AZ Rotary News Bureau

Arizona Rotary Clubs partner with Dolly Parton Imagination Library

NEWS RELEASE

Arizona Rotary Clubs partner with Dolly Parton
to promote literacy in their communities

[Surprise/Goodyear/Cottonwood, Arizona | June 2025] — Dolly Parton had a dream, devoted to her “daddy,” a man that couldn’t read. Her dream was to give the children in her hometown a tool that could help them succeed in life – a love of reading and of books.

Thirty years ago, in 1995, the country music legend started Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) and it is now an international program that sends books to over three million children each month.

The program is simple, yet impactful in its scope and reach: A child enrolled in the program receives a book every single month for the first five years of his or her life.

In Arizona, the program is thriving – and growing – thanks to the support of several local Rotary clubs.

There is never a cost to the family, as DPIL is funded by donations and grants, and supported by both individuals as well as organizations such as Rotary clubs. For approximately $30 per year, a child will receive a monthly book carefully selected for their age.

The Rotary Club of Surprise/Sun City West entered into an agreement this past January with the nonprofit Dollywood Foundation to become the newest local partner of the book-gifting program. Club member Ron Klaphake said he anticipates the DPIL will soon become his club’s signature service project.

The club started the program with the intention of serving 300 children in Surprise and El Mirage – but that number quickly grew to over 400. The Sun City Rotary Foundation and the Kellam Foundation have since jumped on board to help the club serve more families.

Mr. Klaphake said there are over 10,000 eligible children in the Surprise/El Mirage area and the club is “seeking more individuals and partners to help fund this remarkable literacy program now and into the future.”

The Rotary Club of Goodyear/Pebble Creek has for several years sponsored the DPIL. Incoming Club President Jim Frey said his club budgets $50,000 per year to support the DPIL.

Rotary clubs in the Sedona and Verde Valley area sponsor what may be the largest DPIL program in Arizona. The Verde Valley Imagination Library serves over 1,800 children each month in 10 different ZIP codes at a cost of $4,500 per month.

According to Lynette Prouty of The Rotary Club of Verde Valley, participants each month receive a free, high-quality age-appropriate book.

The organization has partnered with the Verde Valley Health Center to provide information about the program to every family of newborns.

“The hospital staff even goes as far as having the family fill out the program application before they leave the hospital, and the baby starts receiving books within a couple months. The child will receive a new book every month until they are five years old,” said Ms. Prouty.

VVIL hosts a fundraiser every two years to raise the funds needed to operate this project.

“The Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a wonderful program that helps promote reading and literacy to our youngest population, and that’s a good thing,” said Ms. Prouty.

Rotary members improve lives and bring positive, lasting change to communities around the world by promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, supporting education, saving mothers and children, growing local economies and protecting the environment. Rotary’s top priority is the global eradication of polio. Rotary launched its polio immunization program, PolioPlus, in 1985, and in 1988 became a leading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative.

About Rotary

Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.4 million members of more than 46,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping those in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. For more information, visit Rotary.org.

For more information on Rotary District 5495, visit www.rotary5495.org or visit the District Facebook Page. To find a local club, email membership@rotary5495.org.

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CONTACT:

Adria Poindexter, Rotary Club of Glendale, (951) 265-1815, aopoindexter@gmail.com

Bret McKeand, D5495 Public Image Chair, at editor@5495.org

Photo caption:

Members of The Rotary Club of Verde Valley celebrate their club’s involvement in the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. The club sends a free book each month to 1,800 young children living in the Verde Valley area. Children receive a free book every month from the time they are born up through five years old.

Lynette Prouty, past president of The Rotary Club of Verde Valley, says the Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a wonderful program that “promotes reading and literacy to our youngest population.”

Arizona Rotarians team up with MudShark Brewery to create special beer to support eradication of polio

Past District 5495 Governor Larry Horton displays Iron Lung Lager, a specially brewed beer created by MudShark Brewery to help the district raise funds to support Rotary’s worldwide efforts to eradicate polio.

NEWS RELEASE

Arizona Rotarians team up with MudShark Brewery
to market special beer to support eradication of polio

[Lake Havasu City, Arizona | June 2025] — There hasn’t been an active polio case in the United States in decades. The eradication of polio through Rotary International’s PolioPlus campaign and partnership with the Gates Foundation is a stunningly amazing feat by any standard.

