Greg Hughes (aka 'Troll'), from Superstition Harley Davidson, shared information about the annual East Valley charity motorcycle ride called 'Trolls Teddy Bear Run'.
'Trolls Teddy Bear Run' organization is a 501(c)3 focusing on providing stuffed animals/teddy bears to police / first-responders and family advocacy centers, to have on hand so they can give them to children they come into contact with during traumatic situations. Often times, as you might imagine, young children involved in these situations can be quite upset and traumatized. Being able to receive a 'fluffy/fuzzy teddy bear friend' from the first responder can help to ease the tension and trauma the young child is experiencing
2022 will be the 7th year for 'Trolls Teddy Bear Run', which occurs on the 1st Saturday in December each year. Motorcycle riders participate in the event, riding through a course that has various stops throughout the East Valley, where raffles, prizes, food and more await them - making it a fun day for all the riders.
Donations of teddy bears are made by riders, service organizations, and community residents. Donations of new stuffed animals are needed.
Erik Arriola, Executive Director and Lynn Hanson, Board President, of the Superstition Community Food Bank in Apache Junction shared information about the many everyday challenges facing the Food Bank as they work to help the community. The Food Bank serves residents from both Maricopa and Pinal Counties.
Overall, food insecurities are on the rise. The number of families/individuals requesting food assistance is growing significantly as people are dealing with effects of Covid, inflation, rising rent, grocery and gas costs -- generally all-around increases in cost of living. The Food Bank estimates they will be serving 53,000+ individuals this year.
The Food Bank needs additional support to help keep up with growing needs. With each $1 donation, their buying power allows them to purchase about $5 worth of food. A $17 donation feeds a family of two for five days. Volunteers are also always needed to assist with a wide variety of tasks. To learn more about Superstition Community Food Bank and how you can help -https://superstitionfoodbank.org/
Sharon Stinard introduced Armen Kayachanian, student from Imagine Prep. The Club gave $500 to him for scholarship assistance. Armen spoke about plans for attending Northern Arizona University and focusing on criminology studies.
July 13
Powell, Apache Junction City Manager, spoke to the Club about transportation issues happening in Apache Junction, and surrounding areas in Pinal county. He provided a transportation update, covering topics related to issues/plans for transportation routes in/out and around Apache Junction. He stressed the importance of plans having a funding source for them to become realized. He shared information about this year’s election in November that will include a ballot measure to approve a plan for the 'North-South Corridor'. This new freeway would go from Highway 60 at Mountain View, south to Interstate 10 … passing near Florence, Coolidge and Eloy. It would also connect with State Route 24. Pinal County residents should look for a publicity pamphlet explaining the ballot measure in detail. For additional info -https://azdot.gov/planning/transportation-studies/north-south-corridor-study-proposed-new-transportation-route-pinal
Al Bravo, Apache Junction Public Information Officer, also spoke and clarified issues related to the recently mailed early voting ballots which included some errors, and also provided information about what is being done to correct the issues. For more info -https://www.pinalcountyaz.gov/Vote/Pages/BallotIssues.aspx
July 6
Our speaker was Cheri DeBree, Chief Innovation Officer at Horizon Health and Wellness in Apache Junction. Horizon offers a full range of integrated health services for all ages and stages of life - primary care, mental health services, substance abuse and more.
Cheri spoke about mental health issues facing today's American youth. The Covid-era brought about changes in school-experiences/socialization/activities, causing more isolation and separation from friends and activities which young people thrive on. She also spoke about the need for a person (any age) to find the help they need, and for people to be compassionate and normalize dealing with mental illness, and think of it the same as any other illness, such as heart disease or diabetes.
She shared info about the new National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number, similar to how people can call 911 for emergencies. All phone service providers will be required to connect callers who dial 988 to the lifeline starting July 16, 2022.
Horizon serves all patients regardless of ability to pay and is sensitive to those in our communities who struggle with financial hardship -- offering a number of ways for families to get the care they need. In addition to health care, Horizon offers a food pantry for residents in need and 'Earth Heart Park' where community residents can volunteer on on Thurs and Sat. For more info about Horizon in Apache Junction - https://www.hhwaz.org/locations/
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Greg Hughes (aka 'Troll'), from Superstition Harley Davidson, shared information about the annual East Valley charity motorcycle ride called 'Trolls Teddy Bear Run'. 
Erik Arriola, Executive Director and Lynn Hanson, Board President, of the Superstition Community Food Bank in Apache Junction shared information about the many everyday challenges facing the Food Bank as they work to help the community. The Food Bank serves residents from both Maricopa and Pinal Counties. 
Sharon Stinard introduced Armen Kayachanian, student from Imagine Prep. The Club gave $500 to him for scholarship assistance. Armen spoke about plans for attending Northern Arizona University and focusing on criminology studies.
Our speaker was Cheri DeBree, Chief Innovation Officer at Horizon Health and Wellness in Apache Junction. Horizon offers a full range of integrated health services for all ages and stages of life - primary care, mental health services, substance abuse and more.