preserving life.

What is your favorite quote? “Cultivate humility. I never know when I am going to need it.” John Lithgow.

What is a latest book you read that you would recommend to others? Maiden Voyage by Tim Notier. Tim is a global adventurer; this book describes his start. A good read for anyone who wants to venture out from their own world.

Share one positive aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic that you can think of. Getting to spend more uninterrupted time alone.

What message would you have for other Rotarians? I am so appreciative of others who are willing to share who they are and what they have.

Oct 1st Speaker Fonda Insley - What Everyone Needs to Know About Senior Living

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.

AmazonSmile for Rotary District 5500 Foundation

With everyone sheltering in place there is a lot more ordering online. If you purchase products on Amazon, why not sign up for AmazonSmile and help the District 5500 Rotary Foundation?

For eligible purchases, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price to the customer’s selected charitable organization.

Here's how:

1. Visit smile.amazon.com

2. Sign in with your Amazon.com credentials

3. Under “Accounts & Lists” click on “AmazonSmile” Charity lists

4. Type in the Search Box and Click “Select” your choice of one of the following:

Rotary International District 5500 Foundation

Rotary Club of Marana Dove Mountain Charitable Fund

Sept 24th Speakers Heidi Epstein & Monica Coenraads - Rett Syndrome Research Trust

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.

Our club members asked many questions about the disorder and its research, effects on the children and their families, and were truly inspired to the core by Heidi and Monica, both as Rett parents and for their fundraising accomplishments that are fueling the groundbreaking research to cure this rare disorder.

Sept 10 Speaker Joyce Sanford - Southern Arizona Golden Retriever Rescue

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.

Sept 7 Imago Dei Middle School Visit

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.

Click here to see additional photos of this school visit.

Sept 3 Speaker Cameron Taylor - Imago Dei Middle School & THREAD Project

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.

Foundation Moment: Joe Hentges highlighted the Durango Daybreak Rotary Club’s “Navajo Solar Lights” project, lighting homes of Navajo Nation families & elders who are “off the grid”.

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