MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

October 25
 
The Club was pleased to have Abby Lyon -  District Executive with 'Grand Canyon Council Boy Scouts of America', as our speaker. Also at the meeting and speaking were Matthew Hill, Danielle Alfandre, Alex Alfandre and Nelson Mueller, all representing the Boy Scouts. 
 
They shared information and updates about projects and activities, along with fundraising goals for their organization. Scouting programs offer young people many wholesome opportunities. Their mission is to help prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them values of the Scout Oath and Law. Additionally young people who participate in scouting learn many life skills as part of their scouting experiences. 
 
To learn more about the Boy Scouts  -  https://www.grandcanyonbsa.org/ and https://www.facebook.com/GrandCanyonBSA.
 
 
Also speaking to the Club were Jerry Baginski, Traicey Finder, and Barbara Rae, all representing 'Courage Under Cancer'. They updated the Club about 'Courage Under Cancer' programs and needs that the non-profit has.  
 
For more information about 'Courage Under Cancer' - 
 
 
Club member, Lee Holmes, shared information about Rotary's role in working to eradicate polio and the 2023-2024 World Polio Day. To learn more about 2023-2024 World Polio Day - https://youtu.be/h7U9IPdYpbI?feature=shared
 
 
October 18
 
Our speaker was Marin Lasater, Community Engagement Coordinator at 'Community Alliance Against Family Abuse' (CAAFA). Marin was introduced by club member and CAAFA board member, Sharon Stinard. Since 1971, 'CAAFA /A New Leaf' has provided assistance to those in our community who are most in need, helping families, children, and adults overcome the challenges they face.
 
Communities are made stronger when families are safe, have a secure home, are able to provide for themselves and their children, and are ultimately given a chance to make a brighter future for themselves. By offering these compassionate services, 'CAAFA/ A New Leaf' helps households move from crisis to stability, making our community a better place to live. 
 
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. October 19th is 'Purple Thursday', a day designated for wearing purple to show support for victims and survivors of domestic violence. 
 
For more information about their services - 
TurnaNewLeaf.org 
 
 
October 11
 
Gary Nine, Author of 'Opie & Cleigh', a book that was 12 years in the making, was our speaker. Before becoming an author, Gary was a teacher and Superintendent of the Apache Junction School District. 
 
Gary shared information about the process he went through to become a first time author -- developing the storyline, working through ideas for characters, naming characters, creating the title, and also becoming familiar with, and working through all the steps it takes to get a book published. 
 
"Opie & Cleigh" is a work of fiction. It covers a story about how students and school leaders become everyday heroes when the kindest, most popular, girl in school is brutally murdered. The storyline covers how Opie, a soldier, shattered by his own experiences in war, manages to move forward and 'pick up the pieces', to become a teacher and a positive influence on each child he teaches and coaches. It also covers Cleigh, who also is a teacher, adores her students, and is loved back.  She's an individual whose own young life had been seared by an early catastrophe - an experience that now plays a role in how she responds to the violent death of her favorite student. 

The story shares how Becaa, the murdered girl's mom, deals with her horrific loss, yet leads with extraordinary insight. And there is Kyle, the murdered girl's boyfriend, who works to comfort his team and his school. Then there is Chad, the school principal, who was inspired by his late father to pass on the message of serving others to enable his school community, students and staff, to survive their crushing loss. And not to go unmentioned, there is Bill, the superintendent, who navigates the crisis and leads his principals, staff, students, and district, and community to get through, yet not over, their heart-breaking loss.  
 
 
 
October 4
 
Our speaker was Stephanie Joyner, Director of Pinal County Historical Museum, who shared a lot of interesting information about the museum. Initially, the Pinal County Historical Society was founded in the late 1950s by a group of private citizens who were dedicated to preserving the history of Pinal County. Over time, that group evolved into the Museum we have today. Their focus has been on Florence and the surrounding Gila River valley areas, as well as on highlighting events and people who have shaped the growth and development of the town. The museum's collections help bring stories to life with engaging displays and artifacts. Over the years, the Museum has gained a reputation for handling artifacts professionally and respectfully, which has encouraged more families to donate heirlooms that enrich the region's history. 

The museum has a number of regular and special events. There is a speaker series covering a range of topics. 'First Saturdays' at the Museum are 'Family Days' with lots of planned activities that focus on the interests of children. 
A special upcoming event focuses on Halloween, with an inspired "Day of the Dead" event. It is planned for Saturday, October 21st. The event is a no-charge family event with music, kids activities, live music, food trucks, and more. 

Check their calendar for more information about these and other upcoming events -- https://www.pchmuseum.org/calendar

For more info about the museum - 

https://www.pchmuseum.org/