July 30
Apache Junction City Manager, Bryant Powell, shared an update about many of the various issues going on within Apache Junction. There are new developments, new businesses, along with a wide variety of other issues the city is involved with, as our local area continues to grow. Additionally, Bryant provided updates and information about various ballot issues local area voters will be voting on in the upcoming election. Bryant is a long-time Rotary member. It is always very informative for Club members when he comes to speak to the Club about things affecting our community. For more information -
https://www.azfamily.com/2025/03/27/apache-junction-prepares-growth-development-booms/
https://gis.apachejunctionaz.gov/portal/apps/experiencebuilder/experience/?id=18cad8aa30be439894b18b6ec0766820
https://gis.apachejunctionaz.gov/portal/apps/dashboards/11d731c6a274438eac5b8e991f7c6f37
https://www.apachejunctionaz.gov/1139/Downtown-Master-Plan
https://pinalpost.com/apache-junction-approves-downtown-housing-to-support-local-businesses/
July 23
Our special guests were Fire Chief of Superstition Fire & Medical District, John Whitney, Firefighter Layni Rodriguez, and Captain Colt Weddell. Chief Whitney provided the group with information and updates about our local Fire District, including information about an upcoming Bond Proposal that will be on the November ballot.The Superstition Fire & Medical District will hold a special bond election on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. The District seeks voter approval to issue bonds that will provide funds for facility construction and improvements, acquisition of apparatus, vehicles, and equipment, and other costs. The cost of personnel equipment (helmets, coats, gloves, etc.) to equip our public safety personnel has more than doubled since 2019. The cost of breathing apparatuses alone has nearly tripled in that time. Many of the district's vehicles are years past their service date, with rising repair costs and risks of being out of service. Several vehicles are near the end of their useful life and may take up to three years to replace.
Additionally, the growth in new homes and businesses in the area has created a larger area and more residents that the fire personnel are tasked to keep safe. The November bond would include funding for a new fire station (Station 266) to serve the Superstition Vistas area, which was annexed into the Superstition Fire & Medical District in 2021.
For more information -
July 16
Stephanie Earle, Secretary for the 'Apache Junction Black and Gold Youth Football and Cheer' organization, spoke to us about the group's mission to teach sportsmanship, teamwork, strength, character, discipline, and dedication by aiding youth and helping to provide opportunities for them to participate in sports programs. The youth sports organization relies upon financial support from businesses, non-profit groups, and individuals in our community to provide opportunities for young people who want to participate in sports. Through donations and sponsorships, 'Black & Gold' can help deserving, but underprivileged, youth have the opportunities to participate in 'pay-to-play' sports programs. A goal is that no young person who wants to participate in the sports programs will be left behind, unable to participate in sports due to financial challenges.The Club was honored to provide a donation check to help support the youth program.
The group continues to need additional support. For more info about how you can become involved -
https://www.ajbgyfl.com/Default.aspx?tabid=712568
https://www.facebook.com/AJBGYFL
https://www.ajbgyfl.com/Default.aspx?tabid=712568
https://www.facebook.com/AJBGYFL
July 9
Our meeting marked the beginning of the Rotary 2025-2026 calendar year. Assistant Governor Jon Lyons inducted new 2025-2026 Club President, Dodie Doolittle. Dodie introduced the new 2025-2026 Board, along with some plans for the upcoming calendar year. She also shared information about the 'teacher bags' service project for Peralta Trails Elementary School teachers. Past President Roberta Holmes shared a brief recap of activities, fund-raisers, and service projects that shaped the past year and recognized some special club members for outstanding service. Jon Lyons spoke to the Club about various things occurring within the District and Rotary International. Also sharing information was Dan Coons, from District 5495. A few Queen Creek Rotary Club members were in attendance and were presented with an appreciation check for volunteer support and participation in the Lost Dutchman Rodeo fund-raiser.