Stories
February 24: We are super proud of our Challenger Interact Students who participated at the Interact District Conference They are awesome 7th graders and are interested in our District 5495 youth programs! #powerofrotary
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Third Annual Italian Evening Planned CLICK here or UPCOMING EVENTS for additional info |
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District 5495 Friendship TrophyFebruary 20: Sun City West Rotary President Glenn Schmitt presented the District's Friendship Trophy to President Barb Jones. Assistant Governor Ron Klaphake regaled us with the ups and downs encountered while opening the Arizona Broadway Theatre in 2005.
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Red Cross Blood DrawDecember 22 : We hosted another Red Cross Blood Draw at Church of the Palms where 27 donors generously gave their time and blood to benefit our community. Those units of blood will be shared with over 27 hospital patients. We are partnering with them again on February 27th.
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West Valley Rotaract VisitPhoto caption: Liz M, Brianna R and Colleen C December 5: District 5495 Rotaract Chair and Mesa Rotary West President Colleen Coons introduced President and founder of the West Valley Rotaract Club Brianna Rodriguez and Club Treasurer Liz Magellanes who also serves on the Rotaract Council. Their Club was chartered on July 14 with the Sun City, Peoria North and Goodyear Pebble Creek Rotarys as founding sponsors. Membership has grown from three to thirteen members in less than three months and they have teamed with several area Rotaract and Rotary clubs, and non-profits on service projects. Let your graduating high schoolers know that they can be reached on their Facebook page (West Valley Rotaract) or through www.azrotaract.org |
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USA/Mexico Friendship ConferenceOctober 29: Our Club received a certificate of appreciation from the All Women El Club RotarioPuebla Campestre Real for funds given to Global Grant 2342585 which provided equipment for the Pediatric Burn Unit of the Children's Hospital. Seven of the fourteen projects presented this year were fully funded by the end of the weekend. Attendees enjoyed Saturday evening at Blazin' M Ranch in Cottonwood with a chuckwagon barbecue and entertainment. |
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Theater Works Grant |
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Serving at Andre HouseBarb, Kendra and Lynne getting final instructions before serving 400+/- guests at Andre House. Steve and Annette had other assignments. Will be scheduling additional visits
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Winners of 2023 Peace Essay Contest |
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Installation CelebrationDelightful to have spouses and Jim Hargrave and Audree Lebdjiri join us!
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Installation of President LaddIncoming DG Kevin Pitts installed Dr. Phil Ladd as President once again as the Club gathered at the home of Mike and Mary Zongolowicz. After his third installation, President Ladd accepted the Club's five Avenues of Service Award for 2022-23. Barb Jones gave President Ladd one of her newly printed business cards to insure him that she will indeed be the next President. Steve Bjornstad presented a memento on behalf of the Club and an emergency surgical kit to Dr. Ladd. Incoming DG (as of July 1) Pitts also announced that Annette Valentine received her PHF+5 |
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New Member and TRVFAMay 16:: Busy day at today's meeting. Club President Phil Ladd sponsored and welcomed new member Jesse Ramirez of Valley View Food Bank. He also presented a check to speaker Jeanie Morgan, Board President of The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona. TRVFA provides vocational education grants to Arizona residents who meet specific low-income guidelines. To learn how you can help, visit www.trvfa.org.
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2023 Champion of PeaceMay 6: We are proud of our member (and past District Governor) Elizabeth Mahoney who received the 2023 Champion of Peace Award at the District 5495 Conference. Mary Zongolowicz (Club representative to the Peacebuilder Network) and Tony Cerato (Peace Fellowship SubCommittee Chair)her[ |
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Sun City Blood DrawSun City Blood Drive is the 4th Tuesday every other month. Volunteer to help on June 27 and August 29 from 9:00-3:00.
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Prom Closet DistributionApril 1: Our Club was well represented at today's Prom Closet distribution where area young women chose from hundreds of dresses (and shoes) at no cost so they can attend their Junior or Senior Prom. Tuxedos were available for the young men. In two weekends and one additional afternoon, 640 students who came from over 110 high schools ranging from Payson to Florence received outfits. Teresa, Annette, Kendra, Lynne and Mary
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Second Annual Spaghetti DinnerMarch 14: Our Community Spaghetti Dinner was a huge success! We had 138 attendees, 18+ Rotary volunteers and 8 Royal Oaks staff. 19 Raffle Donors (10 Silent Auction, 7 Chance) and a 50/50 Drawing. We served 400 meatballs, 3.5 gallons of Marinara sauce, 25# of spaghetti, 200 breadsticks, 100 mini cheesecakes and 150 cookies (plus wine and beer) and were entertained by Rossi Ross. |
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Benvenuti alla Seconda Annuale Community Spaghetti Dinner |
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Halloween SocialOctober 20, 2022: A great time was had by all at the Halloween/60th Annivesary Celebration at Arizona Traditions hosted by Mary Funiski, Walter Clark and Jacqueline Alexander. Walter was also the winner of 60+ Arizona Lottery Scratchers gathered in recognition of the Club's 60th Anniversary. |
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DG Larry Horton's Official VisitOctober 18: On his official visit, DG Larry Horton gave president Phil Ladd with RI President Jennifer Joses' 2022-23 Imagine Rotary banner. In turn, he was presented a check to be given on his behalf to the Rotary International Foundation. He announced Pints for Polio on October 24 and passed out gloves to Club members to be used on a service project on April 16, the first day of Rotary Week of Service.
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Two New MembersAG Mary Fusinski and President Phi Ladd welcome new members Joanna Conde and Carl Schuetze on October 4. |
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New Member
July 19: President Phil inducted Katherine Grahl seen with her sponsor Marty Feess on Tuesday.
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Principal Brad Horstman VisitsMay 3, 2022: Brad Horstman, Principal of Challenger Middle School was our speaker. He noted that many of their students are refugees, some of whom are English Language Learners who may also need Special Education Services. Community events planned the next school year include Bingo, Trunk or Treat, Winter Festival, Paint Night and Family Fiesta. He asked for items to be sold in the Bulldog Bodega (school store) and invited us attend other events during school hours. Our Interact Club has begun scheduling projects after a two+ year layoff due to Covid. Barb Jones has agreed to be the Interact Advisor.
PDG Elizabeth Mahoney and Club President Phil Ladd presented Brad with his first Paul Harris Fellow pin for his outstanding accomplishments. |
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Thank You!Our First Annual Spaghetti Dinner was a success due to the efforts of a few of our Club members. When you see them, say “Thank You”
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First Annual Community Spaghetti Dinner |
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Rotary Week of ServiceSeveral members of our Club and other local Rotatians packed food at the ValleyView Food Bank during this year's Rotary Week of Service.
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Red Cross Blood DriveWe volunteered to check in donors once again at the Red Cross Blood Drive on April 12. They collected 34 units of blood from 38 donors.
