April 14 Meeting
Our speaker, David Smith, covered a variety of topics - but his presentation was focused primarily on astronomy and science. David is a retired Alaska Airlines Captain with more than 26,000 hours of flight time, and 35 years of experience in the airline industry. He is type rated in the Boeing 727, McDonnell Douglas MD80, and Boeing 737, and is a certified flight instructor in multiple categories including hot air balloons and float planes. David holds a Bachelor's of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin and a Master's degree from Bastyr University. Prior to being an airline pilot, he was a high school science teacher. His love of astronomy and science began as a child when America was headed for the moon. He has subsequently been a life long amateur Astronomer and science enthusiast. David always welcomes the opportunity to share his knowledge and interest in Astronomy and space travel. We gained a lot of information from David, including an explanation of Pluto's demotion and the possibility of life on other moons.
April 7 Meeting
We enjoyed a very informative presentation by Past District Governor, Nancy Van Pelt. Nancy shared information about the 'Rotary PeaceBuilder Project'. She spoke to the fact that conceptually, being a 'peace-builder' can take on many meanings. In past years, Rotary has held Peace Symposiums, Peace Exhibits at District Conferences, Peacebuilder Peace themed writing contents for students in Interact Clubs, and other/many peace-building efforts of goodwill.But Rotarians can be 'peace-builders' in their day to day lives, often even with simple gestures and without even recognizing that they might be being involved in 'peace-building'. For example, in our current environment, even the simple gestures of being careful to not spread “germs” is a gesture of 'peace-building'. And as we all go about our day-to-day life, asking simple questions of family, friends and neighbors - “How are you?” and “How can I help you?” .... finding ways to be of service and helping others are the trademarks of being a 'Peace Builder Rotarian'.
March 31 Meeting
We enjoyed a presentation by Stacey Marz, Financial Consultant for Thrivent Financial. Stacey shared her story of how her many life experiences led her to become a Financial Consultant. Stacey talked about the company's 'Thrivent Choice' program which allows Thrivent's clients to annually contribute to non-profit organizations & causes which the user cares about and/or has a special interest in supporting. ( Additional info about the Thrivent charitable funding program can be found at - https://www.thrivent.com/.../generosity/thrivent-choice.html. Stacey can be reached at https://connect.thrivent.com/stacey-marz )
March 24 Meeting
Our speakers, were Tony Conn from the Keokuk, Iowa Rotary Club and historian Dr. Yogi Reppmann from Flensburg, Germany and Northfield, Minnesota. Tony and Yogi spoke to the Club about the more than 500 'Peace Pipe Letters' of goodwill and friendship that the Keokuk Rotary Club wrote to Rotary Clubs around the world in 1931 -- when the world was on the brink of disaster. Hundreds of letters were received from Rotary clubs across the globe in response . In 2020, Tony and Yogi revived the project. Additional information about this interesting project can be found by visiting www.moin-moin.us or www.peace-pipe-proposal.com. If anyone wants to order the book about the 'Peace Pipe Letters Project - books can be ordered direct through this link -- https://www.peace-pipe-proposal.com/the-bookMore information about the upcoming October 19-22, 2021 International Rotary Conference, where the topic will be 'How to Shape the Future - Democracies under Pressure: Nationalism,
Then & Now' can be found at - https://www.peaceconference.us.
March 17 Meeting
Our speaker was Sarah Robinson from 'Robinson Golf Cars' in Apache Junction. A few years ago when Sarah was preparing for college, she received a Rotary scholarship. Sarah attended Northern Arizona University and graduated with two degrees - Public Relations and Advertising.Armed with her education to help her with her career, she is involved with her family's business, 'Robinson Golf Cars' in Apache Junction.
They have been a supporter of many Rotary and community events. More information about them can be found at https://www.robinsongolfcarsupplyaz.com/ .
Apache Junction City Manager, Bryant Powell, updated the Club members about the Apache Junction police officer who was shot/wounded in the line of duty. The officer is recovering from the shooting. Suspects have been apprehended.
Upcoming President-Elect (2021-22) Carol Kralicek gave a brief, 'Rotary involvement talk' covering experiences she has been fortunate to have during her years with Rotary. Carole comes to us with a great deal of Rotary experience, including President of the 110-member Bismarck, North Dakota club, Public Image Chair for her district in Minnesota, Public Image Chair for the Mesa, AZ club, and much more.March 10 Meeting
Our speakers were Jacquie Smith and Jenny Powell, Directors/Officers of 'Friends of Apache Junction'. 'Friends of Apache Junction' supports our entire area/ anyone who partakes and participates with services in the local area. The organization was founded in 2009 by long time Rotarian, Lucy Young, along with community business people to help support local area needs, as well as promote the community. The group works to help a wide range of issues/groups such as Paws and Claws, AJ Library, AJ Parks and Rec, the AJ Police Department, and a number of the area schools and youth groups. More info about 'Friends of Apache Junction' can be found on their website and FaceBook page: https://friendsofapachejunction.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/Friends-of-Apache-Junction-568900563227241.Jenny Powell also shared that the AJ High School tennis team is in need of new uniforms....... when Covid shut everything down, none of the previous uniforms could be returned or shared. She suggested people interested in supporting the need might consider using the Arizona Tax Credit to help with support (More information about Arizona Public School Tax Credit - https://azdor.gov/tax-credits/public-school-tax-credit ). Also direct $ donations are appreciated. Donations of used tennis racquets, and other school sports equipment are also needed.
March 3 Meeting
Our speaker was Bryant Powell, Apache Junction City Manager. Bryant shared a wealth of diverse information about a wide range of topics affecting our local area, including data about Covid case stats in Pinal county, as well info regarding status/locations of Covid vaccines being currently offered in our area. Bryant was pleased to report that some events in our area are beginning to reopen, including some Apache Junction Parks and Rec events and activities (while socially-distancing and adhering to any Covid regulations.) He also happily reported some local athletic events are able to be reopened, (which have been long awaited by participating students. He shared highlights about local businesses - discussing how so many of them are hurting economically due to Covid related issues. Also the Club was reminded that many of the local Apache Junction services, ie fire, police, etc receive funding from local area sales taxes --- and business sales being down is affecting a wide range of area services. However, despite existing businesses having hard times, new businesses are opening.