But work remains as there are still two countries where the disease still exists. One of the biggest challenges in fighting polio, at least in this country, is how to make the mission of eradicating it relevant to an entire generation that has had absolutely no experience with the crippling disease.

Arizona Rotarians may have hit upon a solution. As Homer Simpson once said, “Beer: The cause and solution to all of the world’s problems.”

During the 2022-23 Rotary year, Rotary District 5495 hit upon the idea of brewing a beer and using it to raise funds for PolioPlus while also making the conversation about polio eradication more relevant to younger North Americans. The district formed a “beer team” spanning throughout District 5495 -- from Lake Havasu, through Phoenix, and up to Prescott and Flagstaff.

Thanks to an eventual partnership with MudShark Brewery in Lake Havasu City, the district began marketing Iron Lung Lager. Proceeds from every can sold go directly to Rotary International’s End Polio Now campaign.

Larry Horton, Rotary District Governor in 2022-23, worked with Scott Stocking, owner of MudShark Brewery, to develop the concept – and the finished product.

“Scott and MudShark were extremely generous to the vision of our cause,” recalled Mr. Horton.

MudShark Brewery did more than just develop a special beer.

“Scott and MudShark were not only happy to brew the beer but also donated all the beer, can design, and brewing process. We cannot thank Scott and MudShark Brewery enough for their massive contribution to the success of this fundraiser.”

After coming up with the style of beer – a pilsner/lager for easy drinking – the team’s next priority was to create an appropriate name.

“The name Iron Lung Lager emerged for several reasons. Many younger people do not know the significance of iron lungs and how they helped people with polio,” said Mr. Horton.

“The name of the beer could start conversations and lead to education around Rotary’s significant efforts.”

Conscious of proper use of the Rotary brand, Iron Lung Lager doesn’t have the Rotary wheel or logo anywhere on the can, but it is obvious to people familiar with PolioPlus that the beer supports Rotary’s eradication efforts.

The polio virus is spread from person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can attack the nervous system, and in some instances, lead to paralysis. Although there is no cure, there is a safe and effective vaccine – one which Rotary and its partners use to immunize over 2.5 billion children worldwide.

Rotary became involved in eradication efforts in 1988, and it remains one of the organization’s top goals. Since 1988, the world has been able to reduce the number of polio cases by 99.9 percent. Today the disease only exists in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The Rotary Foundation has set a goal of raising $2.5 million annually to support its eradication efforts. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation partners with Rotary and matches all Rotary donations 2-to-1.

In addition to raising money for eradication efforts, many Rotarians personally travel throughout the world each year to provide polio immunizations to children under age 5.

Iron Lung Lager was unveiled in May 2023 at the Rotary District 5495 Conference in downtown Phoenix. The first 50 cases of a total 160 cases ordered were unveiled at the conference. For a $20 donation to PolioPlus one could get a six pack of Iron Lung Lager.

The initial goal was to generate $12,800 in donations toward PolioPlus. To everyone’s surprise, the district generated over $26,000 from those first 160 cases.

“People loved the beer! People loved the concept,” said Mr. Horton.

“Rotarians donated for the beer and then turned around and auctioned it off at meetings to raise even more money for PolioPlus. People would make donations who didn’t even want to get beer just because they enjoyed how unique the idea was.”

The beer was featured at the 2023 Rotary International Convention in Melbourne, Australia. Fellow Rotarians from throughout the country have reached out to the district to find out how they can not only purchase the beer, but how to imitate a similar project in their district.

“These cans of beer lead to a donation to Rotary PolioPlus after the Gates Foundation match of over $75,000. Not too bad for a simple, easy drinking lager from Lake Havasu City,” said Mr. Horton.

Rotary District 5495 has agreed to secure another 160 cases of Iron Lung Lager to continue to raise money for PolioPlus. MudShark Brewery has agreed to share the Iron Lung Lager recipe with any Rotary District who wants to recruit their local brewery to raise money for eradicating polio.

For more information on Iron Lung Lager, click here.

About Rotary

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CONTACT:
Bret McKeand, District 5495 Public Image Chair, scibret@aol.com

Larry Horton, Past District 5495 Governor, rotarylarry5495@icloud.com

MudShark Brewery has donated its brewing expertise to assist Rotary District 5495 with its Iron Lung Lager project. The beer was created, brewed and stored at the brewery’s facilities in Lake Havasu City.

