SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary: Repurposing for a Purpose
Christianne Dettmann
The old adage, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” is often traced back to the Roman poet Lucretius and reminds us that we all have different tastes and different needs. It also encourages us to repurpose, rather than trash, those useful things we no longer need in order to benefit someone else for whom it might be the perfect fit. Desmond Tutu further tells us the only way to “eat an elephant” (metaphorically speaking) is one “bite” at a time. Much the same way, each item we repurpose represents a positive step toward conserving the finite resources of this incredible planet we are all privileged to share. The SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary Club takes these ideas to heart in several of its volunteer efforts throughout the year.
On the third Friday of each month, friendly club members like Roger Swett and Jennifer Willams don bright aprons and brighter smiles as they help staff the monthly Moonlight Madness sale at the Golden Goose Thrift Shop in Catalina. A few short miles south of SaddleBrooke on Oracle Road, the Golden Goose is a great way to “repurpose for a purpose.” It takes donations every Monday through Saturday between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. and has won numerous awards for its contributions to the local community. As a cause-based club, the SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary is proud to help further the Golden Goose’s mission. To learn more about the Golden Goose Thrift Shop, visit goldengooseaz.com.
Another way club members “repurpose for a purpose” is through SaddleBrooke’s annual “I Don’t Want It” sale. Drawing crowds from near and far, this extensive sale on Saturday, Oct. 12 is approaching fast! The club collects and donates items to sell at the event and distributes the proceeds to different local charities based on current needs. If you have items you wish to contribute to this worthy cause, please contact the club at [email protected].
No matter which “repurpose” suits your purpose, make sure to stop by and say hello! Our fun, friendly folks are eager to learn more about you and to share more about us! Alternatively, you can also send inquiries to the club’s email address at any time.
SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary: Member Spotlight
Dave and his N scale train station (photo by Joyce Wainscott)
Joyce Wainscott
Meet Dave Dettmann, a dedicated Rotarian and a true Renaissance man.
Several days a month, you will find Dave in action at the Tri-Community Food Bank in Mammoth, where he helps unload and stock truckloads of food to serve our most vulnerable citizens. At 84, he tirelessly lifts and transports heavy loads, moving with the speed and agility of a man half his age. Some credit might be given to the 7-mile recumbent bike rides he takes most mornings. Or maybe it’s all in the fresh bread he bakes himself.
A Wisconsin transplant, a military veteran, a retired Wisconsin Department of Transportation civil engineer, and a SaddleBrooke resident for 19 years, Dave will leave you awestruck with his accomplishments.
He is a lifetime pianist who began playing around age 9, continues to practice 30 minutes a day, and is currently using portable keyboards to give piano lessons to four church members on Sundays. He also plays the slide trombone and considers himself a novice on the bass guitar.
Dave and his late wife were ambitious quilt makers and recently donated 33 of those quilts to the SaddleBrooke Sunrise Rotary Club, which is preparing to auction them for the benefit of Rotarian charities. Dave also continues to top-stitch Quilts of Valor when requested.
He developed a passion for model trains from his father and, in 1997, he and a friend formed a partnership called the Train Guyz, dedicated to building model train layouts for others. In recent years, he began making model buildings for his son’s layout, which led to a decision to build his own shelf layout along three walls of the den. His buildings draw inspiration from existing prototypes he finds online. Each is named for a friend or relative. A fascinating aspect of his layout is that track signals can be controlled remotely by his two sons, each of whom lives hundreds of miles away in two different states! Dave is a talented woodworker who builds things to meet needs (or wants) in his home: a miniature barber pole for the room in which his daughter cuts his hair, an angled laptop stand, a “keyboard” key holder featuring true-to-size black and white piano keys.
The artistic talent showcased by his woodwork and quilts blossoms in the beautiful oil paintings that he painted to adorn the walls of his home. Dave started oil painting classes in 2006. Before he could finish many of the paintings, the next lesson and a new painting began. He plans to finish them with more detail when he has time. They are beautiful just the way they are, and that’s a good thing because I don’t see how he’d ever find the time with the schedule he maintains.
SaddleBrooke resident, Renaissance man, and Rotarian. It’s a pleasure to know you, Dave Dettmann.
What Gets You Out of Bed Each Morning?
Members of the Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke invite you to come join the fun as we make a difference in the world.
Wanda Bailey, President-Elect, Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke
Many of us are retired or nearing retirement. As we end our working years, we create plans to make sure our financial resources are adequate. However, did we also consider how to spend our newly found free time? Healthy aging requires having purpose—a reason to get up each morning. For many of us, we enjoy the many amenities and activities that our community offers. In addition, there is another great opportunity to fill our time with purpose: Volunteering and serving your community.
Did you know that volunteering offers many proven benefits:
* Provides purpose by being involved with something greater than yourself
* Fosters friendships and connections with others and your community
* Improves your physical and mental health
* Bolsters self-confidence and broadens your perspective through new experiences and skill development
There are many ways to volunteer and serve in our community and beyond. One great way to get involved is through the Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke. Personally, I have chosen Rotary as a key component of my retirement plan and means to create purpose in my life. Rotary offers the opportunity to be a part of a global network of 1.4 million members who have fun working together to make the world a better place. Rotary is the world’s largest volunteer organization and is found in more countries than the Red Cross, Starbucks, or McDonald’s.
The Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke offers many, varied volunteer options to be involved. I am able to choose projects that fit my unique interests, abilities, and availability. I enjoy getting “out of the bubble” by being involved in projects that serve my neighbors of all ages locally, and also supporting international projects globally. Our service projects are always thoughtfully planned, and we often work with partner clubs or organizations.
Rotary also offers fellowship and camaraderie. Club members come from all walks of life, share common interests, and a commitment to service. It’s truly fun to hang out with Rotarians. Our weekly lunch time meetings feature interesting speakers and programs. We also gather for regular social events. Club members support one another as a Rotary family. SaddleBrooke resident, Linda Drake, joined Rotary after her husband passed away and says Rotary has truly helped her to reinvigorate her life through companionship and connections.
The motto of Rotary is “Service Above Self.” SaddleBrooke resident and Rotarian Elaine Terry says, “My personal commitment is to live the principles that have been a key part of my career as a human resources professional, as well as in my personal life.” A well-known quote is: “The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” Find your purpose and passion through the magic of Rotary! Get out of bed in the morning and come join us for lunch!
The Rotary Club of SaddleBrooke meets on Thursdays at the SaddleBrooke Ranch House Grill. Lunch is at 11 a.m. and the meeting begins at noon. For more information, contact Diane Demeroutis at [email protected].