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DGN 5495 Kevin Pitts presented Mike Lyons (Club President 2005-06) his PHF+7 pin |
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Challenger Middle School Winterfest |
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District 5495 Celebration/Installation“Get Your Game On” was DG Elizabeth Mahoney’s theme for the 2020-21 Rotary Year culminating at the District Conference in Cardinal Stadium. However, Covid-19 cancelled it along with all in-person meetings and fundraisers. Fortunately, a Celebration/Installation was held at The Wigwam on July 10. |
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New Noon Meeting Location Starting July 20 (we are dark 7/6), we will be meeting the first and third Tuesdays at noon at Royal Oaks, 10015 W Royal Oak Road in Sun City. Signs will direct you to the meeting room. Meal cost is $20 and cash is preferred. Choice of two entrees with sides, pre-plated salad, dessert selection and water, iced tea, lemonade and soda. We are returning to Happy Bucks announcements, $2 fee for unsolved trivia questions, 50/50 raffle tickets ($1 for one or three for $2). All Rotarians or interested guests are encouraged to attend. |
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Installation and New Member On June 22, the first in-person meeting (and a very important one) of our combined Clubs in over a year was held at The Atrium. Our weekly 50/50 raffle has resumed. The official meeting began with outgoing President Mary Zongolowicz thanking those individuals who provided guidance during the past year. Incoming President Phil Ladd presented Mary a plaque with gavel attached. The inscription read, “In appreciation of your effective leadership during the year of the Covid 19 Pandemic”. Club member and current District 5495 Governor Elizabeth Mahoney presented the 2021-22 Rotary theme banner “Serve to Change Lives” to incoming President Phil Ladd. She then installed Phil, Satellite Club Chair Kaley Gilmore and incoming 2021-22 officers. Sponsor Steve Bjornstad welcomed our newest Satellite member Audree Lebjdiri. |
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Marty Feess - Peace Corps in JordanClub Member Marty Feess recalled some his (and wife Karen's) memories of their experiences while serving in the Peace Corp in Jordan. He also gave us a brief history of the area at our Zoom Meeting on May 11. |
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Peace Fellowship Candidates |
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Rotary Week of ServiceFor the Rotary Week of Service, about 25 members and guests of the Sun City and Sun City West Rotary Clubs packed 936 bags of groceries for distribution at the Valley View Food Bank on April 22. A few of our members then enjoyed lunch at the outdoor patio of On the Border (our first in-person gathering in over a year).
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COVID again forcing postponementWell, we hoped that the "third time is a charm" would come through and we would be able to put on our Golf Classic. Sadly, this is not going to be the case. We are postponing our Golf Classic once more - from March 20th to November 6th. But we are enthusiastic about everyone beginning to "get back to normal" [or some level of NEW NORMAL] by November! Additional announcements will be released as we move through the summer. |
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Successful Blood DriveThe Rotary Club of Sun City/Sun City Satellite held its second successful American Red Cross blood drive June 27 at the United Church of the Palms in Sun City resulting in 56 accepted blood donations. We also collected socks for United Church of Christ Sun City’s drive for the Dysart Community Center and food donations for Valley View Food Bank. |
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Third time must be a charm! |
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Polio Plus UpdateAt today's Zoom meeting, PDG Charlie Teagarden reported on Rotary's progress to End Polio Now. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only two endemic countries left in the World. He announced the formation of the Polio Plus Society. Rotarians commit to $100/year until Polio is eradicated. All donations are matched 2:1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Donations made before World Polio Day (October 24) will receive double recognition points.
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Tristan Neal Presentation |
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Recorded Zoom Mtg - 1,000 SurgeriesThank you, again, RTN Salman Mubarak of the Rotary Club Multan Cantt, Multan, Pakistan for sharing with us this past Tuesday, July 21st your new project - Save the Sight (1000 Cataract Surgeries). We are inspired to do more! For those of you who could not join us on Tuesday, July 21st for RTN Salman Mubarak's presentation, here is a link to the recorded session. Click here or on image below. You can contact Steve Bjornstad (stevebj60@gmail.com) for more information on the project...and an opportunity for you to participate! |
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1,000 SurgeriesDon't forget to connect next Tuesday - July 21st, 12 noon. Meeting ID: 881 5227 9134 Password: 493147 |
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Rescheduled Golf ClassicThe 7th Annual Golf Classic has currently been rescheduled for November 28th. Watch for updates. |
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Donations for Valley View Food BankJune 30 Our Rotary Club partnered with the Sun City Del Sol Club to collect groceries and other necessities (as well as cash donations) for the Valley View Community Food Bank. Jim Hargrave, Incoming President Mary Zongolowicz and Satellite Chair Phil Ladd loading one of the SUVs. Mary Z making presentation to Valley View's Jesse Rameriz. Sun City Del Sol's Jan Powell
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Zoom InstallationAt tonight’s Zoom Meeting, President Teresa Haire presented gifts of candles and lighters as Beacons of Light for Rotary to Satellite Chair Mary Zongolowicz, Secretary Dean Pokrandt and Treasurer Jim Hargrave for their assistance this past year. She also presented “Goober” (peanut butter and jelly) awards to Annette Valentine (PR and Facebook), Mike Zongolowicz (Foundation), Steve Bjornstad (Past President) and Kaley Gilmore (Satellite Secretary) for their contributions. Paul Harris Fellows were awarded to Ann Martin for coordinating making and distribution of masks for the Hopi and Navaho nations on our behalf and Mary Zongolowicz. Crystal engraved bookends were given to Teresa by the Club in appreciation of her 2019-20 service. Club Member and Incoming District Governor Elizabeth Mahoney presided over the installation of Mary Zongolwicz as President of the Club and Phillip Ladd as Satellite Chair. Elizabeth will be installed at the District 5495 Zoom Meeting on Saturday June 27 at 10 a.m.
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Zoom Meetings ContinueGil Fornaciari (one of our newest members) shared his experiences while working with Phoenix 100's Field of Dreams recreational complex at the Murphy School District. He also talked about the Arizona Burn Foundation's Camp Courage in Prescott which hosts young burn victims from ages 6-17.
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Valley View Food BankAny questions? Contact Mary Zongolowicz or Teresa Haire if you can help. |
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District Interact Report
June 2, 2020 At today’s Zoom meeting, District 5495 Interact District Governor Madelynn MacDonald (Mohave HS, Bullhead City) and her Assistant District Governor Asa Marette (Mingus Union HS, Cottonwood) gave an informative presentation on their Interact year. There are 558,877 Interactors worldwide in 241,299 Clubs. District 5495 has 100 Clubs (three are ours…Washington HS, Independence HS and Challenger Middle School). |
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Zoom MeetingsThe Sun City Rotary Club meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays at 12:00 at Grand Canyon University School of Nursing at 10484 West Thunderbird (across from Banner Boswell Hospital). The Sun City Rotary Satellite Club meets the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays at 5:30. All meetings are currently held on Zoom with notification sent to members a few days before.
