Our hearts go out to those impacted by the disastrous fires in Maui, Hawaii. Many Rotarians are directly impacted. There are nine Rotary clubs on Maui and at this point it has been reported that the homes of two Club Presidents have been destroyed.
Early in a disaster, often the most effective way to help is a contribution of cash to a trustworthy and reliable organization. The District 5000 Foundation has established a Maui Relief Fund. Below is the letter District Governor Mark Merriam sent to all the Rotary members in District 5000. DG Mark’s letter includes a donation link and QR code to make contributions to the Maui Relief Fund.
If you wish, this is an opportunity for you or your club to help our fellow Rotary members in Maui and their neighbors.
Thank you in advance for any support you or your club can provide to our friends in Maui.
Sincerely,
Kevin Pitts, Rotary International District 5495 Governor 2023-2024
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Aloha,
This week has been a tragic week for our Rotarians, families and friends on the Island of Maui. The fires across the island have changed lives forever. Truly devastating. Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted.
As people of action, we can take immediate action. As we come together to recover and rebuild, we need to support each other. We need to Create Hope for Maui.
Rotary District 5000 in Hawaii has created an option for Rotarians who wish to help the victims of the wildfire. Rotary District 5000 Foundation, a relief fund has been established. Foundation President Dave Hamil and Treasurer Sharon Amano will handle all donations. The Rotary District 5000 Foundation is a 501c3 organization and all donations are considered charitable.
A committee will be organized shortly to find the greatest needs for distribution of monies. Monies will be used to make the largest impact based on needs and will be sustainable. A single fund will be the most helpful over time to provide the greatest significant benefits.
Please consider donating to this special fund. Hyperlink and QR code are included with this note.
Al Bravo, Apache Junction's Public Information Officer, introduced speakers - Mike Loggins, Director of Apache Junction Water District, and Darron Anglin, District Manager of Apache Junction Sewer District. Mike and Darron spoke to the Club about various water and sewer issues our local communities deal with. They covered information about where our water supplies come from. Al shared information about an online resource that focuses on water conservation. The resource was developed by the City of Apache Junction, the Water District, and Arizona Water - 'One Water: Our Water'. It provides information for both residents and commercial businesses.
The speakers touched on issues related to the development of future homes and commercial businesses in our area, and how our water resource companies, and the city, are all working together to effectively meet these future growth needs.
Information is available online about plans for addressing future housing/growth issues - 'Apache Junction’s 2020 General Plan'. For more information -
Our speakers were Troy Powell, Nick Dunkelbarger, Omar Adam, and Josh Castro. Troy Powell, brother of Club member, Bryant Powell, is Apache Junction High School (AJHS) Boy's Basketball Coach and also teaches History and Economics. Nick Dunkelbarger is Assistant Coach, and a History teacher at AJHS.
Troy and Nick spoke about the tremendous benefits young people can gain from being involved with teams and sports. Young people benefit not only from the sport, but also from being involved in 'team' activity. Additionally, exercise and weight training plays a role in helping players be fit and healthy. Teams build friendships and goals, and encourage a focus on something bigger than an individual person. They also spoke about challenges facing AJ's Basketball team, (including focusing on having needed equipment and working to coordinate funds needed to help students with 'pay-to-play'.)
Nick is focused on helping to work with 'feeder teams' from grade /middle schools --- teams that will 'grow into' being a part of AJHS teams.
Students/players Omar Adam and Josh Castro spoke to the Club about their positive experiences being a part of sports and AJHS teams.
Support from the community is always needed, both in the form of donations and community participation, by attending games and showing support and encouragement. For more information, or to reach out and help support the team - https://www.ajusd.org
August 16
Eric Lamb spoke to the Club, sharing 'Stories from Law Enforcement'. Eric has had a long, event-packed career as an Army MP, and after the military, working as a career deputy and detective. His time as a deputy and detective was with the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
He shared several entertaining stories about incidents that occurred during his long career - while he was dealing with criminals and 'bad guys'. Some scenarios have placed Eric directly in harm's way, and he has been fortunate to come out on the other side of them. After retiring from law enforcement, Eric has been working as a Store Manager with Ace Hardware. Club members and guests very much enjoyed hearing Eric share his experiences.
August 9
The speaker for the week was Cindy Wilson, representing 'J-House'. Cindy spoke about her mission/plans to develop an organization in Apache Junction called 'J-House'. The focus of 'J-House' will be to provide a safe and caring place for the youth in our area.
Cindy previously taught 7th grade for 11 years in Apache Junction. During that time, she observed some pretty serious living situations for our youth. More than 50% of the students were not living with a birth parent and more than 70% qualified for free and/or reduced lunch. Too often, these students quickly had to become 'the adult' and often were kept home to watch younger siblings while their guardians went to work to provide food for the family. These young people are crying out for real 'relationships'. They have a need to know they are loved, wanted, and valued.
Children end up blaming themselves for a parent's disappearance. According to 'Psychology Today' children often conclude they must have done something wrong, otherwise, their parents would not have left.
The goal of 'J-House' will be to help mentor and empower youth to grow into their destinies to be able to make a positive impact on the world.
The group is in need of financial support and volunteers.
Our speaker for this week was Soraya Movassagi, Director of Events for Rotaract District 5495. Soraya spoke about Rotaract Clubs in District 5495, and the various activities their members are involved in.
The purpose of Rotaract is to provide an opportunity for young men and women (18+) to enhance skills that will assist them in personal development, and also help provide them the opportunities and experience to help address needs within their local communities. Rotaract additionally provides young people with a platform to become involved with international service and to help promote better relations between all people worldwide.
Rotaract clubs are part of a global network of Rotary International (RI), (the largest service organization in the world). The service efforts of Rotaract clubs start at the community level - but some groups focus their projects and activities beyond the local level. Rotaractors have access to the many resources of Rotary International (RI) and The Rotary Foundation.
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Al Bravo, Apache Junction's Public Information Officer, introduced speakers - Mike Loggins, Director of Apache Junction Water District, and Darron Anglin, District Manager of Apache Junction Sewer District. Mike and Darron spoke to the Club about various water and sewer issues our local communities deal with. They covered information about where our water supplies come from. Al shared information about an online resource that focuses on water conservation. The resource was developed by the City of Apache Junction, the Water District, and Arizona Water - 'One Water: Our Water'. It provides information for both residents and commercial businesses.
Our speakers were Troy Powell, Nick Dunkelbarger, Omar Adam, and Josh Castro. Troy Powell, brother of Club member, Bryant Powell, is Apache Junction High School (AJHS) Boy's Basketball Coach and also teaches History and Economics. Nick Dunkelbarger is Assistant Coach, and a History teacher at AJHS. 
Eric Lamb spoke to the Club, sharing 'Stories from Law Enforcement'. Eric has had a long, event-packed career as an Army MP, and after the military, working as a career deputy and detective. His time as a deputy and detective was with the Arizona Department of Public Safety.
Our speaker for this week was Soraya Movassagi, Director of Events for Rotaract District 5495. Soraya spoke about Rotaract Clubs in District 5495, and the various activities their members are involved in.