ADOT introduces Rotary specialized license plate

NEWS RELEASE

Arizona Department of Transportation
introduces specialized Rotary license plate

[Phoenix, Arizona | May 2025] — Arizonans have more choices to support their favorite charitable causes as the Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division offers three additional specialty license plates, including one honoring Rotarians.

With the addition of the Hualapai Tribe, Phoenix Rising FC and Rotary International specialty plates, MVD now offers 104 options that can be viewed at azdot.gov/plates and ordered at azmvdnow.gov/plates.

“Specialty license plates offer a great way to customize a vehicle and show your proud support for one of these uniquely Arizona organizations,” MVD Director Eric Jorgensen said. “MVD is pleased to offer the various plates that will have an impact for the organizations dedicated to improving Arizona and our communities.”

Most specialty plates cost $25 each year. Of that amount, $17 goes to a designated charity or nonprofit group. During the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2024, sales of specialty plates contributed over $12 million for various causes and charities.

Specialty plates are authorized by the Arizona Legislature and have been offered since 1989. Plate designs complete a review by ADOT and law enforcement. Personalization can be added for an additional $25 per year.

The Rotary International specialty plate is available to anyone, with $17 going to support Rotary clubs in Arizona and their projects.

“These license plates will not only showcase our commitment to service but also provide an opportunity for individuals to support Rotary's humanitarian efforts such as education, health, and clean water," said Stephen Phair, president and founder of the Rotary Clubs of Arizona.

"This has been a collaborative effort involving Rotarians from every corner of our state, and we are grateful for their contributions. The official license plate will serve as a symbol of Rotary's dedication to making a positive impact in communities locally and globally."

After an extensive two-year process, the Rotary Clubs of Arizona last year unveiled the official license plate design. The board of directors, consisting of Rotarians from Arizona Rotary District 5495 and District 5500, dedicated countless hours to meticulously review submissions, collaborate on designs, and navigate the approval process.

Arizona Rotarians shared their ideas, resulting in a variety of creative and passionate submissions. After careful consideration, the designs were narrowed down and presented to Rotary International for further evaluation.

Following approval from Rotary International, the selected designs were submitted to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) for final review.

The official license plate will serve as a symbol of Rotary's dedication to making a positive impact in communities locally and globally. Proceeds from the sale of the plates will be divided annually between the two Arizona districts to support various Rotary projects and initiatives aimed at addressing critical issues such as supporting education, fighting disease, providing clean water and promoting peace and protecting the environment.

To view and order any specialty plate, please visit azmvdnow.gov.

About Rotary

For more information on Rotary District 5495, visit www.rotary5495.org or visit the District Facebook Page. To find a local club, email membership@rotary5495.org.

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CONTACT:

Editor@rotary5495.org

The Arizona Department of Arizona has approved a specialized Rotary license plate. The plate, one of 104 specialized plates in Arizona, will benefit the two Rotary districts serving the state.

Rotary District 5495 Governor Michelle Holcomb was one of the first in Arizona to purchase a Rotary specialized license plate.

West Valley Rotary Clubs partner with nonprofit to assist homeless women

NEWS RELEASE

West Valley Rotary Clubs partner with
local nonprofit to assist homeless women

[Surprise, AZ | June 2025] Almost 10 years ago, Kay Wright was listening to the radio and heard about a program in Texas that was working to supply homeless women with a greatly needed but rarely discussed item – feminine hygiene products for “that time of the month.”

Ms. Wright started Women 4 Women” in Tempe, but very quickly learned the need went far beyond her hometown. She needed someone to help coordinate W4W’s outstanding work in the Surprise area, and that’s where she found Rotary and Jo Grant.

Under the guidance of Ms. Grant and with the help of several West Valley Rotary clubs, the project has expanded throughout the West Valley.

“The need is real,” said Ms. Grant.

Collection drives commonly serve other, very needed but more common items such as diapers, or food and water. Women’s menstrual hygiene is less-often mentioned but exceptionally necessary. A recent article that Jo Grant read stated the expense of these items has grown significantly, and the rate of the pricing increase surpasses that of even food prices, comparatively.

The West Valley W4W on a regular basis supports organizations such as St. Mary’s and Valley View food banks, HART Pantry, the Salvation Army, Mountain Park Health Clinic in Goodyear, and the Goodyear Food Bank. Populations supported include the homeless, the domestic violence displaced, as well as schools and shelters.

