Welcome to the Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek

Are you an established professional who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back.

Home Page Stories
Recognition of ACE hardware 
 
Jim Frey presented Maria Leopard, Store Manager of Karsten’s Ace Hardware, a certificate of appreciation for the generous donations they have made to our Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. We have been the recipient of their Round Up Your Change program for three separate months and each time we have received over $2,000. And they are also a sponsor of our annual golf tournament. We encourage all of our Rotary members to shop at Karsten’s Ace Hardware and thank them for their support.
Desert Edge Sept. Student of the Month
 
September Student of the Month for Desert Edge High School in recognition of Outstanding Leadership - Agasne Bragado
 
Here is what her Art teacher, Mr Anthony Galto shared:
 
"I would like to nominate Agasne Bragado for leadership recognition. Agasne demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout the summer while collaborating with the City of Goodyear’s Community Engagement Office within the Mayor’s Office. She played a pivotal role in designing the city’s "Topics on the Move" vehicle wrap, leading the project from its inception to successful completion. Her dedication and consistency not only drove the project forward but also strengthened our relationship with one of our most valuable stakeholders. This remarkable achievement deserves to be celebrated."
 
 
Millenniun September Student of the Month
 
 
 September's Millennium Student of the Month is 11th grader Madison Mendoza.  Here is the short narrative from her Spanish teacher, Mr. Davenport:
 
"Madison Mendoza is a leader in multiple contexts who holds both herself and her peers to high expectations.  She is a leader on the mat as a cheerleader, where she serves as captain.  Leading by example, Madi pushes herself to grow and get better every single day, and pushes her teammates to do the same. In the classroom, Madi is a leader, where she gathers primarily As and Bs. She holds herself accountable for performing well in her classes, and assists others as well to help them also reach their goals in class.  In fact, she is a huge help to her classmates, teachers, coaches and teammates.  Madi is always asking how she can help, steps in when a voice is needed, and is a willing volunteer to ensure the success of her class or her team.  She also offers great ideas.  She is not afraid to take on multiple responsibilities either, also serving as a club leader in MHS' Hype Squad.  Madi's dedication trickles down to others, which makes her such an effective leader and model for others to follow."
 
 
Watts of Love
 
 
Nearly 1 billion people around the world are without electricity and live in darkness.  They spend up to 30% of their income on dangerous fuel sources just to have light, and it keeps them in a cycle of poverty.
 
It leaves them powerless.
 
 
BUT SOLAR LIGHT BREAKS THAT CYCLE
 

Access to solar lighting eliminates the need for a costly fuel source and offers immediate savings.

Solar lighting also means people can continue daily activities after dark, which directly impacts household income, safety, and overall health.

Solar light starts people on the pathway to prosperity.
 
Giving light to educate & empower
 
 
GYPC Little Lending Library Update
   
 
Many thanks to Tobias Holf and Tasha Austin of PMG Labels for printing the labels that will go on the 11 Little Lending Libraries being placed around the West Valley.
 
 
The first Little Lending Library is by State Representative Mariana Sandoval’s house in Goodyear. All the Little Lending Libraries will have both children and adult books .
 
 
 
 
Over 600 books have been collected so far for this project.
Presentation to MIcrosoft
 
On behalf of the Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary, Rotarian Jim Frey presented a certificate of appreciation to Adonis Trujillo of the Microsoft Corp. Microsoft has been a continuous supporter of Dolly Parton Imagination Library over the years. Microsoft allows our ROTARY club to pay for children birth to five, to receive a new book each month.  Presently, we are supporting 1600 children and Microsoft has been a generous partner in this endeavor. Together we are spreading the message of literacy importance.  Thank you Adonis Trujillo and Microsoft as we continue to spread story, words and print to our youngest learners. We appreciate you and your help!  
Literacy Lending Houses
 
 
 
While GYPC Rotary is supporting 1500 preschoolers to receive books in their homes every month, it is not enough.  Our club wanted to expand its support for Literacy for more young children.  Painted in Rotary colors and our club logo added, Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary built its first Literacy Lending House. We reached out to Rep. Mariana Sandoval because of her continuous support for public education. Representative Sandoval offered her yard as the place for our first Lending Library. Rep. Sandoval’s home is ideal as it is next to a community park where many families and children come to play and enjoy the shady park.  We are forever grateful for her support and help. 
 
Happy Reading Harrison Park families!
 
 
 
 
 

2024 Rotary Foundation Golf Tournament was a Tremendous Success!!
On April 28th, 140 golfers played in the 7th Annual Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Foundation golf tournament. Perfect weather, excellent course conditions and 25 eager volunteers all came together to help create a very successful day. 
 
