Clubs thrive when they are deeply connected to the communities they serve. A healthy Rotary club is one that its community loves, because it listens, responds, and evolves to meet real needs. When our clubs are connected—whether through mentoring youth, supporting schools, honoring first responders, or feeding hungry families—they grow naturally. Energy flows, service expands, and new members are drawn in. Conversely, when clubs lose that connection, they risk stagnation. Let us always keep our hearts and hands firmly rooted in our communities.
October 24th also brings us to World Polio Day, a powerful reminder of Rotary’s historic promise to the children of the world. For nearly 40 years, Rotary has led the global fight to eradicate polio—a fight that is nearly won. Each year Rotary commits $50 million to this effort, with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation matching our contributions 2-to-1. Together, that means every dollar you give has triple the impact.
I recently heard a presentation from Michael McGovern, Chair of Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee, who reminded us that every contribution goes directly to service—delivered in partnership with UNICEF and the World Health Organization. More than $1.1 billion is invested annually by world partners, reaching nearly 1 billion children with life-saving vaccines. The scale is breathtaking. The impact is undeniable. The end is in sight.
But this final stretch is the hardest, and it will take all of us. For just $8.33 a month—$100 a year—we can each help push Rotary’s effort across the finish line. Every gift matters; every hand helps.
For me, this cause is personal. A dear friend’s father spent his entire life on crutches due to polio. My fellow District Governor classmate, Joy, nearly died as a child from polio, yet today leads her District with courage and passion to eradicate it. More than 100 brave frontline healthcare workers have even given their lives so children might be protected. Their sacrifice challenges us to do our part.
Friends, let’s honor their courage, let’s honor the children of the world, and let’s honor Rotary’s promise. Together, we can eliminate polio forever—and then move forward to tackle the next great global challenges with the same passion, faith, and determination.
Let’s continue to stay deeply connected to our communities. Let’s give generously and serve boldly. And let’s remember: Together We Raise, Together We Rise, Together We Thrive.
With gratitude and hope, Jim Schmidt District Governor, Rotary District 5495
Cameron Moses of The Rotary Club of Lake Havasu City has been named District 5495’s Rotarian of the Month for September.
The award recognizes unsung heroes in Rotary and those who exemplify “Service Above Self.” Cameron was nominated by Assistant Governor Becky Goldberg.
Cameron spearheads the club’s Student of the Month program and he also meets with high school students to help assist them with interview skills. He is extremely involved in the community and was voted the club’s Rotarian of the Month in July.
Cameron also serves on the Lake Havasu City Council and owns a local restaurant. According to Becky, he is always willing to step up and assist – especially with students and young leaders. He is currently setting up a leadership program to help teach others how to be a good civic leader.
James (Jim) Quinn, a member of the Rotary Club of Prescott Valley, has been named District 5495’s Rookie of the Month for September.
Jim has been a Rotarian since Feb. 1, 2025, and is currently his club’s membership chair. He was nominated by District Governor-Elect Joe Sweeney, who said in his nomination:
According to District Governor-Elect Joe Sweeney, Jim “has brought remarkable enthusiasm, creativity, and commitment to this vital role, and his efforts have already made a profound difference in the life of our club.”
Further demonstrating his commitment to Rotary, Jim has already completed Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Part 1 and is preparing to attend Part 2 this November in Kingman. His pursuit of ongoing Rotary education reflects his desire to grow as a leader and continue making a lasting impact.
Natalia Dasho, a native of Ukraine, is a foreign exchange student at Parker High this year. She’s in the junior class. Her father attended Parker High during the 1993-94 school year.
Parker High School is hosting an exchange student from Ukraine for the 2025-26 school year. What makes this even more interesting is her father was also an exchange student in Parker 32 years ago.
Natalia Dasho, 16, is a junior at Parker High through the Rotary International Youth Exchange Program. It’s handled locally through the Parker Rotary Club, with Ashley Bonds as its coordinator.
