This week's meeting was the annual 'change-over' event -- passing the gavel from 2021-2022 Rotary Club President to incoming Club President for 2022-2023. Roberta passed the gavel over to Aaron McDermid - incoming 2022-23 Superstition Mountain Rotary Club President. Roberta thanked Club members who have served as the Board members in the past year -- while Aaron announced and welcomed Board members for the coming year.
June 22 Meeting
Our speaker was Club member, Bryant Powell's brother - Troy Powell, who is the new Apache Junction High School Teacher and AJ Boy's Basketball Coach. In addition to coaching, he will be teaching History and Economics. From his days in college, Troy has personal experience playing college basketball. He spoke about the many challenges facing the AJ Basketball team including lack of enough balls, not enough uniforms, etc - along with funds needed to help students with 'pay-to-play'. He spoke about the tremendous value and need for young people to be involved with teams/team sports -- as young people today often spend much time alone playing video games, on social media, etc. Teams build friendships, goals, and encourage focus for something bigger than an individual person. Troy's focus for the students/players everyday is 'effort, energy and enthusiasm'.The Club presented Troy with a check for $1000. to help assist with needs of the AJ Basketball team. To reach out and help support the team - https://www.ajusd.org.
June 15 Meeting
Apache Junction High School Prospector Football players and their Coach were special guests at the meeting - (Head Coach Bruce Binkley, along with players Alex Ramirez, Isaiah Savoie, Garrett Garcia, Maxwell Jada, and the assistant Coach's wife, Lisa Uehling attended the meeting.)
Coach Binkley and Senior Max Jada took to the podium and spoke not only about football in Apache Junction, but also about the many varied community projects that players get involved with throughout the year.
Significant cost is involved to keep the team safe and playing the best they can. Equipment, uniforms, transportation and food for away games, etc all require funding. The team has been in need of a number of items, including new helmets. The Club made a donation of $1000. to the help with the cost of the helmets, which are needed to help keep team players safe. To reach out and help support the team - https://www.ajusd.org.
June 8 Meeting
Joan Marlow, who describes herself as a 'lifelong learner and forever teacher', was our speaker. Joan has been a high school teacher, corporate trainer, human resources manager, mentor, and for the past dozen+ years, owner of 'Peaceful Easy Healing' - which focuses on coaching, self-care and natural health modalities. Joan shared information about her latest focus - 'medical care advocacy'. Advocacy helps individuals wade through challenges of dealing with the health care system, understanding choices and obtaining the best health care for their needs.
The nation's health care system is challenging for individuals. Medical decisions and errors are one of the leading causes of death. Patients often do not understand all the information medical providers give to them - combined with stressed/over-worked medical providers not always having the time to fully explain all details. Enter the important role of a personal 'medical care advocate' who can help individuals wade through information to be able to make the best choices for themselves. For more information about Joan and her work - https://peacefullyhealing.com/ --- (note website is currently being updated to include latest offerings).
June 1 Meeting
Our speaker, Al Bravo, City of Apache Junction Public Information Officer, was introduced by City Manager Bryant Powell. Al handles all incoming and outgoing communications for the City of Apache Junction. Al shared a wealth of information about various City of Apache Junction venues, activities and events. Al talked about the community pool and need for more lifeguards for the summer, discussed the popular new Apache Junction Dog Park, reminders about the upcoming summer monsoon season, upcoming road closures - as well as other tidbits of information about happenings in Apache Junction of interest to Club members. He shared info about a new Apache Junction website - VisitAJ.com - https://visitaj.com/ - which shares information about area events and activities.
May 26 Meeting
Our speaker was Yanick Hicks, Executive Director at Maxwell Leadership/ and Fellow Rotarian from the Glendale Club. Yanik spoke about the 5 levels of leadership. Yanik grew up in Cameroon, West Africa, and came to the USA at age 16. Yanik went to school in the Atlanta Georgia area. After High School, he went on to college and became a Pharmacist. Life circumstances led him to become involved in Leadership training and the Maxwell organization and his current profession which he enjoys. For more information about Yanik and Maxwell Leadership - https://www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/yanickhicks/
We were excited to induct our newest member, Sandie Damiano. Welcome to the Club, Sandie!
May 18 Meeting
Our Speaker was Rosie Portugal Brastad, Coordinator for the 'Project HELP' program which is a part of the Apache Junction Unified School District. Recently Superstition Mountain Rotary was able to donate a check to 'Project HELP', and Rosie came to share updated information about the needs of the program, and how the program is able to utilize support that comes to them from supporters.
'Project HELP' provides short-term assistance for students/families enrolled in the Apache Junction Unified School District. This assistance might manifest in many ways, depending on the need of the individual - ie, support for transportation, clothing, sports/activity needs, food, as well as other areas where needs arise.
'Project HELP' is 100% supported by donations: financial, food, new and gently-used clothing, and household goods provided by churches, organizations, businesses, and individuals. Aid is distributed, as funds allow, based on need, as determined by the Project HELP coordinator.
Natalie Ackerley introduced the week's program which was oriented to be a follow-on to Mother's Day, with Club members sharing stories about their children and grandkids. The program brought with it some chuckles as fun times were shared. It was a wonderful opportunity for Club members to be able to learn more about other member's and their families. A good time was had by all.
May 4 Meeting
Natalie Ackerley introduced the new Apache Junction Chief of Police - Mike Pooley, who was this week's speaker. He spoke about his background and shared interesting stories about life being in law enforcement. Today's world brings with it many challenges for the profession. For more information about the new AJ Police Chief - https://www.apachejunctionaz.gov/161/Chief-of-Police. The Club appreciates Chief Pooley and all our local law enforcement for helping take care of our community.