The day started with the always-popular golf ball drop and this year the $3,000 winner was a Rotary member from the Peoria North Club. The Goodyear Fire Department dropped 600 numbered golf balls onto the putting green at the Tuscany Falls Golf Club and the winning golf ball dropped into the hole.
This year Avondale Toyota was the Event Sponsor and furnished each folder with a golf shirt. General Manager, Kamal Charef, is a long-time supporter of the Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Foundation and said, “As a local, independent, family-owned business in the West Valley, we deeply value the significance of community support. That's why we take great pride in our partnership with the Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek Foundation, and have actively contributed to various Rotary programs for a number of years.”
 
A huge thank you goes to all of our major sponsors including Sun Health-Platinum Sponsor, Estrella Mountain Community College-Lunch Sponsor, Argent Solar and West Valley Golf Cars-Golf Cart Sponsors, TLC Real Estate Team-Beverage Station Sponsor, Jones Ford-Hole-in-One Sponsor, Donna Strand, Realty One-Ball Drop Sponsor and Registration Sponsors-Meulenberg Law Office, Alden Meulenberg-Edward Jones, United Goodyear Firefighter Charities, Wilhelm Automotive, Taylor Martin- State Farm and PMG Labels. The Most Accurate Drive and Closest to the Pin sponsors were Osborne Jewelers and the Cincinnati Reds. We also want to thank our 28 tee and green sponsors too.
 
This golf tournament is the largest fundraiser of the year for our club. Since 2018, we have donated over $290,381 to many nonprofit organizations, provided scholarships to 6 area high schools, scholarships to students to attend EMCC, organized and delivered 80 holiday food and book boxes to families in need in the Litchfield and Avondale Elementary School Districts, supported student leadership programs and are an affiliate of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
 
Many, many thanks to our members who sponsored, donated raffle items, sold and purchased ball drop tickets, played, volunteered at the event. We truly appreciate your efforts! Also want to thank this year's golf committee: Jim Frey-Chair, Steve Thimjon-Treasurer, Julie Frentz, Henry Raczkiewicz, Colleen Malany, Charlie Miller, Joan Smith, Lulu Zamora, Dennis Johnson.
 
          
 

 
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Installation of 2024-25 Board of Directors
The Magic of Rotary… we as Rotarians create the magic with every project completed and every dollar donated and every new member of Rotary.
 
We were honored to have D5495’s District Governor Elect-Michelle Holcomb install our 2024-25 President Mary Kay Utech, May 16, 2024 at our installation dinner at the Oasis Pool in PebbleCreek. The new Board of Directors will be Jim Frey-President-Elect, Lulu Zamora-Treasurer, Letha Zook, Secretary, Alden Muelenberg-Club Service, Julie Frentz, Community Service, Colleen Malany, International Service and Past President, Dr. Betsy Hargrove, Vocational Service, and Karen Gimse, Youth Service.
 
Outgoing President Colleen highlighted the many projects and programs completed this year including awarding 6 high school scholarship, helping to build and distribute beds to children who don’t have one, packing and delivering 80 food and book boxes to underserved families, working with AFUHSD to enlist senior citizens to participate in the Senior to Senior mentoring program, being an affiliate for the Dolly Parton Imagination Program, helping support a Ukrainian refuge school in Budapest and funding and delivering solar lights through Watts of Love in Kenya.
 
Charlie Miller was named Rotarian of the Year. Charlie is a Charter member of our club and has served the last couple of years as Club Service Chair. Setting up every week for meetings, organizing socials and organizing the annual holiday food & book box delivery are just a few of his tasks. Congrats Charlie!
 
Julie Frentz, our Secretary and Community Service Chair was given the Service Above Self Award. Julie is a trooper with the best organizational skills and attention to detail.  She was the lead on all of our community service projects and kept us up to date with the minutes. Julie also chaired the volunteer and raffle committee for the golf tournament. She did an awesome job!
Thank you, Julie, for your tireless endeavors for the club.
 
Jim Frey was awarded a Paul Harris Fellow by fellow member Joan Smith. Jim has shared his time, talent and treasure to enhance the lives of othe4rs. Five years ago, he accepted the role of being chair of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library chair for our club. He has brought in corporate money, written grants and fundraised to keep the program growing. He has also chaired our golf tournament for the past 3 years raising close to $120,000. He is an individual in our club whose life demonstrates a shared purpose with the objectives of the Rotary Foundation. Congratulations Jim.
 