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Rotary Peace Fellow Applicant
At our May 5th Zoom meeting, we met Tanya Shymanchuk. Our Club is proud to support her application for one of up to 50 fully funded Rotary Peace Fellowships being awarded for Master’s degrees. The program educates current and emerging peace leaders from throughout the world, enabling them to act as catalysts for peace in their communities. Tanya is a dedicated young Ukrainian woman who is assisting displaced persons during the conflict in her country. She plans to continue to work in Ukraine as part of their peace building team. Please view the following powerful videos: The Danish Refugee Council's work in Mine Action made by BBC. The interviewed family was supported during mine victim assistance: https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-europe-48825011/ukraine-s-landmines-endangering-children Danish Refugee Council video was posted on the DRC twitter account in November 2019: https://twitter.com/drcddgua/status/1190188410398543872 The Rotary Club of Sun City |
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Zoom Board Meeting 4-7-20An e-mail has been sent to all members regarding the Zoom Board Meeting to discuss District Grant Funds and Covid-19 Related Projects |
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DGE Elizabeth at PETSDistrict 5495's PETS, held March 6 and 7, featured the 2020-21 theme "Rotary Opens Opportunities". Opening the full-size doors (built by Steve Bjornstad) are Lucinda General (Regional Rotary Coordinator), AnnLee Hussey (Key Note speaker and Polio Survivor) and our own Elizabeth Mahoney.
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Day at the Races20 Rotarians and friends spent a day at the races at Turf Paradise. The second race was the Rotary Club of Sun City Purse and ten of us watched the race trackside and were photographed in the Winners Circle...Jockey Denny Velaquez rode "Trafficiskilligme" for the win in the one-mile turf race in 1:38:81. Great races, great food and great fun. |
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December and January Challenger Students of the MonthToday, several of our members visited Challenger Middle School as Rotarian Bob Solis and Asst. Principal Brad Horstman presented awards to December and January Students of the Month for the 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades as chosen by their teachers.
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Day the Races DeadlineThe deadline for paid reservations for our March 3rd meeting at Turf Paradise is fast approaching (2/17). Please call Annette at 623 500-5300 to confirm your participation at $30 per person and mail your check to Rotary Club of Sun City, POB 1683, Sun City, AZ 85372.
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DG Simmer's Official Visit to SatelliteDistrict Governor David Simmer made his official visit and presented the 2019-20 Rotary Banner to Satellite Club Chair Mary Zongolowicz. He then named Hollie Green a “Rotary Connects the World Award Recipient” in recognition of her efforts to connect those beyond the club, locally and globally. DG Simmer talked about Rotary’s new Vision analyzing and interpreting each phrase. Caleb Lowe, son of incoming District Governor Elizabeth Mahoney shown with his sponsor Annette Valentine, was congratulated on becoming a Rotarian by DG Simmer who attached his Rotary pin.
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Challenger Middle School WinterFestThe Rotary Club of Sun City/Sun City Satellite again this year supported the Community In-Reach WinterFest at Challenger Middle School in Glendale on the evening of December 11. The event was put on by PTSA members, Rotarians and Interacters on school grounds in cooperation with Challenger Middle School Staff and the Glendale Unified School District. Several hundred Challenger students and their families participated.
Our Challenger MS Interacters were also very involved again this year, with the corn-hole games, face painting, crafts, ticket sales, and just generally being terrifically helpful wherever they were needed.
The Rotary football-throw game is a perennial favorite with all the kids...and a lot of parents! |
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November 14 Satellite Meeting |
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District Governor Official Visit |
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Second Annual Cornhole Tournament |
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New Member Marty Feess |
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Challenger September Students of the Month |
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Rotary Rummage SaleUnder beautiful skies and relatively cool temperatures, several local clubs participated in the first Rotary Rummage Sale hosted by Glendale West Rotary Club. Mary Z. deserves an award for pulling everything together for a successful club project. Thanks to Elizabeth and Kevin for providing and delivering the tables and chairs at 5:30 a.m. which elevated our display. (Thanks to Caleb and Miranda for picking up and returning them at the end of the day.) Canopies were supplied by Jim and Steve giving needed shade. The sales force of Mary and Mike, Lynne and Steve, Annette, Jim and Dean peddled the merchandise. Leftover items were donated to Valley View Food Bank and St. Vincent DePaul.
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Africa in My Heart |
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Independence HS Interact at Homecoming |
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Pursuing Peace Conference at Rio Vista Community CenterElizabeth, Mary, Annette and Steve attended.
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Elizabeth Graduates!Our Elizabeth graduating at the Rotary Institute Zones 26 & 27 training in Denver. She is officially District 5495's next Governor. So proud of her. |
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Chompie's Fundraiser |
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DGN Bret McKeand on Sun City HistoryAugust 22: District Governor Nominee Bret McKeand of the Peoria North Club is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the Sun Cities Area Historical Society. His slide show began with the open spaces of Marinette through the three building phases of Sun City. He talked about the Milwaukee Brewers American League Spring training site in Sun City Stadium (built in 1971 and demolished in 1995) and the throngs of people in their Sunday best lining up to buy all available homes in three days in January 1960. The Museum is located in one of the five original model homes. The 860 s.f. Kentworth model sold for $8,600 plus $600 for A/C and additional $1,250 for a golf course lot. The Museum in undergoing expansion with a Grand Opening planned in the Fall. Museum Hours are 1-4 on Monday, 10-4 Wednesday and Friday or for groups of six or more by appointment. |
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Rotarian Kerina Graham's Walking AdventuresKerina Graham has participated in every Susan G. Komen 3-Day Mile Walk (thirteen different cities, Boston has just been added to the schedule and will be her fourteenth. She also completed the El Camino de Santiago. She began the walk in Saint Jean Pied du Pont, France and walked 400 miles in thirty days with a small break in the middle to attend her nephew's wedding in California. She flew to Spain twice in a ten-day period. She completed the walk at the Shrine of the Apostle James the Great in Santiago, Spain. |
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New RotarianWe inducted Michelle Walton Farmer who moved here last year from Montana. She was sponsored by Annette Valentine and our Club President Teresa Haire officiated.
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Go With the Flow Demetra Presley (right) of Go with the Flow was our speaker. She created the non-profit organization in 2017 to distribute menstrual hygiene products to students in the Tucson and Phoenix metropolitan areas after learning school budgets were not providing an adequate supply. She's pictured with Kaley Gilmore (left) who was instrumental in helping form the North Phoenix Rotaract Club (co-sponsored by our Club and Peoria North). Natalie Sabinsky (middle) will be President of the soon to be chartered club. Our Club will partner with Go With the Flow as one of their first projects. |
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Parting Gift for Steve BjornstadOutgoing President Steve Bjornstad was presented with laminated photo collage of events during his two-year reign.
