Know Your Fellow Rotarian - Polly Schumacher

Polly was born in Watseka, Illinois and had one younger sister, Cathy Jo Pate.  During her lifetime, she has had the opportunity to visit several foreign countries:  Australia, Bahamas, Bangkok, England, Orient Express, Germany, Greece, Holland, Italy, Singapore, Thailand, Stockholm/Helsinki, and the Caribbean.  She was fortunate to travel and represent the International General  Federation of Women’s Clubs to Central and South America.  English is the only language in which she is fluent.

 

Polly has been a resident in the states of Illinois and Texas, and has been a resident of Arizona for 44 years.  As a teen, she dreamed of being a flight attendant or teacher.  Polly is semi-retired.  She is an agent with FDR Real Estate.  In 2000, she retired from KTVK-3 where she had a 20-year career in administration and management.   While in Illinois, she owned a True Value Hardware store and Dairy Queen.

 

Polly is a widow.  She is the mother of two daughters, one of which is deceased.  She has four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

 

Polly has enjoyed so many wonderful vacations, she could not single one out as the best.  

 

She has memories of two volunteer opportunities that she found very personally rewarding.  She enjoyed the dictionary project and seeing the little faces light up when they received their very own dictionary. 

 

The other activity she found extremely rewarding was an annual recognition event the Ahwatukee Foothills Rotary Club held honoring those who protect and serve our communities.  A local hero with a big heart, Anthony Ameen would be their featured speaker.  They would host representatives from the FBI, Homeland Security, Police, Firefighters, Luke Air Force Base,  National Guard, Emergency Responders, first responders, Mayor, Councilmen.  Those who were honored were very appreciative that the club brought them all together to be honored.

 

Polly's Rotary history is interesting.  She was a Charter Member of the Chandler West club when it was established in 2002, serving as their Secretary from 2003-2005.  That club merged into Ahwatukee Foothills in 2006.  She served as their Club President 2006-2007.  While with Ahwatukee Foothills, Polly served as Assistant Governor in 2009-2010.  That club disbanded in 2014 with their members merging into various local Rotary Clubs.  Polly chose to transfer to Mesa Baseline Rotary Club.  Mesa Baseline merged into Mesa West in 2015.  

 

Polly served as District 5510 Registrar from 2004-2011.   She served as the Arizona Tri-District PETS Registrar from 2006-2011.

 

In addition to her commitment to serve through Rotary, Polly has been actively involved in other organizations:

GFWC, which was organized in 1890, is an international women's organization dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. As an officer serving as Junior Director, Polly was responsible for representing the 2,300 Junior Clubs throughout the United States with over 100,000 Junior members.  She had the privilege to speak at 18 State Conventions promoting the programs and projects of GFWC. As Junior Director She also traveled with other officers of the GFWC to Central and South America, visiting with international clubs.  The group was hosted by the Embassy in each country with a reception to thank GFWC for the volunteer work being done in their countries.  Polly is currently a member of the Las Noches WC in Tempe.