Welcome to District 5495 Club News
Rotary Club of Sun Lakes (RCSL) recognized several members for their gifts to support the Club's educational programs and community and global outreach projects. Ann Diamond,above left, received her initial Rotary International Foundation's Paul Harris recognition and pin. Dr. Diane Bruening and Dr. Ed Lamers, above photo on right, were acknowledged for their legacy gifts to RCSL's Foundation 2000 Endowment Fund. All awardees are Sun Lakes residents.
A BIG thank you to the Rotary Club of Surprise-Sun City West Parade Crew for participating in the 2025 Surprise Veterans Day Parade! The Rotarians met at 7:30 a.m. and by 9 a.m. we had Glenn Schmitt's pickup decorated. Then by 9:30 a.m. Jeri Robertson arrived with over 40 Junior Interact students and some of their parents. The parade started at 10 a.m. and was done by 11 a.m. For the Parade Crew: Glenn Schmitt drove his pickup, Robert Evans & Jim Schlenvogt marched in the parade and carried the Surprise & SCW Rotary Club banner, Jim Rumpeltes was in the back of the pickup and in charge of handing out the bags of candy to the parents, and Jeri Robertson organized the students & parents and rode shotgun in the pickup. The parents were in charge of marching with the kids, monitoring their safety and keeping a full supply of candy to handout to the kids and the eager crowd. Along the parade route, there was a huge enthusiastic crowd, with their lawn chairs 2-3 chairs deep. At the end of the parade, we were greeted by the Surprise Mayor and we were thanked for participating. When we got back to the parking lot, I asked the students if they had fun. They gave a big YES!!
The Laughlin Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce the winners of its 28th Annual Community Achievement Awards, held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Aquarius Casino Resort inside the Pavilion.
Presented by the Laughlin Chamber and hosted in partnership with Golden Entertainment – Laughlin, this year’s black-tie gala honored outstanding individuals, businesses, and organizations whose leadership, service, and dedication make the Colorado River Region a better place to live, work, and thrive.
The Rotary Club of Bullhead City was well represented at the event, as several of its members were award winners or finalists for an award:
Chris Morgan received the Humanitarian Award for his leadership roles with the Mohave County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue team and Bullhead Regional Food Bank (which he founded and now chairs). The Food Bank served more than 40,000 individuals in 2025.
Loke Lau Brigoli was named as a finalist for the Communications Award for her role as owner of her own DJ/KJ business (founded in 2008). She also co-hosted Cameron Broadcasting's "The Knack 107.1" morning show. Music is Loke's passion.
Amanda Melander was named a finalist for the Entrepreneur Award representing Voodoo Cove restaurant. (known for their creative meals and fun dining experience). Voodoo Cove is a proud sponsor of many events in our community.
In addition, the Rotary Club of Laughlin won the Community & Social Service Organization Award, and the Laughlin High School Interact Club won the Outstanding Youth Group Award.
Three members of the Rotary Club of Laughlin were also honored in several categories: Heidi Zenefski (Education Professional Award), Jackie Wallin, President, (Lloyd Shires Tourism Award), and Renee Yepez, President Elect (Spirit of Nevada Award).
Congratulations to all our Rotarians for their well-deserved recognition at the Community Achievement Awards.
Submitted by: Dr. Honora Norton, RCSL Public Image Director
The Rotary Club of Sun Lakes (RCSL) named Kat Hendricsen August 2025 RCSL Teacher of the Month. Coach Hendricsen is Physical Education teacher at Chandler Unified School District's Carlson Elementary School. Coach Hendricsen has over 13 years teaching experience after earning her Bachelor of Education degree at Northern Arizona University.
RCSL named Stacy Sher September 2025 RCSL Teacher of the Month. Ms. Sher is a Physical Education teacher at CUSD Riggs Elementary School. Ms. Sher has 25 years’ teaching experience after earning her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh in Educational Leadership.
Both teachers’ dedication, heart and impact made them ideal candidates for RCSL's Teacher of the Month honors. Becky Kerr, RCSL Education Committee member, thanks RCSL corporate members Earnhardt Automotive and TrustBank who jointly sponsor the $700 check given to each RCSL teacher of the month. Additionally, each teacher was presented with the opportunity to be a RCSL club-funded Rotarian for one year.
For more information about RCSL - http://www.sunlakesrotary.com.
Submitted by: Dr. Honora Norton, RCSL Public Image Director
Thirty of Rotary Club of Sun Lakes (RCSL) members met at CUSD Hamilton High School to learn about CUSD’s Semiconductor CTE Program. RCSL Club President Ed Anderson introduced RCSL Rotarian Janet Hartkopf, CUSD’s Emerging Technologies Coordinator/Cyber Security Program Director, who provided an informative overview of CUSD’s Semiconductor CTE Program—the 1st Semiconductor program in a public U.S. high school.
Janet was instrumental in building the program’s 25-member business advisory board and curriculum. Janet shared information about the program’s history; business and academic partnerships; program’s $1million lab center; camps; curriculum; student diversity; and her recent attendance at New Taipei City Taiwan—SEMICON Asia’s premier industry event as part of a 55 Arizona academic and business member delegation.
RCSL attendees felt the enthusiasm and excitement Janet experiences being part of this innovative/state-of-the-art program. Janet has been a RCSL Rotarian since 2014 serving as club’s webmaster and past editor of club’s newsletter.
Janet is a life-long learner - having earned her Master of Education from Grand Canyon University and currently attending UofA’s Cyber Security Masters Program. Also attending meeting was Cori Christenson, Past Rotary Club of Gilbert President/Rio Salado Community College Student Services Manager, who has supported Janet in her efforts.
For more information about RCSL - see http://www.sunlakesrotary.com
Save the Date and Get Your Tickets Now!
Sunday November 9, 2025
Support the Kyrene Rotary Foundation and Immerse Yourselves in an Evening of Fun:
Featuring the Comedy and Magic of Jeff Peterson! One of the top comedy magicians in the world, Jeff has delighted more than 2 million audience members on stages around the world with his unique blend of Comedy, Magic and Audience Interaction.
He has made multiple television appearances throughout his career on CBS, Showtime, Travel Channel, Animal Planet etc. Jeff is definitely NOT a typical cheesy magic act that does goofy magic wearing a cheap tuxedo. This is a combination of hilarious comedy & truly amazing magic performed by a professional entertainer wows even the hardest to please audiences.
About The Gala
A celebratory and festive evening, the Celebration Gala is the signature annual fundraising gala for nonprofit Kyrene Rotary Club Foundation. This year community leaders, KRC members, businesses, philanthropists and friends will come together for a celebratory evening to raise awarenesss and funds for a spectrum of community needs. While supporting this worthwhile cause, guests will enjoy a cocktail reception, networking, mystery prizes, followed by a superb dinner and an entertaining program.
6:00 pm: Check-In and Cocktails. Collect your event badge and materials. Grab a coffee or bar drink, visit with fellow attendees, and get ready for an exciting evening!
7:00 pm: Dinner and Show. Enter the showroom to share a delicious meal. Your hosts will share stories about the people we help. Then…
Hold onto your hats for a funny and festive show featuring Jeff Peterson, one of the world’s best comedy magicians. It’s the perfect way to end the day!
Event Location: Hilton Phoenix Airport, 2435 S. 47th St., Phoenix, AZ
Get the Details: https://kyrenegala.com/