Dan Palm, Christy Manning and John Stewart
It is always a treat to have Dan Palm return to speak to our club, to give us an update on what is happening in international affairs. This time Dan was helping us to understand some of the historical issues behind Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and how the growth of NATO has been a factor. Dan says his main work has been to connect universities with the ever-changing relationships between key nations. One of the most interesting revelations was the role he has played in establishing extension campuses of the University of Atizona along the China border of Tajikistan, as well as in several other countries, and the unique political role those campuses play. Dan lived for 5 years in China, and he speaks Mandarin. One of the myths he busted was the comon assumption that the Chinese people are all Communists. While the government is Communist, and its leaders are, Dan says only 7% of the citizens of China are actually Communists.
District Communications
PDG Bret McKeand, RIPE Larry Lunsford, Preba Babalola, RIPN Olayinka Hakeem Babalola
Our Rotary District 5495 is extremely fortunate to have PDG Bret McKeand serving as the editor of the District 5495 In Action News, our monthly newsletter, which is emailed to all of the Rotarians in our district. Bret is extremely-well qualified to serve in this capacity, since he is a retired Journalist.
The photo above was taken at the recent Zones 26-27 Rotary Institute, held in Albuquerque, NM. Bret is pictured with our next RI President, Larry Lunsford, from Kansas City, MO, together with our RI President-Nominee, Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, and his wife, Preba, from Nigeria.
DISTRICT NEWS
Teresa L. Haire has been selected to serve as District Governor for 2028–2029.
Teresa has been a proud Rotarian since November 17, 2016, and is a valued member of the Rotary Club of Sun City. Over the years, she has poured her energy, skill, and heart into Rotary through many important roles—including Club President, District Secretary, Youth Services Committee Chair, District Administrator, and more.
Teresa is devoted to her own family, along with our Rotary Family. She loves working with our youth, and she has served as one of the adult Advisors to an Interact Ambassadors to Mexico Team. She also currently is one of the Advisors to our Interact District Council,
CLUB SERVICE
More information will be coming, but here are a few highlights gleaned from our Chili Cook-off wrap-up meeting.
Our three goals were to:
• Raise some money
• Create another ongoing annual fundraiser event
• Have Fun!
We believe we succeeded in achieving all three of these goals. Approximately $2,000 was raised from the event. The chili was great, the competition was fun, and the live music was enjoyed by all. Touchmark's Finn proved to be an ideal venue. Touchmark was happy with it, and they are willing to host it again next year. Being a first-time event, many helpful lessons were learned, which will be used to make this an even bigger and better success next year.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Christmas Project 2024 - Mayer High School
The objective of this project is to provide a minimum of 50 homeless students (middle school and high school age) with basic supplies that are used on a daily basis. This is similar to last year's project for high school age, but we are adding middle schol age youth, as well, this year. We will be devoting a Sgt-at-Arms cash collection for supplies, asking local merchants for hats, gloves and mittens, Mile High Interact Club will be helping through thetr Christmas Drive, Fat Frog will be donating the proceeds from a percentage night, and we may be tapping the club's Community Service budget, if needed. The planned Deliver Date is Monday, Decmber 15.
YOUTH SERVICE
We were proud to have five of our Interactors who donated their time on Saturday to assist Alex and Jenn Hays with their successful Don't Die With Your Business - LIVE seminar, held at the Hassayampa Inn. They represented the Prescott HS, Mile High MS and BASIS Prescott Interact Clubs. Interact AG Carly Duggan, served as the Interact coordinator. Thank you, Interactors!
Annual Better Together Dinner - Nov. 15
If you have never participated in one of these Better Together Dinners, sponsored by the youth leadership of The Launch Pad Teen Center, we encourge you to attend this one. These youth are committted to bringing together members of our communitity with differing opinions to have healthy, civil dialogue with each other during these dinners. The meal is free, although donations are appreciated. The event is held at the Yavapai Tribe's YPIT Gathering Center. The flyer above has a QR code, which can be used to sign up for the dinner. For additional information, contact The Launch Pad: tac@thelaunchpadteencenter.org.
A smart husband knows
1. The five most essential words for a healthy, vital relationship with his s wife are “I apologize” and “You are right.”
2. A married man’s two greatest assets are a closed mouth and an open wallet.
3. Arguing with your wife is a lot like trying to read the ‘Terms of Use’ on the internet. In the end, you just give up and go ‘I agree.’
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Light travels faster than sound.
that's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
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Proofread carefully
to see if you any words out.
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I'm a pessimistic optimist.
I expect the worst - that way things can only get better.
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I'm right 98% of the time.
Who cares about the other 3%?
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Smoking is one of the leading causes of statistics.
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Ninety two percent of cross-eyed teachers have difficulty controlling their pupils.
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The room was filled with pregnant women and their husbands.
The Lamaze class was in full swing.
The instructor was teaching the women how to breathe properly and the men how to provide the necessary reassurance at this stage of the plan.
“Ladies, exercise is good for you,” the instructor announced. “Walking is especially good for you.
… And gentlemen, it doesn’t hurt to take time to walk with your partner!”
The room was very quiet.
Finally, in the middle of the group, a man raised his hand.
“Yes?” the instructor asked.
“… Do you mind if she carries a golf bag while we walk?”
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