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New Officers InstalledPosing with a celebratory cake are: Treasurer Dean Pokrandt, Satellite Chair Mary Zongolowicz, Satellite Secretary Kaley Gilmore, Club President Teresa Haire, outgoing President Steve Bjornstad and Secretary Jim Hargrave. |
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Scholarships Awarded |
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Challenger April StudentsFinal Student of the Month Awards for this school year at Challenger Middle School. In addition to our honored guests, two other students were awarded certificates for their winning participation in the Glendale Elementary School District's Science Project Showcase.
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Club Visioning |
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Challenger Middle School Interact25 Challenger Middle School Interactors participated in a slideshow about their many activities this school year and thanking our Club members for their support. They were introduced by Rotary Advisor Bob Solis (who treated all to pizza) and accompanied by Sarah Rittenhouse and Kristin Stevenson. |
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6th Annual Golf Classic -
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Challenger December Students |
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Rotary Fighting Hepatitis in MongoliaFor Valentine Day, 2019, the Rotary club Sun City Satellite is presenting "Hepatitis Free Mongolia, Phase 2" with Rtn Meredith Potts of RC Flagstaff. Join us for social at 5:30pm, meeting at 6pm. At the Atrium at Arrowhead in Glendale - 17505 N 79th Ave Ste 104, Glendale, Arizona 85308. |
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2019 Golf Classic Fundraiser |
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October/November Challenger Students of the MonthEight Sun City Rotarians joined parents and friends at Challenger Middle School to honor the October and November students of the month. They were treated to a hot dog bar with all the condiments served by One Step Beyond. All ten students of the month were in attendance. As expected, parent participation has increased since moving the awards to the school. |
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Jim Hargrave Joins WHS Sewing ProjectJim Hargrave joined Washington High School's Interact Club on November 27 making ten drawstring bags which will be used to place books in for UMOM's "Read to Me" program. |
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WHS Interact Peace Pole InstallationThe James R. Green peace pole was installed on Saturday November 17 at the community garden run by Growing Together:A Giving Garden where Washington High School Interact Club volunteers work each week. The produce grown at the garden (located at the Living Streams Church on Glendale and Central) is given to local food banks to provide fresh vegetables and fruit for those in need.
Jim Green was an active supporter of the Interact Club and their work in the community garden. No matter how many students were there on any given Saturday, Jim always made sure each student knew they were important and loved...and had a future. President Steve and wife Lynne and Jim and Shari Hargrave joined in the celebration. |
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District Governor Jim Erickson's Official VisitOn November 6, District Governor Jim Erickson made his official club visit (along with his wakeboard and sunglasses) to present several awards and encourage participation in End Polio Now. Two of the four Interact clubs in our district which received the 2017-18 Presidential Citations were our Interact Clubs. |
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Challenger Students of the MonthThe Sun City Rotary Club expanded its Students of the Month at Challenger Middle School in Glendale this year to include 4th to 8th grades. Rather than have students and families travel to Sun City once a month, the Club voted to bring a catered lunch to the School every other month allowing more families to attend and giving those honored students greater recognition at the school. On October 2nd, eight of the ten students had family in attendance. Parents and grandparents were pleased to see the children honored and the obvious love, respect and encouragement shown by the Rotarians. Excellent food and service was provided by our weekly caterer One Step Beyond, Inc. Culinary Services. Six Challenger MS Interactors helped with the setup and cleanup. In the midst of the meeting, Saint Mary's Food Bank arrived to pick up several hundred pounds of food and water collected by the Interact Club. Students, Interactors, staff, dads and Rotarians quickly created a "bucket line" to move the goods out of the meeting room for Saint Mary's dramatically demonstrating that we are, indeed, People of Action! |
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Challenger InteractorsMiddle School Interact is off to a good start with more than 80 members attending their first two meetings. The photo features only half the students because there are so many members they have to meet in two classrooms. Five Interact Alums who attend Independence High School also attend because they miss Interact and wish to influence the next generation of Interactors behind them. Bob Solis has been mentoring Aginess Doka, a Sudanese refugee and former Interactor who attends the CMS Interact meetings for the past four years. Aginess attended RYLA and has been accepted at NAU next fall. She will be applying to become a Rotary Exchange Student after her high school graduation. Teresa Giarrusso, our President-elect, is shown with Assistant Principal Brad Horstman. Teresa led a spiral notebook drive gathering more than 1,000 notebooks for use by Challenger students. Teresa and all who donated really capture Rotary in Action! |
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Wireless Gear For TeachersTo start the school year off right, Sun City Rotary - through the generosity of an anonymous donor and RC Surprise - have been able to bless both of our Interact schools (Washington High and Challenger Middle schools in Glendale) with several hundred wireless mice. We were also able to bless an elementary school in a small community in eastern California with wireless mice and keyboards for all of their teachers and staff. Thank you everyone! |
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Together, we INSPIRE |
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Together, we CONNECT |
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Challenger Middle School Thanksgiving FeastTurkey night at Challenger Middle School was a resounding success! We have reports of over 900 meals served to Challenger Families. What a blessing! A good number of Sun City Rotarians came to help out...as did a couple of our friends from Surprise Rotary. Thank you all! Be sure to check out our Facebook site for more great photos. |
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Kansiri-Mwereerwe Water, Sanitation & Health ProjectYour Rotary Club of Sun City has undertaken to partner with the Rotary Club of Kampala, Uganda on a water, sanitation and health project. This project will benefit over 8,300 people in 10 villages of the Kansiri and Mwereerwe areas of Central Uganda. For more information and to become a partner in this amazing project, contact Club President, Steve Bjornstad or International Chair, Bob Solis today. |
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SCHOA ExpoOur very own, "Zen-Master-of-all-Ceremonies", Jim Green, recently head-lined a recent terrific informational meeting hosted by the Sun City Homeowners Association. This meeting is being billed as the first of many "resource networking expos" designed to help agencies, community assistance organizations and business partners better serve Sun City residents. Sun City Rotarian Vicki Frye, who - like Jim, is a driving force behind the Sun City Community Fund - also contributed to this event as an important member of the panel. See the entire article by Honorary Rotarian Rusty Bradshaw at: https://yourwestvalley.com/news/agencies-learn-others-help/ Kuddos to all! |
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Leadership CelebrationOn July 12, certificates were presented to 2016-17 President Dean Pokrandt for things accomplished by Past DG Danny Messersmith and to 2017-18 President Steve Bjornstad for a glimpse of things to come by DG Nancy VanPelt.