Dasho is from Lviv, Ukraine, which is located about 70 kilometers (43.5 miles) from the border with Poland. With a population estimated at 720,000, it’s the largest city in western Ukraine and the fifth largest in the country
Dasho’s father, Taras, was an exchange student in Parker during the 1993-94 school year. She and Bonds said it was largely through her father and friends in Ukraine that she became an exchange student in Parker. Since she came to the States, she has not only visited Parker but also the Grand Canyon, Sedona and Big Bear in California.
“Parker is nice, but it’s SO hot!” Dasho said. “It looks like some place people would go on vacation.”
Our most recent D5495 Rotary Peace Fellow Khadim Fayez, from Afghanistan, has arrived at Bradford University. Fayez was selected in November 2024, and is now beginning his Master's program at Bradford University in England.
Rotarians can follow Fayez's journey by visiting his Facebook page where he recently posted a nice "thank you" to many people - including Rotarians in our district.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CKhmSkX5y/
Congratulations to Fayez as he starts his Master’s degree program this September.
Thanks for the continued support of D5495 Rotarians for the Rotary Peace Fellowship program.
Please see the D5495 website, and click on the “Peacebuilding” tab, and go to the “Peace Fellowship/Peace Centers” section to learn more.
Our D5495 committee is available to share more with your members. Please contact Tony Cerato tcerato@aol.com or at 719-351-6616.
District 5495 will hold its next Rotary Leadership Institute 8-4 p.m. Saturday November 8 at the Kingman Regional Medical Center, 3269 N. Stockton Hill Road, Kingman. All three RLI sessions will be available that day.
Cost is $65 and includes continental breakfast, lunch and study materials. Note: Most clubs will cover a member's fee to attend.
RLI is a world-wide organization that some refer to as Rotary’s “College of Knowledge.”RLI touches on “everything Rotary” and is not a “leadership” course to become an officer of your Club. RLI is made up of three one-day Sessions to give you an overview of what Rotary is and what it does worldwide. Its goal is to create ENTHUSIASM for Rotary and show the enormous potential of Rotary service and how with knowledge and excellent leadership in Clubs, the world will benefit.
Visit the RLI home page on the district website for more information.
Elevate Your Leadership, Advance Your Career, Strengthen Rotary. What if Rotary became known as THE place for leadership development?
The redesigned Leadership Academy hosted by Arizona Rotary makes this vision a reality. A select group of Rotarians* will study essential leadership skills that will enhance their impact and effectiveness everywhere they lead.
The Program’s Areas of Study Will Include:
Ethical Leadership & Integrity
Emotional Intelligence & Self-Awareness
Strategic Thinking & Decision-Making
Team Building & Performance Management
Conflict Resolution & Negotiation
Communication & Influence
...and 4 more game-changing skills
This Exclusive 10-month Program is Perfect For:
Emerging leaders seeking career advancement
Experienced leaders ready to expand their influence
Rotarians ready to step into ever more important club or District roles
The Investment: $150 covers a DISC Personality Assessment, Emotional Intelligence Assessment, rich skill-based leadership curriculum, online and in-person peer connections, and recognition as a leader that sets you apart.
Register for one of the upcoming Online Information Sessions to learn more:
Join us for District 5495 Cardinals game day event!
We’re excited to share the details for our upcoming Arizona Cardinals Tailgate & Game Day Event—and it’s shaping up to be an unforgettable experience!
Date: Sunday, December 7 Game Time: 2:25 PM (Cardinals vs. Rams) Tailgate Starts: 11:25 AM – All-you-can-eat food, great conversations, and fun! Location: State Farm Stadium
Tickets: $125 per person (includes game ticket and tailgate) Raffle: $10 per ticket for a chance to win:
Verizon Player Tunnel Experience (4 spots available)
On-field Banner Holding Opportunity (4 spots available) Drawing will be held December 1
Proceeds benefit Rotary District 5495 Youth Programs. Let’s show our Rotary spirit and cheer on the Cardinals together at this first annual event!