The West Valley W4W is expecting to surpass over 5,000 women’s hygiene kits distributed during the 2025-26 fiscal year. The Tempe-area focus of the organization distributes an estimated ten times that, annually.

“I know the first time I personally experienced Women 4 Women’s mission at a ‘packing party’ with the Surprise/Sun City West Rotary Club, I had never given the concept a moment’s thought. When you think about all the women going through difficult times that need these items – truly an “aha moment, said Adria Poindexter, a member of the Rotary Club of Glendale.

Partnerships with organizations such as Rotary, churches and others, W4W compiles hygiene kits in simple brown paper sacks. The brown paper bags are to offer dignity to the women receiving them, as the contents are packaged discreetly.

West Valley Rotary clubs currently supporting and participating with W4W include Surprise/SCW, Glendale and Estrella. Recently at a packing party with the Rotary Club of Surprise, they assembled over 300 kits in about 45 minutes. Ms. Grant is a pro at setting up stations and the project works like an assembly line -- efficient and fast-paced, with plenty of chatting and fellowship taking place at the same time. Each assembled kit has an estimated value of five dollars, but what it offers to women is invaluable.

“Dignity, grace and empathy have no price tags, but are priceless,” said Ms. Poindexter.

About Rotary

For information about Rotary District 5495 in Ariziona visit rotary5495.org or email membership@rotary5495.org.

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CONTACT:
Jo Grant, Women 4 Women Surprise, (520) 401-2878, women4womensurprise@gmail.com

Adria Poindexter, Rotary Club of Glendale, (951) 265-1815, aopoindexter@gmail.com

Photo caption:

Members of The Rotary Club of Surprise-Sun City West take part in a recent “packing party” to put together feminine hygiene kits to be distributed by Women 4 Women.

Liz Magallanes named D5495 Rotaractor of the Year

NEWS RELEASE

Liz Magallanes named Rotary District 5495 Rotaractor of the Year for 2024-25

[Goodyear, AZ | May 2025] — Liz Magallanes, a member of the West Valley Rotaract Club, was named the Arizona Rotary District 5495 Rotaractor of the Year at the district’s annual Conference of Clubs.

District Governor Michelle Holcomb and District 5495 Rotaract Chair Ed Koeneman presented the award to Miss Magallanes at the conference held May 1-3 at the We-ko-pa Resort and Casino in Fountain Hills.

Miss Magallanes serves as both Vice President and Treasurer of the West Valley Rotaract Club. She lives in Avondale and attends Estrella Mountain Community College. This prestigious recognition celebrates Liz’s tireless dedication, inspiring leadership, and her deep commitment to living out the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.”

According to Club President Brianna Rodriguez, Liz has been “a driving force in our club, consistently going above and beyond to support her fellow members, whom she perceives as a found family, and the broader community.

“We are absolutely elated to see her hard work recognized at the district level, and we hope you’ll join us in congratulating her on this well-deserved honor,” added Miss Rodriguez.

Rotaract clubs bring together people ages 18 and older to exchange ideas with leaders in the community, develop leadership and professional skills, and have fun through service.

Receiving the award came as a complete surprise to Miss Magallanes.

"When Ed called my name and asked me to come up to the stage, I was kind of losing my mind honestly, I wasn’t expecting it at all. But standing up there and hearing all the kind things he shared made me feel truly special and seen. I was definitely nervous, but more than anything, I just felt this overwhelming joy hearing everyone cheer and knowing how much support I have," said Liz.

"Being in Rotaract means being part of something bigger than yourself. It means finding a community, building friendships, giving back through service, and growing as leaders together. That’s what I love most about Rotaract. I love watching our members grow into the people they’re meant to be."

In communities worldwide, Rotary and Rotaract members work side by side to take action through service. Rotaract members decide how to organize and run their clubs, manage their own funds, and plan and carry out activities and service projects. Rotary club sponsors offer guidance and support and work with your club as partners in service.

The West Valley Rotaract Club meets at Estrella Mountain Community College on the fourth Monday of the month. They’re a lively club made up of college students and young working professionals. Although they’ve only been around for two years, they’ve already accomplished a lot. On average, they host three to four service projects each month, collaborating with local organizations throughout the West Valley.

About Rotary

For more information about Rotary in Arizona, visit the District 5495 website. For information on joining a local Rotary Club, email membership@rotary5495.org.