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Lissa Bergner, RYEGiving a big shout-out and welcome to our Inbound Rotary Youth Exchange student, Lissa Bergner, from Austria! We hope that you have an amazing exciting time while you'r here in Arizona! Here is Lissa being welcomed at Sky Harbor by 11 excited Arizonans, including Kaley Gilmore, Ben Lazere, Donna Goetzenberger, Emilee Goetzenberger, Lucas Rendel, Caleb Lowe and Marla Tattrie Lazere. |
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RI Convention and RIPN Sam OworiPerhaps I (Steve Bjornstad) should have warned the club - before they elected me President - that I can be a little irreverent. But it's always in fun and with the warmest of intentions. At the recent Annual Convention in Atlanta, GA, I had the opportunity to have a meeting in RI's President Nominee, Sam Owori. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Kampala and I am working with two other Kampala members to create a new clean water/solar energy/health clinic project about 100km north of Kampala. My friends, Richard Ssekyeru and Herbert Kasiita, arranged with RC Kampala President, Stephen Luwanga, to meet up in Atlanta and to have a short meeting with RIPN Owori. Well, you shouldn't go empty-handed...and I know from experience that older men in Uganda can get cold feet same as old men here. So...Navajo-print socks! They were well received by Sam! Our meeting was great and we look forward to doing very good things for some communities in the interior of Uganda. Joining Sam and I were, District 54395 Governor, Nancy Van Pelt, PDG Craig Wilson, AG Bob Murray, Sun City West President, Dick Stuckey, Mrs Norah Owori, President Luwanga and Rotarian David Kasingwire. Thank you Nancy, Craig, Bob and Dick!
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In Appreciation of Tami StregeTuesday, we had the privilege of honoring Washington High School Principal, Tami Strege, as she retires from 32 years of service to the Glendale, AZ community and heads off to her next challenge in New Jersey.
Besides being a terrific teacher/administrator, Tami has always been a strong supporter of Washington High’s Interact Club. She is part of the reason that this Interact Club – our Interact Club is the largest in the US…possibly the world! We will miss her. We are sure the Interactors will miss her…and Interact alumni will speak fondly of her. |
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Challenger Middle School STUDENTS OF THE MONTHMeet our latest Students of the Month from Challenger Middle School, Glendale. We celebrate your achievements and look forward to great things ahead for all of you! 6th Grader, Farah al Fradi, with her mom, along with Rtn Bob Solis. 8th Grader, Giselle Lara, with her family, plus Rtn Bob Solis and Challenger Vice-Principal, Brad Horstman. 7th Grader, Lien Gonzolez was not able to attend. |
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Busy Day last Tuesday!Last Tuesday's noon meeting moved very quickly. We greeted a visiting Rotarian from Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Steve Sibulshy. Steve says that he enjoys joining his wife on her business trips...she works...he visits Rotarians! We had a quick report from Elizabeth M on our Evening Satellite Club. Through the initiative of member Marni Gerber, the Satelliters are going to be doing some work with Project C.U.R.E. - preparing some Kits for Kids to be sent to Cameroon in West Africa. All club members (and their guests) are invited to Elizabeth's home the evening of May 5th. Check the Club Bulletin for details. AND.... Carrie K gave us an update on the status of our Sun City Rotary Club Foundation in preparation to defining what "good works" the club would like to support through the foundation in the coming Rotary Year. THANKS CARRIE!
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Additional Satellite MembersMarch 16: Sponsor Elizabeth Mahoney and Club President Dean Pokrandt welcomed Derek Heinzerling, Kaley Gilmore and Cody Brooks as new members of the Satellite Club. |
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February 7 Meeting |
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Rotary Leadership InstituteFour members of our Club (Steve Bjornstad, Colt Brooks, Teresa Giarrusso and Nancy Tweed) participated the Rotary Leadership Institute on January 21. Prospective member Betsy Rivera also attended.
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Challenger Students of the Month |
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Challenger Winter Family Festival |
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Bell Ringing |
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Twelve New Rotarians |
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Attention Snowbirds!We've moved the date of our 4th Annual Golf Classic to accommodate our out of town friends and visitors...
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New President InstalledDean Pokrandt was installed as the Club's 2016-17 President by Past President Jim Hargrave at the June social at Cucina Tagliani
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Winning Foursome3rd Annual Golf Classic winning foursome led by Bill Kulesh. He and his partners Nick and Joe Roeschley and Jonathan Jablonski shot 12 under. Mark your calendar for next year's event on February 25. Join us at one of lunch meetings to learn about our wonderful projects.
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Challenger Students |
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Visiting Rotarian |
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RYLA Attendees |
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Challenger Students of the Month |
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Challenger Thanksgiving |
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Challenger Students Honored |
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Celebrating World Interact Week! |
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Incoming Youth Exchange |
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Formulating Club Action Plans |
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Caleb in Cagliari |
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Challenger Students of the Month Honored |
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Foundation Awards $26,200 in 2014-15Cathy LaSusa (Ryan House), Barbara Lewkowitz (Justa Center) and Gerry Kroloff (Doves) represented three of the organizations receiving Sun City Rotary Club Foundation grants. This year’s recipients are:
Arizona Funeral, Cemetery & Cremation Association Foundation for Children gives medical aid to school age children with needs that are not usually met by other organizations. Common needs are wheelchairs, eyeglasses and specialized equipment to enable children to participate in regular scholastic activities. Recipients are identified by school nurses.
Challenger Middle School Interact was founded in October 2014. The Club hosts student of the month lunches and awards for six, seventh, and eighth grade students and their parents during the school year and was a sponsor of the School's third annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner where over 700 individuals were served. Challenger is a Title I school with 80% of the students speaking English as a second language. The Foundation has awarded a grant to buy 100 new books for each of the five grade-level literacy teachers that will appeal and encourage reading for these students.
Doves is Area Agency on Aging’s program for victims of late-life domestic violence and elder abuse providing transitional housing, food, clothing, case management, transportation services, assistance in applying for benefits such as Social Security Disability and HUD housing. The funds will be used to replace aging stoves and refrigerators with new, more energy efficient units in the housing complex built in the 1950s.
Grand Canyon University's College of Nursing and Health Care Professions has a 26-year history of providing outstanding education. Their baccalaureate and master's degrees in nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The grant will be used for nursing scholarships.
Justa Center is a day resource center catering to people 55 years of age and older who find themselves homeless in the metro Phoenix area. The center's services include procuring safe, affordable housing, basic physical healthcare, mental health counseling, job assessment and training/placement assistance. Women seeking services during 2014 increased nearly 35% from previous years. Justa Center will use the grant to expand its counseling program addressing sexual trauma issues faced by female members.
KAET Eight, Arizona PBS will use its grant to help in continuing their commitment to providing lifelong learning opportunities for all Arizonans. Eight operates three TV channels (Eight HD, Eight Life and Eight World) twenty-four hours a day and typically ranks among the top five most viewed PBS stations in the country.
