I joined Rotary in Fairfield, CA in 1990. Tara and I had hired a retired local bank President, Jim Hopkins, to help us market our State Farm Agencies. Everyone in Fairfield respected Jim Hopkins. One day he asked me to join him for breakfast at the Rockville Inn Restaurant. That evening Tara asked me where we had breakfast. I replied, "It was a Rotary Club meeting. I don't know anything about Rotary but if it is good enough for Jim Hopkins, it is good enough for me!" I believe every Rotarian has people in their lives that look up to them and respect them like I did Jim Hopkins and if you ask them to join you for lunch and they come, and experience the AMAZING Mesa West Rotary Club, many will join us!!
Rotary has been and continues to be one of the centers of my life. I have served as Club President in 2 Rotary Clubs and was honored to serve as District Governor in District 5160, CA 2011-12. My happiest and most rewarding events in my Rotary Journey, was when my wife. Tara, joined Rotary in 2008 and served as Rotary Club President in 2014-15. What a joy to have your soul mate and best friend in Rotary with you!
We moved our entire Family to Chandler in Nov 2021; our Daughter, Shannon Nobili who is a a 4th Grade School Teacher in Chandler, Son-In-Law Brock, an Insurance Claims Adjuster, , Grand Children Luke, attending Mesa CC and playing soccer, Gabe, a Jr at Hamilton High and playing soccer, Khloe, 8th Grade at San Tan Jr High, and doing Cheer, and Tara's Father & Mother, George & Jane Wooden. Tara's Father passed away in August 2025.
Tara and I joined the Village Health Club on S Alma School Road and go there 3 to 4 days a week for our workouts. We love walking, bike riding, traveling, and reading, and of course, enjoying the lives of 3 Grand Children!! We thoroughly enjoy all the fabulous restaurants this area provides!! In my younger years, I was an "A" Racquetball Player and after my 1st visit to Yosemite National Park, hiked to the top of Half Dome 11 times!
The move to AZ from CA has been a wonderful experience for the entire Family! Everyone is Thriving and for Tara and Me, we truly feel we found a new Family when we joined the Mesa West Rotary Club..Thank you for making us feel so welcome from the very 1st visit!!
Dave Dacus
Rotary Governor District 5160 2011-2012
Member Mesa West Rotary Club, AZ
2030 E Cedar Pl
Chandler, AZ 85249
Cell Ph: 707-888-3494
Email toyotadvr@yahoo.com
Note: Dave is Club Secretary for the remainder of the 2026-2028 term