Four Peaks Rotary Club members celebrated our 25-year anniversary, acknowledged the end of an era at DC Bar & Grill, awarded grants to Golden Eagle Education Foundation and US Vets, received good news from GCU Rotaract, attended the rededication of the Rotary Splash Pad, and participated in another successful Memorial Day flag installation.

March

Jack Reynolds gave an update on Overture International, an organization in Haiti which empowers Haitian families and their communities to be active and engaged in building independence. Four Peaks Rotary Foundation gave $2,500 from its 2021-22 budget. The facility, which began as an orphanage and is located 11 miles outside of Les Cayes, is now a school system with more than 1200 students. Donations from Rotary and area churches helped purchase the land to build the campus. The campus is focused on child development and is the largest of its kind in Haiti. The family only pays if they can afford to.

April

Club members heard from Jodi Corrales (at right), the president of GCU Rotaract Club, sponsored by Four Peaks Rotary and founded by Four Peaks Rotary member, Isabelle Clausen. Despite COVID, the club has been busy with projects, including Positive Pencils, Project Angel Tree, No Sew Blankets, and H.E.L.P. lunch bags. She said the club was looking for career support — 1) networking with individuals in their field of study, 2) job opportunities with those who are like minded, 3) and one-on-one meetings with students about studies. She also for volunteer support with upcoming projects and financial support from sponsors. The club presented Jodi with a $1,000 check to help cover the costs of transportation from the president's discretionary account.

Sandy Davis presented the Golden Eagle Education Foundation's Mentoring Program with a check from the Four Peaks Rotary Foundation for $5,000.

Roger Riggert presented Pam Carlson with her Paul Harris Fellow +1 pin at the 4/14 meeting.

Scott Sommer announced the 4/28 meeting would be the last meeting at DC Bar & Grill. The club acknowledged Tim Sciutto for his hospitality and gave him a small gift of gratitude. The club will begin meeting at The Batchelor's Pad on a temporary basis beginning with the May 12 meeting.

May

Tim Taylor announced that the Foundation budget for the 2022-2023 Rotary year has been approved. We will be granting more than $80,000 and were able to fund 100% of our champion's requests.

Michelle Jameson of US Vets accepted a $5,000 grant to aid in the organization's efforts to provide food and shelter to homeless veterans. She encouraged members to support veterans organizations instead of giving money directly to those who pander "so that you don't reinforce their unhealthy lifestyle."

Members of Four Peaks Rotary and the Rotary Club of Fountain Hills gathered after the 5/26 meeting for the Town's rededication of the Rotary Splash Pad (left). Many thanks to former Four Peaks Rotarian, Doug Lawyer, of SteelCrest Architectural Accents for providing the temporary signage.

Club members closed the month with another successful Memorial Day flag installation, aided by many members of the community. A few images from the morning installation are pictured below.

Memorial Day 2022 Flag Installation