Mexico-USA Friendship Conference kicks off Oct. 31
The annual Mexico-USA Friendship Conference, now in its 25th year, is the ideal way for your club to get involved in a Rotary Foundation global grant. Open to all Rotary clubs and districts, you’ll have the chance to experience fellowship at its finest with clubs from Mexico and Arizona, plus we will work on getting global grants funded in this unique project-focused event.
This year’s friendship conference will be held October 31 thru November 3 in Yuma, Arizona.
Clubs that wish to present global grant project proposals please send a brief project description and draft budget to your respective District Rotary Foundation Chair and cc PDG Kevin Pitts.
Want to refresh your club logo? Or are you wondering if you’re using it correctly?
The District 5495 Public Image team will host an online program 7 p.m. Tuesday, October 28 to explain how to create a Rotary brand-compliant logo and why it's so important to be consistent when promoting our clubs and activities.
It’s easy to make updates and create new logos with our Brand Center templates. Review guidelines and do’s and don’ts on the Logos and Graphics page. You’ll also find a link to a Learning Center course, Our Logo: Representing Rotary, where you can learn why it’s important to use Rotary’s logos correctly and consistently in all your communications.
All club Public Image Chairs are especially invited to attend!
Topic: Public Image Call Time: Oct 28, 2025 07:00 PM Arizona
World Polio Day, 24 October, is fast approaching. If your club isn’t already planning its World Polio Day event, now is the time to begin. Visit Rotary’s Brand Center for End Polio Now resources such as graphics, videos, photos, public relations templates, and more. Additional materials will be added throughout October. After you’ve planned an event, don’t forget to register it. New this year: District- and zone-level events can also be registered, not just club events. Let’s show the world that Rotary’s commitment to polio eradication is stronger than ever! Click Here to see the latest updates on our Polio Efforts.
Online session explains District 5495 opportunities
Are you curious about all the ways you can grow, connect, and serve beyond your club? Thinking about getting more involved but not sure where to begin?
Join us for District 5495 Opportunities Information Night—a welcoming, interactive session where you’ll discover how your talents can make an impact at the district level.
Explore district committees and projects making a difference.
Ask questions in a relaxed, open Q&A format.
Learn about flexible roles—many can be done entirely online, no matter where you live.
Discover opportunities to grow your leadership skills while serving causes you care about.
Whether you’re looking for a small role that fits your schedule or a larger leadership opportunity, this is the perfect place to see where your passion meets purpose in District 5495.
Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and step into new possibilities. We look forward to seeing you there!
INTRODUCING …
District 5495 has created a new “Help Wanted” tab on the District website to provide Rotarians a chance to learn more about district committees and the current openings/needs they have for volunteers. Be sure to check it out and match your passion to a district committee's opportunities!
Rotarians in our district have donated $70,000 to PolioPlus by drinking beer!!! Congratulations! So of course with as much success as we had before, we are doing it again. The next 50 cases of Iron Lung Lager from MudShark Brewing out of Lake Havasu City are available for you to donate for in support of PolioPlus and just in time for World Polio Day.
After you donate, if you live in the Valley, call Dennis who is listed on the opportunity, and find out when the next pick up time is. As always, print out your receipt or have it ready on your phone to show Dennis. Our Iron Lung lager team will be coordinating ways for you to get the beer if you're are out in Eastern AZ or clubs on The River. Remember to stop by MudShark Brewing too.
Please spread the word and let everyone know more cases are available. Thank you for supporting our Rotary Foundation and End Polio Now.
Global Grant GG 2578729 For Your Consideration at The Mexican/American Conference The above global grant supporting the Triqui School in Mermosillo will be one of many global grants presented at the Mexico-USA Friendship Conference later this month in Yuma. Click here to learn more about the conference!
Taste of Sedona Village supports Rotary projects
The Rotary Club of Sedona Village invites the community to the Taste of Sedona Village on Sunday, October 12, 2025, from 11 AM to 3 PM at The Collective Courtyard. This first-of-its-kind event combines the flavors of local restaurants with family fun, raffles, and tastings—all while raising funds for vital Rotary programs.
Tickets are limited to 300 and available online at sedonavillagerotary.org.