Ryan House provides respite and palliative care to children between birth and 17 years with life threatening or terminal illness at no cost. Each child may stay for respite for up to 28 days of care per year. Children staying at Ryan House for their end-of-life journey may stay until they pass on. Ryan House receives no insurance reimbursement for services so must raise 100% of their annual operating budget each year. This grant will provide over 120 life-enhancing therapeutic activities such as Hydrotherapy, Arts & Crafts, Music and Pet Therapy for the affected children and their siblings.
Sun City Home Owners Association's Residents Assistance and Maintenance Program provides basic needs, as well as food, electricity, day-to-day expenses, cleaning and home repairs to residents in need. The majority of assistance is performed by volunteers and is provided based on available income. This year, Sun City Rotary Club members also joined in service projects weeding and cleaning up yards.
Washington High School Interact Club has been sponsored by the Sun City Rotary Club for 15 years and has over 300 members participating in weekly service projects to help those less fortunate such as Andre House, Home Base Youth Shelter, St. Vincent de Paul, UMOM Read to Me, Watkins Shelter, St. Mary’s Food Bank and Growing Together: A Living Garden. The grant will provide material for a making "6-hour quilts" for the Open Arms Home for Children in South Africa and local child crisis centers like Child Help and the Glendale Family Advocacy Center. Students made beds for the Arizona Humane Society with the quilting scraps. Their goal is a minimum 100 quilts during the coming year. The Foundation awards scholarships for high school students to the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Conference in January and recently awarded college scholarships to three graduating Interact members.
Welcome to America Project serves foreign refugees who have been recently located to the Phoenix area by the U.S. State Department. In 2014, 561 newly arrived refugees including 167 women, 250 children and 35 single-head households were served by the non-profit which provides them with home furnishings and clothing. The agency partners with other local non-profits who serve the refugees. |
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Challenger Middle School Visit |
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It's Time for a Haircut! |
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Challenger Interact VisitOur Challenger Middle School Interact Club surprised us at this week's meeting. They gave an excellent presentation of their first year's activities and everyone of them participated. Congratulations to Sarah, Brad and Mr. Solis for guiding these beautiful children.
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Second Annual Golf Classic a Success! |
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Welcome to AmericaOur Club's monthly social was held Monday afternoon at the home of Chip, Elizabeth and Caleb to welcome our Swedish exchange student Erik's parents and sister to America. Club members and other Rotarians involved in the youth exchange program enjoyed a beautiful Arizona sunset, great food and company. |
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Rotarians and Rotaractors in Districts 5490 and 5510 are participating in a joint District Conference service project: "Support Our Troops in Kuwait"The project includes collecting items and bringing them to the District Conference on May 15, assembling packages at the District Conference, and shipping the packages after the District Conference. Items requested by the troop leaders in Kuwait:
Bring items to our May 5 meeting. All items and funds that do not go to the troops in Kuwait will be given to Fighter Country Partnership at Luke Air Force Base. |
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WHS Interact |
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2nd Annual Golf TournamentMemo to Golfers and Sponsors: Please join us!
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Challenger Students of the Month |
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Challenger Students of the Month |
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Washington HS Interact Bracelets |
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Swedish tourSun City Rotary Club members Jim Green, left, and Hollie Green, right, present pins to Swedish foreign exchange student Erik Adling Tufvesson to wear on his Rotary jacket. Erik is sponsored by the Sun City club and attends Sunrise Mountain High School, 21200 N. 83rd Ave., Peoria, while in the U.S. During his club visit Oct. 14, Erik shared a slide show and some information highlighting his home country.
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Ani and Mike join Interactors Gardening |
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Grand Canyon Journey |
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Bay Seafood Festival |
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New Generations Visitor |
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Back-to-backAfter the raffle jackpot was won the week before, Mike Zongolowicz pulled the Queen of Hearts to win it at the very next meeting. Just one week sooner and Mike would have gotten $350 more. The previous week's winner, Robert Flavell, donated his winnings to feed hungry children. |
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Erik Attends District 5490 Youth Orientation |
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DG Chuck Fitzgerald visits our ClubDG Chuck Fitzgerald (accompanied by wife, Susan, DG Elect Paul Pulicken and Assistant DG Alvin Hancock) made his official visit to our Club on August 5. He brought greetings from RI President Gary Huang explaining this year's theme "Light Up Rotary." Chuck talked about being a proud Rotarian and challenged each of us to reflect on the time when we became a proud Rotarian. He also encouraged us to tell non-Rotarians about Rotary inviting them to join us for lunch and/or service projects. |
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Four Special Guests (continued) |
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Four Special GuestsJuly 29, 2014 We were treated to an informative and energizing presentation by enthusiastic future Rotarians: Sandy Zao, Cairo Geha, Erik Adling Tufvesson and Pasquale Geha |
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Back-to-School ShoppingOn Wednesday July 23, our club had four volunteers who assisted the Salvation Army in their back-to-school clothing shopping at the Walmart in Peoria. About 170 children and their parents were served in two shifts by 75 volunteers. Many of the volunteers were service men and women from Luke Air Base and some from the local Honda car dealership. It was a lot of fun, a rewarding experience and the families were very appreciative. |
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Welcome NealOur newest member Neal Layton was sponsored by Dick Brown. |
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Sun City Rotary Foundation awards $35,000 in grantsThe Sun City Rotary Foundation awarded $35,000 to area charities during its 2013-14 Rotary year.
Receiving grants from the Sun City Rotary Club were, back from left, Gerry Kroloff for Doves, Scott Ritchey for Justa, Tom Hamlett for Boy Scouts of America and, front center, Roni Collazo for Grand Canyon University. Making the presentations for the club were Annette Valentine, front left, and Elizabeth Lowe, front right. |
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Transition Time |
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Sun City Rotary honors studentsThe Sun City Rotary Club recognized the last students of the month for the 2013-14 school year from Thompson Ranch Elementary School, 11800 W. Thompson Ranch Road, El Mirage. Students, the parents and one sibling who attended were, front from left, Esther Uribe-Reyes, Jayden Tario-Welch, Aaron Facio, Arianna Facio, back row from left, Aida Reyes, Felipe Uribe, Tasha Welch, Elsa Facio and Leo Facio. Students received a certificate and a cash award. The club will resume the program in the fall. |
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WHS Interact VisitAt our May 27 meeting, WHS Interact Club Advisor Jill Green was presented with the Presidential Citation as well as Sun City Rotary Club's Member of the Month. She is flanked by Joseangel Gonzalez and Erica Balderas who served as Co-presidents of their Club and Assistant District 5490 Governors. They presented a $1,000 check to be given to Rotary International Foundation's Polio Plus fund. Also attending were AnaRosa Huicochea and Gerson Aristondo who will succeed them as Co-presidents and Assistant Governors for the 2014-15 Rotary year. |
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Sun City Golf Classic a Sucess! |
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Thompson Ranch Students of the Month |
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Washington High School Interact Luncheon
The Sun City Rotary Club hosted a lunch for District 5490 leaders, educational dignitaries, Interact officers and sponsors on April 22. Catherine Coronado, Mary Freeland, Wendy Ramos, Jeri Shranko, and Tami Strege were awarded honorary memberships in the Sun City Rotary Club for their role in assisting Interact Advisor Jill Green in carrying out an average of five service projects a week. District Governor Duce Minor presented a second Paul Harris Fellowship to Jill Green on behalf of the Sun City Club. Representative Mark Cardenas (a WHS Interact alumni) was unable to attend due to commitments in the State Legislature, but will be given his first Paul Harris Fellow by the Club at an upcoming meeting.