“It is a pleasure to serve with an organization that is doing so much for our communities,” said Mary Kay, after she was sworn in as President. “It’s the energy and enthusiasm that our members have when engaging in service projects that makes Rotary such a great organization.”
 
 
                  
Rotarians at Work
 

On a recent Saturday, our club members partnered with Sleep in Heavenly Peace, a group of volunteers dedicated to building, assembling and delivering safe and comfortable bunk beds to children and families in need. In groups of 5-6 we delivered and built single and bunk beds for children living in homes who didn't have a bed of their own or who were sleeping on the floor. Seeing the excitement and smiles on these children's faces were marvelous. Rotarians are people of action and want to make a difference in people's lives. This project was inspirational and truly heart-warming to be a part of. 

"Every child deserves the physical and mental benefits that come with a better night’s sleep. Every child deserves to have a bed of their own," says SHP.                                                                                                                           

Thank you Sleep in Heavenly Peace for the opportunity to help!

 

Austyn Courter-April Student of the Month-Millinnium High School
 
Austyn embodies the true essence of school spirit, consistently demonstrating enthusiasm and a positive attitude in everything he does. One of Austyn's most admirable qualities is his eagerness to volunteer and participate in various school activities. Whether it's organizing events, lending a helping hand, or cheering on his peers, Austyn is always at the forefront, rallying others with his infectious energy. A true scientist at heart, Austyn's curiosity knows no bounds. Beyond the confines of the classroom, he frequently engages in side investigations, delving into scientific concepts and experiments with a fervor that inspires those around him. His dedication to exploring the wonders of science extends far beyond the curriculum, showcasing his passion for learning and discovery.
 
Mikaila Montessa-March Student of the Month-Millenium High School
 
I am writing to you today to highlight the exceptional talents and achievements of one of our outstanding students, an inducted Thespian, Mikaila Montessa, who I believe would make an excellent representative for the Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Club.
 
Mikaila is not only a remarkable artist, but she also excels in singing, dancing, and acting. Over the past few years, she has showcased her talents in our school's musical productions, including "Matilda," "Xanadu," and the upcoming "Addams Family." In addition to her performances on stage, Mikaila also painted a stunning mural for our production of "Xanadu," demonstrating her creativity and artistic abilities.
 
Beyond her artistic endeavors, Mikaila is a model student who embodies maturity, kindness, and positivity. She consistently impresses both peers and faculty with her exemplary behavior and positive attitude. As a testament to her leadership and dedication, Mikaila serves on the officer council as the social media manager for our Millennium Theater Club where she excels in promoting our productions and engaging with our community.
 
Furthermore, Mikaila not only shines in the arts but also excels academically. Despite her busy schedule with theater and extracurricular activities, she continues to excel in all her academic classes, demonstrating her commitment to excellence in every aspect of her education.
 
As her teacher and mentor, I am incredibly proud of Mikaila and firmly believe that she highly deserves the honor of representing Millennium High School as Student of the Month for GYPC Rotary Club. Her talent, dedication, and exemplary character make her a true asset to our school community and a worthy representative for your esteemed organization.
 
Thank you for recognizing Mikaila for this prestigious award.
 
Sharon Orlopp-Polio and Empowerment
 
This Wednesday, March 6th-7:00-8:00 am in the EN Palm Room, Please join us-Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary will host Sharon Orlopp, author, consultant, and national speaker, who is passionate about building a world where everyone is valued and included. She believes in the transformative power of personal stories and actions to touch the heart which in turn change behaviors.
Sharon spent 30+ years working in Fortune 500 companies in senior executive roles in HR and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. She currently serves on The Harwood Institute Board which is dedicated to transforming our shared civic lives with community leaders focused on creating change.
Her topic-Polio and Empowerment will transcend cultural barriers as she shares the story she co-authored, Standing Up After Saigon with Thuhang Tran.
The Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek is based on an ethic of “Service Above Self” and continuies to adopt diverse projects consistent with the club’s Avenues of Service supporting Vocational, International, Community, and Youth needs. The Club meets each Wednesday from 7-8AM in the Palm Room of the Eagles Nest Clubhouse. For further information, contact Joan Smith, Membership Chair-503-348-9468. www.goodyearrotary.org
Carson Seeker-February Student of the Month-Millenium High School
 
Carson Seeker, a Senior at Millennium High School, was presented our Rotary club’s first Student of the Month award and recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Academic Excellence. Here is the nomination provided by his teacher:
Carson Seeker will graduate as this year's valedictorian. He has committed to a very academically rigorous course load. He is a star athlete on the cross country and track teams, and competed in a national tournament in the fall. He is always respectful and offers to help whenever he can, including spending RTI time tutoring students who are struggling. He participates in both the pickleball and science Olympiad clubs. Carson exemplifies a student who is dedicated to his classwork, sports, extracurriculars, and helping raise up other students.
 
