The Sunupian Template (Mar. 09, 2026)

Artist's rendering of Rotary Float in the 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Years Day

We were fortunate to have with us last Wednesday DGE Joe Sweeney, along with his wife Linda Sweeney, who is this year's President of Prescott-Frontier Rotary, to tell us about their Rotary adventures of helping to build two of Rotary's floats in the New Years Day Rose Parade. Constructed by Rotary volunteers, and totally paid for with voluntary contributions each year, Joe and Linda told us this is a very big deal, when it comes to spreading awareness about Rotary, who we are, and what we do. With 800,000 individuals packing the 5-mile parade route to view the parade each year, that impressive-size audience is exponentially magnified when you consider the 56 million viewers of the parade on TV around the world. They noted that, in years when Rotary's float wins one of the coveted judges' awards, as it did last year, it gets an increased amount of TV coverage.

It was interesting to hear Joe and Linda tell us about the background of Rotary floats, which date back to 1924, when the Rotary Club of Pasadena first entered a Rotary float in the Rose Parade. It was also fascinating to learn how the Rose Parade floats are constructed in large warehouse/barns in a neighboring town, They also told us about the green foam sheets which cover the floats, into which the flowers and foliage are inserted, to create the beautiful designs which convey each float's theme. Everything used to cover the float must be organic — natural flowers, seeds, foliage or shrubs. Obviously, a large number of volunteers, and an enoremous amount of volunteer hours, go into creating the Rotary Float each year. We were surprised to learn that the entire float must be finished and populated, exactly as it will appear in the parade, in time for the judging, which takes place the day before the parade.

This really was an exceptionally-good Rotary program; and we would highly recommend it to any of the other Rotary clubs who subscribe to this newsletter.

Rotary Connections
by DGND Teresa Haire

What if one weekend could reconnect you with the reason you joined Rotary in the first place?

At this year’s District 5495 Conference – Back to the Future, we’re bringing Rotarians together to celebrate our past, energize the present, and shape the future of Rotary within your clubs.

Here’s just a glimpse of what you’ll experience:

Connections That Matter
Meet Rotarians from across the district, exchange ideas, and build friendships that strengthen our clubs.

Celebrating Impact
Recognizing the incredible service projects and leaders making a difference in our communities.

Hands-On Service Opportunities
Be part of meaningful service activities during the conference weekend.

Memorable Events & Fellowship
From engaging sessions to unforgettable evening celebrations, this conference is designed to energize and inspire.

Whether you’re a new Rotarian or have been part of Rotary for decades, the District Conference is where our district comes together to learn, connect, and celebrate what Rotary makes possible.

Sheraton Mesa Hotel
May 1–3, 2026

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting weekend.

The future of Rotary in District 5495 is bright—and we hope you’ll be part of it.

See you in Mesa!

Saint Patrick's Day Party

Date: March 17th at the Hassayampa

Time: 4:30-7:30 p.m. Price of ticket: $ 35.00

Location: Arizona Room Hassayampa Inn

Please RSVP to Par Wood

Club Leadership Academy:

Date: Saturday, March 28

Time: 7:30-3:30 p.m. Place: Building 3, Parking Lot 3

Location: Yavapai Community College

Pancake breakfast volunteers should arrive at 7:00 a.m.

No pre-sale tickets, so encourage family and friends to attend.

Children 12 and under are free.

Yarnell Blanket/ Fan Drive

We are collecting new and barely used blankets and fans. Deadline will be May 5th at the Kirkland Steak House. Donate a blanket/fan and receive a ticket for a free drink/appetizer. Their goal is 150 blankets and 150 fans.

Jarz of Clay Painting Event for the Empty Bowl Project

Date: March 19th Time: 5:00-7:00 p.m.

Place: Frontier Village Shopping Center

Come paint a bowl for the Empty Bowl Project which helps support the local Food Banks.

Snack Shack Signup

Spring Season Opener is March 28th. Signup at the Wednesday meeting or go to

ALL SNACK SHACK VOLUNTEERS MUST HAVE A FOOD HANDLERS CERTIFICATE. Stay tuned for instructions online if you do not currently have one.

YOUTH SERVICE

The thriving West Valley Rotaract Club sponsored an elegant luncheon meeting on Saturday, bringing together Rotarian leaders from Rotary Clubs in the western side of the Phoenix Metro area for collaboration to meet needs, and to raise awareness about the JR RYLA program. The West Valley Rotaract Club is preparing to hold a yard sale to raise funds to help underwrite the cost of the invaluable JR RYLA program. Former Interact District Governor Brianna Rodriguez (in the white dress) leads this great club as its Club President.

I'm fairly certain the person who put the first "r" in February also decided how to spell Wednesday!

It's true that exercise helps with decision making.

I went for a run this morning and decided never to do that again!

I heard the more colorful your salad, the better it is for you.

So, I replaced my croutons with M&Ms!

I'm giving up eating chocolate for a month.

Sorry, bad punctuation. I'm giving up. Eating chocolate for a month!

I am proud to announce that I completed the 1st item on my bucket list.

I have the bucket!

· A woman walked into the kitchen to find her husband stalking around with a fly swatter.
"What are you doing?" she asked

“Hunting flies," he replied.

“Oh, killed any?" she said.

“Yep, three males, two females," came the answer.

Intrigued, the wife asked, "How can you tell them apart?"

Husband: "Three were on a beer can, Two were on the phone."