A delicious lunch was prepared and served by Washington High's advanced culinary students. Interact co-presidents Joseangel Gonzalez and Erica Balderas conducted a traditional weekly Rotary meeting featuring Earth Day trivia and happy bucks to be used in connection with a purple pinkie campaign for Polio Plus being implemented by the Interact club. After being serenaded by the WHS choir including a inspiring rendition of the National Anthem, the group planted two trees on the campus for Earth Day.
Honored guests included District Governor Duce Minor, DG Elect Chuck Fitzgerald, PDG Jim Green, Associate Superintendent of Glendale Schools Brian Capistran, Glendale Board of Education member Patty Kennedy, WHS Principal Carol Lippert, Assistant Principals Tami Strege, Eric Zimmerman and Jeff Parsons. |
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The chef becomes a member
Sun City Rotarians Shari Hargrave, left, and Elizabeth Lowe, right, welcome Robert Flavell as a new member to the club. Ms. Hargrave was his sponsor. Mr. Flavell provides the catering for the club’s weekly lunches.
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She becomes a fellow for the second time
Sun City Rotarian Carrie Kulesh, left, receives a pin from club President Elizabeth Lowe recognizing her for achieving her second Paul Harris Fellow award.
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Constable is a thankless jobMiles Keegan explained to Sun City Rotarians the various duties of a county constable. In the position, he serves orders of protection, evictions and other legal documents. Considered part of law enforcement, but not quite a sworn police officer, constables are rare in the United States; Arizona is one of only 18 states that still have constables. |
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Washington Interact students are busy
With Sun City Rotary Club member Annette Valentine, left, listening, Joseangel Gonzalez of the Washington High School Interact Club reviews the club’s accomplishments so far this year, including passing the 300 member plateau. The Interact Club, sponsored by Sun City Rotary, is the largest and most active Interact club in the world.
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April 1 -- Honors Program |
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March 25 Youth Oriented Programs |
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Please join us.... |
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One of our favorite activities... |
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Meal becomes Highlight of Meetings |
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Successful Wheelchair Distribution in Hermosillo
More will be posted but want to express our thanks and appreciation to Nancy Van Pelt (and her "staff") for the planning and execution of a wonderful trip. All members of the Hermosillo Pitic Rotary Club (and their wives) were fantastic hosts .... and we did good deeds as well. An honor to represent our Club.
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Kudos for New LocationOur first meeting at Grand Canyon University location was a winner! Chef Robert served the best lunch we've had in years. Our inbound exchange student, Agnes, gave a beautiful and educational program on her homeland Poland. Come visit us ... reservations at suncityrotary@gmail.com |
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TRES Students of the Month |
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Rotary Insights!At our December 10 meeting, Bob Solis' program provided insights into Rotary history. Jim Hargrave scored the most points with 16 out of 47 correct answers. You could only answer the second part of a question IF you answered the first part correctly. For the education of those who did not attend, the answers follow in bold. |
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Bell Ringing |
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Trading banners
Elizabeth Lowe, right, Sun City Rotary Club president, accepts a banner from Agnes Slowikowska, a Polish foreign exchange student sponsored by the Sun City club during her year’s stay in the Valley. A resident of Warsaw, Poland’s capital, Ms. Slowikowska was given a Sun City banner to take to her home club, which her grandfather founded.
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Top notch students
As one of its youth projects, the Sun City Rotary Club recognizes monthly the top students in grades 6-8 at Thompson Ranch Elementary School, 11800 W. Thompson Ranch Road, El Mirage. The students recognized for October, and their families that accompanied them, were, front from left, Wendy Macias, Nina Sanchez, Kiera Allison, back from left, Valentin Macias, Belen Madero, Eddy Macias, Sonia Sanchez, Martin Sanchez and Yolanda
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Interact on the upswingDuring a Nov. 19 visit to the Sun City Rotary Club, Jose Angel, Washington High School Interact Club co-president, shared that the group topped the 300-member mark this year. The Washington club is the largest and most active Interact club in Rotary International, and is sponsored by the Sun City club. |
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Student day at Sun City Rotary ClubThe club's September Students of the Month from Thompson Ranch Elementary School and their parents were honored Oct. 22. Students were Monssarat Ayala, Nicole Valdez and Eve Sperry. They were accompanied by their parents (and one grandparent) Angie Valdez, Gina Lopez, Nicole Ferrier and Scarlott Lawlar. See more photos on the club's Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sun-City-Rotary-Club/111302695607646 |
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Mega Pack in Prescott |
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Youth Exchange student update |
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Rotary friendship conference |
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Visioning a Five-Year Plan... |
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U.S./Mexico Friendship Conference and Matching Grants Exchange |
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"Some Like it Hot" |
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"Safe!" |
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Annual Mexico Friendship Conference coming up |
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Thumbs up! |
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Rotarians gear up for wheelchair distribution |
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Packing meals at the Salvation Army's Herberger Center
Sun City Rotarians joined other Rotary Club members, student groups and other volunteers to pack meals at the Salvation Army's Herberger Center Aug. 24. The Sun City Rotarians' afternoon shift (just more than one hour) packed 300 boxes of meals that will provide more than 64,000 servings and give 177 children meals for one year.
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Please join us....in celebrating Rotary's 100th anniversary in Arizona by packing meals for Feed My Starving Children! |
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Groups urged to join Rotary in packing Feed My Starving Children meals at the Salvation Army |
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District Governor Duce Minor to Address Club on July 23 |
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Sun City Rotary Foundation Presents Grants
L to R: Sun City Rotary Club President Heather Lyons, Scott Ritchey |
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Scholarships Awarded to WHS Interact Seniors |
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World Water Monitoring Project Continues |
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April 6 District Assembly and Food Packing |
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Newest Member Ben Stevenson (Bob Solis holding banner high enough for Ben's "official" photo.) |
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50th Anniversary |
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Sun City Rotary Foundation awards $34,000 to local charitiesHeather Lyons (Incoming President), Mike Zongolowicz (Foundation President), Patricia Fehlhaber (St. Mary's Food Bank Alliance), Gerry Keroloff (Doves), Tina Wilson (Benevilla) and Pamela Gralton (Sun Health Foundation) |
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Group Study Exchange team from South Korea District 3590 |
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Washington High School Interact Participates in Neighborhood Clean-upPam Fitzgerald, President of the Washington Park Neighborhood Association sent the following to Jill Green, advisor to our Washington High School Interact Club. |
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Dr. Rajesh Bhatka HonoredShari Hargrave presented a token of the Club's appreciation to Dr. Rajesh Bhatka who has been an ongoing supporter of the Club's special events ... most recently the Casino Night at the District 5490 Conference.