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CONTACT:

Brianna Rodriquez, President of West Valley Rotaract Club (602) 499-7566

Liz Magallanes, (480) 335-9088

For more information about Rotaract, visit the District 5495 website.

Photo caption:

Liz Magallenas receives the Rotary District 5495 Rotaractor of the Year Award from District 5495 Rotaract Chair Ed Koeneman and District Governor Michelle Holcomb during the district’s annual Conference of Clubs held May 1-3 in Fountain Hills. (Photo by Wayne General)

Mesa, Tempe Rotary Clubs join forces to beautify MCC Rose Garden

NEWS RELEASE

Mesa, Tempe Rotary Clubs join forces to beautify
Mesa Community College Rose Garden

[Mesa, Arizona | May 2025] – In a shining example of community collaboration, the Tempe South and the Mesa West Rotary Club, in partnership with the Westwood High School Rotary Interact Club, completed an extensive beautification project at the Mesa Community College Rose Garden — the largest public rose garden in the Desert Southwest.

Over the course of several months, more than 30 dedicated volunteers rolled up their sleeves to restore and enhance key features of the garden. The project was supported by a $5,000 grant written together by Mesa West Rotary and the Tempe South Rotary Clubs, which funded much-needed improvements to preserve and uplift the garden’s aesthetic and structural integrity.

Rotary and Interact volunteers committed their time and talent to:

*Concrete curb repair and resurfacing
* Irrigation system modifications for water efficiency
* Weeding and landscape restoration
* Painting of surrounding walls and the central kiosk structure

"This initiative reflects Rotary’s commitment to local community service and environmental stewardship, aligning with its global mission of 'Service Above Self," said GE Paulus, president of the Rotary Club of Mesa West.

The Mesa Rose Garden, a joint project of Mesa Community College and the Mesa-East Valley Rose Society, is a treasured space visited by thousands each year for its beauty, tranquility, and educational value.

To keep spirits high during volunteer days, Jon Scott Williams of the Mesa Rotary Club generously provided burritos, water, and juice to all participants—a much-appreciated gesture that helped fuel the hard work and camaraderie of the teams.

"We are proud of the teamwork that made this project a success," said Mr. Paulus. "The Rose Garden is a jewel of our city, and we’re honored to help ensure it remains vibrant for generations to come."

A dedication celebration was held May 30. A plaque recognizing Rotary's involvement in the project was unveiled.

“We wanted to make the garden more attractive and inviting for Rotarians, students and visitors to a green open space,” said Dennis Rogers, president of the Rotary Club of Tempe South, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. The garden, he says, supports tourism in the area and provides a space for relaxation, reflection and mental rejuvenation.

“We’re very glad to have been involved with the renovations to the Rose Garden Project and are thankful to everyone for their help with the funding and to all the volunteers,” said Mr. Rogers.

About Rotary

For more information on Rotary District 5495, visit www.rotary5495.org or visit the District Facebook Page. To find a local club, email membership@rotary5495.org.

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CONTACT:

editor@rotary5495.org

Dennis Rogers, Rotary Club of Tempe South, drogers@dira.com

Jim Schmidt, left, a member of The Rotary Club of Mesa West and District 5495 Governor-Elect meets with LeRoy Brady, the landscape architect for The Rose Garden at Mesa Community College.

A plaque recognizing the efforts of The Rotary Clubs of Mesa West and Tempe South to fund renovations to The Rose Garden at Mesa Community College was unveiled during a special ceremony held May 30.

Peoria North Rotary Club recognizes PUSD students

NEWS RELEASE

Peoria North Rotary Club recognizes
Peoria Unified School District students

[Peoria, Arizona | April 2025] — The Peoria North Rotary Club recognized Peoria Unified School District "Students of the Month" for March and April during a ceremony held April 25 at Peoria High School.

Students from Peoria High School, Peoria Flex Academy, Ironwood High School and Centennial High School were recognized and presented with a $150 stipend as well as a certificate signifying the club had donated a wheelchair in their names to a disabled person living in Mexico.

In addition to honoring students at the four PUSD high schools, the club also recognizes in a separate ceremony Students of the Month at Mountain Ridge High School in Glendale.

During the April 25 event, the club for the first time also recognized top media arts students at each of the four PUSD schools. The award is co-sponsored by Huntington University's campus in Peoria.

