President Kayla Mudge opened the meeting, Deb Koeneman led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Dick Myren gave an invocation.
Today’s speaker was Adrian Fontes, Arizona’s Secretary of State. Secretary Fontes is an Arizona native and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.
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Secretary Fontes served on active duty from 1992 to 1996 and was nominated for a meritorious commission. After graduating from law school, Secretary Fontes spent his career advocating for justice and fighting for those who are disadvantaged — first as a prosecutor with the Denver District Attorney and then at the Maricopa County Attorney’s office. He later led the International Prosecution Unit at the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. He practiced law for 15 years before running for office in 2016 when he was elected Maricopa County Recorder. As Recorder, Secretary Fontes revolutionized the election system by ensuring that every eligible Arizonan had the access they needed to vote. He enhanced ballot tracking technology and increased process transparency. Secretary Fontes is committed to preserving integrity in our elections, making voting easier for registered voters, and ensuring that Arizona’s business community has a non-partisan partner in the Secretary’s office. He talked to the club about Arizona's history, the importance of empathy and service in the world, and the upcoming 250th birthday of the country. He went us about the line in the Declaration of Independence that notes that the government can only act by the “consent of the governed”. This was a radical concept 250 years ago and makes our country unique.
Today’s raffle was won by Don LaBarge. He did not draw the Ace of Clubs, so the large pot carries over. Next President Kayla announced the dues increases for Rotary Year 2026-2027. The quarterly dues for E85, family of Rotary, Service and Zoom will be $102, and full quarterly dues will be $270.
Andy Bradford then collected Happy Bucks:
- Captain John Birks was happy to share about the Salvation Army youth summer camps. He asked any musicians in the club who are willing to teach, to let him know.
- Eric Silverberg was happy that he will be in New England through the hot months of summer and shared some grant #s from the Rotary Foundation.
- Dick Myren was happy to donate on behalf of himself, Rod Daniels, and Don LaBarge.
- Harry Grossman was happy that his grandson graduated from Dartmouth.
- John Pennypacker gave an update on Warren Williamson, who will be having eye surgery next month.
- Ed Koeneman was happy that two recipients of cactus pens were in attendance today (Adrian Fontes and Laura Terech) and was sad that a giant saguaro cactus fell.