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Bianca Sandoval Heads to Palmeira das missoes, Brazil
Bianca Sandoval and her parents, Javier and Cecilia, received well wishes (along with parting gifts) before leaving on her journey as a one-year Rotary Youth Exchange Student to Palmeira das missios, Brazil.
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Rotary Year Ends
President Bob Solis cheerfully passed the gavel to incoming President Julie Bell at our June 28 meeting.
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Club members pose for Patricia Fehlhaber after presentation of Foundation Grants. |
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Rotary Foundation awards $40,000 in GrantsPhoto: Gerry Keroloff (Doves), Joanne Anderson (Benevilla), Mike Zongolowicz (Foundation Chair), Patricia Fehlhaber (St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance), ellise l.g. hayden (Adelante Healthcare) and Bob Solis (Sun City Rotary Club President) The Sun City Youngtown Rotary Foundation awarded $40,000 in grants to area charities at its weekly luncheon June 21 at the Sun City Country Club in Sun City. Awards were given to: |
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Successful District 5490 ConferenceThe Sun City Rotary Club hosted the wonderful District 5490 conference at The Wigwam this past weekend. Vicki Frye and Vicky Fox did a fantastic job in planning and execution. No detail was overlooked. Presentations by the GSE team from Taiwan, Youth Exchange and, of course, Rotary International General Secretary Ed Futa, Past RI President Cliff Dochterman, Col. Jeffey R. Weed, and Ambassadorial Scholar Second Lieutenant Kathryn Murphy were powerful and entertaining. The Casino Night, presided over by our President Bob Solis, was great fun and a huge success and the memorial release of the doves provided a moving finish to the conference. Congratulations to all those Sun City members who assisted in many ways and for our club's solid attendance in support of our esteemed Club Member and current District Governor Jim Green. |
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Installation of Officers and District Govenor
District 5490 has gone Green. Sun City Club member Jim Green was installed as 5490's District Governor on June 26.
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Scholarships Awarded to Six Students |
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May 14 Event |
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Sun City Rotary donates books
Darlene Roach, center, Thompson Ranch Elementary School Interact Club advisor and school librarian, accepts books from Sun City Rotarians, from left, Jim Hargrave, Elizabeth Lowe, Annette Valentine, Jim Green, James Valentine and Fernando Gomez. The club donated about 2,700 books to the school, located in El Mirage, through a $3,500 matching grant from member Charley Trantina, the club’s Foundation and Rotary District 5490. |
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District governor challenges Sun City Rotarians to be engaged |
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Foundation manages Yarnell Hill donations |
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Alf rides again! |
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Sun City Rotary's own Dancing Queen! |
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Learning about Feacebook and the website |
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Preparing for August food packing |
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Dedication of Emmanuel Hall, Open Arms, Komga, South Africa
Sun City Rotarians Mike Zongolowicz and Annette Valentine joined Founder Bob Solis along with Bill Ehlman (SC winter Rotarian), Peoria North Rotarians: Club President Rebecca Wilks and PDG George Wheeler as part of a 33-person group to visit Open Arms Home for Children arriving February 26th.
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January 25 Speaker
Kelly McCullough, General Manager of Channel 8, addressed the Club on January 25. He detailed the programs provided on 8.1, 8.2 and 8.3, especially local productions ... Monumental Arizona; Over Arizona; Under Arizona; Arizona Stories; Check, Please! Arizona; Arizona Technology and Innovation; Phoenix Mars Mission; Horizon and Horizonte ... and asked for our support.
Photo by DJ Natvig
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Aisles of Smiles
Chair Shari Hargrave (in red), Past President Hollie Green (in white) and fellow Rotarians Mike and Heather Lyons (with daughter Chloe) present a check to the Surprise Firefighters Charities in support of their Christmas shopping spree. 165 students from the Dysart Unified School District were assigned a chaperon and given $50 to spend however they desired as part of the group's annual Aisles of Smiles event.
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Ring Those Bells
Jim and Shari Hargrave with two adorable granddaughters
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Ring Those Bells
Charlie Trantina and Bob Chartrand
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Ring Those Bells
Annette and James Valentine
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Ring Those Bells |
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Ring Those Bells
Dick Brown and Vicki Frye
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Doves Made it Back to Tempe
Vaughn and Bev Autrey preparing to sell Winging It tickets at the Litchfield Art Festival on November 7. Winners were:
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Winging it for Rotary!
On November 7, 70 white doves will fly from Litchfield Park to their home in Tempe. Tickets are $50 each.
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Foundation Grants for 2009-2010
Our Foundation has donated close to $290,000 to local organizations in the past eight years.
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Foundation Awards Grants to 14 Area Charities
Our Rotary Foundation awarded $40,500 in grants to 14 area charities.
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Rotarians Doing Business With Rotarians
Do business with Rotarians to keep the clubs and community strong.
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Student of the Month Thompson Ranch School
Every month the Rotary Club of Sun City honors 3 students from Thompson Ranch School. The students are honored for their leadership, cooperation, assistance, volunteering and more. They are selected by their teachers. We as the Rotary Club of Sun City are proud to honor these great citizens in their academic setting and helping to become great future Rotarians.
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Packages From Home Commendation received
Hollie Green and Shari Hargrave are thanked for their efforts on behalf of the Rotary to support our troops with the Packages From Home project.
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Bob Solis takes A Long Walk for ChildrenRotarian Bob Solis walked 700 miles from the Open Arms orphanage near East London, South Africa, to Cape Town in 30 days. |
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Internal Medicine Sun City- Surprise Title SponsorInternal Medicine Sun City,-Surprise Annual Title Sponsor Sun City Rotary Club Foundation |
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Club Phone Number
Please call 623-377-5255 to leave a message. Messages are retrieved periodically. The message center lists our meeting location and time.
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Bells are Ringing
Shari Hargrave and Vicki Frye "Ring the Chimes"
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Ring My Chimes
Bob Gilberg and his lovely wife Elaine ring the bell for the Salvation Army
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Bell Ringing
Vaughn Autrey rings the bell for the Salvation Army
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Salvation Army Bell Ringing
Bill Aaron and Dick Brown, ring the bell for the Salvation Army
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Ring My Chimes
"Ring My Chimes" was the call for the Rotary Club of Sun City day of ringing the bell for the Salvation Army.
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