MEETING HIGHLISHTS

July 31

Greg Bouslog, Executive Director of the East Valley YMCA, spoke to the Club about the many activities the YMCA provides to the communities they serve. Included are a wide variety of competitive sports, and other recreational activities for children, regardless if they are interested in sports, or not. Also, they provide activities and healthy living programs for all ages, including 'Silver Sneakers'. 

There are a lot of aquatic sports and activities, including free swim lessons for all ages. Additionally, the YMCA is very focused on helping bring awareness to water safety for children, including a program called 'I am a Water Watcher' which provides a lanyard for the adult who is to be 'the person in charge' of watching kids in a pool. The lanyard is passed from adult to adult, so there is always someone completely focused on watching children in the water and helping to be sure they are safe. 

During the COVID era, when so many things were changed in our world, the YMCA pivoted and changed their services to be focused on the needs at that time, which included child care, Internet service, and other needs facing families in the community during that time. Snacks and meals are provided, in addition to activities. They strive to make sure that no child will go hungry. 

The YMCA is dependent upon donations and community support. To learn more about how you can participate and help -- 

https://valleyymca.org/ross-farnsworth-east-valley/


Valerie Kellogg, representing 'Stand Up AJ', also briefly spoke at the meeting.

'Stand Up AJ' is a non-profit organization promoting a drug-free Apache Junction. They provide a range of programs to help with drug prevention, drug treatment, re-entry after treatment, suicide and crisis helplines, chat groups, and family resources. 

For more information about 'Stand UP AJ' and how you can help to support them - https://www.standupaj.org/
 
 
July 24
 
Peter Heck, Captain of the Apache Junction Mounted Rangers shared information with the Club about the many community activities the group participates in. The 501(c)3 organization has been around since the early 1990s, serving as a volunteer peace-keeping group, lending its support to organizations, companies, and various community events. Their mission is to financially support children and youth organizations in Apache Junction, and the local community while promoting the values and traditions of the Old West. Through their volunteer work and fundraising, they contribute a significant amount of money each year to youth organizations.

For more information - 
http://www.ajmountedrangers.org/

Jill Bright, Raquelle Guerrero, and her cheerleader daughter Lailah Guerrero came to support Black and Gold Youth Football. 

Jill gave a brief update on the organization and shared information about the challenges / needs the group is dealing with. League fees and other costs associated with the football league have increased. Individual player's costs have also increased. One of their goals is to help financially support children with economic challenges who could not otherwise participate in sports and the league. 

She encouraged Club members to plan to attend some of the games.

The Club presented them with a check to help support Black and Gold Youth Football. 

For more information - 
https://www.ajbgyfl.com/
https://www.facebook.com/AJBGYFLPeter Heck, Captain of the Apache Junction Mounted Rangers shared information with the Club about the many community activities the group participates in. 

The 501(c)3 organization has been around since the early 1990s, serving as a volunteer peace-keeping group, lending its support to organizations, companies, and various community events. Their mission is to financially support children and youth organizations in Apache Junction, and the local community while promoting the values and traditions of the Old West. Through their volunteer work and fundraising, they contribute a significant amount of money each year to youth organizations.
 
 
July 17
 
Superstition Mountain Rotary Club's July 17th meeting speaker was Kimberly Elliott, Director of Student Services at Central Arizona College (CAC). Kimberly talked to the Club about all the exciting new things that are happening at CAC. New physical additions and new programs are in the process of being added. The new state-of-the-art facilities will offer learning spaces that prepare students for the workforce and assist in providing the skills and education needed to bring additional economic growth for our region. There will be classroom experiences, labs, and also exterior yards for technical training. The integrated classrooms, simulation centers, and labs that will be housed in the new buildings will feature the latest in technology and will provide students advanced learning opportunities.

For more information - 
 
 
July 10
 
Our speaker was Ryan Newman. Ryan, his wife Janna, their daughter Irelyn, and their service dog, Goose were representing P.A.W.S.S. (Pups And Warriors Side by Side). 

P.A.W.S.S. (Pups And Warriors Side by Side) is a veteran-owned and operated non-profit organization that helps disabled veterans, First responders and their family members train their own dogs to become their certified service dogs. Each year, the organization provides a maximum of 60 service dog training opportunities at no cost to veterans, first responders, and their qualifying family members who are disabled. Upon completing the program Pups and Warriors will receive their AKC Star Puppy, Canine Good Citizen, Urban Canine, and Public Access certifications.

The organization aims to empower its students by building confidence and encouraging open, honest, and supportive relationships with a judgment-free approach in a safe training environment. Additionally, a goal is raising awareness of the impact post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD ) has on Veterans and First Responders, as well as the Secondary PTSD it causes their loved ones to experience. 

The Club gave a donation to the group to help with their needs. To learn more about their work, and contribute to this worthwhile non-profit, check the links below.

https://www.pupsandwarriors.org/

https://youtu.be/rdZmWuFOZrQ?si=2yvJkBbBXUWXY_fZ