Dave Evans, the club's Youth Services Chair, served as emcee for the event and introduced faculty from each high school to announce their honorees. Students of the Month honored April 25:

Peoria High School: Rylie Brooks, March, and Dawn Drake for April.

Peoria Flex Academy: Kitera Thomas, April.

Ironwood High School: Violet Luna, March, and Trinity Haver, April.

Centennial High School: Shane Harmon, March, and Jacob Sajan for April.

Receiving the Media Arts Student of the Semester Award were Julianna Ronfeldt, Ironwood High School; Gavin Niemeyer, Peoria Flex Academy; Brooklyn Koressel, Peoria High School; and Gerald Heck, Centennial High School.

"Our club is so happy and proud to recognize these students," said Dave Evans. "These students really represent the best of the best in the Peoria Unified School District."

Rotary is an international service organization with over 1.4 million members throughout the world.

The Peoria North Rotary Club is a strong supporter of education and literacy and has for many years provided dictionaries to all third-grade students in the district. Two years ago, the club launched its George and Willi Wheeler Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to PUSD students attending college after graduation from high school. For the past 15 years the club has also sponsored The Prom Closet, an annual event that provides formal wear free of charge to high school students attending their school prom.

The club meets 6 p.m. Wednesday at Briarwood Country Club in Sun City West. Prospective members are welcome to attend. Visit the club's website for additional information.

About Rotary

For more information about Rotary in Arizona, visit the District 5495 website. For information on joining a local Rotary Club, email membership@rotary5495.org.

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CONTACT:

John Calhoun, president of the Peoria North Rotary Club, (602) 739-0386

Dave Evans, PNRC Youth Services chair, (623) 680-9119

Photo caption:

1. Recipients of the club's first Media Arts Student of the Semester Award are Gerald Heck from Centennial High School, and Julianna Ronfeldt from Ironwood High School. Presenting the award are Dave Evans and Dabney Jackson from Huntington University in Peoria.

2. From left, Dave Evans recognizes recipients from Peoria High School -- Dawn Drake, April Student of the Month; Rylie Briones, March Student of the Month; Brooklyn Koressel, Media Arts Student of the Semester -- along with Dabney Jackson from Huntington University in Peoria and Peoria North Rotary Club Secretary Margaret Fried and Peoria North Rotary Club President-Elect Darlene Eger.

3. From left, Dave Evans presents awards to Student of the Month recipients Kitera Thomas of Peoria Flex Academy; Trinity Haver and Violet Luna of Ironwood High School; Jacob Sajan and Shane Harmon of Centennial High School.

(Photos by Bret McKeand)

Rotary Club of Sun Lakes holds CUSD student speech contest

NEWS RELEASE

(Chandler/Sun Lakes, AZ | May 2025) The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes (RCSL) held its 11^th Annual Rotary International Four-Way Test Speech Contest. Five senior students from five different Chandler Unified School District High Schools competed.

The purpose of the speech is to apply the principles of RI’s Four Way Test to a current ethical issue. Each student addressed the Four-Way Test during her 4–7-minute speech. The Four Way Test addresses: Is it the TRUTH?; Is it FAIR to all concerned?; Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?; and, Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?.

RCSL Education Chair Gary Kay welcomed students and their supporters to the April 2025 event. He thanked the competition judges — CUSD Administration Leaders Dr. Craig Gilbert (Pre-K-12 Associate Superintendent), Frank Narducci (CUSD Superintendent), Leo Schlueter (Elementary West Region—Executive Director), Dr. Mike De La Torre (K-12 Assistant Superintendent) and Dan Serrano (Secondary Education Executive Director).

Club members Bill Schink and Debbie Bailey served as competition tabulators, along with former event chair Bill McCoach. The event is one of the Rotary Club of Sun Lakes’s premiere and long-standing education programs.

Placement of awards and their topics:

· 1^st Place ($500) - Ojal Parimisetty of Basha High School with topic: generational empathy.

· 2^nd Place ($250) – Addison Balthazor of Perry High School with topic: climate change

Runner- ups awards ($100 each) went to:

Lillianna Cabanillas, of Casteel High School with topic: workplace discrimination
Kavya Mishra, Arizona College Preparatory High School with topic: recipe for happiness.
Olivia Dlott, Chandler High School with topic: Gun Violence

NEWS RELEASE

Rotary Club of Sedona Village donates
$15,000 to support Prescott VA Hospital

(Sedona/Prescott, AZ | May 2025) The Rotary Club of Sedona Village recently donated $15,000 to the VA Hospital in Prescott to support veteran’s programs and daily essentials and activities not covered by the Veterans Association.