The Club held a social event on June 25th at the Apache Junction Salvation Army. The focus of the event was learning more about Cub and Boy Scouts in our area. Abby Lyon presented updates and information about the local Cub and Boy Scout programs. A goal of the evening was to support scouting and bring more awareness of the value it brings for young people and our community. Jeff and Sabrina Mitchell brought food/refreshments to the event. A good time was had by all who attended ~~ and the group learned more about what is happening with the Cub and Boy Scouts in our local area.
Recent Donations
On behalf of Superstition Mountain Rotary, Club member, Ed Shockley, recently delivered $600 worth of donated items to 'CAAFA/affiliated with a New Leaf' in Apache Junction.
Among items donated were toiletries, baby/infant items, hygiene items, food, clothing and other items that CAAFA was in need of.
CAAFA, as well as all other local non-profits are stretched to help provide for their recipients who are in need. All local non-profits will appreciate whatever support you can help provide. Below is a link for 'A New Leaf's' website where you can learn more about their organization - and a link to 'CAAFA/affiliated with a New Leaf's' facilities in Apache Junction - along with location information and how to contact them.
Horizon Health & Wellness is a non-profit health care provider in Arizona for more than 40 years. Programs include Primary Care, Mental Health Services, Drug Use Treatment and much more. They serve all patients regardless of their ability to pay. Horizon has built a culture where kindness and compassion are part of how they deliver the best health care available to every patient they serve. As health care providers, they connect with people through kindness. Kindness matters because it’s good for a person's health. Horizon believes that kindness and compassion is often the best medicine. Many studies have concluded that when health care workers approach patients with compassion, patients often heal faster, have less pain and anxiety and even bounce back faster. For more information about the Apache Junction facility and medical team - https://www.hhwaz.org/locations/staff-aj/. For more information about Horizon Health & Wellness and how you can also help by supporting their ability to provide care - https://www.hhwaz.org/donate/.
Project HELP is a community-based program committed to providing short-term assistance for families and students enrolled in the Apache Junction Unified School District. Project HELP is 100% supported by donations: financial, food, new and gently-used clothing, and household goods provided by churches, organizations, businesses, and individuals. Aid is distributed, as funds allow, based on need, as determined by the Project HELP coordinator. For more information about Project HELP and how you can also provide support -- https://www.ajusd.org/projecthelp
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This week's meeting was the annual 'change-over' event -- passing the gavel from 2021-2022 Rotary Club President to incoming Club President for 2022-2023. 
Our speaker was Club member, Bryant Powell's brother - Troy Powell, who is the new Apache Junction High School Teacher and AJ Boy's Basketball Coach. In addition to coaching, he will be teaching History and Economics. From his days in college, Troy has personal experience playing college basketball. He spoke about the many challenges facing the AJ Basketball team including lack of enough balls, not enough uniforms, etc - along with funds needed to help students with 'pay-to-play'. He spoke about the tremendous value and need for young people to be involved with teams/team sports -- as young people today often spend much time alone playing video games, on social media, etc. Teams build friendships, goals, and encourage focus for something bigger than an individual person. Troy's focus for the students/players everyday is 'effort, energy and enthusiasm'.The Club presented Troy with a check for $1000. to help assist with needs of the AJ Basketball team. To reach out and help support the team - 
Apache Junction High School Prospector Football players and their Coach were special guests at the meeting - (Head Coach Bruce Binkley, along with players Alex Ramirez, Isaiah Savoie, Garrett Garcia, Maxwell Jada, and the assistant Coach's wife, Lisa Uehling attended the meeting.)
Joan Marlow, who describes herself as a 'lifelong learner and forever teacher', was our speaker. Joan has been a high school teacher, corporate trainer, human resources manager, mentor, and for the past dozen+ years, owner of 'Peaceful Easy Healing' - which focuses on coaching, self-care and natural health modalities. 
Our speaker, Al Bravo, City of Apache Junction Public Information Officer, was introduced by City Manager Bryant Powell. Al handles all incoming and outgoing communications for the City of Apache Junction. Al shared a wealth of information about various City of Apache Junction venues, activities and events. 
peaker was Yanick Hicks, Executive Director at Maxwell Leadership/ and Fellow Rotarian from the Glendale Club. Yanik spoke about the 5 levels of leadership. 
We were excited to induct our newest member, Sandie Damiano. Welcome to the Club, Sandie!
Our Speaker was Rosie Portugal Brastad, Coordinator for the 'Project HELP' program which is a part of the Apache Junction Unified School District. Recently Superstition Mountain Rotary was able to donate a check to 'Project HELP', and Rosie came to share updated information about the needs of the program, and how the program is able to utilize support that comes to them from supporters.
Natalie Ackerley introduced the week's program which was oriented to be a follow-on to Mother's Day, with Club members sharing stories about their children and grandkids. The program brought with it some chuckles as fun times were shared. It was a wonderful opportunity for Club members to be able to learn more about other member's and their families. A good time was had by all. 
Natalie Ackerley introduced the new Apache Junction Chief of Police - Mike Pooley, who was this week's speaker. He spoke about his background and shared interesting stories about life being in law enforcement. Today's world brings with it many challenges for the profession. For more information about the new AJ Police Chief - 
The Club held a social event on June 25th at the Apache Junction Salvation Army. The focus of the event was learning more about Cub and Boy Scouts in our area. 
Horizon Health & Wellness is a non-profit health care provider in Arizona for more than 40 years. Programs include Primary Care, Mental Health Services, Drug Use Treatment and much more. They serve all patients regardless of their ability to pay. 
Project HELP is a community-based program committed to providing short-term assistance for families and students enrolled in the Apache Junction Unified School District.