June 28
New member Tyler Gates told us about himself. Tyler's initial goal of joining the Marines was cut short by an unfortunate dirt-bike accident. Since starting with Kabats Ace Hardware, he has advanced to Assistant District Manager for Kabats' 4 store locations throughout East Phoenix and Southern Arizona. Tyler also owns T&B Gates LLC, which focuses on buying and selling tax liens, as well as vacant land in Arizona and other western states. Tyler loves outdoor sports, ie hunting, hiking, mountain biking, etc. Tyler and his wife have a young son, with a daughter expected on Christmas Day. June 21
The speaker was Apache Junction Public Information Officer, Al Bravo.Al shared information and valuable insights with Club members about local current events, along with a wide variety of updates about things happening in the Apache Junction/Gold Canyon area -- from community initiatives, and a variety of local activities, to updates about new housing developments, --- and more. He covered it all.
Club members appreciated his presentation and helping to keep everyone more knowledgeable about local happenings.
June 14
Our speaker was Joan Marlow, who told us about her work as a 'medical care advocate'.
Our medical systems have become fragmented, causing confusion for individuals needing medical care. Even at routine medical appointments, stressed and overworked medical providers do not always have time to fully explain details to a patient. In hospitals a new specialty of medical doctors called 'hospitalists' take on the role of piecing together patient information from various professionals, ie, surgeon, anesthesiologist, etc. In many cases, doctors no longer make 'rounds' to check on individual patients -- that is left up to the hospitalist. Hospitalists do not have office hours. They usually work varying shifts; therefore, patients usually receive communication from more than one hospitalist. Sometimes communication might only be via the TV in the patient’s room. A personal 'medical care advocate' can help individuals wade through information, understand options, and be able to make the best choices for themselves.
For more information - https://peacefullyhealing.com/
June 7
This week's speaker was Alex Levesque, Founder and CEO of 'The Automotive Mentoring Group' (AMG). Alex spoke to the Club, via Zoom, from Chicago. AMG focuses on helping youth and young adults in Chicago's gang neighborhoods, where there are reported to be more than 100,000 gang members. Alex and his 501(c) 3 organization helps individuals from very challenging backgrounds to develop work/life skills by teaching them to restore classic cars. Additionally, they learn how to behave and respect others in a peaceful and safe environment. Since 2007, Alex and AMG have helped more than 300 young men and women turn their lives around. The program supports participants wanting to earn high school diplomas, enroll in colleges, and obtain jobs and apprenticeships in the automotive industry. AMG's three to six-month programs teach automotive repair, including comprehensive bodywork and restoration, as well as light mechanical repair. Alex pointed out that a lot of the youth in these gang neighborhoods are craving positive adult role models and leadership. Many of the youth come from homes where there is no male role model. Alex introduced the Club to one young man currently in his program who had been a victim of a random shooting and other violence. He is now in the AMG program and focusing on learning new life skills. Alex is an active Rotarian in the Chicago area. For more information - https://www.amgmentoring.org/ https://youtu.be/SBW3xOX93fk https://www.thehinsdalean.com/story/2019/11/14/60-seconds/passion-for-cars-helping-others-drives-hinsdale-man/669.html https://youreverydayheroes.com/what-makes-alex-levesque-an-everyday-hero/May 31
Our speakers were Raluca Mihalcescu and Jeff Inwood, via Zoom, from the Arizona Water Company. They talked about water resources and the Central Arizona Project (CAP). Arizona Water Company's water resources include: groundwater, Colorado River water and effluent water. They also spoke about drought and supply challenges that have faced the area. Arizona Water Company’s water resource management strategy: (1) obtain and maintain a diverse water supply, (2) promote the efficient use of those water supplies. And also to promote the efficient use of those water supplies through demand management programs in our communities. For more info - https://www.azwater.com/development/resources/
May 24
Apache Junction Chief of Police, Michael Pooley, updated the Club about what has been happening in the local area during the last year, including successes with officer recruitment, improved investigative resources through technology updates, and an increased presence in all the schools. Officers are also encouraged to be pro-active and involved in a wide variety of community events. Chief Pooley also spoke about the 'Shop With Cops' program where police officers shop with under-privileged K - 6th grade children during the end-of-the-year holiday season at one of the local area stores, providing them with the opportunity to purchase gifts for members of their immediate family.
He spoke about AJ Police involvement with the 'Angels on Patrol' program, which helps provide for emergency needs that the officers come across while performing their jobs.
For more information:
May 17
Our speakers were Ryan & Janna Newman, from 'P.A.W.S.S Pups and Warriors Side By Side'- ('P.A.W.S.S'). They spoke about 'P.A.W.S.S' and its mission. The organization is a non-profit providing service dog training to help veterans, first responders and their families achieve a new 'leash on life'.
Obtaining a service/support animal can be a costly consideration. P.A.W.S.S takes a somewhat different approach than other service animal organizations, by helping bring cost within reach for more individuals who are in need of a service/support animal.
When working with P.A.W.S.S, the client brings 'their own' animal to be trained, and works with the trainer/and the animal, as part of the training process. By bringing their own animal, the animal already 'knows' the individual -- so training can focus more on learning service skills, instead of needing to spend so much time becoming familiar with 'their human'.
P.A.W.S.S was formed because Ryan Newman, from his own military experiences, had a need for his own service/support animal. That turned into a mission to help others with similar needs.
The non-profit is operated totally by caring volunteers. Funding is through donations from individuals/groups who also recognize the large need in our society for service/support animals to help our veterans, first responders, and their families.
For more information - https://www.pupsnwarriors.com/
May 10
Dr Jacob Boehme, PT, DPT, Clinic Director at Moore Physical Therapy in Gold Canyon, spoke about various physical therapy (PT) treatments that can help individuals lead a more active and productive life. Some areas PT focuses on are joint pain, spinal pain, strains and sprains, before and after surgery treatment, and sports rehabilitation. Often, PT greatly reduces an individual's need to rely on opioids, or other pain prescriptions. PT can significantly decrease hospitalization time and can also help reduce needs to utilize other health care services following a surgery. Additionally, reports have shown that PT can provide many patients with a full return to a sport that they love. PT has also shown it can help with headaches, parkinson's, TMJ issues, dizziness/vertigo, balance training, stroke rehabilitation, lymphedema, general muscle weakness, and many other health issues.
For more information -- https://moorephysicaltherapy.com/
May 3
Our speakers were Jamie Sullivan, Recreation Superintendent and Larry Binion, Multi-Gen Center Facility Manager from Apache Junction Parks and Recreation. They spoke about the facilities and its many activities. There is a wide variety of classes and activities available for many interests and ages -- from yoga, zumba and other classes, basketball, volleyball, pickleball, an abundance of exercise equipment, video game room, climbing wall, spaces for special events, many senior services, after school programs, and much, much more.
For more information -- https://www.apachejunctionaz.gov/111/Parks-Recreation