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SEPTEMBER 25   Dr. Robert Pappalardo, Superintendent of Apache Junction Unified School District, and Jeff Struble, Founder of Rhino ReCreation Center, spoke to the Club about some of the programs and needs that would benefit from the passing of Proposition 487 - a proposition on the upcoming November election ballot.  The Club was also visited by Dakota Wancour, Senior Class President, and Nevaeh Smith, Student Body President at Apache Junction High School. Dakota and Nevaeh reported on an upcoming leadership event and told us what they expect to learn at the event. The Club was happy to present them with a check to help defray the costs associated with attending.
SEPTEMBER 18  Our speaker, Michelle Goss, owner of 'Spirit Mountain Healing Services', a non-profit 501(c)3 located in Queen Creek, talked about the focus of Spirit Mountain, which is to help people through equine-assisted learning and therapy. Many people experience illness, loss of family and friends, loss of income, lack of socialization, loneliness, fear of tomorrow, and many other debilitating life issues. Through equine-assisted learning and therapy, Spirit Mountain Healing Services engages and helps empower individuals to better manage their lives. The goal is to recognize and relieve pain, both physical and emotional, that may be happening because of a variety of life issues. The goal is to positively help improve the ability of individuals to experience and enjoy the beauty of life. At Spirit Mountain Healing Services, work is guided by the founder Michelle Goss, along with her incredible team of therapy horses. Work can be done one-on-one, as well as with families, groups, and affiliate organizations. Through equine-assisted learning and therapy, clients can learn and develop valuable, sustainable life skills to work through the difficulties they are encountering. Equine-assisted therapy is the process of utilizing a horse's reflective and mirroring abilities to unearth what is happening internally within an individual. Because horses are prey animals, horses are highly attuned and sensitive to energy and emotions, even more than dogs or other animals. Horses have an innate ability to reflect a person's internal emotional state, allowing the individual unique opportunities to learn more about themselves in a safe, non-judgmental environment.Michelle's book about equine therapy - "Looking Within: Coming Home to Yourself Through Equine Assisted Learning" is available on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Within-Yourself-Assisted-Learning/dp/1088045634For more information -https://www.spiritmountainhealing.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-goss-a20226209https://www.instagram.com/spiritmountainhealing/https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000095725730https://canvasrebel.com/meet-michelle-goss/https://pod.co/behavioral-health-integration/bhi-episode-4-interview-with-michelle-goss-horse-guided-coach-at-spirit-mountain-healing-centerhttps://www.yourvalley.net/gilbert-independent/stories/woman-finds-calling-creates-spirit-mountain-healing-services,489577 September 11  Our speaker was Abby Lyon, District Executive at 'Scouting America'. On May 7, 2024, 'Boy Scouts of America' announced the organization was changing its name to 'Scouting America'. Officially the name change goes into effect on February 8, 2025, which is the 115th anniversary of the organization. However, all the staff have been using the new name immediately. Aspects of the organization such as the 'Scout Oath', 'Law', and 'program concepts' remain unchanged.
Abby spoke about both the history /and future of the organization, along with information about how the group has evolved throughout the years. The organization is now inclusive, with both boys and girls. There are several focused areas within the organization -- ie Cub Scouts, Eagle Scouts, Aviation, Venturing, STEM Scouts - and others that continue to evolve as collective interests dictate.
To learn more about the organization/or make a donation to 'Scouting America' visit - https://www.grandcanyonbsa.org/ September 4   The club had the opportunity to hear from Stephanie Bourgeois, Apache Junction Police Crime Scene Technician, and Alec Wimberly, Apache Junction Police Department Detective. Stephanie spoke to the Club about an intriguing 'Jane Doe' cold case she has been an integral part of ultimately solving that required many, many hours, over several years, to resolve.
Her detailed explanation of the process was fascinating. The very long process required multitudes of steps, and many people and agencies over several years. Sometimes an agency, or department, would need to wait for additional funding to become available to take the next step. Stephanie spent a lot of time and effort on her own time to ultimately reach the resolution for 'Jane Doe'. |
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