The donation was presented during a special Veterans Picnic hosted by the club at the VA Center, officially known as the Bob Stump Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 500 Highway 89 North in Prescott.

The donation, presented to Shana Shatzer, chief of the VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement, supports the veteran patient discretionary fund. The donation was raised by three raffles held in front of Clark's Market in Sedona Village, donations from Clark's Market, and generous donations from club members.

The picnic, made possible by a gift from Sedona Village residents Paul and Mara Majane, welcomed over 100 veteran hospital residents to an outdoor pavilion on hospital grounds. Twenty Village Rotary Club members and friends of the Club volunteered to grill hamburgers and hot dogs, served plates of potato salad, potato chips and cookies, creating a warm and festive event.

"Service to our community, local, national, and international, is what Rotary is all about," observed Village Club President Chuck Marr.

"The camaraderie created, by working together doing good for others, energizes our members and makes the club incredibly active."

The club’s annual Veterans Raffle, started nearly 20 years ago by World War II veteran Army First Lt. John Cornelius, has now raised over $350,000 in support of the Veterans Hospital.

Launched to provide daily essentials and activities not covered by the VA, the fundraiser was brought under the Rotary umbrella in 2020. Since then, the Sedona Village Rotary Club has proudly continued the tradition, now led by retired Air Force Col. Rob Schaefer, and Lt. Cornelius's daughter, Cathleen Banister Marx.

“This is one of the most impactful projects we do as a club,” said Col. Schaefer. “It’s about honoring our veterans not just in words, but through action and ongoing support.”

For more information about the Rotary Club of Sedona Village, its veteran’s initiatives, and community service, visit sedonavillagerotary.org.

About Rotary

For more information about Rotary in Arizona, visit the District 5495 website. For information on joining a local Rotary Club, email membership@rotary5495.org.

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Media contact: cmarr2@icloud.com

NEWS RELEASE

Rotary Club of Sun Lakes presents annual
Educator of the Year and high school scholarship awards

[Chandler/Sun Lakes, Arizona, May 2025] The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes recently presented its 2025 Educator of the Year Awards to Chandler Unified School District (CUSD) teachers and scholarships to CUSD High School Students.

At a recent morning RCSL breakfast meeting, Peter Meade, RCSL president, and Becky Kerr, RCSL education committee, announced this year’s recipients.

Angelica Abbey, a sixth-grade teacher at CUSD Frye Elementary School, was named Educator of the Year. Ms. Abbey received a check for $2,000.

Runners-up were Monica Garcia-Larson, English language development teacher at CUSD Hamilton High School, and Kim Meyer, pre-AP biology teacher at CUSD Arizona College Preparatory Middle School. Each teacher received $500.

Educator of the Year Awards were sponsored by Earnhardt Automotive and TrustBank.

Additionally in May 2025, the club presented scholarships to several CUSD high school students. Leo Schlueter, RCSL Rotarian/CUSD Executive Director of Elementary Education, presented Service above Self Scholarship awards of $2,000 to:

Courtney Hartle, graduating from CUSD Perry High School and attending Arizona State University.
Deborah He, graduating from CUSD Hamilton High School and attending Vanderbilt University.
Tessa Chadwick, graduating from Casteel High School and attending University of Utah.

Tecate Phair, an incoming Junior at CUSD Hamilton High School who will be attending EVIT Cosmetology Program for two years, received a vocational scholarship of $2,000.

RCSL scholarship awards are proceeds from the club’s annual golf tournament.

About Rotary

For more information about Rotary in Arizona, visit the District 5495 website.

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CONTACT:

Dr. Honora Norton, RCSL Public Image Director, mike.honora@cox.net

Peter Meade, President, Rotary Club of Sun Lakes, azpetermeade@gmail.com

From left, Peter Meade, RCSL president and Becky Kerr, RCSL education committee; recognize “Educator of the Year” honorees Angelica Abbey, Monica Garcia-Larson and Kim Meyer.

Leo Schlueter, RCSL Rotarian and CUSD executive director of elementary education, congratulates recipients of scholarships presented by the club. From left, Courtney Hartle, Perry High School; Deborah He, Hamilton High School; Tessa Chadwick, Casteel High School; Tecate Phair, Hamilton High School.