Proceeds go directly to supporting Rotary’s many community initiatives, including the Village community garden, programs for veterans, and extensive youth projects such as scholarships and international student exchanges.
Guests will enjoy delectable bites from Red Rock Cafe, Tortes de Fuego, Oak Creek Bistro, Gerardo’s, Spoke and Wheel Tavern, DaVine, Miley’s Cafe, Clark’s Market Deli, and Rocky Road Ice Cream. Complementing the food will be craft beer tastings by Jesse Lee’s Beer and Wine Shop and Lumberjack Brewery as well as French and domestic wine tastings. For those who prefer a full pour, Alcantara wine and beer provided by PJ’s Pub will be available by the glass.
Members of the Rotary Club of Surprise-SCW Club volunteered Sept. 20 at Valley View Community Food Bank in Sun City.
Support Rebecca Wilks in her ‘Ride to End Polio’
Rebecca Wilks of the Valley of the Sun Passport Club is once again competing in the Ride to End Polio Fundraiser this November. The event takes place Nov. 22 and is part of the 42nd Annual El Tour de Tucson bike ride.
The Ride to End Polio is sponsored by District 5500. All funds raised support Rotary's efforts to eradicate polio.
You can support Rebecca and make a donation here and remember that the Gates Foundation will match your contribution 2:1.
In addition to the Gates Foundation, Marco and Rebecca will match 2:1 as well!
Mesa Sunrise golf tournament benefits Special Olympics
On Saturday Sept 6, members of the Mesa Sunrise Rotary Club participated in a Top Golf event to support Special Olympics! Mesa Sunrise Rotary Team with Special Olympic athlete, Steven (middle). We had a great time, supporting a great cause! Contact Bill Peters (Mesa Sunrise Rotarian) at William.Peters@mesaaz.gov if your club is looking for a Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run speaker or would like to know how to support the program.
John Chase selected to serve as Zone 26 RI director
The Zone 26 Nominating Committee met on September 27 and selected Past District Governor John Chase to serve as Rotary International Director 2027-29.
The Nominating Committee was duly convened and chaired by PDG Marge Cole and included a representative from each of the districts in Zone 26 that submitted a representative. General Secretary John Hewko will notify all of the clubs of the Committee's selection.
John's nomination, should there be no challenge per the Rotary International Bylaws, becomes official after December 1, 2025. John will serve on the RI Board beginning July 1, 2027.
John is a member of the Rotary Club of Boulder City and lives in Henderson, Nevada, with his wife Elizabeth. They have two adult daughters, Ashley and Meghan. A Rotarian since 2001, John has held numerous leadership roles, including Club President, Assistant Governor, Executive Assistant Governor, RYLA Chair, and District Governor 2018 – 2019.
As District Governor for District 5300, John led the chartering of two Rotary Clubs and one Rotaract Club. He went on to chair the Big West New Club Development Task Force in 2021–2022 and served as Rotary Membership Coordinator from 2022 to 2025. John currently serves as our Zone 26.27 Chief Operating Officer.
Nominations sought for ‘People of Action’ champion
Do you know a young person who is making a positive change in their community? Nominate them today to be a Champion of Tomorrow!
The 2025-26 Rotary People of Action Honors will recognize six members of the Rotary family as Champions of Tomorrow. These are young people, between the ages of 13 and 30, who are leading youth-centered service projects to create a brighter future today.
The Rotary People of Action Honors are presented to impactful, sustainable, and scalable projects that are models of service for clubs around the world.
Rotarians, Rotaractors, Peace Fellows, Global Grant Scholarship recipients, Interact members, RYLA participants, Rotary Youth Exchange students or Rotary alumni are eligible for nomination.
Compelling new videos in the Brand Center showcase Rotary’s areas of focus and the transformative work that Rotary and Rotaract clubs support worldwide. These short videos can help you engage with service-minded individuals, potential partners, and your community. Show them at club meetings and public-facing events and post them to your social media channels. Each video ends with an invitation for viewers to find their cause and take action with us. Watch the videos on the Our Causes pages or download them from the Brand Center.