In addition to receiving the award, Carson will have a solar light donated in his name to a family in Africa through Watts of Love (www.wattsoflove.org). Nearly 1 billion people around the world are without electricity and live in darkness. They spend up to 30% of their income on dangerous fuel sources just to have light, and it keeps them in a cycle of poverty.  Access to solar lighting eliminates the need for a costly fuel source and offers immediate savings.  Solar lighting also means people can continue daily activities after dark, which directly impacts household income, safety, and overall health.  Solar light starts people on the pathway to prosperity-giving light to educate & empower.
 
We are honored to partner with Agua Fria School District to recognize outstanding students in all spectrums of scholastic and personal achievement. We will feature these students throughout the school year as we present their awards.
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Joan Smith Awarded Major Donor Pin by DG Kevin Pitts
 
On November 16, at a regular club meeting of the Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary club, we honored our Charter President, Joan Smith, a long-time Rotarian on her attaining Major Donor status with the Rotary Foundation. These donations are essential to securing and growing Rotary programs throughout the world. Joan is among a dedicated and select group of humanitarians who have committed themselves to serving others. Major Donors change the lives of children, young people, adults, communities, and the world to which we all belong.  Her gift inspires others to give, not just of their “treasure” but of their time and of their talent! In recognition of her investment in The Rotary Foundation’s wonderful projects and programs, District Governor Kevin Pitts presented Joan with a Major Donor pin on behalf of The Foundation’s Trustees.  The Rotary Foundation recognizes donors and expresses gratitude for her commitment. The Rotary Foundation Mission: The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
Congratulations Joan for your years of commitment to “Service Above Self”.
 
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Thanks Karston's Ace Hardware
 
 
How do you measure the importance of Literacy? Studies show that if a child hasn't learned how to read by third grade will struggle all through high school and for years to come. The Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek understands this importance. Through our club's sponsorship of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Program (DIPL), we have enrolled 1620 (new) children between birth up to age five to receive a book each month delivered directly to their home. Since inception, 275 children have graduated. Thanks to local businesses like Karston's Ace Hardware on Estrella Pkwy who have set up a monthly program for customers to donate their change to a non-profit program. Karston's has donated over $8000 (new)  to the DPIL through this program.
 
Thanks to Dave Karston and Maria Leopard for your generosity!!
 
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Rotary Supports Early Literacy
     
Avondale KidFest, a family friendly event hosted by the City of Avondale with a focus on literacy, education, healthy lifestyles and water safety for ages 5 and younger this past Saturday. Our Dolly Parton Imagination Library crew were onsite to register children from birth to age five for the free book-gifting program to encourage early literacy. 75 families signed up!! Some of our graduates came by to say hi while new students signed up! It was great to see so many families out spending the morning together. What a Fantastic Day!
 
 
 
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Estrella Foothills High School Interact Club in Action
 
The energetic Estrella Foothills High School Interact Club is busy serving the community. These young leaders spent their Saturday manning a rest station for cyclists participating in the Tour de Cure held in Estrella Mountain Ranch. Lots of fun for a great cause!
 

There are many benefits for students who are interested in joining an Interact Club offered at their high school. Many of the top benefits of taking part in a Interact Club is that students get the chance to:

  • Discover new cultures as they promote a greater sense of international understanding
  • Develop key leadership skills in their schools and their community
  • Make new friends both in their own community at home as well as communities across the world
  • Encourage and practice thoughtfulness and helpfulness towards others
  • Create an awareness of the importance of home and family
  • Build respect for the rights of all people, based on recognition of the worth of each individual
  • Emphasize acceptance of individual responsibility as the basis of personal success, community improvement, and group achievement
  • Develop important life skills that include self-development, time management, and personal finances
  • Recognize the dignity of all useful jobs and opportunities that work towards making society better
  • Open pathways to the advancement of international understanding and goodwill towards the whole of humanity
 

 

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2024-25
Rotary International
Theme 
 
Meeting Information
We meet In Person
Wednesdays at 7:00 AM
PebbleCreek Eagle's Nest Clubhouse
3645 Clubhouse Drive
Goodyear, AZ 85395
United States of America
Phone:
(623) 698-0618
Email:
goodyearrotary@gmail.com
* Palm Room
October 2024
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GYPC Rotary Golf Tournament